E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pearl.
For Cleopatra melting her pearl in honour of Antony, see CLEOPATRA.
1
A similar act of vanity and folly is told by Horace (2 Satire, iii. verse 239). Clodius, son of Æsop the tragedian, drew a pearl from his ear of great value, melted it in a strong acid, and drank to the health of Cecilia Metella. This story is referred to by Valerius Maximus, Macrobius, and Pliny. Horace says,
2
“Qui sanior, ac si
Illud idem in rapidum flumen jaceretve cloacam?”
Sir Thomas Gresham, it is said, when Queen Elizabeth dined with him at the
City banquet, melted a pearl worth £15,000, and drank to her health.
