E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Philip.
Philip, remember thou art mortal. A sentence repeated to the Macedonian king every time he gave an audience.
1
Philip sober. When a woman who asked Philip of Macedon to do her justice was snubbed by the petulant monarch, she exclaimed, “Philip, I shall appeal against this judgment.” “Appeal!” thundered the enraged king, “and to whom will you appeal?” “To Philip sober,” was her reply.
2
St. Philip is usually represented bearing a large cross, or a basket containing loaves, in allusion to St. John vi. 5–7.
