How did the term 'an old flame' originate?

Question

I wonder if this term is literally spoken/written informally in other languages too. Examples, please, thanks.

Answer 1

E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Flame.

A sweetheart. “An old flame,” a quondam sweetheart. In Latin, flamma is used for love, and so is feu in French. Ardeo, to burn like fire, is also applied to the passion of love; hence, Virgil (Ecl. ii. 4), “Corydon ardebat Alexin;” and Horace (Epoch xiii. 9), “Arsit Anacreon Bathyllo.”




A BURNT child hates the fire, but a man who has been singed by Cupid's torch always has a sneaking kindness for the old flame
1865

desire to foster the old flame of classical life, and pass on the torch to future ages 1850-60

Answer 2

A family-run retail business offers antique and period fireplaces, lighting equipment, and architectural items like masonry block and statues