Isenbras or Sir Isumbras.

A hero of mediæval romance, first proud and presumptuous, when he was visited by all sorts of punishments; afterwards penitent and humble, when his afflictions were turned into blessings. It was in this latter stage that he one day carried on his horse two children of a poor woodman across a ford. (See Ysambras.)

“I warne you first at the begynninge

That I will make no vain carpinge [talk]

Of deeds of armys ne of amours,

As dus mynstrellës and jestours,

That makȳs carpinge in many a place

Of Octoriane and Isembrase.”

William of Nassington.

· ·

Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.