E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cephalus and Procris.
Made familiar to us by an allusion to them in the play of Pyramus and Thisbê, where they are miscalled Shafalus and Procrus. Cephalus was the husband of Procris, who, out of jealousy, deserted him. Cephalus went in search of her, and rested a while under a tree. Procris, knowing of his whereabouts, crept through some bushes to ascertain if a rival was with him. Cephalus heard the noise, and thinking it to be made by some wild beast, hurled his javelin into the bushes and slew Procris. When the unhappy man discovered what he had done, he slew himself in anguish of spirit with the same javelin.