Page:The Galaxy, Volume 6.djvu/45

1868.] elude there is some magic in this limpid stone, which can be but faintly shadowed by mine or by any words; and that this divine light, this subtle charm, does find a chord in human nature which it touches—upon which it plays. It could not be otherwise, that all human beings, except the Esquimaux, desire it so greatly; it is not all a conventional value.

There is a "charm" somewhere in this world—so profound Rabbis say—that is most potent, most wonderful; it is the seal of Solomon: a great diamond upon which is engraved the "Name of God." No one knows where this potent charm is, which all devils, witches, and sorcerers obey like slaves; no one knows the characters which make the "Name of God;" but throughout the East it is known or believed to exist. How much of this power is in the gem, and how much in the name, who can say? The charm of charms is that which shall make us greatly desired of our friends, and altogether lovely. If the diamond will do it, in heaven's name let us seek the diamond.

There is some philosophy — which is another name for good sense—to be applied to this matter, which I propose to apply in this way:

My own great diamonds I do not wear or keep in my own house. If I were a railroad conductor, or the proprietor of a first-class saloon, with private rooms above it, it might be appropriate for me to wear a great diamond shirt-pin; but as bookkeeper in a grocery house, I have never been willing to wear any of my large diamonds, such as the "Koh-i-noor," or the "Orloff," or the "Polar Star," about my person. This may be mere sentimentalism on my part; but besides this, if I were to ride home after dark in the Third avenue cars, with the "Orloff" in my bosom, I fancy my life would not be safe without the whole Seventh Regiment to guard me. These, are my reasons for not wearing my large diamonds. It may gratify the reader, not familiar with these treasures, to know what and where they are. Let me specify:

1. The Koh-i-noor,. - - - . 2. The Mattam, ...--. 3. The Orloff, - 4. The Cumberland, ..... 5. The Polar Star,. - . . - 6. The Shah, 7. The Regent or Pitt - - -. - 8. The Eugenie, ...... 9. The Florentine,. - . . - 10. The Sancy, ...... 11. The Pasha of Egypt, .... 12. The Nassak, ...... 13. The Pigott, ...... 14. The Hope, ...... 15. The Star of the South .... Weight. Carats. 106 I-16 367 194 1-4 40 86 136 3-4 51 139 1-2 53 1-2 40 785-8 82 1-4 44 1-2 125

The "Koh-i-noor," as has been said, is kept now by the Queen of England, and is guarded with great care.

The " Mattam " is beyond price, and is among the treasures of the Rajah of Mattam, who will, no doubt, be robbed of it sooner or later, and will lose his life at the same time. It is pear-shaped, and is uncut.

The "Orloff" is in the care of Russia, and is now set in the Imperial sceptre.