E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Fountain of Death.
In Jerusalem Delivered, the hermit tells Charles and Ubald of a fountain, the sight of which excites thirst, but those who taste its water die with laughter.
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Pompo’nius Me’la speaks of a fountain in the Fortunate Islands, “Qui potavre risu solvuntur in mortem.” Petrarch alludes to the same.
re risu solvuntur in mortem.” Petrarch alludes to the same.
