About Opals.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1870, 13 February 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

About Opals.

The opal has been oonspiououa in the superstitions of nearly every age, and the first mention of the gem, either in hUtory or tradition, invests it with a sacred character. One of the earliest traditions of the opal is found under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, when he carried the Hebrews away into captivity. The tradition runs that the Israelites had bo mingled idolatry with Judaism that the latter was almost lost in the orgies of the Assyrian priesthood, and what is known as the Babylon Talmud for a time superseded the Lsvitical laws and canons. During the captivity a small number of Jews found refuge on Mt. Lebanon, where they built a tabernacle. Beside the altar, in the tabernacle, was a golden serpent guarding a tablet on which lay an opal nf marvellous brillianoy. The priests taught ■'.he worshippers that in the stone was imprisoned the spirit of Moses, who was undergoing penance for his sin in murmuring bemuse the water that flowed from the rock of Marah was bitter, but after the lapse of a certain period he would be liberated and would again appear in material form to deliver his people. So great was the belief in the power of the opal tb&t the anoienta averred that the crods themselves could not resist its influence and that any divine favor asked by its posseHSors would be granted. King Richard nf England, surnamed Cceur de Laon, is said to have had faith in the benign qualities of the (,'ani, and never to havegoneinto battle withonn one. He carried it with him during the crusades, and to it he ascribed his victories over SiUdin and his Saraoen hosts. Shortly before he laid saige to the castle of Chalus, garrisoned by the forces of Viscount of Limoges, in 1199 Etohard had left his favorite charm with a lady of rank, as a token of affection. After the battle had begun the king hsiihought himself that he had forgotten his amulet, and was immediately seized with a foreboding of ill. During the battle that followed he was mortally wounded, and died 11 A&jb later. Precious opala seldom exceed an inuh in diameter, and very few stones are of tnis size. Itß value depends entirely upon ita brilliancy of colors. It is rarely sold by carats or grains. For a very large, fine gem nil g»aat beauty, £1000 has been paid, and fine ring or brooch stones often bring from £20 to £100, while smaller stones are cold from 53. to 20 i. But opals, like large diamonds, bring immense sums of money. An opal in the Imperial Museum, nearly as large as a man's fiat and weighing 17 ounces, is valued at £30,000.

There lived in the Highlands some years nn,o a minister who was rather slow in paying his debts. On a Saturday night he despatched his "man' across the river for a pair of shoes, which he had sent to get mended by David, his shoemaker. There happened to be a spate in the river, and Djnald could not get back till about midday on Sunday. When he appeared, the minister was conducting service in the church. He happened to be preaching about David, and just as Donald made his oppearance at the door, tbe minister faid :

" But what did David say ?"

" David said," exclaimed Donald, " that he will send you the shoes when you send the money to him."

" Prithee remain a while, maiden," said the Esv. Mr. Cantwell, " while I unfold my snul to thy gaze ! For, oh, most comely Tottie, Ibvethee 1"

" So you ought to, you old humbug, if you do as the Bible tells you," replied Tottie Goodenough.

" vv*hv so, sweet maiden?" inquired the neverend.

11 Because you are told to love them that hate you, and, if you don't let me pass, you will be able to add, despitefally use you, for I'll scratch your ugly old eyes out, I will I"

Mr. Cantwell retreats " more in anger than in sorrow."

Madame unexpactedly enters the larder, where she detects Bibtiste the fcotman in the act of drinking Chartreuse liqueur. Both stare at eaoh other in open-mouthed astonishment. At last madame broke silence and said in a tone of severity :

" E?ally, Babtiste, I am surprised."

Babtiste (in a tone of exasperation) : "And sn am I. Why, I thought madame had gone out !"