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Les Secrets du Les du
SecretsVINAIGRE VINAIGRE
The Legend of Cleopatra’s Pearls
Legend has it that Cleopatra owned two gigantic pearls, gifts from Oriental kings . While Mark Antony was a guest in her realm, he indulged in day after day of splendid banquets . Cleopatra, who was haughty and arrogant, scorned these lavish feasts . One day, Mark Antony asked what could possibly be added to such extravagance that would convince her to join him at the table . Cleopatra said that he must watch her spend ten million sesterces on one meal . Dumbfounded by this request, Mark Antony declared it impossible .
The queen challenged the Roman general, betting him that it could indeed be done, and that she herself would swallow the sesterces . Skeptical, Mark Antony immediately agreed to the bet . The next day, she served him the usual sumptuous meal . When the second course was set, servants placed a single vessel filled with vinegar in front of Cleopatra . The queen removed one of the two pearls adorning her ears and dropped it into the liquid . After the pearl dissolved, she drank the mixture down in a single swallow .
Mark Antony lost the bet .
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