BOOK IX.] History of Nature. 157 



this, but shall be deprived of the Glory of Luxury. For 

 before this, Ctodius, the Son of JEsop? the Tragedian, being 

 left by him Heir to very great Wealth, practised the same 

 with Pearls of great Price ; so that Antony needed not to be 

 over-proud of his Triumvirate, being almost equalled by a 

 Stage-player ; and that, too, when he was not urged to it by 

 a Wager, which was much more like a King. His Experi- 

 ment was the Glory of the Palate, for he wanted to try 

 what Taste Pearls had ; and as they pleased him wonder- 

 fully, because he would not be the only one who knew the 

 Taste, he gave to every Guest at his Table a Pearl to sup up 

 in like Mariner. 



Fenestdla writeth, that after Alexandria was reduced to 

 Subjection, Pearls came into frequent and indiscriminate use 

 at Rome ; but that about the Time of Sylla they began first; 

 and those were but small ones, and mean. But this is a great 

 Error. For JElius Stilo reporteth, that in the Time of the 

 War with Jugurtha, the great Pearls, for the most Part, had 

 the Name of Uniones imposed on them. 



And this is almost a perpetual Possession : it fulloweth 

 the Heir. When sold, they pass with Warranty, as any 

 Estate would do.* 



Purpurae and Conchylia are found thrown about on every 

 Coast ; and yet to them the same Mother Luxury hath 

 assigned almost an equal Value with Pearls. 



1 Horace, Lib. iii. Sat. 3 : 



" An actor's son dissolved a wealthy pearl 

 (The precious ear-ring of his favourite girl), 

 In vinegar, and thus luxurious quaffed 

 A thousand solid talents at a draught. 

 Had he not equally his wisdom shown, 

 Into the sink or river were it thrown ? " FRANCIS. 

 Wern. Club. 



