E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Salmo’neus (3 syl.).
A king of Elis, noted for his arrogance and impiety. He wished to be called a god, and to receive divine honour from his subjects. To imitate Jove’s thunder he used to drive his chariot over a brazen bridge, and darted burning torches on every side to imitate lightning, for which impiety the king of gods and men hurled a thunderbolt at him, and sent him to the infernal regions.
