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Crystallus, Rock-crystal

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CRYSTALLUS.
183
derful miracle of nature, and an irresistible proof of the cor­rectness of the theory deducing its formation from hardened or solidified ice. Claudian has left several elegant epigrams all turning upon this idea :—
" Pass not the shapeless lump of crystal by, Nor view the icy mass with careless eye ; All royal pomp its value far exceeds, And all the pearls the Red Sea's bosom breeds. This rough and unform'd stone, without a grace, Midst rarest treasure holds the chiefest place."
" When th' Alpine ice, frost-harden'd into stone, First braved the sun, and as a jewel shone, Not all its substance could the gem assume— Some tell-tale drops still linger'd in its womb. Hence with augmented fame its wonders grow, And charms the soul the stone's mysterious flow : Whilst stored within it, from Creation's birth, The treasured waters add a doubled worth."
' Mark where extended a translucent vein Of brighter crystal tracks the glittering plain : No Boreas fierce, no nipping winter, knows The bidden spring, but ever ebbs and flows : No frosts congeal it, and no Dog-star dries ; E'en all-consuming Time its youth defies,"
' A stream unfetter'd pent in crystal round, A truant fount by harden'd waters bound : Mark hqjv the gem with native sources foams ! How the live spring in refluent eddies roams ! How the live rainbow paints the opposing ray, As with the imprison'd winter fights the day ! Strange nymph ! above all Naiads' fame supreme-Gem, yet no gem—a stone, yet flowing stream !"
' Erst while the boy, pleased with its polish clear, With gentle finger twirl'd the icy sphere, He mark d the drops pent in its stony hold, Spared by the rigour of the wintry cold. With thirsty lips the unmoisten'd ball he tries, And the loved draught with fruitless kisses plies."
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