«وَادَّعَى أَنَّهُ طَالَمَا نَظَمَ دُرَّةً إِلَى دُرَّةٍ فَبَاعَهُمَا بِبَدْرَةٍ»
He claimed to string pearl after pearl and sell them for a large sum.
The claim evokes a jeweller stringing valuable pearls, yet the language also resonates with assembling refined verse. Its polish invites the listener to infer a profitable craft.
The problem is evidential: an impressive description is not proof of earnings. The later dispute turns on the gap between the father’s expectation and the husband’s actual circumstances.
ExpressionReading
Stringing pearlsApparent jewel trade
Arranging verseUnderlying literary association
A bag of wealthAn enticing financial claim