E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Arge’o (in Orlando Furioso).
Baron of Servia, and husband of Gabri’na. He is a sort of Potiphar. His wife tried to seduce Philander, a young Dutch knight, and failing in her effort, she accused him to her husband of adultery; whereupon Arge’o threw the “faithless guest” into durance. In the course of time Gabri’na implored the young captive to defend her against a wicked knight who had assailed her virtue. He consented to be her champion, and was placed in concealment. Presently a knight drew near, and Philander, rushing on him, dispatched him; but the supposed “adulterer” was, in reality, Arge’o himself, and Gabri’na, being now a widow, was free to marry her Dutch “Joseph.”
