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Opalus, Opal

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246              NATURAL HISTORY OF GEMS.
the delectation of the sight ; nay, more, they have the very greatest efficacy in cheering the heart and inward parts, and specially rejoice the beholder's eyes. One in particular came into my hands, in which such beauty, loveliness, and grace shone forth, that it could truly boast that it drew all gems to itself; while it surprised, astonished, and held captive, without escape or intermission, the hearts of all that beheld it. It was of the size of a hazel-nut, and grasped in the claws of a golden eagle, wrought with won­derful skill. It had such vivid and various colours, that all the beauty of the heavens might be viewed within it. Grace went out from it ; majesty shot forth from its almost divine splendour. It sent forth such bright and piercing beams, that it struck terror into all beholders. In a word, it conferred upon the wearer all the qualities granted by nature to itself ; for by an invisible dart it penetrated the soul and dazzled the eyes of all who saw it, appalling all hearts however bold and courageous. In a word, it filled with trembling the bodies of the bystanders, and forced them by a predestinated impulse to love, honour, and worship it. I have seen, I have felt it, I call God to witness ! Of a truth, such a stone is to be valued at an inestimable amount." By a strange freak of superstition the Opal has lost this, its ancient glory. Barbot says, " Certain groundless stories, founded, doubtless, upon the legend of Robert the Devil, have in our day discouraged the use of this gem as an ornament. People accuse it (and this in the nineteenth century !) of bringing ill-luck upon the wearer. It were useless to point out the absurdity of this supposed malignant influence, which is manifested, as they say, by the fading of its colours : a change really due to the atmospheric and accidental causes already pointed out."
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