THE TOMB OF PEARL 



smaller scale, and in another way, it recapitulates the 

 episode of the mummified fish and its tomb, or that of 

 the petrified figurines. In its very flesh, it surrounds 

 the parasite with a layer which cuts it off, thickens it, 

 increases it, continually depositing new layers, and 

 ending by turning into a gem what was originally a 

 tiny coffin. 



A Persian poet, attributing a celestial origin to pearls, 

 declared that they were born of dew-drops which fell 

 from the air and were solidified. In his mind, the re- 

 semblance, the similitude of flashings and sparkle, justi- 

 fied the attribution of such an origin. In Nature, the 

 reality is deeper and even more poetical. The iridescent 

 pearl, the burial place of an invisible body, brings to- 

 gether in itself the principal aspects of the problems of 

 life and death. It begins by destruction, is followed by 

 an intense degree of vital activity, and ends by creating 

 beauty. 



The great collar of pearls, an ornament of high value, 

 with its ropes of glorious gems, is a collection of tiny 

 sepulchres, woven into a splendid set of jewels. Falling 

 over a silken dress, or over beautiful shoulders, its ex- 

 quisite gleam of pure lustre, at once translucid and 

 brilliant, illuminating things both in appearance and in 

 depth, gives each single gem its true value. Death is a 

 passing accident, a personal affair. Life goes beyond it, 

 utilizes it, employs it for its own purpose, that it may 

 itself continue. The pearl is built around a particle of 

 flesh about to decompose; many a gay insect comes 

 from a chrysalis that developed in foulness and decay; 

 the most glorious flowers bloom beside a tomb; the 

 richest harvest ripens on the battlefield. Life uses 

 everything, even death. 



The story of the pearl reminds us of the tomb of pearl, 

 and of the Fierasfer which is buried in it. This genus, 

 which contains a fairly large number of species, is 

 found in warm and temperate seas. All its mem- 

 bers have the same appearance, the same customs. 



