Bridge of Gold.

According to a German tradition, Charlemagne’s spirit crosses the Rhine on a golden bridge at Bingen, in seasons of plenty, to bless the vineyards and cornfields.

“Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne,

Upon thy bridge of gold.”

Longfellow: Autumn.

Made a bridge of gold for him; i.e. enabling a man to retreat from a false position without loss of dignity.

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