46 THE GREAT DIAMONDS OF THE WORLD.
merely a piece of rock crystal, like that concerning which Mawe tells the following story :—
"
A free negro of Villa do Principe, about 900 miles distant, had the
assurance to write a letter to the Prince Regent, announcing that he
possessed an amazingly large diamond, which he had received from a
deceased friend some years ago, and which he begged he might have the
honour to present his royal highness in person. As the magnitude which
this poor fellow ascribed to his diamond, was such as to raise
imagination to its highest pitch, an order was immediately dispatched
to the commander of Villa do Principe, to send him forthwith to Rio de
Janeiro, he was accommodated with a conveyance, and escorted by two
soldiers. As he passed along the road, all who had heard the report
hailed him as already honoured with a cross of the Order of St. Bento,
and as sure of being rewarded with the pay of a general of brigade. The
soldiers also anticipated great promotion, and all persons envied the
fortunate negro. At length, after a journey which occupied about
twenty-eight days, he arrived at the capital, and was straightway
conveyed to the palace. His happiness was now about to be consummated ;
in a few moments the hopes which he had for so many years indulged
would be realized, and he should be exalted from a low and obscure
condition, to a state of affluence and distinction. Such, no doubt,
were the thoughts which agitated him during the moments of suspense. At
length he was admitted into the presence ; he threw himself at the
prince's feet, and delivered his wonderful gem. His highness was
astonished at its magnitude,
