Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Thieves on the Cross,

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Thieves’ Latin.

Thimble.

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Thieves on the Cross,

called Gesmas (the impenitent) and Desmas (afterwards “St. Desmas,” the penitent thief) in the ancient mysteries. Hence the following charm to scare away thieves:

“Impartibus meritis pendent tria corpora ramis:

Desmas et Gesmas, media est divina potestas;

Alta petit Desmas, infelix, inflma, Gesmas:

Nos et res nostras conservet summa potestas,

Hos versus dicas, ne tu furto tua perdas.”

Thieves’ Latin.

Thimble.

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