E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Christopher (St.).
The giant carried a child over a brook, and said, “Chylde, thou hast put me in grete peryll. I might bere no greater burden.” To which the child answered, “Marvel thou nothing, for thou hast borne all the world upon thee, and its sins likewise.” This is an allegory: Christopher means
Christ-bearer; the child was Christ, and the river was the river of death.
