| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Cecil’ia (St.). | | |
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A Roman lady who underwent martyrdom in the third century. She is the patron saint of the blind, being herself blind; she is also patroness of musicians, and “inventor of the organ.” | 1 |
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| “At length divine Cecilia came, |
| Inventress of the vocal frame.” | |
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Dryden: Alexander’s Feast. |
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According to tradition, an angel fell in love with her for her musical skill, and used nightly to visit her. Her husband saw the heavenly visitant, who gave to both a crown of martyrdom which he brought from Paradise. Dryden and Pope have written odes in her honour, and both speak of her charming an angel by her musical powers: | 2 |
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| “He [Timotheus] raised a mortal to the skies,” |
| She [Cecilia] brought an angel down.” | |
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Dryden: Alexander’s Feast. |
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