Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Phaeton

The son of Phoebus, who undertook to drive the chariot of the sun, was upset, and caused great mischief; Libya was parched into barren sands, and all Africa was more or less injured, the inhabitants blackened, and vegetation nearly destroyed.

Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds,
Towards Phoebus' mansion; such a waggoner
As Phaeton would whip you to the west,
And bring in cloudy night immediately.

Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, iii. 2.

Phaeton.
A sort of carriage; so called from the sun-car driven by Phaeton.

(See above.)

Phaeton's bird.
The swan. Cyenus was the friend of Phaeton, and lamented his fate so grievously that Apollo changed her into a swan, and placed her among the constellations.

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