| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Cer’berus. | | |
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A grim, watchful keeper, house-porter, guardian, etc. Cerberus, according to Roman mythology, is the three-headed dog that keeps the entrance of the infernal regions. Herculës dragged the monster to earth, and then let him go again. (See SOP.) | 1 |
 Orpheus (2 syl.) lulled Cerberus to sleep with his lyre; and the Sibyl who conducted Æn as through the Inferno, also threw the dog into a profound sleep with a cake seasoned with poppies and honey. | 2 |
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The origin of the fable of Cerberus is from the custom of the ancient Egyptians of guarding graves with dogs. | 3 |
The exquisite cameo by Dioscor dês, in the possession of the King of Prussia, and the painting of Hercules and Cerberus, in the Farnésé Gallery of Rome, are of world-wide renown. | 4 |
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