Shells from the Coast mistaking

Shells from the Coast mistaking -
I cherished them for All -
Happening in After Ages
To entertain a Pearl -

Wherefore so late – I murmured -
My need of Thee – be done -
Therefore – the Pearl responded -
My Period begin

Emily Dickinson, ‘Shells from the Coast mistaking’ (c.1863)

To Kalakaua (With a present of a Pearl)

The Silver Ship, my King – that was her name
In the bright islands whence your fathers came -
The Silver Ship, at rest from winds and tides,
Below your palace in your harbour rides:
And the seafarers, sitting safe on shore,
Like eager merchants count their treasures o’er.
One gift they find, one strange and lovely thing,
Now doubly precious since it pleased a king.

The right, my liege, is ancient as the lyre
For bards to give to kings what kings admire.
‘Tis mine to offer for Apollo’s sake;
And since the gift is fitting, yours to take.
To golden hands the golden pearl I bring:
The ocean jewel to the island king.

Robert Louis Stevenson, ‘To Kalakaua (With a present of a Pearl)’ (1889).

King David Kalakaua was King of Hawaii and became good friends with Robert Louis Stevenson when the latter visited the Hawaiian islands.

‘Tis little I could care for Pearls

‘Tis little I – could care for Pearls -
Who own the ample sea -
Or Brooches – when the Emperor -
With Rubies – pelteth me -

Or Gold – who am the Prince of Mines -
Or Diamonds – when have I
A Diadem to fit a Dome -
Continual upon me -

Emily Dickinson, ‘Tis little I could care for Pearls’ (c.1862)