E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lucy (St.).
Patron saint for those afflicted in the eyes. It is said that a nobleman wanted to marry her for the beauty of her eyes; so she tore them out and gave them to him saying, “Now let me live to God.” The story says that her eyesight was restored; but the rejected lover accused her of “faith in Christ,” and she was martyred by a sword thrust into her neck. St. Lucy is represented in art carrying a palm branch, and bearing a platter with two eyes on it.
