E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Al’ma (the human soul),
queen of “Body Castle,” beset by enemies for seven years (the Seven Ages of Man). The besiegers are a rabble rout of evil desires, foul imaginations, and silly conceits. Alma conducted Arthur and Sir Guyon over her castle. “The divine part of a man,” says Spenser, “is circular, a circle being the emblem of eternity; but the mortal part triangular, as it consists of three things—blood, flesh, and bones.”—Prior’s Poem.
