DIAMONDS IN LITERATURE 409
symbols.
To the poetic imagination, the ruby symbolized the blood-red passion of
love, and the emerald, chastity. So qualities of the mind and person,
months in the year, sacred names and religious ordinances, were
associated with the different beautiful stones which came to be
accepted as their symbols. But the wave swept on to the mysticism of
the Jewish Cabala and gnosticism. By the influence of that age, stones
were invested with occult powers; diamonds conferred spiritual insight
and promoted peace and purity; the topaz, by quenching the hot blood of
sensuality, preserved its wearer from lustful desire, and so on.
With
the eighteenth century came a succeeding wave of calm reasoning and
scientific research. Since then it is dawning upon us that the wonders
of fact are greater than the imaginations of ignorance; that the
marvels of Nature's processes are more delightful than the magic of the
esoteric.
Now
the diamond has a large place in the literature of commerce and
science. Because it came to prominence and general knowledge later
than most other precious stones, and after the age of superstition and
gnosticism, not as much reference to it is bequeathed to us from the
dark ages. Talismans, amulets, and occult powers are connected with
other stones which were more widely known and traded in when the
diamond was yet the companion of the lords of men only. Newly invented
stories of magic cannot long survive twentieth century light; the
mummified beliefs of past ages alone can be safely exposed occasionally
to vivify trade, and satisfy the child-craving of the human heart for
fairy tales. Were a dealer to recommend the pur-
