E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Golden Shower
or Shower of gold. A bribe, money. The allusion is to the classic tale of Jupiter and Dan’a. Acris’ios, King of Argos, being told that his daughter’s son would put him to death, resolved that Dan’a should never marry, and accordingly locked her up in a brazen tower. Jupiter, who was in love with the princess, foiled the king by changing himself into a shower of gold, under which guise he readily found access to the fair prisoner.
. Acris’ios, King of Argos, being told that his daughter’s son would put him to death, resolved that Dan’a
