Class Book._ Copyright If. CDWRIGHT DEPOSE THE LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT, AND POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES BY CHARLES WELSH II EDITOR OF ** LOVE'S GARLAND, ' " THE LOVERS' CLOCK, "THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF IRISH SONGS," " THE FRAGRANT WEED," ETC., ETC. Iftew UJorft THE PLATT & PECK CO. Copyright 1912 by THE PLATT& PECK CO. ©CU327746 INTRODUCTORY Here is a chaplet of Precious Stones with which is entwined the poetic sentiments repre- sented by each, so arranged that the Gem and the sentiment it represents, or the sentiment it is wished to convey, and the Gem which ex- presses it, can easily be found. The Gems are arranged in their alphabetical order throughout the book, and the Index at the end furnishes other means of ready refer- ence. Many sources have been drawn upon in the making of this little book, and the compiler has been specially indebted to Miss H. J. Woodman's little book which was published some sixty years since. The authorities consulted are not all pre- cisely at one as to the language and sentiment represented by each and all of the Gems. Fash- ions change, and sentiments often change with them ; furthermore, there are so many different fancies, feelings, sayings and superstitions clus- iii INTRODUCTORY tering about Gems at different times and in dif- ferent countries that it would be impossible, and indeed scarcely useful to attempt to give them all. In the main the significance is generally agreed upon as given here. It is not claimed that this is a complete An- thology; it is but a posy gathered in the vast fields of Folk Lore and Song, which these beau- tiful gifts of nature to adorn our lives withal, and the sentiments they represent, have in- spired. And it is offered as another handy Lexicon of Love for those who wish to convey their sentiments to the object of their affection with delicate, tender, and true respect. The language of Love is vast and varied : eyes, lips, hands, all speak with no uncertain tone, and such silent tokens as Gems are not the least elo- quent, and not the least effective bearers of Love's message. Charles Welsh. IV TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introductory iii Verse Dedicatory: A Casket of Jewels .... 7 The Signification of Gems and Stones in a Gir- dle 9 The Signification of Gems and Stones in a Dia- dem 10 Birthday Jewelry: A Guide to Jewels for the Months .11 Gems for the Bridal Ring 12 The Etymology of Precious Stones .... . 14 Gems and Their Composition ....... 15 Pbecious Stones: Thedi Language, Sentiment and Poetry — Alphabetically Abranged from Agate to Zircon 17 The Language and Sentiment of Precious Stones 125 VERSE DEDICATORY A CASKET OF JEWELS I bring thee a casket of jewels fair, They were culled from the ocean, earth and air: In your golden tresses they may not shine, But gather them all for your spirit's shrine : They are gems from the boundless mine of thought ! With patience and skill into beauty wrought! I have hallowed them all with a prayer for thee, Then take them — memorial sweet of me ! Anon. PRECIOUS STONES SIGNIFICATION OF GEMS AND STONES IN A GIRDLE " Here is Coral for Godnesse, Here is rubie of right fulnesse, Here is Crystal of clearnesse. Love Song fsom The Harleian MSS. Agate — Safety. Basalt — Stability. Cachelono- — Truth. Diaspore — Warning. Egyptian Pebble — Bril- liancy. Fire Stone — Excitability. Granite — Eternity. Heliotrope — Wisdom. Iolite — Security. Jasper — Courage. Krokidolite — Constancy. Lapis Lazuli — Artistic Taste. Malachite — Cheerfulness. Nephrite — Health. Onyx — Conjugal Felicity. Porphyry — Endurance. Quartz-Agate — Security. Rose Quartz — Fortune. Sardonyx — Willingness. Turquoise — Cheerfulness. Ultramarine — Art. Verd- Antique — Worth. Wood-Opal — Simplicity. Xylotile — Discovery. Yellow Crystal — Fate. Zurlite — Coolness. LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND SIGNIFICATION OF GEMS AND STONES IN A DIADEM Rich and rare were the gems she wore, And a bright gold ring on her hand she bore; But, O, her beauty was far beyond Her sparkling gems or snow-white hand. Thomas Moore. Amethyst — Protection. Beryl — Happiness. Chrysoberyl — Charity. Diamond — Repentance. Emerald — Victory. Feldspar — Regularity. Garnet — Friendship. Hyacinth — Sleep. Idocrase — Constancy. Jacinth — Modesty. Kyanite — Truth. Lynx Sapphire — Proph- ecy. Milk Opal- Purity. Natrolite — Hope. Opal — Innocence. Pyrope — Kindness. Quartz — Guardianship. Ruby — Charity. Sapphire — Faith. Topaz — Fidelity. Uranite — Expectation. Vesuvianite — Constancy. Water Sapphire — For- tune. Xanthite — Constancy. Yellow Tourmaline — Pow- er. Zircon — Visions. 10 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES BIRTHDAY JEWELRY.— A GUIDE TO THE JEWELS FOR THE MONTHS Each month is supposed to be under the influence of one of the precious stones, thus: January, Garnet — Constancy. February, Amethyst — Sincerity. March, Bloodstone — Courage. April, Diamond — Innocence. May, Emerald — Success in Love. June, Agate — Health and Long Life. July, Carnelian — Content. Ruby — Contented Mind. August, Sardonyx — Conjugal Felicity. September, Sapphire — Constancy. October, Opal — Hope and Good Luck. November, Topaz — Fidelity. Friends and Love. December, Turquoise — Prosperity 11 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND GEMS FOR THE BRIDAL RING These sentiments and mottoes are from " The Lapi- darium" of Marbodus, a Latin poem of the eleventh century. They differ slightly from some of those given in the text of this collection. THE RING— PURE AND ENDLESS. This gem is pledge and image of my heart — A heart that looks and loves, though not in view; The jewel has a clearer, purer part; It may be harder, but is not more true. The Diamond — Virtue Invincible. Hardness invincible which nought can tame, Untouched by steel, unconquered by the flame. The Asbestos — Love. Kindled once, it no extinction knows; But with eternal fire, unceasing glows. The Beryl — Mutual Love. The most admired displays a softened beam Like tranquil sea, or olive's oily gleam; This potent gem, found in far India's mines, With mutual love the wedded couple binds. The Agate — Health and Long Life. The agate on the wearer strength bestows; With ruddy health his fresh complexion glows; Both eloquence and grace by it are given. He gains the favor both of earth and heaven. 12 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES The Pearl — Purity. Prized as an ornament, its whiteness gleams, And well the robe and well the gold beseems. The Emerald — Constancy. Of all green things which bounteous Earth supplies, Nothing in greenness with the emerald vies; Unchanged by sun or shade, its lustre glows; The blazing lamp on it no dimness throws. The Carnelian — Patience. Fate has with virtues great its nature graced; Tied round the neck, or on the finger placed. Its friendly influence checks the rising fray, And chases spite and quarrels far away. The Opal — Hope. This stone for color might an emerald seem; But drops of blood diversify the green; It gifts the wearer with prophetic eye Into the future's darkest depths to spy. The Sapphire — Faith. As gem of gems, above all others placed, By Nature with superior honors graced; E'en Heaven is moved by its force divine To list to vows presented at its shrine. The Loadstone — Persuasion. The Loadstone peace to wrangling couples grants, And mutual love in wedded hearts implants; It gives the power to argue and to teach, Grace to the tongue, persuasion to the speech. 13 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND THE ETYMOLOGY OF PRECIOUS STONES i BY GEORGE LYMAN KITTREDGE Professor of English in Harvard University For precious stone the Anglo-Saxons had a mysteri- ous word eorclan-stan. They also borrowed gemma from the Latin in the form gim and this survived as a native word till the fourteenth century. In that cen- tury, however, in which the influence of French and Latin was particularly strong, the word was remade and brought nearer to its Latin original, taking the form gemme. This remaking is usually said to have been under the influence of the French gemme (itself from the Latin), — but this is not so certain; for it is not possi- ble to separate Latin and French influence in a case like this. Jewel is certainly from the French. It is a diminutive of the Latin jocus (whence French jeu) and meant orig- inally "plaything." The names of different precious stones are of very various origin. [After giving sev- eral such examples as those scattered throughout this book Professor Kittredge concludes.] Most of these gem-names came, it will be remarked, from the East and reached England through Greece, Rome and France successively. This correctly represents the history of civilization in the matter of gems, except in one respect. We should make a mistake if we inferred that the 1 From "Words and their "Ways in English Speech," by permission. 14 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES English owed their knowledge of such things to the French. Anglo-Saxons had names for many gems de- rived directly from the Latin (as in the case of the word gem itself), but these words went out of use after the Norman Conquest, when the persons who continued to speak English had little occasion to talk of precious stones; and the words passed into the language again thi nigh the French. GEMS AND THEIR COMPOSITION The ruby is not called a ruby because it is red, for the topaz, which may be yellow or a delicate wine colour, and the sapphire, which is blue, are both rubies. The humble toiler consoling himself with his clay tobacco pipe, the potter moulding the plastic clay into shape up- on his magic wheel, or the delver in damp slate quarries, probably does not know that his pipe and his clay and his brittle slate are the very substance from which the flaming Oriental ruby, the mellow topaz and the rich sapphire are evolved; but such is the fact. They are among the most beautiful of gems, yet are but simple crystals of a siliceous earth — mere bits of alumina. The glorious blue light that lurks within the sapphire is the chemical action of one grain of iron on every 100 grains of alumina. The red ruby owes its brightness and hue to a mingling of chromic acid with the parent clay. Different from the Oriental topaz is the topaz from Brazil, which, beautiful as it is, is nothing but a com- pound of silica or flint and alumina, which also make the garnet and largely compose the Occidental emerald 15 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND and the beryl stone. These two stones also contain an earth known as glucina, so called because of the sweet- ness of the salts discovered in it. The diamond is the king of gems, a monarch blazing like the sun, and the opal is its moonlight queen. Yet, as everyone knows, the diamond is only a chip of coal and the opal, as every one does not know, is simply a mingling of silica and water. But the diamond is the spiritual evolution of coal, the realization of its highest being. Ten parts of water and ninety parts of silica combined in the mystic crucible of nature form the opal, the water giving to the gem that shifting, changeable, iridescent coloring which is the opal's peculiar charm. Who would imagine that the fire in the opal is not fire at all, but, of all things, water! And yet the silica that holds the radiant moisture captive is the common flint from which our forefathers struck the igniting sparks into their tinder boxes. But the opal is not the only precious stone that owes its being to flint. The amethyst, the cat's-eye, the Egyptian jasper — all are idealisations of the ultimate efforts of natural chemistry acting on silica. What is the lapis lazuli? A bit of common earth painted throughout with sulphuret of sodium. And the tur- quoise — what forms it? and how did it receive its soft, pale, blue color? The turquoise is phosphate of alumina, and copper in the earth gave it its lovely hue. Chrys- olite is the pure silicate of magnesia. Of the rare dec- orative stones and marbles if there were no carbonate of copper the seeker after malachite would find his search fruitless and the sculptor would sigh in vain for the matchless Carrara marble if there were no carbonate of lime. 16 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES PRECIOUS STONES : THEIR LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND POETRY AGATE There are many different kinds of Agate. It is found in various parts of Europe, and in the East Indies. Its name is from a river Achates, in Sicily, near which it is found in abundance. These, these are they, if we consider well, That sapphires and the diamonds do excell; The pearl, the emerald, and the turkesse bleu, The sanguine corrall, amber's golden hiew, The crystall, jacinth, achate, ruby red." Taylor: The Waterspout (1630). Agate is supposed to render a person invisible and to turn the sword of foes against themselves. Thus it stands for safety and security, long life and health. The month of June is said to be under its influence. It was largely used by the Romans for signets as well as amulets. Its possession was said to enable the wearer to obtain the love of women, to heal the sick, to confer the gift of oratory, and it was accounted a certain anti- dote for poisons. 17 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND LONG LIFE AND HEALTH The common ingredients of long life are: Great temperance, open air, Easy labor, little care. Sir Philip Sidney. Thy voice comes o'er my spirit like the rush Of the sweet waterfall that leaps and plays In the glad sunshine, when the tranquil hush Of summer noon is broken by the lays Of Nature's untaught minstrels. Life and health, To one so sweetly gifted ! Were thy brow Decked with the jewels which a nation's wealth Had purchased thee, the vain and weak might bow To do thee homage ; but the truth alone Gives value to Affection's whispered tone. Agate — The Fortification. — This is that brownish stone, the various colored stripes of which run in zig- zag or irregular angles, representing the ground plan of fortifications. It signifies CONSTANCY I am constant as the Northern Star; Of whose true fixed and resting quality There's no fellow in the firmament. Shakespeare: Julius Cesab. 18 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES No never from this hour to part, We'll live and love so true, The sigh that rends thy constant heart Shall break thy Edwin's, too. Goldsmith: The Hermit. Oh ! deem him not inconstant, I know he cannot change, Nor ever from its chosen shrine allow his heart to range; But loving* once he loveth still through every coming hour, Nor flitteth like a butterfly from opening flower to flower ! Agate. — The Moss. — The lines upon this variety of Agate resemble moss, from which its name is derived. It typifies EARLY DEATH Death lies on her like an untimely frost Upon the sweetest flower of all the field. Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet. Early, bright, transient, chaste as morning dew, She sparkled, was exhaled, and went to Heaven. Young's Night Thoughts* 19 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND How sweetly they slumbered! No sorrow was theirs, No burdensome thoughts, and no wearisome cares ! They left in the spring-time of being, while flowers Sprang cheerily up to embellish the hours. Bright, beautiful beings, we miss you on earth, We list for the sound of your innocent mirth ; The angels have led you in silence away — For us there are shadows — for you there is day ! Agate — The Rain-bow. — The curved stripes in this stone have the property of displaying rainbow colors when held towards the light. It stands for truth. ANSWER WITH CANDOR . . . . Honesty Needs no disguise or ornament ; be plain Otway. Madame, withouten many woordes, Once, I am sure, you will or no : And if you will, then leave your boordes, And use your wit and show it so. 20 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES For with a beck you shall me call ; And if of ane that burns alway Ye have pitie, or ruth at all, Answere him faire with yea or nay. If it be nay, frendes as before, You shall an other man obtayne, And I myne own, and yours no more. Sir Thomas Wyatt. ALABASTER Is of various colors, though it is oftenest white and translucent. So called from Alabastron, in Upper Egypt, where it abounds. Hence it signifies purity.. Around her shone The light of love, the purity of grace The mind, the music breathing from her face ; The heart whose softness harmonized the whole ; And oh, that eye was in itself a soul ! Byron. Sweet beauty sleeps upon thy brow And floats before my eyes: As meek and pure as doves art thou Or beings of the skies. Robert Morris. 21 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND AMAZON STONE Felspar (or Ice-Spar). — Its color is verdigris-green. It is found in Russia, and is classed as sacred in the East, and is supposed to drive away lunar influences; make its wearer regular and methodical and constant in friendship and good wishes. FRIENDSHIP The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried Grapple them by the soul, with hooks of steel. Shakespeare: Hamlet. Great souls by instinct to each other turn 1 Demand alliance and in friendship burn. Addison: The Campaign. But friendship does two souls in one comprise ; Here in a full and constant tide doth flow All blessings man can hope to know ; Here in a deep recess of thought we find Pleasures which entertain, and which exalt the mind; Pleasures which do from well-tried friendship rise, Which make us happy as they make us wise. W. Dillon. POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES GOOD WISHES Be thy name most kindly spoken; May thy faith remain unbroken ; Be thy heart the home of pleasure, Bright with sunshine without measure; Be thy pathway strewn with roses, Fair as those which June discloses ; Be thy spirit's eye unshrouded, And its atmosphere unclouded ; Be thy peace unbroken ever ; Be thy home in Heaven forever ! AMBER Usually presents some shade of yellow in its color, from which it sometimes passes to reddish-brown. According to the legend it is a concretion of tears of the birds who never ceased weeping for the death of their brother Meleager. Around thee shall glisten the loveliest amber That ever the sorrowing sea-bird hath wept. T. Moore. From the earliest times it has been used as an amulet, and as a panacea for a number of diseases — deaf- ness, dropsy, toothache, sore throat, etc. The Shah of Persia wears a cube of amber, said to have fallen from Heaven in the time of Mahomet, which is said to render him invulnerable. 23 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND DISDAIN In the flash of her glances were passion and pride, In the curve of her lip there was haughty contempt As she spoke of the power to riches allied, Of the evil and pain from which she was exempt. Mrs. Osgood. Thou canst have my gems and gold, All that avarice may covet; But my heart thou canst not hold, Since such dross is prized above it! AMETHYST Amethyst, for the most part nearly transparent, is of every shade of violet. Specimens of various colors are brought from Brazil, but the finest come from Ceylon, India and Persia. In the earlier times it was supposed to be an antidote for intoxication and was the most cherished of all precious stones by the Roman matrons, who believed that it would preserve inviolate the affection of their husbands. It stands for Faith, Protection, Peace of Mind, Sincerity, deep love and truth unto death. It is called the Prelate's Gem. The month of February is said to be under its influence. 24 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES St. Valentine was said to have worn an amethyst ring engraved with a cupid. An exquisite engraving of a Bacchante on an amethyst was supposed to have belonged to the famous Cleopatra. "Antipater" thus writes of it. A Bacchante wild on amethyst I stand The engraving truly of a skilful hand; The subject's foreign to the sober stone, But Cleopatra doth the jewel own, And on her royal hand all must agree The drunken goddess needs must sober be! Aristotle thus describes the origin of the Amethyst: a beautiful nymph, beloved by Bac- chus, invoked the aid of Diana, the Goddess of Chastity, who answered her appeal by changing her into a precious gem. The baffled god, in remembrance of his love, gave to the stone the color of the purple wine, of which he had taught mortals the taste, and also endowed the amethyst with the faculty of preserving its wearer from the inebriating effect of the grape. PEACE OF MIND An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain ; O, give me my lowly thatched cottage again. LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND The birds singing gaily that come at my call ; Give me sweet peace of mind, that is dearer than all. John Howard Payne. I ask not shining gold, Or greatness, lingering in the court of kings, But that the Shepherd guard our little fold — Our harp's unbroken strings. At eve, when all is still, Save the soft-sighing wind or evening bird, How the home voices through my spirit thrill, Till all its depths are stirred ! No wild, unholy prayer Lingers upon my lips with blasting power ; My woman's heart, in love's congenial air, Enjoys each fleeting hour! APATITE It resembles the Beryl and Emerald, but is dis- tinguishable in color and hardness. The colors are white, blue, green, and red, and it stands for 26 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES FAITH IN IMMORTALITY Cold in the dust this perished heart may lie, But that which warm'd it once shall never die. Campbell. Love which proclaims thee mortal, bids thee know, A truth more lofty in thy lowliest hour Than shallow glory taught to human power — ■ "What's Human is Immortal!" Bulwer Lytton. Great Animator of this dust ! Oh ! breathe in me sublimer trust, Than that which, grovelling, sinks, to steep This ending lif e in endless sleep ! This flesh may crumble, and this bone In dust on wildest winds be strown, But as thy call shall wing its way — Death shall be life, and darkness day. Richard Howitt. M LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND APYRITE, OR PYRITES A crystallized combination of sulphur with other metals, which often gives off sparks when struck with a hammer. Darwin the elder speaks of Stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends. It signifies WELCOME Thou art welcome as the day, As the loveliest of May; — And the azure-vested night, On her summer wings of light, Hath not eyes more softly bright Than are thine ! Thou art beautiful as flowers, As the fairest in my bowers ; I've the Lily and the Rose, But the hues that they disclose, Oh! what are they to those That are thine ! Thou art spotless as the snow Ere the moon upon it glow ; — 28 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES But the moon must have its ray, And the snow-wreaths melt away, And hearts, — why should not they ? Why not thine? Pierce Shafton. AQUAMARINE A variety of the Beryl. Its color is a pale, pure, sky- blue or sea-green, and it is one of the few jewels that do not lose their brilliancy at night. Thus it stands for Hope, which misfortune cannot conquer. MISFORTUNE AND HOPE I may not weep — I cannot sigh, A weight is pressing on my breast ; A breath breathes on me witheringly, My tears are dry, my sighs supprest. N. P. Willis. Though at times my spirit fails me, And the bitter tear-drops fall Though my lot is hard and lonely, Yet I hope — I hope through all. The Hon. Mrs. Norton. 29 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Thy morning sun rose brightly, but a cloud Received its splendor, and the shadow fell On thy young spirit, which to sorrow bowed, — Bound by its chilling and mysterious spell. Then first thy heart its strength and weakness knew — What dreams to nurse, what passions to subdue ! Hope, with her pencil dipped in rainbow hues, Portrays thy noon-tide hour so calmly bright, That fancy's wing its airy flight renews, And revels in the fields of azure-light, Which lie unclouded o'er the distant scene, Fair as a summer's sea, waveless, serene I AVANTURIN It is a brown, or red Quartz, has a resinous lustre, and is penetrated with gold or brass yellow glistening fissures. It is found in the Uranian mountains, Styria, near Madrid, Nantez, Scotland, etc. It is supposed to typify the love of wandering. RECALL Where'er I roam whatever realm, I see My heart untravelled, fondly turns to thee. O. Goldsmith: The Traveller. 30 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Where'er thou journey est, or whate'er thy care, My heart shall follow and my spirit share. Mrs. Sigourney. Return, return ; the mild, warm airs are blowing Around thy northern home ; Above us, summer skies are richly glowing, — Why wilt thou roam? From the still temple of our spirit straying, Love folds thee in its wing ! Affection breathes her prayer o'er hope decaying And mourns her blighted Spring ! AXINITE OR THUMERSTONE The name of this mineral is derived from the Greek, meaning an axe. Its colors are violet, blue, brown, gray, and yellow. It is found in many parts of Europe. It was supposed to have the power of revealing mystery. THE MYSTERY OF LIFE There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Shakespeare: Hamlet. 31 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND " Life is before ye " — oh, if ye could look Into the secrets of that sealed book, Strong as we are with youth, and hope, and faith. Frances Kemble Baker. Mysterious oft it seems to me, How I a being came to be, Since through the myriad years gone by, Suns rose and set, yet lived not I. Richard Howitt. THE MYSTERY OE DEATH In that sleep of death, that dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil. Shakespeare : Hamlet. Can that man be dead Whose spiritual influence is upon his kind? He lives in glory, and his speaking dust Has more of life than half its breathing mould. Miss L. E. Landon. {From the German). Soon with thee will all be over, Soon the voyage will be begun, POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES That shall bear thee to discover Far away a land unknown. W. H. Furness. BERYL The most magnificent Beryl comes from Siberia, Rio de Janeiro, Aberdeenshire, in Scotland, and Limoges, in France. The colors are green, blue, yellow, or greenish- white, all pale shades. It is sacred to mariners and is "a second-sight" stone, at one time much used by fortune tellers, who looked into it and then uttered their predictions. It signifies Everlasting Freshness, Victory, Happiness and Constancy. FORGET-ME-NOT Where flows the fountain silently, There blooms a lovely flower, Blue as the beauty of the sky ; It speaks like kind fidelity, Through fortune's sun and shower — " Forget-me-not." 'Tis like thy starry eyes, more bright Than evening's proudest star; 33 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Like purity's own halo light ; It seems to smile upon thy sight, And says to thee from afar — " Forget-me-not." Halleck. There's not a look, a word of thine, My soul hath e'er forgot ; Thou ne'er hast bid a ringlet shine, Nor given thy locks one graceful twine, Which I remember not. Thomas Moore. BOHEMIAN DIAMOND This is the limpid colorless Rock Crystal, cut and polished, (q. v.) It often contains hair-like substances and is called Thetis's Hair Stone, Venus's Hair Stone, Venus's Pencils, Cupid's Net, Cupid's Arrows. It stands for close and faithful attachment. FOREVER THINE Thought ye your iron hands of pride Could break the knot that love had tied? No ! — let the eagle change his plume, 34 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES The leaf its hue, the flower its bloom ; But ties around this heart were spun That could not, would not be undone. T. Campbell. Forever thine — when circling years have spread Time's snowy blossoms o'er thy snowy brow, When youth's rich glow, its purple light is fled, And lilies bloom where roses flourish now. Forever thine — at evening's dewy hour, When gentle hearts to tenderest thoughts incline, When balmiest odors from each closing flower Are breathing round me — thine, forever thine ! Forever thine — 'mid Fashion's heartless throng, Its courtly bowers — at Folly's gilded shrine, Smiles on my cheek, light words upon my tongue, My deep heart still is thine — forever thine ! Alaric A. Watts. BOTTLESTONE A variety of Tourmaline, of a grass-green, or olive- green color. See also Tourmaline. It signifies 35 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND SUSPICION Better confide and be deceived A thousand times, by treacherous foes, Than once accuse the innocent, Or let suspicion mar repose. Mrs. Osgood. Oh fly ! 'tis dire Suspicion's mien ; And meditating plagues unseen, The success hither bends ; Behold her torch in gall imbued, Behold — her garment drops with blood Of lovers and of friends. Fly far ! already in your eyes I see a pale suffusion rise ; And soon through every vein, Soon will her secret venom spread, And all your heart, and all your head, Imbibe the potent stain. Akenside. CACHELONG A kind of Chalcedony. — The name of this stone is of Mongolian origin, meaning a "pretty stone." It 36 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES is milky-white, turning sometimes to yellow or red color. The price is high, on account of its beauty and scarcity. It stands for Truth and Love's Ambition. So called from Chalcedon in Asia Minor, where it was first found. Agate, carnelian, cat's-eye, chrysoprase, flint hornstone, onyx, plasma and sard are all varieties of Chalcedony. It is said "to dispel illusions and all vain imagina- tions. If hung about the neck as a charm it is a de- fence against enemies and keeps the body healthful and vigorous." LOVE INSPIRES MY AMBITION You have deeply ventured, But all must do so who would greatly win. Byron : The Dogs of Venice. It is for thee, for thee alone I seek The paths of glory — to light up thy cheek With warm approval — in that gentle look To read my praise, as in an angel's book, And think all toil's rewarded, when from thee I gain a smile, worth immortality ! T. Moore. THE CARBUNCLE See Garnet. — The carbuncle is first cousin to the garnet and belongs to the " Pyrope " family. The an- 37 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND cients applied the word " carbunculus " to all red and fiery stones — the word meaning a live coal. Carbuncles of large size and of extraordinary lumi- nosity and brilliance are prized in the East. The only light that Noah had in the ark was said to have been furnished by the effulgence of carbuncles and other precious stones, and many Oriental Tales tell of the wondrous light that this stone gives. Ovid describes the Palace of the Sun Beset with sparkling carbuncles that like fire doth shine, The roof was framed with carvings rare and fine. And Churchill tells of the carbuncles on the door of the witch of Orandra: ... So star-like bright they shone They served as tapers to give light To the dark entry. The Goddess Astarte of Hieropolis had a monster car- buncle set in the forehead. CARNELIAN A precious stone, of light-red, or flesh color. It was found originally in Sardinia. Many in the British Mu- seum were found in the field of Cannae in Apuli, where Hannibal defeated the Romans. It signifies Friendship, Content, and the month of July is supposed to be under its influence. 38 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES FRIENDSHIP IN SORROW Re of comfort and your heavy sorrow Part equally among us: storms divided Abate their force, and with less rage are guided. Heywood's Woman Killed with Wisdom. Together 'neath the early morn, We took our joyous way, Where clustering blossoms hid the thorn, And all around was gay ; And now, when midnight's wildest storms The troubled sleeper wake, And Fear calls forth its phantom forms, Shall I thy side forsake? Ah! no, beneath misfortune's dart, Thy cheek bedewed with tears, Thou'rt dearer to my yearning heart Than in thy cloudless years. Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. - . CARNELIAN ONYX Such as have a blood-red base, interchanged with white stripes. The finest are found in the United States, Siberia, India, etc. See also Onyx and Cachelong. It is a charm against misfortune and is used as an emblem of prosperity by some. 39 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND DISTINCTION LIES BEFORE THEE We tell thy doom without a sigh, For thou art Freedom's now and Fame's,- One of the few immortal names That were not born to die. FlTZGREENE HaI/LECK I BOZZARUS. Lo! on the mountain's brow One point of gleaming light ! And thither climbest thou, With eye and spirit bright. Ay, thou at last shall stand In all that golden glow, A sceptre shining in thy hand To rule the world below. Oh use that sceptre well! Not as a spear to smite, But like a wand of mighty spell To serve the cause of Right ! If thou win Power, do good! If Fame, deserve thy meed! If Wealth, oh, pout it like a flood O'er all this world of need! Miss S. C. Edgarton. 40 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES CAT'S-EYE Its colors are gray, brown, green, red, and yellow. It presents a peculiar floating, changeable, opalescent light. It is found never larger than a hazelnut. It is found in Ceylon, Malabar, Hartz mountains, Bavaria. It is supposed to give warning of danger, storm and trouble and was a charm against witchcraft. The Hindoos believe that the Cat's-Eye is inhabited by some good spirit and wards off poverty. The possession of the stone guards the owner's wealth, but if he sells or barters it, his wealth will vanish. It is a great favor- ite with the English people, who generally wear it set in small brilliants. It signifies PLATONIC LOVE Love not — love not — the thing you love may change. The rosy lips may cease to smile on you; The kindly beaming eye grow cold and strange The heart still warmly beat, and not for you. Hon. Mrs. Norton. From her lone path she never turns aside, Though passionate worshippers before her fall; Like some pure planet in her lonely pride, She seems to soar and beam above them all ! 41 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES A thousand, thousand things there are That cannot be by words express'd. One cordial grasp, — one bursting sigh, — One speaking glance, — one sob half choked,- Tell more of these than all the words Wherein man's thoughts are ever cloak'd. Anonymous. CHRYSOBERYL It is found in Brazil, in Terno Minas Novas, Pegu, Ceylon and Siberia, also in Connecticut and New York. Its color is green with a tinge of brown, yellow, gray or white. It signifies Charity and Patience. PATIENCE AND SORROW Where are most sorrows there the poet's sphere is To feed the soul with patience, To heal its desolations, With words of unshorn truth, with Love that never wearies. James R. Lowell. 43 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Not that her heart is cold ! emotions new And fresh as flowers, are with her heart- strings knit ; And sweetly mournful pleasures wander through Her virgin soul, and softly ruffle it. Mrs. A. B. Welby. CHLOROPHANE A translucent variety of the Fluorspar, found in England, Siberia, and the United States, is of beautiful variegated colors, principally blue, violet, and green. When put on a hot iron in a dark room, it emits a most beautiful emerald-green light. See also Fluorspar. It signifies SILENT EXPRESSION She never told her love But let concealment, like a worm i' the bud Feed on her damask cheek ; she pined in thought ; And with a green and yellow melancholy She sat (like patience on a monument) Smiling at grief. Shakespeare: Twelfth Night. Why trust to words ! Oh ! words are naught When fullest swells the throbbing breast; 42 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Patience and sorrow strove Who should express her goodliest. You have seen Sunshine and rain at once; her smiles and tears Were like a better day. Those happy smiles That played on her ripe lip, seemed not to know What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence As pearls from diamonds dropped. In brief, Sorrow would be a rarity most beloved, If all could so become it. Shakespeare. CHRYSOLITE A greenish, yellowish, or brownish stone, sometimes transparent. It comes chiefly from the Levant. It was supposed to drive away phantoms, prevent folly, mad- ness and covetousness, to give assiduity in good works, and to gladden the heart. The month of September is said to be under its in- fluence. DISAPPOINTED LOVE And she was lost — and yet I breath'd But not the breath of human life; POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES A serpent round my heart was wreathed, And stung my every thought to strife. Byron's Giaour. Had she been true, If Heaven would make me such another world Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, I'd not have sold her for it. Shakespeare. CORAL The Red oe Precious. — The Barbarian, or those fished for on the coast of Barbary, are the thickest and purest. Almost every East India lady wears a bracelet or neck- lace made of coral. The Romans hung beads of coral around the neck of children to preserve and fasten their teeth, and it was also considered by them a charm against lightning, whirlwind and fire. It was credited with many other talismanic properties, among them being potency against the influence of the evil eye. It is said to retain its color when worn in health, but to become pale and livid in sickness or in danger of death. THY CHOICEST JEWEL IS THY HEART There are gems on thy brow, love! soft orient pearls Are gleaming like snow-flakes, amid thy rich curls: 45 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Ay, truly, dearest, thou art formed to guide, To guide, to shelter, to uphold and bless ! And I can walk with brave heart at thy side, Safe in thy spirit's strength and tenderness! Thine eye, so clear, the dim way can discern ; No track in life looks doubtful unto thee ; Oh let me take thy hand, and meekly learn The way of duty, — sometimes dark to me. Thy mind is like a torch, that through the gloom Sheds a clear brightness where our feet should tread ; O blessed lot, from altar to the tomb, By hand and heart so steadfast to be led! Miss S. C. Edgarton. CORUNDUM OR DIAMOND SPAR It is translucent, and either gray, red, blue, green, brown or whitish in different shadings. It is found in Piedmont, Cananora, Campo Longo, the East Indies and Sweden, and signifies mental endowments. 47 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND They circle thy white arm, and lie on thy breast, Less fair than the pillow alone where they rest ; Their lustre is shamed by thy radiant eyes, — But thy heart, love, thy heart is the jewel I prize. They tell me thy casket hath many a gem, Which a monarch might place in his proud di- adem ; The diamond's lustre, the ruby's rich glow, And pearls that may vie with the new-fallen snow ; But wealth may buy these at the jewelry mart — The gem which I covet is priceless — thy heart ! Mrs. C. A. Jerauld. CORNALINE One variety is called by the French Cornalines de vieille roche. The color is dark-red. It signifies leader- ship. THOU ART FORMED TO GUIDE I stand like one Has lost his way, and no man near him to in- quire it of. Sir Robert Howard. 46 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND THE MIND ALONE IS VALUABLE The mind within me panted after mind The spirit sighed to meet a kindred spirit And in my human heart there was a void. James Montgomery. For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich ; And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds, So honor peereth in the meanest habit. What, is the jay more precious than the lark, Because his feathers are more beautiful? Or is the adder better than the eel, Because his painted skin contents the eye? O no, good lady; neither art thou the worse For this poor furniture and mean array ! Shakespeare. DIAMOND Diamond is the corruption of the word adamant, coming to us from the Greek, the Latin and the French. But the loadstone or magnet is perhaps the true adamant, though the word has been used indiffer- ently for any hard stone as well as for the loadstone. Virgil speaks of adamantine pillars to express hardness 48 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES and strength. Milton in the same way says that the gates of hell were of burning adamant. Satan wore armor and carried a shield of adamant. Shakespeare calls it adamant and so Green, As true to thee as steel to adamant. In the Arabian Nights we read of the mountain or mine of adamant "which draws all your fleet towards it by virtue of the iron in your ships." The colorless diamonds are not the most common. The rarest colors are blue, pink, and dark-brown, but yellow diamonds, when the color is clear, are very beau- tiful, and much valued. Pale-blue diamonds are also very fine and rare, but deep-blue still more rare. They are said to give hardness, fortitude and manhood. A good diamond is said to lose its virtue by sin on the part of the wearer. It also stands for Purity, Life and Joy, and is sometimes used as an emblem for pride. The month of April is said to be under its influence. PRIDE Of all the causes which conspire to blind, Man's erring judgment, and misguide the mind, What the weak head with strongest bias rules, Is pride, the never failing vice of fools. A. Pope: Essay on Criticism. Thou tread'st as if the common earth Were all too mean a thing For creature of thy lordly birth And vast aspiring! 49 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Oh ! who would complain of dull sorrow In a world so enchantingly fair? Let us rather from ecstasy borrow The spells that can banish despair. Caldee Campbell. EMERALD The oriental Emerald is a variety of the Ruby, of a green color, and is an extremely rare gem. "An emerald without a flaw" is a proverb denoting per- fection which is unattainable. The most intensely col- ored and valuable ones are brought from Peru. It was supposed to heal all diseases of the eye, and there is a curious tradition that if a serpent fixes its eyes upon an emerald it becomes blind. It chiefly signifies happi- ness in love, and is an emblem of faith and freedom. 44 It is the gem which hath the power to show If plighted lovers keep their troth or no. If faithful, it is like the leaves in spring; If faithless, like those leaves when withering." The month of May is said to be under its influence. "Paint me in emeralds," said the Empress Josephine to Isabeg when he was painting her portrait, "to rep- resent the undying freshness of my grief: but let them be surrounded with diamonds to portray the purity of my love." 51 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND The diamond blazing in thy hair Thy emblem meet may be! Thou lack'st a jewel far more rare — Meek-eyed humility! EGYPTIAN PEBBLE Pebbles are too well known to need description. This particular kind has been held to denote MIRTH Oh, no! we were ne'er made for sighing! 'Tis the bigot or fool that repines; We should shoot Pleasure's quarry while flying And bask in the sun when it shines. Then doff that dark wreath from your beaver, We want not the yew's sombre gloom, Nor the willow that mourns the deceiver, Nor cypress that nods o'er the tomb. The garland must all be of roses, Fresh plucked from those bowers of delight, Where blossom the sweetest of posies, — Where day never yieldeth to night! 50 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND SUCCESS IN LOVE Love's reign is eternal, The heart is his throne, And he has all seasons Of life for his own. G. P. Morris. Clouds and darkness, flee away! In my soul is perfect day ! Words are feeble to express Half my hoarded happiness! Love hath kindled with its flame Thoughts that have no earthly name, But on lightest wing they soar Earthly griefs and passions o'er! In my soul is perfect day, Doubts and fears are passed away. ESSONITE, OR CINNAMON STONE It is found in sands of rivers, and In the primitive rocks of Ceylon, also in Scotland. Its color is deep-red, hyacinth and orange yellow, and it means the Call of Love. 52 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES IT IS LOVE INVITES THEE And had he not long read The heart's hushed secret, in the soft dark eye Lighted at his approach, and on the cheek, Coloring all crimson at his lightest look? Miss L. E. Landon. O ! 'Tis a voice that comes from heaven, Borne like a spirit in light along, Now like the rush of a tempest driven. Murmuring now in the charm of song. Hear ye the voice ? — then come away Far from the haunts of ruder men — Come where the leaves and fountains play — You may love and be happy then ! Anonymous. FLINT Is familiar as the stones on the street. When polished it is often very beautiful. Its very natural signification is HARD HEARTED Still so hard hearted? What may be The sin thou hast committed: That now the angry deity 53 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES ABSENCE Love reckons hours for months, and days for years, And every little absence is an age. Dryden : Amphiteion. I miss thee each lone hour, Star of my heart ; No other voice hath power Joy to impart. Darkness is on the hearth, Naught do I say ; Books are but little worth ■— Thou art away. Voices the true and kind Strange are to me ; I have lost voice and mind Thinking of thee. Oh, if one little week Yieldeth such pain, Who through long widowed years Life could sustain? Mes. J. H. Scott. 55 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Hath to a rock congealed thee, And thus thy burden fitted? To make one act both sin and curse, And plague thy hardness with a worse ! Till thee never was but one Was to a rock translated. Poor Niobe, that weeping stone: She never did, thou ne'er dost moan, Nor is thy scorn abated. The tears I send to thee are grown Of that same nature, and turn stone. Yet men, dear rock, must worship thee, Love works this superstition, And justifies th' idolatry That shewn to such a rock as thee, Where it foreruns fruition. Thou'rt so magnetic, that it can No more leave thee, than be a man. Alex Brome (1600). FLUORSPAR Its colors are purple, red, green, yellow, gray, blue, white, and all the various shades from the violet to the rose-red. It is found in numerous localities. It signifies 54 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND FREESTONE This is really sandstone: too well known to need de- scription. It has been used to denote GENEROSITY Oh! rich art thou in generous thoughts and deeds, My noble friend! Thou scornest those base arts, By which the ignoble throng so often win The glittering prize. A fallen foe by thee Is lifted up, — his hatred turned to love, — His wrath to peace. Thou yieldest up un- asked The dearest hopes of youth, — long cherished hopes, Inwoven with thy fondest plans of life, To buy another's peace, — content thyself To plant the golden flowers, which other hand Unthinkingly perhaps shall cull. D. A. Jaques. GARNET Its prevailing color is red of various shades, but it is often brown, and sometimes green, yellow, or black. 56 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Signifies Friendship, Constancy and Felicity and renders the wearer agreeable, powerful and victorious. The month of January is supposed to be under its in- fluence. FIDELITY IN EVERY ENGAGEMENT Though human, thou didst not deceive me, Though woman, thou didst not forsake. Though loved, thou forborest to grieve me, Though slandered, thou never could'st shake. Though taunted, thou didst not disclaim me, Though parted, it was not to fly. Though watchful, 'twas not to defame me, Nor mute, that the world might belie. Byron. Swerving from duty never ! True thou art To the best teachings of thy noble heart ; Like the vast rock which rears its giant form, Breasting the ocean-tide, the wintry storm, So art thou strong whatever blasts assail, So doth thy changeless virtue never fail! Sooner shall solid continents decay, Than thine unbroken word will pass away. 57 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES BE STRONG Be strong to bear life's many ilia, To toil, to struggle, to endure; The hope that now thy bosom thrills, Cheers with its light, serene and pure. But should the light be shaded soon, And disappointed rear its form, Fear not ! the sun of manhood's noon Will quick dispel the gathered storm. The mighty will can conquer fate, And find a pathway of its own ; And though bereft and desolate, Rests on its broad, unshaken throne. GRANITE— -RED Is one of the most familiar of stones — more often used for buildings and monuments than for jewelry — yet it takes a fine polish and this particular variety stands for INNOCENT LOVE Loving she is, and tractable, though wild; And Innocence hath privilege in her 59 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND VIRTUE How safely and sweetly the spirit reposes Where virtue presides on her durable throne ; The path may be rough or imbedded in roses — We may tread it in concert or wander alone, But the indwelling guest soothes the bitterest sorrow, And through the dark present illumines the mor- row! GARNET — BOHEMIAN OR CEYLONESE Its colors are wine-red, nearly orange-yellow, deep- colored. It is found in almost all parts of the world. See also Garnet, which signifies Friendship. FRIENDSHIP A golden treasure is the tried friend: But who may gold from counterfeits defend? Trust not too soon, nor yet too soon mistrust: With the one thyself, with th' other thy friend how hurt'st Who twines betwixt and steers the golden mean, Nor rashly loveth, nor mistrusts in vain. Mirror for Magistrates. 58 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND To dignify arch looks and laughing eyes ; And feats of cunning; and the pretty round Of trespasses, affected to provoke Mock chastisement, and partnership in play. And, as a fagot sparkles on the hearth, Not less if unattended and alone Than when both young and old sit gathered round, And take delight in its activity, — Even so this happy creature of herself Is all sufficient ; solitude to her In blithe society, who fills the air With gladness and involuntary songs. William Wordsworth. HAUYNE This is costly and scarce. It is found in ejections of Vesuvius, in Italy, and in Scotland. Its colors are in- digo, sky, and smalt blue, also white, green, gray, and black and it signifies DO NOT BID ME LEAVE THEE There are two souls whose equal flow In gentle streams so calmly run 60 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES That when they part — they part ? — ah no ! They cannot part — those souls are one. Bernard Barton. No more my dear, no more these counsels try, O give my passions leave to run their race. Let fortune lay on me her worst disgrace ; Let folk o'ercharged with brain against me cry; Let clouds be dim, my face break in mine eye; Let me no steps then of lost labor trace ; Let all the earth with scorn recount my case ; But do not will me from my love to fly ! Sir Philip Sidney (Written in the sixteenth century.) HELIOTROPE OR BLOODSTONE This stone is much admired and the price depends upon the color and quantity of red spots contained in the same. It is found in many parts of the world. Said to secure long life and safety and to signify Courage and Wisdom. It was also said to render the wearer invisible. The month of March is said to be under its influence. 61 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES HORNSTONE This stone is not costly. It is found in many parts of Europe. It has often several colors in the same speci- men. It signifies Changeableness. THOU ART CHANGED I ask not what change has come over thy heart, I seek not what chances have doomed us to part ; I know thou has told me to love thee no more And I still must obey where I once did adore. Hoffman. I knew thee first in early youth, And oh ! I loved thee then ; For thou wast a fair take of truth, From the Almighty's pen! And gazing on thy sunny face, And on thine open brow, Oh ! who the falsehood then might trace, That marks what thou art now ! It was no earthly love did bring My spirit to thy shrine ; I bowed as to an angel-thing That never could be mine ! LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND I MOURN YOUR ABSENCE A boat at midnight sent alone To drift upon the moonless sea, A lute whose leading chord is gone, A wounded bird, that hath but one Imperfect wing to soar upon Are like what I am without thee ! Thomas Moore* Come to me, come, for long have I sustained Life's weary toil alone, And felt, by hope deferred, my spirit pained, And waited for the tone Which made thy lightest word a treasured thing ; And now I pine like- bird with broken wing ! Come to me, come! Such partings are like death, And make the heart an urn For buried hopes, o'er which but memory's breath Whispers of love's return! Come to me, come ! for thou too art a prey Unto this wasting of the heart away ! 62 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND I mourn no idle passion cross'd, But oh ! I grieve that thou — All bright and pure as once thou wast — Should'st be — what thou art now. Anonymous. HYACINTH This stone and Zircon are considered two varieties of the same mineral. Its color is deep red with a touch of brown, and sometimes orange-yellow. It is preferred to the Zircon. It is said to give second sight, to pro- mote sleep and to preserve from thunder-storm and pestilence and to typify Parting. WE MUST PART Well, — peace to thy heart, though another's it be, And health to thy cheek, though it bloom not for me. Thomas Moore. Farewell ! we have not often met ; — We may not meet again ; But on my heart the seal is set Love never sets in vain ! 64 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Fruitless as constancy may be, No chance, no change, may turn from thee One who has loved thee wildly, well, — But whose first love-vow breathed farewell! L. E. Landon. HYANITE, OR HYALITE A pellucid variety of opal looking like colorless gum or rosin, called also Mailer's glass. It has been employed to signify A POOR MARRIAGE How uneasy is his life, Who shall ever have a wife! Be she ne'er so fair or comely, Be she ne'er so foul or homely, Be she ne'er so young and toward, Be she ne'er so old and froward, Be she kind with arms enfolding, Be she cross and always scolding, Be she blithe or melancholy, Have she wit, or have she folly; Be she wary, be she squand'ring, Be she staid, or be she wand'ring; 65 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Be she constant, be she fickle, Be she fire or be she sickle, Yet uneasy is his life — Who shall ever have a wife! Chaeles Cotton (1650). HYPERSTHENE This mineral is rare. It is found in Labrador, Green- land, and in the United States. Its colors are dark- brown, red, greenish or grayish-black. It admits of high polish. It signifies THOU AET THE SUN OF MY LIFE The lark now leaves his wat'ry nest, And, climbing, shakes his dewy wings; He takes his window for the east ; And to implore your light, he sings, — Awake, awake, the morn will never rise, Till she can dress her beauty at your eyes. The merchant bows unto the seaman's star, The ploughman from the sun his season takes ; But still the lover wonders what they are Who look for day before his mistress wakes. 66 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Awake, awake, break through your veils of lawn! Then draw your curtains and begin the dawn. Sir W. Davenant. IDOCRASE This stone is little known. Its colors are yellowish or brownish-green, orange-yellow, sometimes blue and black. It is found in primitive and volcanic rocks. Be- longs to the Garnet family and signifies Constancy and Justice. JUSTICE A happy love be thine, and larger light Await thee there; for thou hast bound thy will In cheerful homage to the rule of right, And lovest all, and doest good for all. W. C. Bryant. She was a virgin of austere regard: Not as the world esteems her deaf and blind ; But as the eagle, that hath oft compared Her eye with Heaven's, so and more brightly shined Her lamping sight ! for she the same could wind 67 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Into the solid heart, and, with her ears, The silence of the thought loud speaking hears, And in one hand a pair of even scales she wears. Giles Fletcher. She sits serene in majesty ! Her brow Weareth " immortal amaranth," while be- neath, Unfading youth sits smiling, lovely now As when first garlanded with beauty's wreath ! God's own vicegerent, ofttimes clothed in gloom, But losing never her celestial bloom ! JADE This mineral is of mountain grass or sea-green color. It was originally found in China, Egypt, on the Amazon river, and in the United States. It is called in the East the Divine Stone, and is there worn as an amulet or charm, and signifies Remembrance. Jade was highly esteemed by the Aztecs; the New Zealand savages used it as an emblem of sovereignty; the lake dwellers of Switzerland used it to make beads, and by the Chinese and Japanese it is greatly prized for personal ornament, as well as for the royal cups and vases, and for the manufacture of their idols. The Hin- doos make the handles -of their daggers and scimitars of Jade. The origin of the name is curious. It is from 68 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES the Spanish hyada — the kidneys — because in the middle ages it was worn to ward off the diseases of these organs. UNLOVED BUT REMEMBERED There's not an hour Of day, or dreaming night, but I am with thee ; There's not a wind but whispers of thy name ; And not a flower that sleeps beneath the moon, But in its fragrance tells a tale of thee. B. W. Proctor. Like an enfranchised bird, who wildly springs, With a keen sparkle in his glancing eye And a strong effort in his quivering wings, Up to the blue vault of the happy sky, — So my enamor'd heart, so long thine own, At length from Love's imprisonment set free, Goes forth into the open world alone, Glad and exulting in its liberty ; But like that helpless bird (confined so long, His weary wings have lost all power to soar), Who soon forgets to thrill his joyous song, And, feebly fluttering, sinks to earth once more — 69 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND So, from its former bonds released in vain, My heart still feels the weight of that remem- bered chain. Hon. Mrs. Norton. JASPER This is of Oriental origin, and is often mentioned in the Bible. Its colors are white, red, yellow, green, blue, brown and black. It is found in Egypt, in al- most all parts of Europe, and in the United States. It signifies variously Pure and Saintly Love, Peace and Strength. It is a talisman for athletes. PRIDE OF STRENGTH His fair large front, and eye sublime, declared Absolute rule, and his hyacinthian locks Round from his parted forehead manly hung Clustering. Milton's Paradise Lost. We read thy destiny upon thy brow, And in the flashing of thine eagle eye ; Impatient for life's conflict art thou now, And flushed with pride, thy heart be beating high. Oh, many a disappointment must thou bear, While from thy spirit rises voiceless prayer ! 70 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES The pity, that thy haughty nature spurns, Still clings to thee, as with prophetic eye My spirit from the op'ning future learns The light and shadow which before thee lie! With conflict worn, impatient for thy rest May'st thou not seek in vain the shelt'ring nest ! JASPER Egyptian Pebble. — It is found in Baden, Egypt, and other places. Among the pebbles of the river Nile it is frequently discovered. It is of gray, brown, or red color. It typifies RESIGNATION Cheer your heart: Be you not troubled with the time, which drives O'er your content these strong necessities ; But let determin'd things to destiny Hold unbewailed their way. Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra. The storm has passed! Before its mighty breath I strove to stand secure in human pride ; I warned against the chilling hand of death, As one by one affection's blossoms died. 71 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Then to my spirit from the lowly sod Came forth a murmur — know the hand of God ! As pliant willow in the weaver's hand, My spirit bent, unbroken but subdued; Death seemed as angel from the shrouded land, With power to quell life's frequent storms en- dued. The heart beneath its shadow sunk to rest, Like an o'erwearied bird within its nest I JASPER OPAL This mineral stands between the Jasper and Opal. The colors are gray, yellow, red and brown. It is found in Hungary, Saxony, and Siberia. It typifies HUMIUTY The bird that soars on highest wing Builds on the ground her lowly nest; And she that doth most sweetly sing Sings in the shade, when all things rest ; In Lark and Nightingale we see What honor hath humility. James Montgomery. 72 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Content within my cottage home, I have no restless wish to roam, In humble hopes the peace I find Of a contented, thoughtful mind. Let others seek the glare of day, I cannot bear the solar ray ; The twilight hour, the tranquil shade Have lured my steps whene'er I strayed. If of humility I boast, At once the priceless gem is lost ! Its throne in silence let me raise And angel harps shall sing its praise! JASPER Ribband, or Striped. — It is found in Siberia, East Indies, Corsica, Tyrol, and Hartz mountains; the West Indies also produce splendid specimens. It has parallel straight or twisted stripes of gray, green, yellow, red or brown colors. It typifies DESPAIR Talk not of comforts, 'tis for lighter ills: I will indulge my sorrows, and give way To all the pangs and fury of despair. Addison's Cato. 73 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Despair, the grave of every hope, Hath opened to receive thee. It hath wrought Its fearful task, and thou art left to grope In pain and darkness with the curse of thought ! Oh, from its black and yawning cavern shrink, As from the noisome pestilence that flies, And wastes at noon-day ! Pause thou not to drink The bitter waters that around thee rise ! JET The color of Jet is a pure, deep black, some- times with a tinge of brown. Amongst the Romans it was known as gagate, or black amber. The Greeks con- sidered it a specific against the toothache and tumours and a marvellous discoverer of unfaithfulness. It is found in different parts of Europe, and in the United States, in Hadley, Massachusetts. Signifies Mourning. SAD REMEMBRANCE Oh! only those Whose souls have felt this one idolatry Can tell how precious is the slightest thing 74 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Affection gives and hallows ! A dead flower Will long be kept, remembrance of love, That made each leaf a treasure. Miss L. E. Landon. We laid her in the valley when all around was bright, And felt within the stricken heart the deepest gloom of night. We twined fresh rose-buds with the curls that lay like golden thread Or halo of celestial light around the sinless head; The long, soft lashes like a veil just hid the dark blue eye, Which ever lent its sweetest light to deck affec- tion's sky. But these are sad remembrances — how precious they can tell, Who give earth's richest gems to Him " who do- eth all things well." KYANITE Its colors are azure-blue passing into light-blue or bluish-white or bluish-green. It is found in many parts of Europe and in the United States. In France and 75 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Spain it has for some years been used in jewelry. It stands for Constancy and Truth. CONSTANCY No never from this hour to part We'll live and love so true; The sigh that rends thy constant heart Shall break thy Edwin's too. O. Gooedsmith: The Hermit. DEATH PREFERRED TO PARTING If I depart from thee, I cannot live; And in thy sight to die, what were it else, But like a pleasant slumber in thy lap? Here I could breathe my soul into the air, As mild and gentle as the cradle babe. Shakespeare. LABRADOR A little-known stone. Its colors are gray, with spots of a vivid play of colors, consisting of blue, red, green, brown, yellow or orange, according to the direction of the light. It signifies 76 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES CAPRICIOUS LOVE The dream on the pillow that flits with the day, The leaf of the willow a breath wears away; The dust on the blossom, the spray on the sea; Ay — ask thine own bosom — are emblems of thee. Miss L. E. Landon. The time that is to come is not ; How can it then be mine? The present moment's all my lot ; And that, as fast as it is got, Lady, is only thine. Then talk not of inconstancy, False hearts, and broken vows; If I, by miracle can be This live-long minute true to thee, 'Tis all that Heaven allows. John Wilmot. LAPIS LAZULI Its lustre is shining and nearly vitreous. Its color is fine azure blue, with different shades, interspersed with spots or veins of pyrites. The name is derived from 77 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND the Arabic word "azul," which means heaven and refers ■to its color. It was highly esteemed for its supposed medicinal properties by the orientals and was largely used as an ornament by the Egyptians and the Greeks. The Chinese make their idols of it. The costly color called ultramarine is made from this stone principally in Rome. It signifies artistic taste, skilful workmanship and nobility of character. Even to the dullest peasant standing by Who fastened still on him a wondering eye He seemed the master spirit of the land. lOANNA BAILLIE. Though of such may gem the earth, yet such rare gems there are, Each shining in its hallowed sphere as virtue's polar star; Though human hearts too oft are found all gross, corrupt and dark, Yet, yet some bosoms breathe and burn, lit by Promethean spark; There are some spirits nobly just, unwarped by pelf or pride, Great in the calm, but greater still when dashed by adverse tide, — 78 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES They hold the rank no king can give, no station can disgrace, Nature puts forth her gentleman, and monarchs must give place. Miss E. Cook. LAVA The blue Lava of Mount Vesuvius has the appear- ance of artificial blue enamel, and is much used in jewelry and other ornaments. It is found in all vol- canic countries. It has nearly all the colors with all the shades. It signifies FAITHFUL HEARTED Thought ye your iron hands of pride Could break the knot that Love had tied? No: — let the eagle change his plume The leaf its hue, the flower its bloom: But ties around this heart were spun, That could not, would not, be undone. T. Campbell. Tell me not of sparkling gems, Set in regal diadems; You may boast your diamonds rare, Rubies bright, and pearls so fair; 79 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND But there's a peerless gem on earth, Of richer ray and purer worth ; 'Tis priceless, but 'tis worn by few — It is, it is the heart that's true. Miss E. Cook. LEPIDOLITE It is found in many parts of the world. There are some variegated specimens of the peach-blossom color, which are extremely beautiful. It signifies I LIVE IN THE PRESENT Trust no future, how'er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act. — Act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o'erhead! H. W. Longfellow. Tell me not of memory's pleasure, There is pain and sadness in it; Let the present fill the measure With the light and gladness in it! Tell me not of hope alluring, — Angel fleet that oft deceives us, Freely future bliss insuring, While in grief and pain she leaves us. 80 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Let the present be our blessing, — Calmly, trustfully enjoy it; She will heed not thy caressing, If thy doubts and fears alloy it! MARBLE — CLOUDED Marble is as well known as the Flint or Granite. It, too, is more used for buildings and statues than for personal adornment, though some varieties combine very prettily with other stones. This particular kind signifies BE NOT VAIN Don't make yourself a mere milliners' dupe, — A bow on your breast will bring none to your side. A heart that's worth having isn't caught in a loop; Silliness, dear, is the sister of Pride ; — And are they not silly who waste half their time In pinking themselves most as fine as a fiddle, And think that they look super-super sublime With waists squeezed like pudding bags tied in the middle ? Beauty is simple and Fashion is blind Or she would take out the tucks of her mind. 81 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND So take off that trumpery, my love, And put on your calico gown, For a spirit like yours should be above Appearing the Flirt of the Town. McDonald Clarke. MARBLE — WHITE HUMILITY, NOT FAME Happy, — happier far than thou, With the laurel on thy brow, He that makes the humblest hearth Lovely but to one on earth. Thou hast a charmed cup, O Fame, A draught that mantles high, And seems to lift this mortal frame Above mortality. Away ! to me, a woman, bring Water from affection's spring. Thou hast green laurel leaves that twine Into so proud a wreath; — For that resplendent gift of thine Heroes have smiled in death. Give me from some kind hand a flower, The record of one happy hour ! POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Thou hast a voice, whose thrilling tone Can bid each life-pulse beat, As when a trumpet's note hath blown, Calling the brave to meet ; But mine, let mine, — a woman's breast, — By words of home-born love be blest. Fame ! Fame ! thou canst not be the stay Unto the drooping reed; The cool fresh fountain in the day Of the soul's feverish need ; Where must the lone one turn and flee ? Not unto thee,— oh! not to thee! Mrs. Hemans. MOONSTONE The color is white, with bluish and greenish shades, semi-transparent and milky. Fine specimens, the size of an ordinary bean, are worth from five to ten dollars. It is a stone of Warning, becoming clear on fortunate days and the reverse on evil ones. Moonstones seem to have received a new lease of popular favor. There was a time when they were con- sidered the luckiest possessions, but fickle fashion brought along a new art jewelry, with semi-precious stones, set in all sorts of devices, and the moonstone suddenly took a back seat. It could not sparkle; it LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND only gleamed faintly, hence the lover of glitter voted it out and down. Now, however, it has reappeared in the shape of buttons. It signifies Thoughtful Friendship. PENSIVENESS Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul! Sweet'ner of life and solder of Society ! I owe thee much. Thou hast deserved of me Far, far beyond what I can ever pay Oft have I proved the labors of thy love : And the warm efforts of the gentle heart, Anxious to please. Blair. A twilight o'er her joyous spirit past, A thought lay in her blue, uplifted eye, Which o'er its gleam and dewy beauty cast, Like the soft, trembling haze of summer's sky. 'Twas not a thought of gladness, 'twas not grief, Yet light and shade were blended in the look, As moonbeams glancing by the dark green leaf Rest with its image in the azure brook. It was a face such as the angels love, Beneath whose calm and sweet expression lies 84 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES A thought of earthly things, a hope above, A cheerful yielding to life's mysteries. Miss E. R. Muntoe. NATROLITE This has a pearly lustre; colors white, yellowish-white, or reddish-brown. On account of its susceptibility of high polish, it has been used in jewelry. It signifies Exuberance, Hope and Female Friendship. FEMALE FRIENDSHIP Who knows the joys of friendship The trust, security and mutual tenderness The double joys, where each is glad for both? Friendship our only wealth, our last retreat and strength Secure against ill fortune and the world. Rowe. In all the counsel that we two have shared, The sister's vows, the hours that we have spent, When we have chid the hasty-footed time For parting us, — O! and is all forgot? — And will you rent our ancient love asunder? 85 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly; Our sex, as well as I, may chide you for it; Though I alone do feel the injury. Shakespeaee. NEPHRITIS See also Jade* YOU AEE FALSE GO ! False one, farewell ! thou hast released The fire imprisoned in my breast; Your beauties make not half the show They did a year or two ago ; For now I find The beauties those fair walls enshrined Foul and deformed appear; Ah! where In woman is a spotless mind? I was betrayed by that false sign To entertainment cold within; But found that fine-built fabric lined With so ill-contrived a mind 86 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES That now I must Nevermore trust The face that so beguiles With smiles! Philosophers their pains may spare Perpetual motion where to find : If such a thing be anywhere, 'Tis, woman! in thy fickle mind! Charles Cotton (1650), OBSIDIAN Was familiar to the ancients, and is now used par- ticularly in mourning jewelry. Its colors are either pure black, grayish, brownish or greenish black, yellow, blue or white, but seldom red. It is found on most of the volcanoes. It signifies Deep Friendship. MUTUAL AMITY O friendship ! of all things the Most rare, and therefore most rare, because most Excellent; whose comforts in Misery Are always sweet, and whose counsels and Prosperity are ever fortunate. Liley (1462). 87 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND The planets of each system represent Kind neighbors; mutual amity prevails; Sweet interchange of rays, received, returned, Enlightening and enlightened! All, at once, Attracting, and attracted! Patriot like, None sins against the welfare of the whole; But their reciprocal, unselfish aid, Affords an emblem of millennial love. Nothing in nature, much less conscious being, Was e'er created solely for itself. Young. ONYX A variety of the Agate employed in the cutting of cameos, and is prepared in such a manner that the darker layer is cut for the base and the lighter for the intended objects. The word is Greek for a finger nail and the stone is so called because its color resembles that of a well-cared-for finger nail. The sard and onyx on one name write And from their union spring three colors bright. The name of onyx, as grammarians teach, Comes from the usage of the Grecian speech. It was a great favorite with Roman lawyers, as It was supposed to confer the gift of persuasive oratory. A very beautiful variety much prized by the Hindoos is the Eye onyx, from its resemblance to the human eye. 88 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES The Asyrians consecrated the stone to their great god " Bel." It is also called Sardonyx, and the month of Au- gust is said to be under its influence. It signifies Con- jugal Felicity. BECIPROCAL LOVE From that day forth, in peace and joyous bliss They lived together long without debate; Nor private jars, nor spite of enemies Could shake the safe assurance of their state. Spenser : The Fairy Queen. To cheer thy sickness, watch thy health Partake, but never waste thy wealth Or stand with smile unmurmuring by — And lighten half thy poverty. Byron : The Bride op Abgdor. There's a bliss beyond all that the minstrel has told, When two, that are linked in one heavenly tie, With heart never changing and brow never cold, Love on through all ills, and love on till they die! 89 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND One hour of a passion so sacred is worth Whole ages of heartless and wandering bliss; And oh! if there be an Elysium on earth, It is this, it is this. T. Moore. OPAL Color white, yellow, red, brown, green and gray. Precious opal is considered a very valuable gem. Its value depends upon its size, purity, and the vivid color it possesses. Its color is said to fade on the in- sincere, the deceitful, and the impure. All that is sweet, hopeful and lovely in jewels is its true virtue. Although for a time it was considered an unlucky stone, it is now held in more popular favor. According to the Eastern legend the opal had the power of making the wearer beloved of God and man so long as he wore it in faith and confidence. The coloring of the opal is due to the presence of air and moisture, the latter sometimes impregnated with coloring matter in its minute fissures. The magical effect of their vivid play of color caused them to be looked upon as the dwelling places of familiar spirits. Tne month of October is said to be under its influ- ence. 90 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES PURE THOUGHTS The following poetical fancy about the Birth of the Opal is one of the best-known pieces by Ella Wheeler Wilcox: The Sunbeam loved the Moonbeam And followed her low and high, But the Moonbeam fled and hid her head She was so shy, so shy. The Sunbeam wooed with passion — Ah! he was a lover bold, And his heart was afire, with mad desire, For the Moonbeam was pale and cold. She fled like a dream before him, Her hair was a shining sheen ; And oh, that fate would annihilate The space that lay between ! Just as the day lay panting In the arms of the twilight dim, The Sunbeam caught the one he sought, And drew her close to him. And out of his warm arms, startled And stirred by love's first shock, 91 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND She sprang, afraid, like a trembling maid, And hid in a niche of rock. And the Sunbeam followed and found her And led her to love's own feast ; And they were wed, on that rocky bed, And the dying day was their priest. And lo! the beautiful opal, That rare and wondrous gem Where the Moon and the Sun blend into one, Is the child that was born to them. Everything about her resembles the purity of her soul Her face, call it pure, not pale! Coleridge: Christabel. Unstained and pure As is the lily or the mountain snow. Thomson. Pure thoughts are angel visitants! Be such The frequent inmates of thy guileless breast. They hallow all things by their sacred touch, And ope the portals of the land of rest. 92 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES By the serene expression of thy face, The mellow light that fills thine azure eye, We know such guests thine inner temple grace, Before whose presence sin and sorrow fly. OPAL — THE FIRE This is found in Zimapan, Mexico and elsewhere. Its color is red. See Opal. ADVERSITY CANNOT CRUSH A rose of fire shut in a veil of snow, An April gleam athwart a misted sky : A jewel — a soul! gaze deep if thou wouldst know The flame-wrought spell of its pale witchery ; And now each tremulous beauty lies revealed, And now the drifted snow doth beauty shield. So my shy love, aneath her kerchief white, Holdeth the glamour of the East in fee; Warm Puritan — who fears her own delight, Who trembleth over that she yieldeth me. And now her lips her heart's rich flame hath told; And now they pale that they have been so bold. Ednah Procter Clarke Hayes. LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND I have not quailed to danger's brow- When high and happy — need I now ? Byron: The Giaour. Rough winds may howl about thy path, And darkness round thee lie — But ever shall thine eye discern A rainbow in the sky! For on thy heart thou bear'st a charm By some good angel given, To strengthen thee amid lif e's ills — 'Tis confidence in Heaven! In vain shall adverse fortune strive To crush thee 'neath her rod! Thou canst defy the hand of fate To shake thy trust in God. Mrs. C. A. Jerauld. OPAL — THE MOSS OR WOOD In it appears shapes of branches, trunks, and roots of trees. It is found in Hungary and in Transylvania. Its color is mostly brownish. It is susceptible of high polish, and it means 94 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES I VALUE THY APPROBATION Banish all compliments, but single truth From every tongue, and every shepherd's heart, Let them use still persuading, but no art. Beaumont and Fletcher. I do not ask the laurel wreath To twine around my brow; For ah! with genius' brilliant gifts, Come heavy cares, I trow. With timid joy I bring to thee My weak and humble lays ; And if thou wilt commend the gift, I seek no other praise. I ask but one approving smile, One blessing on my name, — 'Twere dearer to my simple heart Than all the dreams of fame. Mrs. C. A. Jerauld. PEARLS Obtained from the western side of the Island of Ceylon and many other places. They are white, rose- colored and yellow, occasionally of a delicate blue tint, 95 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND and some are of a golden and silvery hue. They signify Innocence, Purity, Humility and a Retiring Spirit. There is an ancient belief that they are formed by rain-drops falling into the opened oyster shell. Hence Tom Moore's lines: " Precious the tear as that rain from the sky Which turns into pearls as it falls on the sea." Pearls have ever been favorites with the poets. Her- rick says: "Some ask how pearls did grow and where? Then spake I to my girl To part her lips and show me there The quarrelets of pearl." Thomas Carew speaks of "Teeth of pearl the double guard To speech, whence music still is heard." Lovelace tells of "Her lips like coral gates, kept in The perfume and the pearl within," and again he describes how "Lucasta wept, and still the bright Enamored god of day, With his soft handkerchief of light Kissed the wet pearls away." and Shakespeare abounds with references to pearls and tears. 96 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES MODEST LOVELINESS " Not to the halls of the wealthy and gay, Lead me not thither, I prithee, love, stay ! See how the blush mantles over my cheek, At the sweet words thou hast ventured to speak. What shall I do when the flatterer smiles? How shall I answer his treacherous wiles? No, let me be love, fi a dweller apart,' Strong in the love of thy generous heart ! " Wise is thine answer, my beautiful dove, Sitting content in the circle of love Fold, little trembler, thy fluttering wing, Freely partake of love's fathomless spring! So hallowed thy presence, the spirit within Hath whispered " the angels protect thee from sin!" PEARL OF THE WHITE BREAST From the Irish. There's a colleen fair as May, For a year and for a day I've sought by every way — Her heart to gain. There's no art of tongue or eye, 97 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Fond youths with maidens try, But I've tried with ceaseless sigh — Yet tried in vain. If to France or far-off Spain She'd cross the watery main, To see her face again — The sea I'd brave. And if 'tis Heaven's decree, That mine she may not be, May the Son of Mary me — in Mercy save ! George Petrie. PRASE It is found in Saxony, Tyrol, Syria, Hartz, and the Island of Elba. It assumes a very good polish, which it loses on long exposure to the air. Its color is garlic green. It is used in Mosaic works, in the fo- liage, and likewise in the mounting of rubies to set off their color. It is supposed to typify SELF-LOVE Self-love never yet could look on truth, But with bleared beams; sleek flattery and she Are twin-born sisters, and so mix their eyes, As if you sever one, the other dies. Ben Jonson. 98 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES While in my matchless graces wrapt I stand, And touch each feature with a trembling hand ; Deign, lovely self! with art and nature's pride, To mix the colors and the pencil guide. Self is the grand pursuit of half mankind; How vast a crowd by self, like me, are blind! By self, the fop in magic colors shown Though scorned by every eye, delights his own, When age and wrinkles seize the conqu'ring maid, Self, not the glass, reflects the flattering shade. Blacklock. QUARTZ — ROSE It occurs in Sweden, Bavaria, Bohemia and Siberia, and also of a beautiful dark color in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its color is rose-red, and it signifies Fortune and Remembrance. FORTUNE To catch dame fortune's golden smile Assiduous wait upon her, And gather gear by every wile That's justified by honor. Not for to hide it in a hedge Nor for a train attendant, 99 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND But for the glorious privilege Of being Independent. It. Burns. REMEMBERED IN PRAYER Yes, yes, in the holy hour of prayer, With all that is good and true and fair, Shall thy name be known! I breathe it in every morning prayer, It breaks the hush of the evening air, The angels repeat it with rapture, where They circle the starry throne! ROCK CRYSTAL Is found in the highlands of Tyrol and Switzer- land, Madagascar, Dauphiny, Cornwall, Hungary, Scot- land, Ceylon and Siberia, also in the United States. It is translucent and transparent; perfect vitreous lustre; is limpid white, brown, black and yellow. It is used for bracelets, rings, seals, etc. The Rock Crystal was much used in divination. Some specimens are found containing drops of water, which move as the stone is turned about, from which doubtless arose the idea of its magical nature. The surgeons of the days of Pliny used crystals to concentrate the rays of them for the purpose of cauterization and the priests as burning lenses to light the sacrificial fires, the flame thus kindled being called the fire of Vesta. There are specimens which contain hair-like substances and are called 100 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Thetis's Hair-stone, Venus's Pencils, Cupid's Net, Cu- pid's Arrows, etc. Its signification is THOU ART CHILDLIKE IN PURITY 'Twas thy high purity of soul — Thy thought-revealing eye, That placed me spell-bound at thy feet, Sweet wanderer from the sky. Willis G. Clark. — If thou wert sent To wake unholy wishes in this heart, Or tempt its truth, thou little know'st the art; For though thy lips should sweetly counsel wrong, Those vestal eyes would disavow the wrong; I would far sooner stop the unchained dove, When swift returning to its home of love, And round its snowy wings new fetters twine, Than turn from virtue one pure wish of thine. T. Moore. ROCK OF GIBRALTAR It is found only in the rock from which it takes its name. It receives a high polish; is mostly striped, yellowish-white, yellow and brownish. It stands for what its source represents. 101 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND FIRMNESS Come one, Come all, this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I! Sir W. Scott. Be firm ! — whatever tempts thy soul To loiter ere it reach its goal, Whatever siren voice would draw Thy heart from duty and its law, Oh that distrust ! Go gravely on, And, till the victor-crown be won, Be firm! Firm when thy conscience is assailed, Firm when the star of Hope is veiled, Firm in defying wrong and sin, Firm in life's conflict, toil and din, Firm in the path by martyrs trod, — And or, in love to man and God Be firm! Miss S. C. Edgarton. RUBY This ranks next to the diamond. It is found in the sands of rivers and among alluvial matter in Ceylon. Its color is rose-red. 102 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES No stone has been more intimately connected with poetry and romance and few gems can compare either in beauty or value with a perfect ruby. Solomon de- clared that " a virtuous woman was more valuable than rubies," and Job, that "the price of wisdom is above rubies." The ruby was a favorite gage d'amour in the time of the Crusaders, and Scott's "The Talisman" pivots on a marvellous specimen. The Chevalier Bayard was awarded a ruby ring by The Queen of the Tourna- ment, and Queen Elizabeth blessed or cursed the Earls of Suffolk and of Essex with this gem as a token of her affectionate esteem, which led to the scaffold! Ruby lips is a common metaphor with the poets. Herrick says: " I do love a girl Ruby-lipped and tooth'd with pearl." And Spenser says: " 'Twixt the pearls and rubies softly brake A silver sound that heavenly music seemed to make." If the ruby changes color and becomes darker it is supposed to predict misfortune to the wearer. The Chinese bury bags of small rubies under the foundations of their houses to propitiate evil spirits. It signifies Brilliant Success, Divine Power, Love, Dignity, Charity, and promotes forget fulness of all the ills of love and life. COURAGE AND SUCCESS IN DANGEROUS AND HAZ- ARDOUS ENTERPRISE High heart, that bendeth not to adverse fate, — That scorneth danger in its giant forms, — 103 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND 'Mid mournful ruins most sublimely great, Thou courtest destiny's severest storms! A noble ship upon a threat'ning sea, Furling its sails before the angry blast, But changing not its course — is type of thee ! Thou boldly movest on when once the storm has passed! RUBY BALAS A variety of spinelle (which see), pale-red, rose-red, with sometimes a tinge in the brownish or violet. It signifies DIGNITY True dignity is never gained by place And never lost when honors are withdrawn. Massinger. divine power He who reigns on high Upholds the earth, and spreads abroad the sky. With none His name and power will He divide, For He is God and there is none beside. James Montgomery. 104 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES DOMESTIC HAPPINESS Domestic happiness, thou only bliss Of Paradise that has survived the fall ! Cowper: The Task. The earth hath treasures fair and bright, Deep buried in her caves, And ocean hideth many a gem, With its blue curling waves. Yet not within her bosom dark, Or 'neath the dashing foam, Lies there a treasure equalling A world of love at home. The friends whom time hath proved sincere,. 'Tis they alone can bring A sure relief to hearts that droop 'Neath sorrow's heavy wing. Though care and trouble may be mine, As down life's path I roam, I'll heed them not while still I have A world of love at home. J. J. Reynolds. 105 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND SAPPHIRE This ranks, with the ruby, next to the diamond, and is also found in Ceylon. Its color is blue, but there are red, green, violet, yellow, and asteriated varieties. Its name is identical in many languages — thus in Greek Zapphorus, in Latin Sapphorus, and in Hebrew Sap- phir. It has always been associated with things sacred. The first tables of the Law given to Moses were said to be of sapphire. It held a conspicuous place on the breastplate of Aaron and is the gem of gems among the Jews. It is held to be an antidote to melancholy and to confer continency. A Sapphire Ring is invaria- bly given to a Cardinal on his investiture. It was anciently called Hyacinthus, from the resem- blance of its color to the blue fleur-de-lis, and fabled to have sprung from the blood of Apollo's favorite. It signifies Heavenly Faith, Innocence, Virtue, Truth, Constancy, Contemplation and Good Works. INNOCENCE Nursed by the virtues she hath been From childhood hour. FlTZGREENE HaLLECK. I bring no gift of passion — I breathe no tone of love, But the freshness and the purity of a feeling for above — 106 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES I love to turn to thee, fair girl, as one within whose heart Earth hath no stain of vanity, and fickleness no part. Save but to one familier friend thy heart its veil should wear, The faithless vow be all unheard — the flattery wasted there, Heeding the homage of the vain as lightly as some star Whose steady radiance changes not, though thousands kneel afar! Anonymous. SAPPHIRE — THE CAT Its color is blackish or greenish-blue, often not trans- parent. It belongs to the family of Sapphires, though less valuable than some of them. See also Sapphire. It signifies HEAVENLY FAITH Faith lights us through the dark to Deity Whilst without sight, we witness that she shows 107 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND More God than in His works our eyes can see Though none but by those works the Gfcdhead knows. Sir Wm. Davenant. affability For seldom yet did living creature see That courtesie and manhood ever disagree. Spenser: The Fairy Queen. So gently blinding courtesy and art That wisdom's lips seem'd borrowing friend- ship's heart. O. W. Holmes. Thou meet'st me with a kindly welcome ever — Thy pride subdued by every winning grace! And in thy gracious presence, fear hath never Passed with its shadows o'er one sunny face. I dread no cold repulse, no distant greeting, No look of calm indifference to chill, But count the hours which bring the distant meeting, While hope and memory join to bless thee still. 108 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES SARDOIN Sardoin is a variety of carnelian, which exhibits, by- reflected light, a dull reddish-brown color, but by trans- mitted light appears of a rich blood-red. It means CONJUGAL FELICITY All of a tenor was their after-lip, No day discolor'd with domestic strip; No jealousy, but mutual truth believ'd, Secure repose, and kindness undeceiv'd. Dryden : Palamon and Aecite. I bless thee for kind looks and words, Showered on my path like dew, For all the love in those deep eyes, A gladness ever new! For the voice which ne'er to mine replied But in kindly tones of cheer; For every spring of happiness My soul hath tasted here! Mrs. Hemans. 109 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND SATIN GYPSUM This stone bears the greatest resemblance to the Satin Spar, and is much used for the same kind of ornamental purposes. It is abundant all over the world. It stands for FIRST LOVE O the days are gone, when beauty bright My heart-chain wove: Why my dream of life from morn till night, Was love, still love! New hope may bloom, and days may come, Of milder beam, But there's nothing half so sweet in life, As Love's young dream! Thomas Moore. Oh! love — love well, but only once! for never shall the dream Of hopeful youth return again on life's dark rolling stream; No love can match the early one which young affection nursed; Oh, no — the one you love the best is she you loved the first. 110 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Once lost — that gladsome vision past — a fairer form may rise, And eyes whose lustre mocks the light of starry southern skies; But vainly seek you to enshrine the charmer in your breast, For still the one you loved the first is she you loved the best. Hon. Mrs. Norton. SATIN SPAR The colors are snow-white, yellowish-white, or pale-red. The finest specimens are found in England, Hungary and the United States. It takes a fine polish and is much used in jewelry. It typifies Constancy. I SHALL NOT CEASE TO LOVE THEE There is nothing but death Our affections can sever And till Life's latest breath Love shall bind us for ever. Percival. Ill LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Keep if thou wilt thy maiden peace, still calm and fancy free, For God forbid thy gladsome heart should grow less glad for me! But while that heart is still unwon, oh, bid not mine to rove, Let it move on in humble faith, in uncomplain- ing love, If these preserved through patient years at last avail me not, Forget me then, but do not think that thou canst be forgot! J. N. Moultrie. SERPENTINE So called from its frequent resemblance to the skin of the serpent. The finer kinds, called precious or noble serpentine, are translucent and of different shades of rich green, varying from a pale to a rich dark hue. It is not inappropriately held to signify BEAUTY There is no star in heaven so bright As that dark eye of thine ; The gems that gild the crown of night, With paler lustre shine! 112 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES I'd leave the fairest thing of art, To gaze upon that face And faultless form, whose every part Is redolent of grace. Thy step is like the wild gazelle's, As firm, as light, as free; And Beauty, like a spirit, dwells, Enchanting girl, with thee! And oh, what could one ever view That face and form divine, Nor feel, when first that smile he knew, His heart was wholly thine. Anon. SLATE Is too common to call for any description, and has been but little used for personal adornment, but when so used it is held to typify YOU ARE CROSS (ANGER), SCORN, HAUGHTINESS Consider, fair maid, and endeavour To conquer that scorn in thy breast; It is not a haughty behaviour Will set off thy charms at the best. 113 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND The ocean, when calm, may delight you, But should a bold tempest arise, The billows enraged would affright you; Loud objects of awful surprise! 'Tis thus when good humor diffuses Its beams o'er the face of a fair, With rapture his heart a man loses, — While frowns turn love to despair. John Cunningham (1700). SPINELLE (See Ruby Balas.) — Its color is red with many shad- ings of blue, brown, and yellow. Lustre, color, and hardness have made the Spinelle a favorite gem. It is found in Ceylon and in various parts of the United States. It stands for PERFECT CONTENT Content dwells with him, for his mind is fed And temperance has driven out unrest. N. P. Willis. Her heart content She knew not what the spleen or vapors meant. Dryden. 114 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES O my soul's joy! If after every tempest come such calms, May the winds blow till they have wakened death! If I were not to die, 'Twere now to be most happy ; for I fear My soul hath her content so absolute, That not another comfort like to this Succeeds in unknown fate! Shakespeare. SUNSTONE A variety of Adularia, shows a yellow and reddish play of colors. It signifies FREEDOM OE THOUGHT Stone walls do not a prison make Nor iron bars a cage: Minds innocent and quiet take That for a heritage : If I have freedom in my love, And in my soul am free Angels alone, that soar above, Enjoy such liberty. Lovelace: To Althea. 115 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Thought should be free as fire or mind; The pinions of a single mind Will through all nature fly: But who can drag up to the poles Long fettered ranks of leaden souls? A genius which no chain controls Roves with delight, or deep or high; Swift I survey the globe around, Dive to the centre through the solid ground, Or travel o'er the sky. Watts. TOPAZ Its color is white, green, yellow, and blue, in pale shades. It is found in almost all parts of the world. It is constantly alluded to in the Bible and was one of the precious stones in the breastplate of the High Priest. It was also known as the chrysolite or "golden stone." Under the influence of great heat it changes color and becomes highly electric, hence many fabulous prop- erties and powers were attributed to it. The Cairngorm of Scotland, so often alluded to in Scottish literature, is a Topaz. It means Faithfulness, Friendship and Goodness of God; Justice tempered with Mercy. It is said to pre- vent melancholy and to be symbolical of Fruitfulness. The month of November is supposed to be under its influence. 116 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES FIDELITY When other bays have crowned thee, And other hearts are thine; When other bays have crowned thee, More fresh and green than mine ; — Then think how sad and lonely This wretched heart will be; Which, while it beats — beats only, Beloved one ! for thee ! Yet do not think I doubt thee; I know thy truth remains; I would not live without thee For all the world contains. Thou art the star that guides me Along life's troubled sea; — Whatever fate betides me, This heart still turns to thee. G. P. Morris. TOPAZ — BOHEMIAN It is of a pale gold-white, lemon-yellow, or brownish- yellow. It is a variety of the Rock Crystal, and is found in the same localities. See also Topaz and Rock Crystal. It stands for Fidelity. 117 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND MERCY Hate shuts her soul when dove-eyed Mercy pleads. Speague. In mercy and justice both, Through heaven and earth, so shall my glory excel, But mercy first and last shall brightest shine. Milton's Paradise Lost. fidelity Pure as the snow the summer sun Never at noon hath looked upon — Deep as is the diamond wave, Hidden in the desert cave — • Changeless as the greenest leaves Of the wreath the cypress weaves — Hopeless, often when most fond — Without hope or fear beyond Its own pale fidelity — And this woman's love can be. L. E. Landon. 118 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES MYSTERIOUS MEMORIES Into our serious thoughts they sometimes glide, But seek no resting place, and soon depart. Whence are they ? — borne on what mysterious tide Through the still chambers of the throbbing heart ? They wear no shape, but only fragments seem Of some far-distant world that lies behind, So closely shrouded that a transient gleam Alone escapes to wake the restless mind. Here we, in some more favored world than this, Sojourned awhile ere called to earthly scenes? And are these glimpses memories of the bliss Which the long struggling spirit sometimes gleans ? TOURMALINE — APYRITE (See also Bottlestone.) — Is of a carmine or hyacinth- red, purple, rose-red and violet. Sometimes, by looking through in one direction, the red color changes to the blue. It typifies 119 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND GENEROSITY A generous soul is sunshine to the mind. Sir Robert Howard. 'Tis not enough to help the feeble up, But to support him after. Shakespeare: Timon op Athens. Thy hand is open as the flowers Which drink the night's refreshing dew, And lib'ral as the summer showers, Which nature's faded charms renew. There is no mean, contracted thought, Into thy spirit's texture wrought! Though wealth's rich stream hath never flowed Along thy bright but toilsome way, What was thine own hath been bestowed As freely as the light of day. Wealth might have proved a subtle snare Blotting thy spirit's record fair. TURQUOISE This stone is blue or green, often bright. It is found in Persia, either in pebbles or small veins. 120 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES See also Chiysophrase and Malachite. It is said to be a Cheerer of the Soul. It grows pale when worn in sickness and loses color at death of the wearer. Thus it gives warning of evil. It is employed as an emblem of prosperity. In Germany it is much prized as an engagement ring, for the lovers believe that inconstancy will be immediately reflected in the fickle one's jewel. The oriental proverb says "that the Turquoise given by a loving hand carries with it happiness and good for- tune," and another " that the Turquoise pales when the well being of the giver is in danger." The month of De- cember is supposed to be under its influence. THE MOST BRILLIANT SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN LIFE When fortune smiles Be doubly cautious. Sophocles. Prosperity's the very bond of love Whose fresh complexion and whose heart to- gether Afflictions alter. Shakespeare: A Winter's Tale. No shadow rests upon the brilliant scene, That spreads before thee! Disappointment veils Its sombre visage, — Hope, with brow serene, 121 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Allures thy feet to flower enamelled vales, Nor leaves thee there, but paints the distant view Still lovelier, sparkling with refreshing dew! Love, the celestial atmosphere, will shroud Thy gladsome spirit, and the voice of song Shall be thy chosen utterance, and the cloud Which doth not to thine azure sky belong — Though fringed with gold — shall, noiseless, melt away, Nor dim the noon-tide splendor of thy day! TURQUOISE — OCCIDENTAL Is either dark-blue, light-blue or bluish-green. It does not admit of so high a polish as the Oriental Turquoise. It is found in Siberia, Languedoc in France, and some other places. It signifies TRITE RICHES My purse is very slim, and very few The acres that I number: But I am seldom stupid, never blue ; My riches are an honest heart and true And quiet slumber. Epes Sargent. 122 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Hast thou loved in the good man's path to tread, And bent o'er the sufferer's lowly bed? Hast thou sought on the buoyant wings of prayer, A peace which the faithless may not share? Do thy hopes all tend to the spirit-land, And the love of a bright, unspotted band? Are these thy treasures ! Oh, bliss untold, Thou hast wealth that mocketh all gems and gold! VERMEILLE OR APLOME A variety of the Garnet, with a deep shade of orange- yellow. The value of the Garnet is determined by the degree of perfection as well as color, purity and size. It signifies AMIABILITY While I sit with thee, I seem in heaven, And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear Than fruits of palm-tree pleasantest to thirst And hunger both — from labor at the hour v Of sweet repast. Milton's Paradise Lost. 123 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND How softly from her silver accents fell The winning words of wisdom, and we knew Such thoughts within her spirit's depths to dwell, As angels nurture with celestial dew! Nor loveliest 'mid the beautiful and gay, Though there the cynosure of watchful eyes, But sweetly moving in life's shaded way, She shed serenest light on clouded skies ! ZIRCON Is fire-red, yellowish-green, and gray. It is found in all parts of the world and is sometimes called Hyacinth. It is supposed to have hypnotic influence and to induce visions. It signifies RESPECT I ask, that I might waken reverence, And bid the cheek be ready with the blush Modest as morning when she coldly eyes The youthful Phoebus! Shakespeare. 1M POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES THE LANGUAGE AND SENTIMENT OF GEMS AND PRECIOUS STONES. Absence Fluorspar. Adversity cannot crush thee . Fire Opal. Affability Cat Sapphire. Amiability Vermeille. Approbation Moss Opal. Arts Lapis Lazuli. Attachment Bohemian Diamond. Beauty Serpentine. Be not vain Clouded Marble. Brilliant Success Ruby. Capricious love Labrador. Changeable disposition . . ..Hornstone. Charity Chrysoberyl. Ruby. Child-like purity Rock Crystal. Conjugal love Onyx. Constancy Agate {Fortification), Am- azon Stone, Garnet, Sap- phire, Spinelle. Contentment Cornelian. Contemplation Sapphire. Courage Bloodstone. Danger Cafs-Eye. Despair Striped Jasper. 125 LANGUAGE, SENTIMENT AND Dignity Ruby. Disappointment Chrysolite. Disdain A mber. Divine Power Ruby. Domestic happiness Ruby Balas. Faith Sapphire. Faithfulness Emerald, Amethyst, Lava, Topaz. Felicity Garnet. Fidelity Bohemian Topaz. Firmness Rock of Gibraltar Stone. First emotions of love Satin Gypsum. Fortune Rose Quartz. Freedom Emerald, Sunstone. Friendship Cornelian. Friendship early Amazon Stone, Topaz, Friendship, female Natrolite. Friendship, true Garnet. Friendship unchanging .... Natrolite. Generosity Tourmaline, Freestone. Good works Sapphire. Happy love Emerald. Hard-hearted Flint. Health The Agate. Hope A quamarine. Humility Opal, Jasper, Pearls, White Marble. I live in the past Lepidolite. I shall not cease to love you. Satin Spar. 126 POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Innocence Pearls. Innocent love Red Granite. Joy Diamond. Justice Idocrase. Topaz. Leadership Cornelian. Life Diamond. Long life The Agate. Love Ruby. Love's ambition Cachelong. Marriage, a poor Hyanite. Married happiness Sardoin. Mental beauty Corundum, or Diamond. Spar. Mirth Egyptian Pebble. Modesty and purity Opal. Mourning Jet. Mystery Atinite. Nobility of character Lapis Lazuli. Patience Chrysoberyl. Pride Diamond. Prosperity Carnelian, Onyx. Pure and lovely Jasper, Opal. Purity A lab aster, Diamonds, Pearls. Remembrance Jade, Rose Quartz. Resignation Egyptian Jasper. Respect Zircon. Riches Occidental Turquoise. in POETRY OF PRECIOUS STONES Sadness The Agate, Safety Coral. Self-love Prase. Silent love Chlorophane. Sincerity Amethyst. Success everywhere Turquoise. Sun of my life Hypersthane. Suspicion Bottle Stone. Thoughtful friendship. . . . Moonstone. Truth The Rainbow Agate, Ky- anite. Unfortunate love Jade. Victory Beryl. Warning of danger Moonstone. Welcome Apyrite. Wisdom Bloodstone. You are false! Nephritis. 128 NOV 9 1912 r -~»«HW 027 249 748 5