E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pollent.
The puissant Saracen, father of Munera. He took his station on Bridge Perilous, and attacked everyone who crossed it, bestowing the spoil upon his daughter. Sir Artegal slew the monster. Pollente is meant for Charles IX. of France, sadly notorious for the slaughter of Protestants on St. Bartholomews Eve. (Spenser: Faërie Queene, book v. 2.)