Brewer's: Rubi

One of the Cherubim or “Spirits of Knowledge,” who was present when Eve walked in Paradise. He felt the most intense interest in her, and longed, as the race increased, to find one of her daughters whom he could love. He fixed upon Liris, young and proud, who thirsted for knowledge, and cared not what price she paid to obtain it. After some months had elapsed, Liris asked her angel lover to let her see him in his full glory; so Rubi showed himself to her in all his splendour, and she embraced him. Instantly Liris was burnt to ashes by the radiant light, and the kiss she gave on the àngel's forehead became a brand, which shot agony into his brain. That brand was “left for ever on his brow,” and that agony knew no abatement. (ThomasMoore: Loves of the Angels, story ii.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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