E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
René (2 syl.).
Le bon Roi René. Son of Louis II., Duc d’Anjou, Comte de Provence, father of Margaret of Anjou. The last minstrel monarch, just, joyous, and debonair; a friend to chase and tilt, but still more so to poetry and music. He gave in largesses to knights-errant and minstrels (so says Thiebault) more than he received in revenue. (1408–1480.)
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“Studying to promote, as far as possible, the immediate mirth and good humour of his subjects … he was never mentioned by them excepting as Le bon Roi René, a distinction … due to him certainly by the qualities of his heart, if not by those of his head.”—Sir Walter Scott: Anne of Geierstein, chap. xxix.
