and resembling a xylophone; the other a tarogato,
or combined flute and horn. When playing, Herr
Karcsay always wears a mysterious ring on one of his
fingers. It is very large, being made of copper, gold,
and silver, with a flat Pearl in the centre, surrounded by
Bohemian garnets, and rubies. About this he refuses
to say a word except that it is a sacred jewel which has
played an important part in his life. He shuddered
at the idea of playing without it. Herr Karcsay, his
ring, and his violin, the " Andreas Guarnerius," are
absolutely inseparable. Only recently he was offered
a thousand pounds for his violin ; which he unhesitatingly
refused. He has played the violin ever since he was
six years old. Though incapable of reading a single
note of music, he possesses a natural knowledge of
harmony, and can render almost any tune by ear.
Told, in a wealth of words particularly akin to our
present topic, is a "menu" of jewel dishes given by
Ben Jonson in The Alchymist (1610), and including a
cure for epilepsy : —
" My meat shall all come in ; in Indian shells ;
Dishes of Agate, set in Gold, and studded
With Emeralds, Sapphires, Hyacinths, and Rubies ;
The tongues of Carps, Dormice, and Camels' heels,
Boiled in the Spirit of Sol, and dissolv'd Pearl;
—Apicius' diet 'gainst the Epilepsy !
And I will eat these broths with spoons of Amber,
Headed with Diamonds, and Carbuncles."
In
the autumn of 1800 the noted Sydney Smith established himself, together
with Mrs. Smith, at No. 46, George Street, Edinburgh, when the latter "
sold her Pearl necklace for five hundred pounds, buying linen, and
plate, with the proceeds."
Pearls were chosen by Christ: (Matthew xiii. 46) as typically precious enough to be compared to the kingdom
