Which veiled her brow as she bent to view his silks and
glittering pearls.
After she had bought of his trinkets, the old teacher carefully introduces the covered object of his visit.
Oh, lady fair, I have yet a gem which a purer lustre flings,
Than the diamond flash of the jewelled crown on the lofty brow of Kings,
A wonderful pearl of exceeding price, whose virtue shall not decay.
This statement at once arouses a keen interest, for in those days great gems came from unexpected sources and by unlikely hands and coming seldom, excited desire to an extent unknown in these abundant times. Glancing at the mirrored pearls in her own hair the lady says:
Bring forth thy pearl of exceeding worth, thou traveller gray and old—
And name the price of thy precious gem, and my page shall count thy gold.