In the circle of jewelers of Basra I met an Arab who was telling this story: "Once I lost my way in the desert with no provisions. I was about to die when I suddenly found a bag full of pearls. Never will I forget that moment of joy and happiness when I thought they were fried wheat grains, and then the bitterness and despair when I discovered they were only pearls." Tr.by: Reuben Levy