E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Shirt.
(See NESSUS.)
1
Shirt for ensign. When Sultan Saladin died, he commanded that no ceremony should be used but this: A priest was
to carry his shirt on a lance, and say: “Saladin, the conqueror of the East, carries nothing with him of all his wealth and greatness, save a shirt for his shroud and ensign.” (Knolles: Turkish History.)
2
Close sits my shirt, but closer my skin—i.e. My property is dear to me, but dearer my life; my belongings sit close to my heart, but “Ego proximus mihi.”
