E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
King.
A king should die standing. So said Louis XVIII. of France, in imitation of Vespasian, Emperor of Rome. (See DYING SAYINGSLouis XVIII.)
1
Like a king. When Porus, the Indian prince, was taken prisoner, Alexander asked him how he expected to be treated. “Like a king,” he replied; and Alexander made him his friend.
2
Pray aid of the king. When someone, under the belief that he has a right to the land, claims rent of the king’s tenants, they appeal to the sovereign, or “pray aid of the king.”
