262 THE GREAT DIAMONDS OF THE WORLD.
Such was the murky atmosphere faintly illumined by this glorious gem, while in the possession of the modern Heliogabalus.
From
Henry III., assuming the truth of this story, the gem returned to
Nicholas Harlai, who, according to the second account, advanced it to
the Valois' successor, Henry IV. of Navarre, under peculiarly romantic
circumstances. Being desirous of strengthening his army by a body of
Swiss recruits, Henry is reported to have borrowed the diamond of
Nicholas, now suÂperintendent of finance, intending to raise money on
its security. But the messenger charged with the responsibility of
conveying the gem either to the king from Harlai, or from the king to
the Swiss (for the story is here somewhat confused), disappeared on the
way. A long interval elapsed before it became known that he had been
waylaid and assassinated. Full of confidence in the loyalty and
inventive faculty of his servant, Harlai proceeded to the forest where
the murder had been committed. After a long search the body was found,
disinterred and opened. In the stomach was found the diamond, which, as
suspected by his master, the faithful valet had swallowed to prevent
its falling into the hands of the thieves.
Whatever
credit may be given to these stories, it is certain that the "Sancy"
again returned to its rightful owner, from whom it soon passed into the
possession of Elizabeth, Queen of England. We have seen that Harlai was
ambassador of Henry IV. at her Court, and the subjoined document shows
that he sold it to the British Crown, doubtless during his residence in
London. The passage, which occurs in
