84 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
by which the Orientalists designate their favourite 
gem, is elegantly expressive of its peculiar form 
and lustre, as the true shape of the pearl is that 
of a perfect round. When its contour resembles a 
pear it is less valuable; and is then generally used 
for ear-rings, and ornaments of a similar description. 
The natives of the East, like the ancient Romans, 
prefer it to any other kind of precious stone. The 
finest are used for personal decoration, while those of 
an inferior description are seen to sparkle on the 
trappings of their horses. We are even told that, 
in the magnificent hunting equipage of the Sultan 
Mahmoud, consisting of four hundred greyhounds 
and bloodhounds, each was decorated with a collar 
set with jewels, and a covering, edged with gold and 
pearls. 
These beautiful productions are frequently alluded 
to by Oriental writers. 
Hafiz has thus admirably illustrated from them a 
maxim of the ancient Arabs, which says to the 
virtuous man, “ confer benefits on him who has in- 
jured thee.” 
‘* Learn from yon orient shell to love thy foe, 
And store with pearls the wrist that brings thee woe ; 
Free, like yon rock, from base vindictive pride, 
Emblaze with gems the hand that rends thy side ; 
All nature cries aloud—can man do less, 
Than heal the smiter and the railer bless ?” 
