Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

Sylvester

(St.). The pope who converted Constantine the Great and his mother by “the miracle of restoring to life a dead ox.” The ox was killed by a magician for a trial of skill, and he who restored it to life was to be accounted the servant of the true God. This tale is manifestly an imitation of the Bible story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. (l Kings xviii.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Sylvius Bonus
Sylvam Lignum Ferre
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