Great Martyr Saint George
G.D.O'Bradovich III
April 23, 2014
My intention for building this page was for an homage to my patron saint. However, there are some elements in these paintings that I found to be disturbing due to their inconsistencies.
From Wikipedia:
From Wikipedia:
In the fully developed Western version... a dragon or crocodile makes its nest at the spring that provides water for the city of "Silene".... the citizens have to dislodge the dragon from its nest for a time, to collect water. To do so, each day they offer the dragon at first a sheep, and if no sheep can be found, then a maiden is the best substitute for one. The victim is chosen by drawing lots. One day, this happens to be the princess. The monarch begs for her life to be spared, but to no avail. She is offered to the dragon, but then Saint George appears on his travels. He faces the dragon, protects himself with the sign of the Cross, slays the dragon, and rescues the princess.
In England, he [Saint George] was mentioned among the martyrs by Bede [d. 735.] The earliest dedication to the saint is a church at Fordington, Dorset, that is mentioned in the will of Alfred the Great [d. 899]. He did not rise to the position of "patron saint", however, until the 14th century, and he was still obscured by Edward the Confessor, the traditional patron saint of England, until 1552 when all saints' banners other than George's were abolished in the English Reformation.
The following are the disturbing paintings with their inconsistencies and select commentary.
Per Wikipeida:
In Greek mythology, Andromeda is the daughter of Cepheus, an Aethiopian king, and Cassiopeia. When Cassiopeia's hubris leads her to boast that Andromeda is more beautiful than the Nereids, Poseidon, influenced by Hades sends a sea monster, Cetus, to ravage Aethiopia as divine punishment. Andromeda is stripped and chained naked to a rock as a sacrifice to sate the monster, but is saved from death by Perseus
In Greek mythology, Andromeda is the daughter of Cepheus, an Aethiopian king, and Cassiopeia. When Cassiopeia's hubris leads her to boast that Andromeda is more beautiful than the Nereids, Poseidon, influenced by Hades sends a sea monster, Cetus, to ravage Aethiopia as divine punishment. Andromeda is stripped and chained naked to a rock as a sacrifice to sate the monster, but is saved from death by Perseus
The story of Saint George compared with the story of Perseus:
An unnamed princess.
The unnamed princess is offered to the unnamed dragon. Saint George faces the dragon and rescues the princess. |
Andromeda is the daughter of King Cepheus.
Poseidon send Cetus, to ravage Ethiopia. Andromeda is stripped and chained naked to a rock as a sacrifice. Andromeda is saved by Perseus. |
The rescue of Andromeda has many parallels with the legend of Saint George. Because of the parallels in the story, we can conclude that Saint George was the basis for Perseus and Andromeda. Whereas the legend of Saint George is vague as to time, place and names, the story of Perseus gives us many details and back stories.
The pagan story has the the oddity of a sea monster ravaging the land. Neptune was offended by Cassiopeia's statement, so he sent Cetus. Because Cassiopeia made the boast, it seems as though she should be sacrificed, not her innocent daughter.
Interestingly, Perseus and Saint George had the same occupation as we learn that "Pers-eus therefore is a sacker of cities; that is, a soldier by occupation".
The following mythological characters are first recorded in the English language with the dates.(see AATD the Roman Gods).
The pagan story has the the oddity of a sea monster ravaging the land. Neptune was offended by Cassiopeia's statement, so he sent Cetus. Because Cassiopeia made the boast, it seems as though she should be sacrificed, not her innocent daughter.
Interestingly, Perseus and Saint George had the same occupation as we learn that "Pers-eus therefore is a sacker of cities; that is, a soldier by occupation".
The following mythological characters are first recorded in the English language with the dates.(see AATD the Roman Gods).
Gorgon
Medusa Nereides Pegasus Atlas |
1348
1390 1390 1515 1589 |
One of three Gorgons, killed by Perseus
Created at the death of Medusa
Turned to stone by Perseus using the head of Medusa
Created at the death of Medusa
Turned to stone by Perseus using the head of Medusa
We would expect the above names associated with the adventures of Perseus to enter the English language during the same time. Since these words did not enter the English language en mass, we can state the the myth of Perseus was not in existence before the 17th century.
Although, the myth of Perseus is as recent the as the "fully developed Western version" of Saint George, there is no doubt that the veneration of Saint George has a long history in both the Eastern and Western churches. Saint George is so well established that he is known and respected in Islam. Wikipedia states that George was canonized as a saint by Pope Gelasius I, among those
Although, the myth of Perseus is as recent the as the "fully developed Western version" of Saint George, there is no doubt that the veneration of Saint George has a long history in both the Eastern and Western churches. Saint George is so well established that he is known and respected in Islam. Wikipedia states that George was canonized as a saint by Pope Gelasius I, among those
The following information is courtesy of the Oxford English Dictionary:
Forms:
lME Seint George, lME Seynt George, lME Seynt Jorge, lME–15 Saynt George, 15 Sainct George, 15– Saint George, 16 S. George, 16– St. George, 16– St George; also Sc. pre-17 Sanct George.
Etymology:
< saint adj. + George (post-classical Latin Georgius , Hellenistic Greek Γεώργιος ), the name of the patron saint of England.
According to legend, St George was a prince of Cappadocia, who suffered martyrdom during the persecution under Diocletian. However, the Acts of his martyrdom, which exist in many languages and versions (dating from around the end of the 5th cent. onwards), already contain many legendary accretions, and historical facts about his life are difficult to establish. It is likely that he was a Palestinian soldier who suffered martyrdom c303 at Lydda (now Lod) in Palestine, and that in his Acts he was confused with George of Laodicea (4th cent.), who was the Arian archbishop of Alexandria from 356–61, whence his frequent localization in Cappadocia. The legend of St George killing a dragon (an event frequently represented on coins, medals, etc.) is of considerably later origin, and has no historical foundation; it became especially popular by its inclusion in the Golden Legend.
In British sources he is mentioned from the 7th–8th cent. onwards. His association with England appears to date from the late 12th cent., when King Richard I of England placed himself and his army under St George's protection during the Crusades. This followed a miraculous appearance of the saint (together with St Demetrius) at the siege of Antioch (1098), which was said to have secured the capture of that city by the Crusaders, and had made St George a popular patron saint among the Crusaders. The feast of St George was made a feast of the second rank by a synod held at Oxford in 1222; in 1415, after the victorious outcome of the Battle of Agincourt, Archbishop Henry Chichele raised it to a major feast. In the Roman Catholic dioceses of England and Wales, it is a solemnity. For further information on the saint's life and cult see D. H. Farmer Oxf. Dict. Saints (ed. 5, 2003) 213–15.
The saint's name is attested in British sources from the Old English period onwards, at first in its Latin form Georgius (e.g. in the Old English Martyrology), although compare also the genitive form Georgies ; subsequently in the modern form George from at least the 13th cent. It is attested as a personal name in England from the late 12th cent. onwards (earliest recorded in its Latin form), but it remained uncommon (somewhat surprisingly, given its status as the name of the patron saint) until the 15th cent., when the promotion of the saint's feast day probably contributed to the increasing popularity of the name; since that time it has remained among the most popular male forenames (with its popularity in more recent times no doubt reinforced by the six British kings of that name who have reigned since the 18th cent., especially the first four who reigned in succession from 1714 to 1830). Some of the main forms of the name in other languages are: French Georges , Catalan Jordi , Spanish Jorge , Portuguese Jorge , Italian Giorgio , Dutch Joris , German Georg , Jörg , Danish Jørgen , Swedish Göran , Russian Georgij , Jurij , Czech Jiří , Hungarian György .
Secondary sources are in red.
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1016, Se cyning Æþelred..geendode his dagas on sancte Georgius mæssedæg æfter myclum geswince & earfoðnyssum his lifes.
1442 T. Bekington Let. in G. Williams Mem. Reign Henry VI (1872) II. 245
Than they went forth to the fyrres that the Frenisshmen had made, swotting [perh. read showting] continuelly St. George, and so toke the feeld more nigh to the towne.
1443 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1835) V. 239 (MED),
Þei shal come to þe place appointed yif winde & weder wol serve, by Seint Georges day.
1473? in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 132
I-wrytyn in Exeter the Thursday next afore seynt Jorgeys day.
1480 Cronicles Eng. (Caxton) ccxliv. sig. uj,
The kyng..so entred the Castell and the toune also and there he helde seint Georges feste.
1482 Caxton tr. Higden's Prolicionycion viii. xviii. f. ccccxiijv,
This yere on saynt georges day he passyd ouer see to Calays toward Fraunce.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. f. clxii. lxxxiv/2,
As the frenchmen fought in companyes they cryed (mountioy saynt Denyce) and ye englysshmen saynt George gyen [Fr. Les anglois cryoient sainct george guyenne].
1542? R. Taverner On Saynt Andrewes Day Gospels f. xv (heading) ,
On saynt Georges day. And also on saynt Markes daye the Euangelist.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xviiv,
Thus with pure fightyng of the Englishemen, and fainte hertes of the bragging Scottes, the brighte beame of victory shone on sainct Georges crosse.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV p. xxijv,
The kyng criyng sainct George, victory, brake the arraie and entered into the battaill of his enemies and fought fiersely.
1572 J. Field & T. Wilcox Admon. to Parl. sig. C.iv,
A Prelate of the garter..hath much to do at S. Georges feast.
1597 Shakespeare Richard III v. v. 224
God, and Saint George, Richmond, and victorie.
1611 L. Barry Ram-Alley iv. i,
By Dis I will be Knight, Weare a blew coate on great Saint Georges day.
1613a W. Finch in S. Purchas Pilgrims (1625) I. iv. iv. 428
Captaine Hawkins being in the head of them, with S. Georges colours carried before him, to the honour of the English Nation.
1616 B. Jonson Speeches at Prince Henries Barriers in Wks. I. 972
An euer honor'd Howard to display S. Georges ensigne.
1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 25
Sound Drums and Trumpets, and St. George for England.
1642a W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) iii. 365/2
All Admirals..were wont to carry anciently the St. George's Flag in the Head of the Top-Mast.
1661 K. W. Confused Characters 2
Its upon them, & to redeem their favor, and purchase a smile from them, that he sends so many St Georges to an eternal errantry never to returne to his burnt bottometh pocked [sic].
1672 E. Ashmole Hist. Inst. Order Garter iii. viii. 249
These two Seals were..born before the Soveraign in all publick Assemblies, during the celebration of St. George's Feast, or in other its Solemnities.
1672 E. Ashmole Hist. Inst. Order Garter vi. 192
It was the general practice..to present the Elect-Knight in confirmation of his Election..with the Garter, George, Ribband, and sometimes a Saint George's Cross.
1679 A. Behn Feign'd Curtizans i. ii. 10
St. Georges Guard is the best for your head whilst you live.
1704 M. Prior Let. to Boileau Despreaux 164
Anne and St. George! the charging hero cries.
1711 Star-board & Lar-board i. 7
We are putting up St. George's Colours as fast as we can.
1712 E. Cooke Voy. S. Sea viii. 92
The Duke and Dutchess saluted each other with several Chears, Drums beating, Trumpets sounding, and St. George's Jack flying.
1714 J. Macky Journey through Eng. ii. 25
They carry a Thistle with St. Andrew's Cross,..as those of the Garter carry St. George's Cross in a Star on their Coats.
1724 ‘C. Johnson’ Gen. Hist. Pyrates x. 202
They came to Whydah with a St. George's Ensign, a black Silk Flag flying at their Mizen-Peek.
1730 M. Concanen Speculatist 181
Long had the noble Back-Sword and St. George's Guard left the polite World, and given way to the paltry single Rapier.
1752 London Mag. June 252/1
He kept St. George's feast here, and stood godfather to the mayor's child.
1773 Naval Chron. 22 186
Lord Edgcumbe..hoisted the St. George's flag at the fore-top.
1787 J. Cobb Eng. Readings i. 19
Come along, uncle!—To the attack!—upon them!—charge!—the word St. George for England—huzza!
1790 B. Burges Indostan Lett. 150
Sir Alexander Champion, on St. George's day, in conjunction with Sujah Dowlah, engaged the Ruhillah army.
Perseus, Pegasus and Andromeda in chronological order:
1395▸c Chaucer Squire's Tale 207
They..seyden it was lyk the Pegasee [v.rr. pagase, pigase, Pegease, pogasce, Pykase], The hors that hadde wynges for to flee.
1449▸ J. Metham Amoryus & Cleopes 269 (MED),
He hys chere turnyd to be-hold Pegasus.
1500a (1440) Lydgate Horse, Goose & Sheep (Lansd.) 54 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 541 (MED),
The stede of Perseus was callid the Pegase.
1521? A. Barclay Bk. Codrus & Mynalcas sig. Cvjv,
Agayne the Chymer, here stoutly must he fight Here must he vanquyssh, the ferefull Pegasus.
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. 264
Nexte vnto hir [sc. Cassiopea] is Perseus, with Medusas headde.
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. 265
The foloweth the Forehorse, noted with 4 darke starres, and harde by him is the Flying horse, named Pegasus: and doth consiste of 20 starres. Vnto him ioyneth Andromeda, so that hyr headde lyeth on the nauell of Pegasus.
1558 (▸?a1440) B. Burgh in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 189/1
Ne dranke I nevar at pegases welle.
1562 G. Legh Accedens of Armory 202 b,
He beareth Azure, A Pegasus Argent, called the horse of honour.
1598 J. Marston Scourge of Villanie viii,
The spirits Pegase Fantasie Should hoyse the soule from such base slauery.
1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 14
When she without a Pegasus doth flie.
1600 C. Tourneur Transformed Metamorph. sig. B,
Awake sad Mercurie; And Pegase-winged pace the milkie way.
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iii. sig. E3v,
The soules swift Pegasus, the fantasie.
1616 D. Murray in W. Drummond Poems (To Author) ii. sig. M 3,
Ne're did Apollo raise on Pegase Wings A Muse more neare himselfe.
1651 V. Wing Harmonicon 252
Below the wing towards the foot of Pegasus.
1657a R. Lovelace Falcon 44
The heron mounted doth appear On his own Peg'sus a lanceer.
1667 Philos. Trans. 1665–6 (Royal Soc.) 1 349
For, its Distance from scheat Pegasi hath been by me found 35°.51′.20″.
1678 London Gaz. No. 1332/4,
For his crest an helmet mantled, a Pegassus holding in his mouth an oaken branch.
1681 J. Flamsteed Gresham Lect. (1975) 111
Ye Shoulder of Perseus.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (ed. 6) ,
Andromeda, a Northern Constellation, consisting of 27 Stars.
1709 Ld. Shaftesbury Moralists v. iii. i. 194
For this purpose I can allow you the Pegasus of the Poets.
1728 J. Dennis Remarks Pope's Rape of Lock ix,
His Pegasus is nothing but a batter'd Kentish Jade.
1744 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 43 91
The Comet..formed, at that time, an obtuse-angled Triangle, with (α) of Andromeda, and (γ) Pegasi.
1761 Brit. Mag. 2 251 Supporters.
Two Pegasusses argent, wings, crests, tails, and hoofs, or.
1775 H. Walpole Lett. (1857) VI. 290
We rode over the Alps in the same chaise, but Pegasus drew on his side, and a cart-horse on mine.
1784 W. Herschel in Philos. Trans. 1783 (Royal Soc.) 73 257
The star of the 5th magnitude following τ Persei..is most likely new, unless future observations were to favour the supposed motion of this star.
1789 G. Adams Astron. & Geogr. Ess. 496
The tropic of Cancer, from the western edge of the horizon, passes under the arm of Hercules, under the vulture, through the goose and fox,..under the star called Sheat, marked β in Pegasus, [etc.].
Forms:
lME Seint George, lME Seynt George, lME Seynt Jorge, lME–15 Saynt George, 15 Sainct George, 15– Saint George, 16 S. George, 16– St. George, 16– St George; also Sc. pre-17 Sanct George.
Etymology:
< saint adj. + George (post-classical Latin Georgius , Hellenistic Greek Γεώργιος ), the name of the patron saint of England.
According to legend, St George was a prince of Cappadocia, who suffered martyrdom during the persecution under Diocletian. However, the Acts of his martyrdom, which exist in many languages and versions (dating from around the end of the 5th cent. onwards), already contain many legendary accretions, and historical facts about his life are difficult to establish. It is likely that he was a Palestinian soldier who suffered martyrdom c303 at Lydda (now Lod) in Palestine, and that in his Acts he was confused with George of Laodicea (4th cent.), who was the Arian archbishop of Alexandria from 356–61, whence his frequent localization in Cappadocia. The legend of St George killing a dragon (an event frequently represented on coins, medals, etc.) is of considerably later origin, and has no historical foundation; it became especially popular by its inclusion in the Golden Legend.
In British sources he is mentioned from the 7th–8th cent. onwards. His association with England appears to date from the late 12th cent., when King Richard I of England placed himself and his army under St George's protection during the Crusades. This followed a miraculous appearance of the saint (together with St Demetrius) at the siege of Antioch (1098), which was said to have secured the capture of that city by the Crusaders, and had made St George a popular patron saint among the Crusaders. The feast of St George was made a feast of the second rank by a synod held at Oxford in 1222; in 1415, after the victorious outcome of the Battle of Agincourt, Archbishop Henry Chichele raised it to a major feast. In the Roman Catholic dioceses of England and Wales, it is a solemnity. For further information on the saint's life and cult see D. H. Farmer Oxf. Dict. Saints (ed. 5, 2003) 213–15.
The saint's name is attested in British sources from the Old English period onwards, at first in its Latin form Georgius (e.g. in the Old English Martyrology), although compare also the genitive form Georgies ; subsequently in the modern form George from at least the 13th cent. It is attested as a personal name in England from the late 12th cent. onwards (earliest recorded in its Latin form), but it remained uncommon (somewhat surprisingly, given its status as the name of the patron saint) until the 15th cent., when the promotion of the saint's feast day probably contributed to the increasing popularity of the name; since that time it has remained among the most popular male forenames (with its popularity in more recent times no doubt reinforced by the six British kings of that name who have reigned since the 18th cent., especially the first four who reigned in succession from 1714 to 1830). Some of the main forms of the name in other languages are: French Georges , Catalan Jordi , Spanish Jorge , Portuguese Jorge , Italian Giorgio , Dutch Joris , German Georg , Jörg , Danish Jørgen , Swedish Göran , Russian Georgij , Jurij , Czech Jiří , Hungarian György .
Secondary sources are in red.
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1016, Se cyning Æþelred..geendode his dagas on sancte Georgius mæssedæg æfter myclum geswince & earfoðnyssum his lifes.
1442 T. Bekington Let. in G. Williams Mem. Reign Henry VI (1872) II. 245
Than they went forth to the fyrres that the Frenisshmen had made, swotting [perh. read showting] continuelly St. George, and so toke the feeld more nigh to the towne.
1443 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1835) V. 239 (MED),
Þei shal come to þe place appointed yif winde & weder wol serve, by Seint Georges day.
1473? in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 132
I-wrytyn in Exeter the Thursday next afore seynt Jorgeys day.
1480 Cronicles Eng. (Caxton) ccxliv. sig. uj,
The kyng..so entred the Castell and the toune also and there he helde seint Georges feste.
1482 Caxton tr. Higden's Prolicionycion viii. xviii. f. ccccxiijv,
This yere on saynt georges day he passyd ouer see to Calays toward Fraunce.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. f. clxii. lxxxiv/2,
As the frenchmen fought in companyes they cryed (mountioy saynt Denyce) and ye englysshmen saynt George gyen [Fr. Les anglois cryoient sainct george guyenne].
1542? R. Taverner On Saynt Andrewes Day Gospels f. xv (heading) ,
On saynt Georges day. And also on saynt Markes daye the Euangelist.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xviiv,
Thus with pure fightyng of the Englishemen, and fainte hertes of the bragging Scottes, the brighte beame of victory shone on sainct Georges crosse.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV p. xxijv,
The kyng criyng sainct George, victory, brake the arraie and entered into the battaill of his enemies and fought fiersely.
1572 J. Field & T. Wilcox Admon. to Parl. sig. C.iv,
A Prelate of the garter..hath much to do at S. Georges feast.
1597 Shakespeare Richard III v. v. 224
God, and Saint George, Richmond, and victorie.
1611 L. Barry Ram-Alley iv. i,
By Dis I will be Knight, Weare a blew coate on great Saint Georges day.
1613a W. Finch in S. Purchas Pilgrims (1625) I. iv. iv. 428
Captaine Hawkins being in the head of them, with S. Georges colours carried before him, to the honour of the English Nation.
1616 B. Jonson Speeches at Prince Henries Barriers in Wks. I. 972
An euer honor'd Howard to display S. Georges ensigne.
1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 25
Sound Drums and Trumpets, and St. George for England.
1642a W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) iii. 365/2
All Admirals..were wont to carry anciently the St. George's Flag in the Head of the Top-Mast.
1661 K. W. Confused Characters 2
Its upon them, & to redeem their favor, and purchase a smile from them, that he sends so many St Georges to an eternal errantry never to returne to his burnt bottometh pocked [sic].
1672 E. Ashmole Hist. Inst. Order Garter iii. viii. 249
These two Seals were..born before the Soveraign in all publick Assemblies, during the celebration of St. George's Feast, or in other its Solemnities.
1672 E. Ashmole Hist. Inst. Order Garter vi. 192
It was the general practice..to present the Elect-Knight in confirmation of his Election..with the Garter, George, Ribband, and sometimes a Saint George's Cross.
1679 A. Behn Feign'd Curtizans i. ii. 10
St. Georges Guard is the best for your head whilst you live.
1704 M. Prior Let. to Boileau Despreaux 164
Anne and St. George! the charging hero cries.
1711 Star-board & Lar-board i. 7
We are putting up St. George's Colours as fast as we can.
1712 E. Cooke Voy. S. Sea viii. 92
The Duke and Dutchess saluted each other with several Chears, Drums beating, Trumpets sounding, and St. George's Jack flying.
1714 J. Macky Journey through Eng. ii. 25
They carry a Thistle with St. Andrew's Cross,..as those of the Garter carry St. George's Cross in a Star on their Coats.
1724 ‘C. Johnson’ Gen. Hist. Pyrates x. 202
They came to Whydah with a St. George's Ensign, a black Silk Flag flying at their Mizen-Peek.
1730 M. Concanen Speculatist 181
Long had the noble Back-Sword and St. George's Guard left the polite World, and given way to the paltry single Rapier.
1752 London Mag. June 252/1
He kept St. George's feast here, and stood godfather to the mayor's child.
1773 Naval Chron. 22 186
Lord Edgcumbe..hoisted the St. George's flag at the fore-top.
1787 J. Cobb Eng. Readings i. 19
Come along, uncle!—To the attack!—upon them!—charge!—the word St. George for England—huzza!
1790 B. Burges Indostan Lett. 150
Sir Alexander Champion, on St. George's day, in conjunction with Sujah Dowlah, engaged the Ruhillah army.
Perseus, Pegasus and Andromeda in chronological order:
1395▸c Chaucer Squire's Tale 207
They..seyden it was lyk the Pegasee [v.rr. pagase, pigase, Pegease, pogasce, Pykase], The hors that hadde wynges for to flee.
1449▸ J. Metham Amoryus & Cleopes 269 (MED),
He hys chere turnyd to be-hold Pegasus.
1500a (1440) Lydgate Horse, Goose & Sheep (Lansd.) 54 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 541 (MED),
The stede of Perseus was callid the Pegase.
1521? A. Barclay Bk. Codrus & Mynalcas sig. Cvjv,
Agayne the Chymer, here stoutly must he fight Here must he vanquyssh, the ferefull Pegasus.
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. 264
Nexte vnto hir [sc. Cassiopea] is Perseus, with Medusas headde.
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. 265
The foloweth the Forehorse, noted with 4 darke starres, and harde by him is the Flying horse, named Pegasus: and doth consiste of 20 starres. Vnto him ioyneth Andromeda, so that hyr headde lyeth on the nauell of Pegasus.
1558 (▸?a1440) B. Burgh in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 189/1
Ne dranke I nevar at pegases welle.
1562 G. Legh Accedens of Armory 202 b,
He beareth Azure, A Pegasus Argent, called the horse of honour.
1598 J. Marston Scourge of Villanie viii,
The spirits Pegase Fantasie Should hoyse the soule from such base slauery.
1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 14
When she without a Pegasus doth flie.
1600 C. Tourneur Transformed Metamorph. sig. B,
Awake sad Mercurie; And Pegase-winged pace the milkie way.
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iii. sig. E3v,
The soules swift Pegasus, the fantasie.
1616 D. Murray in W. Drummond Poems (To Author) ii. sig. M 3,
Ne're did Apollo raise on Pegase Wings A Muse more neare himselfe.
1651 V. Wing Harmonicon 252
Below the wing towards the foot of Pegasus.
1657a R. Lovelace Falcon 44
The heron mounted doth appear On his own Peg'sus a lanceer.
1667 Philos. Trans. 1665–6 (Royal Soc.) 1 349
For, its Distance from scheat Pegasi hath been by me found 35°.51′.20″.
1678 London Gaz. No. 1332/4,
For his crest an helmet mantled, a Pegassus holding in his mouth an oaken branch.
1681 J. Flamsteed Gresham Lect. (1975) 111
Ye Shoulder of Perseus.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (ed. 6) ,
Andromeda, a Northern Constellation, consisting of 27 Stars.
1709 Ld. Shaftesbury Moralists v. iii. i. 194
For this purpose I can allow you the Pegasus of the Poets.
1728 J. Dennis Remarks Pope's Rape of Lock ix,
His Pegasus is nothing but a batter'd Kentish Jade.
1744 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 43 91
The Comet..formed, at that time, an obtuse-angled Triangle, with (α) of Andromeda, and (γ) Pegasi.
1761 Brit. Mag. 2 251 Supporters.
Two Pegasusses argent, wings, crests, tails, and hoofs, or.
1775 H. Walpole Lett. (1857) VI. 290
We rode over the Alps in the same chaise, but Pegasus drew on his side, and a cart-horse on mine.
1784 W. Herschel in Philos. Trans. 1783 (Royal Soc.) 73 257
The star of the 5th magnitude following τ Persei..is most likely new, unless future observations were to favour the supposed motion of this star.
1789 G. Adams Astron. & Geogr. Ess. 496
The tropic of Cancer, from the western edge of the horizon, passes under the arm of Hercules, under the vulture, through the goose and fox,..under the star called Sheat, marked β in Pegasus, [etc.].