CHAPTER XVI. 



Famous Pearls. 



'• The fair Pearl Necklace of the Queen, 



That burst in dancing, and the Pearls were spilt ; 



Some lost, some stolen, some as relics kept, 



But nevermore the same two Sister Pearls, 



Ran down the silken thread to kiss each other 



On her white neck." 



— Tennyson'' s ''Merlin and Vivien.* 



T seems desirable to introduce here a 

 short account of the most famous Pearls 

 that have figured in history. Many 

 of these great historical jewels have contributed in 

 no small degree to the adornment of royalty in 

 various ages, and have been the subject of strange 

 stories connected with the fortunes of the great. 

 It has been said by Miss Landon, with reference to 

 historical diamonds, that " Fresh from the merchant, 

 diamonds convey no sentiment but that of wealth ; 



