| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Ice-brook. | | |
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A sword of ice-brook temper. Of the very best quality. The Spaniards used to plunge their swords and other weapons, while hot from the forge, into the brook Salo [Xalon], near Bilbilis, in Celtiberia, to harden them. The water of this brook is very cold. | 1 |
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| “It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook temper.” | |
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Shakespeare: Othello, v. 2. |
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| “Sævo Bilbilin op’timam metallo |
| Et ferro Plat’eam suo sonantem |
| Quam fluctu tenui sed inquie’to |
| Armo’rum Salo tempera’tor ambit.” | |
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