Page 189 - The Pirate Coast (By Sir Charles Belgrave)

CHAPTER XIV

‘The principall and best that arc found in all the
Oricntall countries and the right Oricntall
pcarlcs, arc between Ormuz and Bassora, in the
straights, or Sinus Pcrsicus, in places called
Barcyn, Catiffa, Julfar, Cameron and other
places in the said Sinus Pcrsicus, from whence
they arc brought into Ormuz. The King of
Portingalc hath also his factor in Barcyn, that
staycth there onlic for the fishing of pcarlcs.
There is a great traffickc used with them, as well
in Ormuz as in Goa.’
Discours of Voyages into ye Eastc and West Indies:
J. H. Van Linschotcn - 159S

‘Do churls
Know the worth of Orient pearls?
Give the gem that dims the moon
To the noblest, or to none.’
Friendship: R. W. Emerson - 1803-1882
.
EFORE leaving Bahrain, Loch and Walpole told Bruce
B that they would like to see some pearls as they wanted to
buy a few, if the price was reasonable. In the evening an
Arab came on board and enquired for Bruce. ‘On his being
ushered into the cabin my inclination was to have him immedi­
ately turned out, his appearance being so mean, ragged and filthy/
But, much to Loch’s surprise, when Bruce came in, he welcomed
the Arab warmly, telling Loch that this person, who looked like
a beggar, was one of the richest pearl merchants in Bahrain. ‘I
could hardly believe my eyes, “Rich merchant!” I repeated to
myself, looking at the dress and appearance of the man.’ Loch’s
explanation of the man’s appearance was that ‘had he been known
to have such riches, or if he had lived in a style which would
suggest that he was better off than his neighbours, the Shaikh
would have found some pretext to have him seized and would
force out of him the greater part of what he possessed’.
I63