E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bridge of Gold.
According to a German tradition, Charlemagne’s spirit crosses the Rhine on a golden bridge at Bingen, in seasons of plenty, to bless the vineyards and cornfields.
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“Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne,
Upon thy bridge of gold.”
Longfellow: Autumn.
Made a bridge of gold for him; i.e. enabling a man to retreat from a false position without loss of dignity.
