"The only cure for it is to become a merchant prince," said Vrej Esphahnian, as they were sailing out of the Golden Gate on a cold, clear morning. "And that is what we are working toward. Learn from the Armenians, Jack. We do not care for titles and we do not have armies nor castles. Noble folk can sneer at us all they like—when their kingdoms have fallen into dust, we will buy their silks and jewels with a handful of beans."