E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Treasures.
These are my treasures; meaning the sick and poor. So said St. Lawrence when the Roman prætor commanded him to deliver up his treasures. He was then condemned to be roasted alive on a gridiron (258).
1
One day a lady from Campa’nia called upon Corne’lia, the mother of the Gracchi, and after showing her jewels, requested in return to see those belonging to the famous mother-in-law of Africanus.
Cornelia sent for her two sons, and said to the lady, “These are my jewels, in which alone I delight.”
