Brewer's: Belphoebe

meant for Queen Elizabeth. She was sister of Amoret. Equally chaste, but of the Diana and Minerva type. Cold as an icicle, passionless, immovable. She is a white flower without perfume, and her only tender passion is that of chivalry. Like a moonbeam, she is light without warmth. You admire her as you admire a marble statue. (Spenser: Faërie Queene, book iii.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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