diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-04 12:55:09 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-04 12:55:09 -0800 |
| commit | 993c3beb68c193424b91d901cbba8d054c81564a (patch) | |
| tree | 23f53251d4de73c9ab0b9d5fa4f16f3e07671f01 | |
| parent | a75414f338fdcabe7c8fa8a4a8f1d5d58ab89883 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-0.txt | 8678 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-0.zip | bin | 165956 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h.zip | bin | 2033490 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/63969-h.htm | 12228 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 243188 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p014.jpg | bin | 32732 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p020.jpg | bin | 138624 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p021.jpg | bin | 51698 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p024.jpg | bin | 28313 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p032.jpg | bin | 26673 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p033.jpg | bin | 99805 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p034.jpg | bin | 31939 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p035-t.jpg | bin | 24114 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p035.jpg | bin | 44825 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p036.jpg | bin | 21714 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p037-1.jpg | bin | 18194 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p037-2.jpg | bin | 29098 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p037-3.jpg | bin | 23197 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p037-4.jpg | bin | 50795 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p040.jpg | bin | 23889 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p041.jpg | bin | 68638 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p043-b.jpg | bin | 81754 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p043-t.jpg | bin | 45022 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p077.jpg | bin | 35122 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p079-l.jpg | bin | 40335 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p079-r.jpg | bin | 61232 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p083.jpg | bin | 19635 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p097.jpg | bin | 77868 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p099.jpg | bin | 68214 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p119.jpg | bin | 31165 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p150.jpg | bin | 39484 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p152-b.jpg | bin | 37468 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p152-t.jpg | bin | 46485 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p173.jpg | bin | 48474 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p192.jpg | bin | 26098 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p196-b.jpg | bin | 30763 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p196-t.jpg | bin | 25517 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p214.jpg | bin | 96795 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p216.jpg | bin | 44609 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p217.jpg | bin | 26038 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p220.jpg | bin | 27027 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p225.jpg | bin | 30439 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p229.jpg | bin | 23278 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63969-h/images/i_p230.jpg | bin | 76357 -> 0 bytes |
47 files changed, 17 insertions, 20906 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..18ac094 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63969 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63969) diff --git a/old/63969-0.txt b/old/63969-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d1dc3ba..0000000 --- a/old/63969-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8678 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The History and Poetry of Finger-rings, by -Charles Edwards - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The History and Poetry of Finger-rings - -Author: Charles Edwards - -Release Date: December 6, 2020 [EBook #63969] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY, POETRY OF FINGER-RINGS *** - - - - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Susan Carr and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - THE - - HISTORY AND POETRY - - OF - - FINGER-RINGS - - - BY - - CHARLES EDWARDS - - COUNSELLOR AT LAW, NEW YORK - - - “----My ring I hold dear as my finger; ’tis part of it.” - - SHAKSPEARE - - - _WITH A PREFACE BY R. H. STODDARD._ - - - NEW YORK - JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY - 150 WORTH STREET, CORNER MISSION PLACE - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by - - CHARLES EDWARDS, - - In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States - for the Southern District of New-York. - - - - - PREFACE. - - -The history of finger-rings is more abundant than the poetry, which -is chiefly connected with the ceremonies and observances in which -they figure. What this history is Mr. Edwards has indicated in the -gossipy pages which follow, and which contain a world of curious -information. Interesting in themselves, they are valuable for their -references, which enable the reader to verify the statements of Mr. -Edwards, and to pursue his line of study farther than he has chosen -to do. He will find many particulars in regard to rings of all sorts, -among the different people by whom they have been worn, in ancient -and modern times, and of the important part they have played in the -history of the world. He will also find many allusions to them in the -poets, but not so many poems of which they were the inspiration as -he might have expected, for the simple reason that such poems do not -exist. - - “The small orbit of the wedding-ring,” - -as a nameless old poet satirically calls it, has seldom proved large -enough for genius to revolve in. Mr. Edwards quotes but one marriage -poem, - - “Thee, Mary, with this ring I wed,” - -which he fails to trace to its author, the Rev. Samuel Bishop, who -has written nothing else that is worth remembering. I am happy to -restore it to him, and to quote a second poem, which is rather more -elegant and less familiar, and which is put down to the credit of -William Pattison, of whom I know nothing. I take it from Dr. Palmer’s -“Poetry of Courtship and Compliment” (1868), an admirable collection -of amorous verse. - - - TO HER RING. - - Blest ornament! how happy is thy snare, - To bind the snowy finger of my fair! - O, could I learn thy nice concise art, - Now, as thou bind’st her fingers, bind her heart. - - Not Eastern diadems like thee can shine, - Fed from her brighter eyes with beams divine; - Nor can their mightiest monarch’s power command - So large an empire as my charmer’s hand. - - O, could thy form thy fond admirer wear, - Thy very likeness should in all appear; - My endless love thy endless love should show, - And my heart flaming, for thy diamond glow. - - R. H. S. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER ONE. - - 1. Interest and Importance attaching to Rings; Shakspeare’s Ring; - Earl Godwin. 2. Words _symbolum_ and _ungulus_. 3. Ring-money. 4. - Rings in Mythology; Theseus; Prometheus, Inventor of the First - Ring. 5. Seals from the Scarabæus. 6. Rings in Greek Urns. 7. Judah - and Tamar; Alexander. 8. Ring a Symbol of Fidelity, Eternity and of - the Deity. 9. Roman Rings. 10. Rings in German Caverns. 11. Rings - of the Gauls and Britons. 12. Anglo-Saxon Workers in Metal. 13. - Ladies’ Seal-rings. 14. Substance, Forms and Size of Rings; Number, - and on what fingers worn; Pearls; Carbuncle; Death’s-head Rings. - 15. Law of Rings. 16. Order of the Ring. 17. Rings found in all - places. 18. Persian Signets. 19. Value of ancient Rings. 20. Love’s - Telegraph, and Name-rings; Polish Birth-day Gifts. 21. Rings in - Heraldry. 22. Rings in Fish. 23. Riddle. 24. Ring misapplied. 25. - Horace Walpole’s Poesy on a Ring. 9 - - - CHAPTER TWO. - - RINGS CONNECTED WITH POWER. - - 1. The Ring an Emblem of Power; Pharaoh; Quintus Curtius; Antiochus - Epiphanes; Augustus; King of Persia; Egypt under the Ptolemies; - Roman Senators; the Forefinger. 2. Rings used in Coronations; - Edward the Second; Mother of Henry VIII.; Queen Elizabeth; Charles - II.; Coronation Rings; Canute; Sebert; Henry II.; Childeric; - Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. 3. King withdrawing a - Proceeding from the Council by the use of a Ring. 4. The Doge of - Venice marrying the Adriatic. 5. The Ring of Office of the Doge. 6. - _The Fisherman’s Ring._ 7. Papal Ring of Pius II. 8. Investiture - of Archbishops and Bishops by delivery of a Ring; Cardinal’s Ring; - Extension of the two Forefingers and Thumb. 9. Serjeant’s Ring. 10. - Arabian Princesses. 11. Roman Knights. 12. Alderman’s Thumb Ring. 65 - - - CHAPTER THREE. - - RINGS HAVING SUPPOSED CHARMS OR VIRTUES, AND CONNECTED WITH - DEGRADATION AND SLAVERY, OR USED FOR SAD OR WICKED PURPOSES. - - 1. Antiquity of Amulets and Enchanted and Magical Rings; - Samothracian Rings; Double Object in Amulets; Substance and Form - of them. 2. Precious Stones and their Healing or Protective - Powers: Jasper; Diamond; Ruby; Carbuncle; Jacinth; Amethyst; - Emerald; Topaz; Agate; Sapphire; Opal; Cornelian; Chalcedony; - Turquoise; Coral; Loadstone; Sweating Stones. 3. Enchanted Rings; - those possessed by Execustus; Solomon’s Ring; Ballads of Lambert - Linkin and Hynd Horn. 4. Talismanic Ring; Elizabeth of Poland; - Ring against Poison offered to Mary of Scotland; Rings from the - Palace at Eltham and from Coventry; Sir Edmund Shaw; Shell Ring. - 5. Medicinal Rings. 6. Magical Rings; Ariosto; Ring of Gyges; Sir - Tristram; Cramp Rings; Rings to cure Convulsions, Warts, Wounds, - Fits, Falling Sickness, etc.; Galvanic Rings; Headache and Plague - Rings; Amulet against Storms. 7. Ordeal. 8. Punishment in time of - Alfred. 9. Founding of Aix-la-Chapelle. 10. Ring on a Statue. 11. - Bloody Baker. 12. The Borgia Ring. 13. Rings held in the Mouth. 14. - Rings used by Thieves, Gamblers and Cheats. 15. Roman Slave. 93 - - - CHAPTER FOUR. - - RINGS COUPLED WITH REMARKABLE HISTORICAL CHARACTERS OR - CIRCUMSTANCES. - - 1. Ring of Suphis; Pharaoh’s Ring given to Joseph. 2. Rings of - Hannibal; Mithridates; Pompey; Cæsar; Augustus and Nero. 3. Cameo. - 4. Ethelwoulf; Madoc; Edward the Confessor; King John; Lord L’Isle; - Richard Bertie and his Son Lord Willoughby; Great Earl of Cork; - Shakspeare’s Signet-Ring; The Ring Queen Elizabeth gave to Essex; - Ring of Mary of Scotland and one sent by her to Elizabeth; Darnley; - The Blue Ring; Duke of Dorset’s Ring in the Isle of Wight supposed - to have belonged to Charles the First, and Memorial Rings of this - Monarch; Earl of Derby; Charles the Second; Jeffrey’s Blood-Stone; - The great Dundee; Nelson; Scotch Coronation Ring; The Admirable - Crichton; Sir Isaac Newton; Kean; Wedding Ring of Byron’s Mother. - 5. Matrons of Warsaw. 6. The Prussian Maiden. 148 - - - CHAPTER FIVE. - - RINGS OF LOVE, AFFECTION AND FRIENDSHIP. - - 1. The Gimmal or Gimmow Ring. 2. Sonnet by Davison. 3. Church - Marriage ordained by Innocent III.; and, Marriage-Ring. 4. Rings - used in different countries in Marriages and on Betrothment: - Esthonia; the Copts; Persia; Spain; Ackmetchet in Russia. 5. - Betrothal Rings. 6. Signets of the first Christians. 7. Laws of - Marriage. 8. Wedding Finger; Artery to the Heart; Lady who had lost - the Ring Finger. 9. Roman Catholic Marriages. 10. Marriage-Ring - during the Commonwealth. 11. Ring in Jewish Marriages. 12. - Superstitions. 13. Rings of twisted Gold-wire given away at - Weddings. 14. Cupid and Psyche. 15. St. Anne and St. Joachim. - 16. Rush Rings. 17. Rings with the Orpine Plant. 18. Ancient - Marriage-Rings had Mottoes and Seals. 19. The Sessa Ring. 20. Rings - bequeathed or kept in Memory of the Dead: Washington; Shakspeare; - Pope; Dr. Johnson; Lord Eldon; Tom Moore’s Mother. 21. The Ship - _Powhattan_. 22. Ring of Affection illustrated by a Pelican and - Young. 23. Bran of Brittany. 24. Rings used by Writers of Fiction; - Shakspeare’s Cymbeline. 25. Small Rings for the _Penates_; Lines - to a Wife with the gift of a Ring. 26. Story from the “Gesta - Romanorum.” 192 - - - - - HISTORY AND POETRY - - OF - - FINGER-RINGS. - - - - - CHAPTER ONE. - - 1. Interest and Importance attaching to Rings; Shakspeare’s Ring; - Earl Godwin. 2. Words _symbolum_ and _ungulus_. 3. Ring-money. 4. - Rings in Mythology; Theseus; Prometheus Inventor of the First Ring. - 5. Seals from the Scarabæus. 6. Rings in Greek Urns. 7. Judah and - Tamar; Alexander. 8. Ring a Symbol of Fidelity, Eternity, and of - the Deity. 9. Roman Rings. 10. Rings in German Caverns. 11. Rings - of the Gauls and Britons. 12. Anglo-Saxon Workers in Metal. 13. - Ladies’ Seal-rings. 14. Substance, Forms and Size of Rings; Number, - and on what fingers worn; Pearls; Carbuncle; Death’s-head Rings. - 15. Law of Rings. 16. Order of the Ring. 17. Rings found in all - places. 18. Persian Signets. 19. Value of ancient Rings. 20. Love’s - Telegraph, and Name-rings; Polish Birth-day Gifts. 21. Rings in - Heraldry. 22. Rings in Fish. 23. Riddle. 24. Ring misapplied. 25. - Horace Walpole’s Poesy on a Ring. - - -§ 1. A CIRCLE, known as a finger-ring, has been an object of ornament -and of use for thousands of years. Indeed, the time when it was first -fashioned and worn is so far in the past that it alone shines there; -all around is ashes or darkness. - -This little perfect figure may seem to be a trifling matter on which -to found an essay; and yet we shall find it connected with history -and poetry. It is, indeed, a small link, although it has bound -together millions for better for worse, for richer for poorer, more -securely than could the shackle wrought for a felon. An impression -from it may have saved or lost a kingdom. It is made the symbol of -power; and has been a mark of slavery. Love has placed it where a -vein was supposed to vibrate in the heart. Affection and friendship -have wrought it into a remembrance; and it has passed into the grave -upon the finger of the beloved one. - -And, though the ring itself may be stranger to us, and might never -have belonged to ancestor, friend or companion, yet there can be even -a general interest about such a slight article. For instance, a few -years ago a ring was found which had belonged to Shakspeare, and must -have been a gift: for the true-lover’s knot is there. Who would not -desire to possess, who would not like even to see the relic? There -is reason to suppose that this ring was the gift of Anne Hathaway, -she “who had as much virtue as could die.” And we must be allowed to -indulge in the idea that it was pressing Shakspeare’s finger when -those lines were inscribed “_To the idol of mine eyes and the delight -of my heart, Anne Hathaway_:” - - “Talk not of gems, the orient list, - The diamond, topaz, amethyst, - The emerald mild, the ruby gay: - Talk of my gem, Anne Hathaway! - She _hath a way_, with her bright eye, - Their various lustre to defy, - The jewel she, and the foil they, - So sweet to look Anne _hath a way_. - She _hath a way_, - Anne Hathaway, - To shame bright gems Anne _hath a way_!”[1] - -We shall find many interesting stories connected with rings. By way -of illustration, here is one: - -In a battle between Edmund the Anglo-Saxon and Canute the Dane, the -army of the latter was defeated and fled; and one of its principal -captains, Ulf, lost his way in the woods. After wandering all night, -he met, at daybreak, a young peasant driving a herd of oxen, whom he -saluted and asked his name. “I am Godwin, the son of Ulfnoth,” said -the young peasant, “and thou art a Dane.” Thus obliged to confess -who he was, Ulf begged the young Saxon to show him his way to the -Severn, where the Danish ships were at anchor. “It is foolish in a -Dane,” replied the peasant, “to expect such a service from a Saxon; -and, besides, the way is long, and the country people are all in -arms.” The Danish chief drew off a gold ring from his finger and -gave it to the shepherd as an inducement to be his guide. The young -Saxon looked at it for an instant with great earnestness, and then -returned it, saying, “I will take nothing from thee, but I will try -to conduct thee.” Leading him to his father’s cottage, he concealed -him there during the day; and when night came on, they prepared to -depart together. As they were going, the old peasant said to Ulf, -“This is my only son Godwin, who risks his life for thee. He cannot -return among his countrymen again; take him, therefore, and present -him to thy king, Canute, that he may enter into his service.” The -Dane promised, and kept his word. The young Saxon peasant was well -received in the Danish camp; and rising from step to step by the -force of his talents, he afterwards became known over all England as -the great Earl Godwin. He might have been monarch; while his sweet -and beautiful daughter Edith or Ethelswith did marry King Edward. -“Godwin,” the people said in their songs, contrasting the firmness -of the father with the sweetness of the daughter, “is the parent of -Edith, as the thorn is of the rose.”[2] - - -§ 2. The word _symbolum_, for a long time, meant a ring; and was -substituted for the ancient Oscan word _ungulus_. - - -§ 3. In examining ancient rings, care must be taken not to confound -them with coins made in the shape of rings.[3] The fresco paintings -in the tombs of Egypt exhibit people bringing, as tribute, to the -foot of the throne of Pharaoh, bags of gold and silver rings, at -a period before the exodus of the Israelites. Great quantities -of ring-money have been found in different countries, including -Ireland.[4] - -[Illustration: Egyptian Ring-money.] - -[Illustration: Celtic Ring-money.] - -The ancient Britons had them. That these rings were used for money, -is confirmed by the fact that, on being weighed, by far the greater -number of them appear to be exact multiples of a certain standard -unit. Layard mentions[5] that Dr. Lepsius has recently published a -bas relief, from an Egyptian tomb, representing a man weighing rings -of gold and silver, with weights in the form of a bull’s head; and -Layard also gives a seeming outline of the subject, (although its -description speaks of “weights in the form of a seated lion.”) It -is presumed that these rings are intended for ring-money; the fact -of weighing them strengthens this idea; and see Wilkinson’s Popular -Account of the Ancient Egyptians, (revised,) ii. 148-9. - - -§ 4. We not only find rings in the most ancient times, but we also -trace them in mythology. - -Fish, in antediluvian period, were intelligent, had fine musical -perception and were even affectionate. Thus, in relation to Theseus, -the Athenian prince: Minos happened to load Theseus with reproaches, -especially on account of his birth; and told him, that, if he were -the son of Neptune, he would have no difficulty in going to the -bottom of the sea; and then threw a ring in to banter him. The -Athenian prince plunged in, and might have been food for fishes, had -they not, in the shape of dolphins, taken him upon their backs, as -they had done Arion, and conveyed him to the palace of Amphitrite.[6] -It is not said whether she, as Neptune’s wife, had a right to the -_jetsam_, _flotsam_, and _lagan_, to the sweepings or stray jewelry -of the ocean; but she was able to hand Theseus the ring, and also to -give him a crown, which he presented to the ill-used lady Ariadne, -and it was afterwards placed among the stars. - -And, coupled with mythology, we have, according to the ancients, the -origin of the ring. Jupiter, from revenge, caused Strength, Force and -Vulcan to chain his cousin-german Prometheus to the frosty Caucasus, -where a vulture, all the livelong day, banqueted his fill on the -black viands of his hot liver. The god had sworn to keep Prometheus -there (according to Hesiod[7]) eternally; but other authors give only -thirty thousand years as the limit. He who had punished did, for -reasons, forgive; but as Jupiter had sworn to keep Prometheus bound -for the space of time mentioned, he, in order not to violate his -oath, commanded that Prometheus should always wear upon his finger -an iron ring, to or in which should be fastened a small fragment -of Caucasus, so that it might be true, in a certain sense, that -Prometheus still continued bound to that rock. Thus, as we have said, -came the idea of the first ring, and, we may add, the insertion of a -stone.[8] - -While some writers, under this story, connect Prometheus with the -first ring, Pliny still says that the inventor of it is not known, -and observes that it was used by the Babylonians, Chaldeans, Persians -and Greeks, although, as he thinks, the latter were unacquainted with -it at the time of the Trojan war, as Homer does not mention it.[9] - -It has however been said that Dschemid, who made known the solar -year, introduced the use of the ring.[10] - -Touching Pliny’s notion of the antiquity of rings, there is, in -Southey’s “Commonplace Book,” (second series,[11]) the following -quotation from “Treasurie of Auncient and Moderne Times,” (1619:) -“But the good olde man Plinie cannot overreach us with his idle -arguments and conjectures, for we read in Genesis that Joseph, who -lived above five hundred yeares before the warres of Troy, having -expounded the dreame of Pharaoh, king of Ægypt, was, by the sayde -prince, made superintendent over his kingdom, and for his safer -possession in that estate, he took off his ring from his hand and -put it upon Joseph’s hand.” ... “In Moses’s time, which was more -than foure hundred yeares before Troy warres, wee find rings to -be then in use; for we reade that they were comprehended in the -ornaments which Aaron the high priest should weare, and they of his -posteritie afterward, as also it was avouched by Josephus. Whereby -appeareth plainly, that the use of rings was much more ancient than -Plinie reporteth them in his conjectures: but as he was a Pagan, and -ignorant in sacred writings, so it is no marvell if these things went -beyond his knowledge.” - -It is pretended that seal-rings were an invention of the -Lacedemonians, who, not content with locking their coffers, added a -seal; for which purpose they made use of worm-eaten wood, with which -they impressed wax or soft wood; and after this they learned to -engrave seals.[12] - - -§ 5. Cylinders, squares and pyramids were forms used for seals prior -to the adoption of ring-seals.[13] These settled with the Greeks -into the scarabæus or beetle, that is to say, a stone something like -the half of a walnut, with its convexity wrought into the form of a -beetle, while the flat under surface contained the inscription for -the seal. The Greeks retained this derivable form until they thought -of dispensing with the body of the beetle, only preserving for the -inscription the flat oval which the base presented, and which they -ultimately set in rings. This shows how ring-seals came into form. -Many of the Egyptian and other ring-seals are on swivel, and we are -of opinion that the idea of this convenient form originated with the -perforated cylindrical and other seals, which were, with a string -passed through them, worn around the neck or from the wrist.[14] - -The sculpture of signets was, probably, the first use of gem -engraving, and this was derived from the common source of all the -arts, India.[15] Signets of lapis lazuli and emerald have been -found with Sanscrit inscriptions, presumed to be of an antiquity -beyond all record. The natural transmission of the arts was from -India to Egypt, and our collections abound with intaglio and cameo -hieroglyphics, figures of Isis, Osiris, the lotus, the crocodile, and -the whole symbolic Egyptian mythology wrought upon jaspers, emeralds, -basalts, bloodstones, turquoises; etc. Mechanical skill attained -a great excellence at an early period. The stones of the Jewish -high-priests’ breast-plate were engraved with the names of the twelve -tribes, and of those stones one was a diamond(?). The Greek gems -generally exhibit the figure nude; the Romans, draped. The Greeks -were chiefly intaglios. - -It is generally understood that the ancients greatly excelled the -moderns in gem engraving, and that the art has never been carried to -the highest perfection in modern times. Mr. Henry Weigall, however, -states that “this supposition is erroneous, and has probably arisen -from the fact of travellers supposing that the collections of gems -and impressions that they have made in Italy are exclusively the -works of Italian artists; such, however, is not the case, and I have -myself had the satisfaction of pointing out to many such collectors, -that the most admired specimens in their collections were the works -of English artists.”[16] - - -§ 6. Rings have been discovered in the cinerary urns of the Greeks. -These could hardly have got there through the fire which consumed -the body, for vessels still containing aromatic liquids have also -been discovered in the urns. It is very possible they were tokens of -affection deposited by relations and friends. Such remembrances (as -we shall see) are found in the graves of early Roman Christians. - -The idea that rings in Roman urns were secretly and piously placed -there, is strengthened by the fact that it was contrary to the laws -of Rome to bury gold with the dead.[17] There was one exception to -this rule, which appears odd enough to readers of the nineteenth -century, namely, a clause which permitted the burial of such gold as -fastened false teeth in the mouth of the deceased, thus sparing the -children and friends of the dead the painful task of pulling from -their heads the artificial teeth which they had been accustomed to -wear. It seems strange to find that these expedients of vanity or -convenience were practised in Rome nearly two thousand years ago. - -Maffei[18] gives a description and enlarged illustration of a gold -ring bearing a cornelian, whereon is cut the story of Bellerophon -upon his winged horse, about to attack the _chimera_; and also a -small but exquisite urn of porphyry, which contained funeral ashes -and this ring. These were found in the garden of Pallas, freed man of -Claudius; and Maffei reasonably makes out that the ring had belonged -to him. Bellerophon is said to have been a native of Corinth, and -Pallas was from that city. Nero became emperor mainly through Pallas, -and yet he sacrificed the latter to be master of his great riches. -These relics thus possess much interest. Although a freed man, merely -as such, had no right to wear a gold ring, yet Pallas gained the -office of Prætor, and so was entitled to one. (In Plutarch’s Galba, -the freed man of the latter was honored with the privilege of wearing -the gold ring for bringing news of the revolt against Nero.) - -[Illustration: (Signet Bracelet)] - - -§ 7. In the unpleasant story of Judah and Tamar, we see that the -former left in pledge with the latter his signet.[19] This, most -likely, was in the shape of a ring, although such signets were often -worn from the wrist: for, in this case, he also pledged his bracelets. - -In the Scriptures, the signet ring is frequently named; and Quintus -Curtius tells us that Alexander wore one. After his fatal debauch, -and finding himself past recovery, and his voice beginning to fail, -he gave his ring to his general, Perdiccas, with orders to convey his -corpse to the temple of Ammon. Being asked to whom he would leave -his empire, he answered, “To the most worthy.”[20] - - -§ 8. The ring was generally the emblem of fidelity in civil -engagements; and hence, no doubt, its ancient use in many functions -and distinctions.[21] A ring denoted eternity among the Hindoos, -Persians and Egyptians; and Brahma, as the creator of the world, -bears a ring in his hand. The Egyptian priests in the temple of the -creative Phtha (Vulcan of the Greeks) represented the year under the -form of a ring, made of a serpent having its tail in its mouth--a -very common shape of ancient rings. Although Jupiter is often figured -with attributes of mighty power, yet he is seldom coupled with a mark -of eternity. There is, however, a gem (an aqua-marine, engraved in -hollow) of this deity holding a ring as the emblem of eternity.[22] - -[Illustration: (Jupiter Holding Ring)] - -Pythagoras forbade the use of the figures of gods upon rings, lest, -from seeing their images too frequently, it should breed a contempt -for them.[23] - -It has been attempted to connect with a ring the consecration -of a circle, as emblematical of the Deity. Over the door of a -Norman church at Beckford, in Gloucestershire, England, is a rude -bas-relief, representing the holy cross between the four beasts, -used as symbols of the Evangelists. The “human form divine” appears -to have been beyond the sculptor’s power; he has made _a ring_. The -others are an eagle, lion, and bull.[24] - - -§ 9. The Romans distinguished their rings by names taken from their -use, as we do.[25] The excessive luxury shown in the number worn, -and the value of gems and costly engraved stones in them, and the -custom of wearing lighter rings in summer and heavier in winter, are -among the most absurd instances of Roman effeminacy, (as we shall -hereafter more particularly show.)[26] The case in which they kept -their rings was called _Dactylotheca_. No ornament was more generally -worn among the Romans than rings. This custom appears to have been -borrowed from the Sabines.[27] They laid them aside at night, as well -as when they bathed or were in mourning, as did suppliants. However, -in times of sorrow, they rather changed than entirely put them aside; -they then used iron ones, taking off the gold rings.[28] It was a -proof of the greatest poverty, when any one was obliged to pledge his -ring to live. Rings were given by those who agreed to club for an -entertainment. They were usually pulled off from the fingers of dying -persons; but they seem to have been sometimes put on again before the -dead body was buried. - -There is no sign of the ring upon Roman statues before those of Numa -and Servius Tullius. The rings were worn to be taken off or put on -according to festivals, upon the statues of deities and heroes, and -upon some of the emperors, with the _Lituus_ ensculped, to show that -they were sovereign pontiffs. - -This _lituus_ is a crooked staff; and the Roman priests are -represented with it in their hands. They, as augurs, used it in -squaring the heavens when observing the flight of birds. It is traced -to the time of Romulus, who being skilled in divination, bore the -lituus; and it was called _lituus quirinalis_, from Quirinus, a -name of Romulus. It was kept in the Capitol, but lost when Rome was -taken by the Gauls; afterwards, when the barbarians had quitted it, -the lituus was found buried deep in ashes, untouched by the fire, -whilst every thing about it was destroyed and consumed.[29] Emperors -appropriated to themselves the dignities of the office of high -priest,[30] and hence this priestly symbol upon their medals, coins -and signets. Although it is a common notion that the pastoral staff -of the Church of Rome is taken from the shepherd’s crook, it may be a -question whether it did not take its rise from the _lituus_? - -Brave times those Roman times for lawyers--or patrons, as they were -called. Their clients were bound to give them the title of _Rex_; -escort them to the Forum and the Campus Martius; and not only to make -ordinary presents to them and their children or household, but, on a -birth-day, they received from them the birth-day ring. It was worn -only on that day.[31] - -There were rings worn by flute-players, very brilliant and adorned -with a gem. - -In the Sierra Elvira, in Spain, more than two hundred tombs and an -aqueduct were discovered. Several skeletons bore the rings of Roman -knights; and some of them had in their mouths the piece of money -destined to pay the ferryman Charon.[32] These skeletons crumbled -into dust as soon as they were touched. What a perfect subject for a -poem by Longfellow! - -Roman stamps or large seals or brands have been found of quaint -shapes. Some of them are in the form of feet or shoes. Drawings of -them appear in Montfaucon. They were fashioned to mark casks and -other bulky articles. Caylus gives an illustration of a ring in the -form of a pair of shoes, or rather, the soles of shoes.[33] - -[Illustration: (Roman Shoe Ring)] - -Pliny observes that rings became so common at Rome, they were given -to all the divinities; and even to those of the people who had never -worn any. Their divinities were adorned with iron rings--movable -rings, which could be taken off or put on according to festivals and -circumstances. - - -§ 10. At Erpfingen in Germany, remarkable stalactical caverns have -been discovered. Every where, and especially in the lateral caves, -human bones of extraordinary size, with bones and teeth of animals, -now unknown, have been discovered, and there, with pottery, rings -were found. - - -§ 11. Rings were in use among the Gauls and Britons, but seemingly -for ornament only. They are often found in British barrows. -Anglo-Saxon rings were common.[34] William de Belmeis gave certain -lands to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and at the same time directed that his -gold ring set with a ruby should, together with the seal, be affixed -to the charter for ever. The same thing was done by Osbart de Camera, -he granting to St. Paul’s, in pure alms and for the health of his -soul, certain lands; giving possession by his gold ring, wherein a -ruby was set; and appointing that the same gold ring with his seal -should for ever be affixed to the charter whereby he disposed of -them.[35] - -Anglo-Saxon kings gave rings to their wittenagemot and courtiers, and -they to their descendants. - - -§ 12. In metals the Anglo-Saxons worked with great skill. We read -of the gold cup in which Rowena drank to Vortigern. So early, -perhaps, as the seventh century, the English jewellers and goldsmiths -were eminent in their professions; and great quantities of other -trinkets were constantly exported to the European Continent. Smiths -and armorers were highly esteemed, and even the clergy thought it -no disgrace to handle tools.[36] St. Dunstan, in particular, was -celebrated as the best blacksmith, brazier, goldsmith and engraver of -his time. This accounts for the cleverness with which he laid hold of -the gentleman in black: - - “St. Dunstan stood in his ivy’d tower, - Alembic, crucible, all were there; - When in came Nick to play him a trick, - In guise of a damsel, passing fair. - Every one knows - How the story goes: - He took up the tongs and caught hold of his nose.”[37] - - -§ 13. Ladies used seal-rings in the sixth century; but women of rank -had no large seals till towards the beginning of the twelfth.[38] - - -§ 14. There is scarcely a hard substance of which rings have not been -composed. All the metals have been brought into requisition. First, -iron; then, as in Rome, it was mingled with gold. - -Conquerors wore iron rings until Caius Marius changed the fashion. He -had one when he triumphed over King Jugurtha.[39] And while stones -have lent their aid as garniture for metal, these too have made the -whole hoop. - -We find rings of two stones; such were those which the Emperor -Valerianus gave to Claudius. - -Near to the Pyramids, cornelian rings have been discovered. Rings of -glass and other vitreous material have been found. Emerald rings were -discovered at Pompeii, also glass used instead of gems. Some made -entirely of one stone, as of amber, have been obtained.[40] - -With the Egyptians, bronze was seldom used in rings, though -frequently in signets. They were mostly of gold and this metal seems -to have been always preferred to silver. - -Ivory and blue porcelain were the materials of which those worn by -the lower classes were made.[41] - -An ancient ring of jet has been dug up in England. - -There were some rings of a single metal, and others of a mixture -of two;[42] for the iron, bronze and silver were frequently gilt, -or, at least, the gold part was fixed with the iron, as appears -from Artemidorus.[43] The Romans were contented with iron rings a -long time; and Pliny assures us that Marius first wore a gold one -in his third consulate. Sometimes the ring was iron, and the seal -gold; sometimes the stone was engraven, and sometimes plain; and the -engraving, at times, was _raised_, and also _sunk_. (The last were -called _gemmæ ectypæ_, the former _gemmæ sculpturâ prominente_.) - -An incident, mentioned by Plutarch, shows how distinctive was a gold -ring.[44] When Cinna and Caius Marius were slaughtering the citizens -of Rome, the slaves of Cornutus hid their master in the house and -took a dead body out of the street from among the slain and hanged it -by the neck, then they put a gold ring upon the finger, and showed -the corse in that condition to Marius’s executioners; after which -they dressed it for the funeral, and buried it as their master’s body. - -The rings of the classical ancients were rather incrusted than set in -gold in our slight manner.[45] - -The first mention of a Roman gold ring is in the year 432 U. C.; -but they, at last, were indiscriminately worn by the Romans. Three -bushels were gathered out of the spoils after Hannibal’s victory at -Cannæ.[46] - -“Lovely soft pearls, the fanciful images of sad tears,” have been -used in rings from the time of the Latins. Cleopatra’s drinking -off the residuum of a pearl, worth three hundred and seventy-five -thousand dollars, aside from luxurious extravagance, seems to be -somewhat nasty; but we are inclined to believe that this fond queen -had faith in its supposed medicinal and talismanic properties: - - “---- Now I feed myself - With most delicious passion.” - -Pliny, the Roman naturalist, gravely tells us that the oyster which -produces pearls, does so from feeding on heavenly dew. Drummond thus -translates him: - - “With open shells in seas, on heavenly dew, - A shining oyster lusciously doth feed; - And then the birth of that ethereal seed - Shows, when conceived, if skies look dark or blue.”[47] - -Early English writers entertained the same notion; and Boethius, -speaking of the pearl-mussel of the Scotch rivers, remarks, that -“These mussels, early in the morning, when the sky is clear and -temperate, open their mouths a little above the water and most -greedily swallow the dew of heaven; and after the measure and -quantity of the dew which they swallow, they conceive and breed the -pearl. These mussels,” he continues, “are so exceedingly quick of -touch and hearing, that, however faint the noise that may be made on -the bank beside them, or however small the stone that may be thrown -into the water, they sink at once to the bottom, knowing well in what -estimation the fruit of their womb is to all people.” In the East, -the belief is equally common that these precious gems are - - “---- rain from the sky, - Which turns into pearls as it falls in the sea.” - -The ancient idea that pearls are generated of the dews of heaven, is -pretty conclusively met by Cardanus,[48] who says it is fabulous, -seeing that the shell fishes, in which they are conceived, have their -residence in the very bottom of the depth of the sea. - -The charlatan Leoni de Spoleto prescribed the drink of dissolved -pearls for Lorenzo the Magnificent, when he was attacked by fever -aggravated by hereditary gout.[49] - -There was supposed to be a gem called a carbuncle, which emitted, -not reflected, but native light.[50] Our old literature abounds with -allusions to this miraculous gem. Shakspeare has made use of it in -_Titus Andronicus_, where Martius goes down into a pit, and, by -it, discovers the body of Lord Bassianus; and calls up to Quintus -thus:[51] - - “Lord Bassianus lies embrewed here, - All on a heap, like to a slaughter’d lamb, - In this detested, dark, blood-drinking pit. - _Quintus._ If it be dark, how dost thou know ’tis he? - _Martius._ Upon his bloody finger he doth wear - A precious ring, that lightens all the hole, - Which, like a taper in some monument, - Doth shine upon the dead man’s earthy cheek, - And show the ragged entrails of this pit: - So pale did shine the moon on Pyramus, - When he by night lay bathed in maiden’s blood.” - -Ludovicus Vartomannus, a Roman, reporteth that the king of Pege -(or Pegu), a city in India, had a carbuncle (ruby) of so great a -magnitude and splendor, that by the clear light of it he might, -in a dark place, be seen, even as if the room or place had been -illustrated by the sunbeams. St. or Bishop Epiphanius saith of this -gem, that if it be worn, whatever garments it be covered withal, it -cannot be hid.[52] - -It was from a property of resembling a burning coal when held against -the sun that this stone obtained the name _carbunculus_; which being -afterwards misunderstood, there grew an opinion of its having the -qualities of a burning coal and shining in the dark. And as no gem -ever was or ever will be found endued with that quality, it was -supposed that the true carbuncle of the ancients was lost; but it was -long generally believed that there had been such a stone. The species -of carbuncle of the ancients which possessed this quality in the -greatest degree was the Garamantine or Carthaginian; and this is the -true garnet of the moderns.[53] - -Rings, with a death’s head upon them, were worn by improper -characters in the time of Elizabeth of England. This kind of ring is -referred to in Beaumont and Fletcher: - - “---- I’ll keep it, - As they keep death’s head in rings: - To cry _memento_ to me.”[54] - -Although we meet with nothing to show the motive for wearing such -rings by the characters referred to, we are inclined to fancy the -desire was to carry the semblance of a widow and to let the ring have -the character of a mourning token. Lord Onslow, who lived in the time -of Elizabeth, bequeathed “a ring of gold with a death’s head” to -friends.[55] - -Sir Isaac Newton was possessed of a small magnet set in a ring, the -weight of which was only three grains, but which supported, by its -attractive power on iron, seven hundred grains. It has been observed -that such instances are by no means common, although the smallest -magnets appear to have the greatest proportionate power.[56] - -Our own sailors, in the quiet weather of a voyage, will, with the aid -of a marlinspike, make exceedingly neat rings out of Spanish silver -or a copper coin. - -Some of the Egyptian signets were of extraordinary size. Sir Gardiner -Wilkinson mentions an ancient Egyptian one which contained about -twenty pounds worth of gold. It consisted of a massive ring, half an -inch in its largest diameter, bearing an oblong plinth, upon which -the devices were engraved; on one face was the successor of Amunoph -III., who lived B. C. 1400; on the other a lion, with the legend, -“Lord of strength,” referring to the monarch; on the other side a -scorpion, and on the remaining one a crocodile. - -[Illustration: (Bronze Ox Ring)] - -In the work of Count Caylus, there is a _vignette_ of a ring of -bronze, remarkable from its size and the subject upon it.[57] The -collet or collar of the ring is an inch in height, and eleven lines -in thickness. The figure upon it is an ox--or, as the author we have -referred to calls it, a cow, recumbent and swaddled, or covered by -draperies; and it wears a collar, to which hangs, according to this -author, a bell. He considers that it was made when the Romans wore -them of an excessive size, and while Gaul was under the dominion of -the former. He does not give any guess at the intention or meaning -of the subject. We believe it was, originally, Egyptian; and made -in memory of the sacred Bull Apis, (found in tombs,) honored by the -Egyptians as an image of the soul of Osiris and on the idea that his -soul migrated from one Apis to another in succession. And as to what -Caylus considers a bell, we are inclined to designate a bag. In Dr. -Abbott’s collection of Egyptian Antiquities are not only mummies of -these sacred bulls, but also the skulls of others, and over the head -of one is suspended a large bag, found in the pits with the bulls, -and supposed to be used to carry their food. - -Addison, in observing upon the size of old Roman rings,[58] refers to -Juvenal, as thus translated by Dryden: - - “Charged with light summer rings, his fingers sweat, - Unable to support a gem of weight.” - -And he goes on to say, that this “was not anciently so great an -hyperbole as it is now, for I have seen old Roman rings so very -thick-about and with such large stones in them, that it is no wonder -a fop should reckon them a little cumbersome in the summer season of -so hot a climate.” - -As a proof of the size to which Roman rings sometimes reached, we -here give an outline of one as it appears in Montfaucon. - -[Illustration: (Queen Plotina’s Ring)] - -This ring bears the portrait of Trajan’s good queen Plotina. The -coiffure is remarkable and splendid, being composed of three rows of -precious stones cut in facets. - -According to Pliny, devices were not put upon the metal of rings -until the reign of Claudius. - -When a wealthy Egyptian had been embalmed and placed in a superb case -or coffin, with a diadem on his head and bracelets upon his arms, -rings of gold, ivory and engraved cornelian were placed upon his -fingers.[59] - -Contrary to what might have been supposed, the British Museum is not -rich in rings. Through a dear friend, the author is able to give -drawings of a few of its treasures, and the following extract from a -letter: “They can trace none of their rings with any certainty. The -collection is not large, and has been bought at various times from -other collections and private sources, which could give no history, -or, if attempted, none that can be relied on. Mr. Franks, the curator -of this department, kindly made the impressions I send of those he -considered most curious, and selected the others for me.” - -[Illustration: (Isis and Serapis Ring)] - -Here is one of those rings. It bears the heads of Isis and Serapis. -A similar ring (perhaps the same) is figured in Caylus,[60] who -observes on the singularity of form and the ingenuity attendant -upon shaping it, while it is considered extremely inconvenient to -wear. It would, however, suit all fingers, large or small, because -it can be easily diminished or widened. The two busts are placed -at the extremities of the serpent which forms the body of the ring -contrariwise--if we may be allowed the expression--so that whatever -position or twist is given to the ring, one of the two heads always -presents itself in a natural position. The ring given by Caylus -was found in Egypt, but is said to be of Roman workmanship and made -when the former was under the dominion of the Romans; and he hints -that the heads may represent a Roman emperor and empress under the -forms of Isis and Jupiter Serapis, adding, “I will not hazard any -conjecture on the names that may be given them. I will content myself -with saying that the work is of a good time and far removed from the -lower empire; and I will add, that the quantity of rings which were -wrought for the Romans of all the states may serve to explain the -extraordinary forms which some present to us.” - -[Illustration: (Romano-Egyptian Isis and Serapis Ring)] - -Here is another, from the British Museum, in which Isis and Serapis -appear, singularly placed. This ring is Romano-Egyptian, and of -bronze. - -Here are two, Etruscan, from the same source, with an impression from -each. - -[Illustration: No. 1. No. 2.] - -They are both of gold, while No. 2 has a white stone which works upon -a swivel. - -We add, in this portion of our book, another from the British Museum. -It is worked from Greek or Etruscan gold, and was found in the -Abruzzi. - -[Illustration: (Abruzzi Ring)] - -Illustrations of some of the Egyptian seal-rings contained in the -British Museum, will be found in Knight’s Pictorial Bible, at the end -of the third chapter of Esther. - -Fashion and Fancy have given us rings of all imaginable shapes, and -these powers, joined with Religion and Love, have traced upon them -every supposable subject. - -Although modern rings seldom display the exquisite cutting and -artistic taste which appear upon antiques, still the latter exhibit -sentimental phrases and sentiments similar to such as are observed -upon rings of the present day. The Greeks were full of gallantry. -Time has preserved to us incontestable proofs of the vows which they -made to mistresses and friends, as well as of the trouble they took -and the expense they went to in order to perpetuate their sentiments. -Caylus,[61] who says this, gives a drawing of a ring bearing the -words KIPIA KAAH, _Beautiful Ciria_; and adds, “This inscription is -simple but energetic; it appears to me to suit the sentiment.” In -Montfaucon are several illustrations of Greek sentences upon rings, -which carry out what Caylus has observed; thus there are (rendered -into English), _Good be with you, Madam. Good be with you, Sir. -Good be with him who wears you and all his household. Remember it. -Theanus is my light._ Upon a ring bearing a hand which holds a ring: -_Remember good fortune._ There are, also, upon Roman rings, sentiment -and compliment in Latin sentences, as thus translated: _Live happy, -my hostess. You have this pledge of love. Live in God. Live._ And -Caylus[62] gives a description and drawing of a remarkably formed -gold ring; and although it bears Greek words, he leaves it in doubt -whether it is of Roman or Grecian workmanship. It has the appearance -of three rings united, widened in the front and tapering within the -hand. Upon the wide part of each are two letters, the whole forming -ZHCAIC, _Mayest thou live._ The Romans often preferred the Greek -language in their most familiar customs. - -[Illustration: (ZHCAIC Ring)] - -A ring of bronze has been discovered, in the form of a snake with -its tail in its mouth, made on the principle of some of our steel -rings which we use to hold household keys, widening their circle by -pressure.[63] In the finger-ring, the part in the mouth is inserted -loose, so as to draw out and increase to the size of the circle -needed. - -[Illustration: (Snake Ring)] - -[Illustration: (Buckle Ring)] - -[Illustration: (Buckle Ring Laid Flat)] - -Rings of gold are common in England at the present day, made to form -a strap with buckles, precisely, in shape, a common belt or collar. -It lies flat like an ordinary leather strap, and is formed of small -pieces of gold which are kept so delicately together that the lines -of meeting are scarcely perceptible. This is accomplished by having -many minute and unseen hinges, which make the whole pliable and -allow it to be buckled (as a ring) upon the finger. - -Nothing is new. One of the prettiest modern rings, used as a -remembrancer, has a socket for hair and a closing shutter. Roman -remains were found at Heronval in Normandy, and among them were -rings. One of these was almost of modern form, with a small place -under where the stone is usually fixed, into which hair might be -inserted.[64] We are constantly retracing the steps of antiquity. - -A Roman gold ring of a triangular form has been discovered in -England, with an intaglio representing the story of Hercules -strangling the Nemean lion.[65] And also a ring that, while it was -remarkable for its thickness, had a whistle on one side, which was -useful in calling servants before the time of domestic bells.[66] - -We shall find that there were rings in which poison was carried. - -Wilkinson has discovered several Egyptian rings, where the subject is -made up of two cats sitting back to back, and looking round at each -other, with an emblem of the goddess Athor between them. - -We do not know why Athor, _Venus_, should be between these sentinel -cats. Had the symbol of Pasht, _Diana_, been there, the thing would -have been less difficult; for cats, like maids, “love the moon,” and -their guardian goddess was Pasht. Their attitude is more watchful -than sacred cats would be supposed to assume, and might rather appear -to apply to the species embalmed in Kilkenny history. - -There is an Anglo-Saxon ring inscribed Ahlstan, Bishop of Sherborne, -which has the hoop of alternate lozenges and circles. It has, also, a -Saxon legend. Epigraphs in that language are extremely rare. It has -been supposed that Ahlstan had command of the Saxon army. - -In the catacombs of Rome, where the early Christians “wandered -about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, -tormented,”[67] where they stealthily prayed and lived and died, vast -quantities of signet and other rings have been discovered, as well as -medals, cameos and other precious stones. Signet rings of different -devices, as belonging to different owners, are in the catacombs -here; and this has raised the idea that they were deposited by -relatives and friends as the stone lid of the grave was about to be -shut,--offerings of love and affection.[68] - -“What a picture,” exclaims a writer in the London Art Journal,[69] -“do these dark vaults display of the devotion, the zeal, the love of -those early Christian converts whose baptism was in blood! I picture -them to myself, stealing forth from the city in the gloomy twilight, -out towards the lonely Campagna, and disappearing one by one through -well-known apertures, threading their way through the dark sinuous -galleries to some altar, where life and light and spiritual food, -the soft chanting of the holy psalms and the greeting of faithful -brethren, waking the echoes, awaited them. The sight of these early -haunts of the persecuted and infant religion is inexpressibly -affecting; and I pity those, be they Protestant or Catholic, who can -visit these hallowed precincts without an overwhelming emotion. -How many martyrs, their bodies torn and lacerated by the cruel -beasts amid the infuriated roar of thousands shrieking forth the -cry of _Christianos ad leonem!_ in the bloody games of the Flavian -amphitheatre, breathing their last sigh, calling on the name of the -Redeemer, have passed, borne by mourning friends or by compassionate -widows or virgins to their last dark narrow home, along the very -path I was now treading! How many glorified saints, now singing -the praises of the Eternal around the great white throne in the -seventh heaven of glory, may have been laid to rest in these very -apertures, lighted by a flickering taper like that I held. But I must -pause--this is an endless theme, endless as the glory of those who -hover in eternal light and ecstatic radiance above; it is moreover a -pæan I feel utterly unworthy to sing.” - -[Illustration: (Christian Ring and Impression)] - -We have received a drawing and impression of a ring which is in the -British Museum; and our opinion is that it belonged to one of the -early Christians. While the ΧΑΙΡΩ, _I rejoice_, upon it, favors the -idea, the monogram (upon the signet part) confirms it. This is, -evidently, the name of Jesus in its earliest monogrammatic form, -made up of the letters Χ. and Ρ. As commonly found on monuments in -the catacombs of Rome, it has a single cross with the Ρ. thus, ☧ -while in our illustration the cross is multiplied; and this is the -only difference. Surely such a memorial as this is more likely to -have been the ring of the lowly-minded “fisherman,” than the one -which is said to be framed with diamonds and worn by the Pope. In -Dr. Kip’s very interesting work on the Catacombs of Rome, there is -an illustration of a seal-ring, upon which a like monogram appears, -although somewhat complicated.[70] - -Near Cork, in Ireland, a silver ring was discovered, the hoop whereof -is composed of nine knobs or bosses, which may have served instead -of beads and been used by the wearer in the Catholic counting of -them. The antiquaries of Ireland have considered this ring as very -ancient.[71] - -[Illustration: (Irish Diamond Ring Two Views)] - -In referring to Irish rings, it may be well to mention one which was -found in the county of Westmeath, with some very ancient remains.[72] -It is remarkable, from being set with many diamonds in beautifully -squared work. On account of the place where it was discovered, a -suggestion has been made that it may have belonged to Rose Failge, -Prince of Ireland, eldest son of Calhoir the Great, who reigned A. D. -122, he being called the _Hero of Rings_. However, diamonds do not -appear to have been named among precious stones at that early period. - -The author is not aware that diamonds are often set loosely or upon -swivel in a ring. We have mention of one in the reign of James I. of -England. Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, (nicknamed by a cotemporary -“Robert the Devil,” and by James called his “little Beagle,”) was -dangerously ill at Bath; but on a report of his recovery, the King -sent purposely the Lord Hay to him, with a token, “which was a -fair diamond, set or rather hung square in a gold ring without a -foil”--and this message, “That the favor and affection he bore him -was and should be ever, as the form and matter of that, endless, -pure and most perfect.”[73] A writer, given to detraction, says that -this great statesman died of the disease of Herod, upon the top of -a mole-hill; and that his body burst the lead it was wrapped in. On -his tomb lies the skeleton of the Earl curiously carved. He seemed -well to weigh the glory of a courtier, for in writing to Sir John -Harrington,[74] he said: “Good Knight, rest content and give heed -to one that hath sorrowed in the bright lustre of a Court, and gone -heavily even on the best seeming fair ground. ’Tis a great task to -prove one’s honesty and yet not spoil one’s fortune. You have tasted -a little hereof in our blessed Queen’s time, who was more than a -man, and, in truth, sometimes less than a woman. I wish I waited now -in your presence chamber, with ease at my food and rest in my bed. -I am pushed from the shore of comfort, and know not where the winds -and waves of a Court will bear me. I know it bringeth little comfort -on earth; and he is, I reckon, no wise man that looketh this way to -heaven.” - -[Illustration: (Frank Pierce Ring)] - -In the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, some citizens -of California presented President Pierce with a gigantic ring. We -here give an outline, and add a description of it from Gleason’s -Pictorial Newspaper for the 25th of December, 1852. - -[Illustration: (President Franklin Pierce Ring)] - -“It is already pretty widely known to the public generally, that a -number of citizens of San Francisco have caused to be manufactured -and forwarded to Gen. Pierce, a most valuable and unique present, -in the form of a massive gold ring, as a token of esteem for the -President elect. Of this ring our artist has herewith given us -an admirable representation. It is a massive gold ring, weighing -upwards of a full pound. This monster ring, for chasteness of design, -elegance of execution, and high style of finish, has, perhaps, no -equal in the world. The design is by Mr. George Blake, a mechanic of -San Francisco. The circular portion of the ring is cut into squares, -which stand at right angles with each other, and are embellished each -with a beautifully executed design, the entire group presenting a -pictorial history of California, from her primitive state down to her -present flourishing condition, under the flag of our Union. - -“Thus, there is given a grizzly bear in a menacing attitude, a -deer bounding down a slope, an enraged boa, a soaring eagle and a -salmon. Then we have the Indian with his bow and arrow, the primitive -weapon of self-defence; the native mountaineer on horseback, and -a Californian on horseback, throwing his lasso. Next peeps out a -Californian tent. Then you see a miner at work, with his pick, the -whole being shaded by two American flags, with the staves crossed and -groups of stars in the angles. The part of the ring reserved for a -seal is covered by a solid and deeply carved plate of gold, bearing -the arms of the State of California in the centre, surmounted by the -banner and stars of the United States, and inscribed with ‘FRANK -PIERCE,’ in old Roman characters. This lid opens upon a hinge, and -presents to view underneath a square box, divided by bars of gold -into nine separate compartments, each containing a pure specimen -of the varieties of ore found in the country. Upon the inside is -the following inscription: ‘_Presented to_ FRANKLIN PIERCE, _the -Fourteenth President of the United States._’ The ring is valued at -$2000. Our engraving gives a separate view of the lid, so as to -represent the appearance of the top of the ring both when it is open -and when it is closed. Altogether, it is a massive and superb affair, -rich in emblematical design and illustration, and worthy its object.” - -Rings appear to have been worn indiscriminately on the fingers of -each hand. It would seem, however, from Jeremiah, that the Hebrews -wore them on their right hand; we there read that when the Lord -threatened King Zedekiah with the utmost effects of his anger, he -told him: “Though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were -the signet on my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence.”[75] - -Trimalchion wore two rings, one large and gilt, upon the little -finger of his right hand, and the other of gold, powdered with iron -stars, upon the middle of the ring finger.[76] - -Among the Romans, before rings came to be adorned with stones, and -while the graving was yet on the metal itself, every one wore them at -pleasure on what hand and finger he pleased. When stones came to be -added, they had them altogether on the left hand; and it would have -been held an excess of foppery to have put them on the right. - -Pliny says, they were at first worn on the fourth finger, then on the -second or index, then on the little finger, and at last, on all the -fingers excepting the middle one. - -Clemens Alexandrinus has it that men wore the ring on the extremity -of the little finger, so as to leave the hand more free. - -According to Aulus Gellius,[77] both the Greeks and Romans wore them -on the fourth finger of the left hand; and the reason he gives for -it is this, that having found, from anatomy, that this finger had a -little nerve that went straight to the heart, they esteemed it the -most honorable by this communication with that noble part. Macrobius -quotes Atteius Capito, that the right hand was exempt from this -office, because it was much more used than the left, and, therefore, -the precious stones of the rings were liable to be broken, and that -the finger of the left hand was selected which was the least employed. - -Pliny says, the Gauls and ancient Britons wore the ring on the middle -finger. - -At first, the Romans only used a single ring; then, one on each -finger, and, at length, as we gather from Martial,[78] several on -each. Afterwards, according to Aristophanes,[79] one on each joint. -Their foppery at length arose to such a pitch that they had their -weekly rings. - -The beast Heliogabalus carried the point of using rings the farthest, -for, according to Lampridius, he never wore the same ring or the same -shoe twice. - -Heliogabalus was a funny wretch:--he would frequently invite to his -banquets eight old men blind of one eye, eight bald, eight deaf, -eight lame with the gout, eight blacks, eight exceedingly thin, and -eight so fat that they could scarcely enter the room, and who, when -they had eaten as much as they desired, were obliged to be taken out -of the apartment on the shoulders of several soldiers. - -Egyptian women wore many, and sometimes two or three on one finger; -but the left was considered the hand peculiarly privileged to bear -these ornaments; and it is remarkable that its third was decorated -with a greater number than any other and was considered by them as -the ring finger.[80] This notion, as we have observed, the Grecians -had. - -The idea of wearing rings on the fourth finger of the left hand, -because of a supposed artery there which went to the heart, was -carried so far that, according to Levinus Lemnius, this finger -was called _Medicus_; and the old physicians would stir up their -medicaments and potions with it, because no venom could stick upon -the very outmost part of it but it will offend a man and communicate -itself to the heart. - -With regard to the translation of rings from the right to the -left hand, it may be pleasing to refer to that charming old work, -_Enquiries into Vulgar and Common Errors_, by Browne:[81] he says, -“That hand [the left] being lesse employed, thereby they were best -preserved, and for the same reason they placed them on this finger, -for the thumbe was too active a finger and is commonly imployed with -either of the rest: the index or fore finger was too naked whereto to -commit their pretiosities, and hath the tuition of the thumbe scarce -unto the second joynt: the middle and little finger they rejected -as extreams, and too big or too little for their rings; and of all -chose out the fourth as being least used of any, as being guarded -on either side, and having in most this peculiar condition that it -cannot be extended alone and by itselfe, but will be accompanied by -some finger on either side.” - -As to the Egyptians deriving a nerve from the heart in the fourth -finger of the left hand, the priests, from this notion, anointed the -same with precious oils before the altar. And Browne, in his Vulgar -Errors, says, “The Egyptians were weak anatomists, which were so good -embalmers.”[82] - -In the General Epistle of St. James,[83] we have this: “For if there -come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, -and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have -respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit -thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there or -sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves -and are become judges of evil thoughts?” In an illustrated edition -of the New Testament, it is said, the expression “with a gold ring” -might very properly be rendered, “having his fingers adorned with -gold rings;” and that about the time referred to in the text, the -wearing of many rings had become a fashion, at least among the master -people, the Romans, from whom it was probably adopted by persons of -wealth and rank in the provinces. The custom is noticed by Arrian; -while Seneca, in describing the luxury and ostentation of the time, -says, “We adorn our fingers with rings, and a jewel is displayed on -every joint.” There is a newspaper anecdote of an eminent preacher -at Norwich, in England, which shows that he had the above verse -(from the Epistle of St. James) in mind when it occurred. His -Reverence made a sudden pause in his sermon; the congregation were -panic-struck. Having riveted their attention, he addressed himself by -name to a gentleman in the gallery. “Has that poor man who stands at -the back of your pew a gold ring on his finger?” The gentleman turned -round, and replied, “I believe not, sir.” “Oh, then, I suppose that -is the reason he must not have a seat.” The gentleman had three gold -rings on his hand; and his pew was nearly empty. - -Here is another anecdote of a priest, in worse taste than the last. -Albert Pio, Prince of Caspi, was buried with extraordinary pomp in -the Church of the Cordeliers at Paris. He had been deprived of his -principality by the Duke of Ferrara, became an author, and finally -a fanatic. Entering one day into one of the churches at Madrid, he -presented holy water to a lady who had a very thin hand, ornamented -by a most beautiful and valuable ring. He exclaimed in a loud voice -as she reached the water, “Madam, I admire the ring more than the -hand.” The lady instantly exclaimed, with reference to the cordon -or rope with which he was decorated, “And for my part, I admire the -halter more than I do the ass.” He was buried in the habit of a -Cordelier; and Erasmus made a satire on the circumstance, entitled -the “Seraphic Interment.” - -The Hebrew women wore a number of rings upon their fingers.[84] - -Hippocrates, in treating of the decency of dress to be observed -by physicians, enjoins the use of rings. We have somewhere seen -it suggested, that the rings thus worn by physicians might have -contained aromatic water or preservative essence, in the same way -as their canes were supposed to do; and hence the action of putting -the heads or tops of the latter to their noses when consulting in a -sick-room. - - -§ 15. The author deems it as well to refer to the law, in relation to -rings. In common parlance, we consider precious stones to be jewels; -but rings of gold will pass by that word. In the time of Queen -Elizabeth, the Earl of Northumberland bequeathed by his will his -jewels to his wife, and died possessed of a collar of S’s, and of a -garter of gold, and of a button annexed to his bonnet, and also many -other buttons of gold and precious stones annexed to his robes, and -of many chains, bracelets and rings of gold and precious stones.[85] -The question was, whether all these would pass by the devise under -the name of jewels? It was resolved by the justices, that the garter -and collar of S’s did not pass, because they were not properly -jewels, but ensigns of power and state; and that the buckle of his -bonnet and the button did not pass, because they were annexed to his -robes, and were no jewels. But, for the other chains, bracelets and -tings, they passed under the bequest of jewels. - -Persons who desire to leave specific rings to friends should -designate them; for, otherwise, the particular article will not pass. -Thus, “I give a diamond ring,” is what is called a general legacy, -which may be fulfilled by the delivery of any ring of that kind; -while “I give the diamond ring presented to me by A,” is a specific -legacy, which can only be satisfied by the delivery of the specified -subject.[86] A legacy of £50 for a ring is but a money legacy; it -fastens upon no specific ring, and carries interest like other money -bequests.[87] - -A family ring may become an important piece of evidence in the -establishment of a pedigree; and the law admits it for that purpose: -upon the presumption, as Lord Erskine has it, “that a person would -not wear a ring with an error upon it.”[88] - -In ancient times dying persons gave their rings to some one, -declaring thereby who was their heir.[89] - - -§ 16. We do not find in any work on orders of knighthood, any -association having direct reference to a ring; but in a volume of -the Imperial Magazine there is a reference to the Order of the Ring, -said to have been copied from a beautifully illuminated MS., on -vellum.[90] The sovereign of the order was to wear upon the fifth -finger a blue enamelled ring, set round with diamonds, with the -motto, _Sans changer_. The matter looks fictitious, for it embraces -the seeming signatures of Leonora, Belvidera, Torrismond and Cæsario. - -Lorenzo the Magnificent, of the Medici family, bore a diamond -ring with three feathers and the motto, _Semper_; and when the -Medici returned to Florence, Giuliano de Medici instituted an -order of merit, denominated the Order of the Diamond, alluding to -the _impresa_, an emblem of his father. This was done to secure -influence by recalling the memory of the parent. The members of it -had precedence on public occasions, and it was their province to -preside over festivals, triumphs and exhibitions.[91] - - -§ 17. Rings have been found in strange places, and under interesting -circumstances. We find them upon and below the earth; within the -Pyramids; beneath the ashes of Pompeii and Herculaneum; and strewed -over battle-fields.[92] They have been discovered on the field of -Cressy. - - -§ 18. In Persia, at the present day, letters are seldom written and -never signed by the person who sends them; and it will thus appear -that the authenticity of all orders and communications, and even -of a merchant’s bills, depends wholly on an impression from his -seal-ring.[93] This makes the occupation of a seal-cutter one of -as much trust and danger as it seems to have been in Egypt. Such a -person is obliged to keep a register of every ring-seal he makes; -and if one be lost or stolen from the party for whom it was cut, his -life would answer for making another exactly like it. The loss of a -signet-ring is considered a serious calamity; and the alarm which an -Oriental exhibits when his signet is missing, can only be understood -by a reference to these circumstances, as the seal-cutter is always -obliged to alter the real date at which the seal was cut. The only -resource of a person who has lost his seal is to have another made -with a new date, and to write to his correspondents to inform them -that all accounts, contracts and communications to which his former -signet is affixed are null from the day on which it was lost. - -Importance has been given to signets in England. This was at a time -when the schoolmaster had not made many penmen. “And how great a -regard was had to seals,” says Collins, in his _Baronage_, “appears -from these testimonies; the Charter of King Henry I. to the Abbey -of Evesham, being exhibited to King Henry III. and the seal being -cloven in sunder, the King forthwith caused it to be confirmed,” -etc., etc.; “and in 13 Ed. III., when, by misfortune, a deed, then -showed in the Chancery, was severed from the seal, in the presence -of the Lord Chancellor and other noble persons, command was not only -given for the affixing it again thereto, but an exemplification was -made thereof under the Great Seal of England, with the recital of the -premises. And the counterfeiting of another man’s seal was anciently -punished with transportation, as appears from this record in the -reign of King John,” etc., etc. “It is also as remarkable that in 9 -H. III. c. c. marks damages were recovered by Sir Ralph de Crophall, -Knight, against Henry de Grendon and William de Grendon for forcibly -breaking a seal from a deed. Also so tender was every man in those -times of his seal, that if he had accidentally lost it, care was -taken to publish the same, lest another might make use of it to his -detriment, as is manifested in the case of Benedict de Hogham,” etc. -“Also not much unlike to this is that of Henry de Perpount, a person -of great quality, (ancestor of his Grace the Duke of Kingston,) who, -on Monday, in the Octaves of St. Michael, 8 Ed. I., came into the -Chancery at Lincoln and publicly declared, that he missed his seal; -and protested, that if any instrument should be signed with that -seal, for the time to come, it should be of no value or effect. Nor -is that publication made by John de Greseley of Drakelow, in _Com. -Derb._ 18 R. II., upon the loss of his seal, less considerable,” -etc., etc.[94] - - -§ 19. We are aware of the value of many modern rings, arising from -their being used as mere frames for jewels. And ancient ones, from -the same fact or from having exquisite engraving upon them, were also -highly prized. Nonius,[95] a senator, is said to have been proscribed -by Anthony for the sake of a gem in a ring, worth twenty thousand -sesterces. - -The “Roving Englishman”[96] informs us, that the Pasha wears on his -right-hand little finger, a diamond ring which once belonged to the -Dey of Algiers, and cost a thousand pounds sterling. - - -§ 20. An English work, of but little note, professes to make out -“Love’s Telegraph,” as understood in America, thus:--If a gentleman -wants a wife, he wears a ring on the _first_ finger of the left -hand; if he is engaged, he wears it on the _second_ finger; if -married, on the _third_; and on the fourth if he never intends to be -married. When a lady is not engaged, she wears a hoop or diamond on -her _first_ finger; if engaged, on the _second_; if married, on the -_third_; and on the fourth if she intends to die a maid.[97] - -Many of our readers are aware that there are _name-rings_, in -which the first letter attaching to each jewel employed will make -a loved one’s name or a sentiment. In the formation of English -rings of this kind, the terms _Regard_ and _Dearest_ are common. -Thus illustrated:--R(_uby_) E(_merald_) G(_arnet_) A(_methyst_) -R(_uby_) D(_iamond_).--D(_iamond_) E(_merald_) A(_methyst_) -R(_uby_) E(_merald_) S(_apphire_) T(_opaz_). It is believed that -this pretty notion originated (as many pretty notions do) with -the French. The words which the latter generally play with, in a -combination of gems, are _Souvenir_ and _Amitié_, thus: S(_aphir_ or -_S_ardoine) O(_nix_ or _O_pale) U(_raine_) V(_ermeille_) E(_meraude_) -N(_atralithe_) I(_ris_) R(_ubis_ or _R_ose diamant).--A(_méthiste_ -or _A_igue-marine) M(_alachite_) I(_ris_) T(_urquoise_ or _T_opaze) -I(_ris_) E(_meraude_). - -Here are the alphabetical French names of precious stones:[98] - - A. Améthiste. Aigue-marine. - B. Brilliant. Diamant, désigniant la même pierre. - C. Chrisolithe. Carnaline. Chrisophrase. - D. Diamant. - E. Emeraude. - F. (_Pas de pierre connue._) - G. Grenat. - H. Hiacinthe. - I. Iris. - J. Jasper. - K. (_Pas de pierre connue._) - L. Lapis lazuli. - M. Malachite. - N. Natralithe. - O. Onix. Opale. - P. Perle. Peridot. Purpurine. - Q. (_Pas de pierre connue._) - R. Rubis. Rose diamant. - S. Saphir. Sardoine. - T. Turquoise. Topaze. - U. Uraine. - V. Vermeille (_espèce de grenat jaune_). - X. Xépherine. - Y. Z. (_Pas de nous connus._) - -Kobell says,[99] “In _name-rings_, in which a name is indicated -by the initial letter of different gems, the emerald is mostly -used under its English and French name (_Emeraude_) to stand for -_e_, which would otherwise not be represented. (The German name -is _Smaragd_.) While on this point, it may be mentioned that a -difficulty occurs with _u_, but recent times have furnished a name -which may assist, namely, a green garnet, containing chrome, from -Siberia, which has been baptized after the Russian Minister Uwarrow, -and called _Uwarrovite_.” - -The Poles have a fanciful belief that each month of the year is -under the influence of a precious stone, which influence has a -corresponding effect on the destiny of a person born during the -respective month. Consequently it is customary among friends and -lovers, on birth-days, to make reciprocal presents of trinkets -ornamented with the natal stones. The stones and their influences, -corresponding with each month, are supposed to be as follows: - - January--Garnet. Constancy and Fidelity. - February--Amethyst. Sincerity. - March--Bloodstone. Courage, presence of mind. - April--Diamond. Innocence. - May--Emerald. Success in love. - June--Agate. Health and long life. - July--Cornelian. Contented mind. - August--Sardonyx. Conjugal felicity. - September--Chrysolite. Antidote against madness. - October--Opal. Hope. - November--Topaz. Fidelity. - December--Turquoise. Prosperity. - -Modern jewellers are known to palm off imitations of gems; and so -did sellers of trinkets in ancient times. The moderns only run the -chance of a loss of custom; but the latter were well off if they got -no greater fright than the jeweller who sold to the wife of Gallienus -a ring with a piece of glass in it. Gallienus ordered the cheat to be -placed in the circus, as though he were to be exposed to the ferocity -of a lion. While the miserable jeweller trembled at the expectation -of instant death, the executioner, by order of the emperor, let loose -a capon upon him. An uncommon laugh was raised at this; and the -emperor observed that he who had deceived others should expect to be -deceived himself. - -A ring often figures in the old English ballads. Thus, in _Child -Noryce_, the hero of it invites Lady Barnard to the merry greenwood: - - “Here is a ring, a ring, he says, - It’s all gold but the stane; - You may tell her to come to the merry greenwood, - And ask the leave o’ nane.” - - -§ 21. A ring, as an heraldic figure, is found in coats of arms -throughout every kingdom in Europe. In Heraldry, it is called an -_annulet_. We find the ring “gemmed” borne in the _arms_ of the -Montgomeries, who hold the Earldom of Eglinton; and one of whom -figures in the ballad of Chevy Chase: - - “Against Sir Hugh Montgomerie - So right his shaft he set, - The gray-goose-wing that was therein - In his heart blood was wet.” - -A father and son of this family were opposed to each other in the -battle of Marston Moor. The father, from his bearing, had the popular -appellation of _Gray Steel_. We find the amulet borne in the coats of -arms of several of the peers and gentlemen of England. - -Louis IX. of France, St. Louis, took for his device a marguerite or -daisy and fleur-de-lis, in allusion to the name of Queen Marguerite -his wife and the arms of France, which were also his own.[100] He -had a ring made with a relief around it in enamel, which represented -a garland of marguerites and fleurs-de-lis. One was engraven on a -sapphire with these words, “_This ring contains all we love._” Thus, -it has been said, did this excellent prince show his people that he -loved nothing but Religion, France and his wife. It is a question, -however, whether the emblem on the escutcheon of the kings of France -is really a fleur-de-lis. Some think it was originally a toad, -which formed the crest of the helmet worn by Pharamond; and others, -the golden bees which were discovered in the tomb of Childeric -at Tournay in 1653.[101] The story is that Clovis, after baptism, -received a fleur-de-lis from an angel. Since then France has been -called “the empire of lilies.” The coat of arms of Clovis and his -successors was a field of azure, seeded with golden fleurs-de-lis. - - -§ 22. The story of losing rings and finding them in fish, is as old -as Pliny, and we shall have to mention Solomon’s ring, which, it is -said, was found in one. We have an English statement[102] of a Mrs. -Todd, of Deptford, who, in going in a boat to Whitstable, endeavored -to prove that no person need be poor who was willing to be otherwise; -and, being excited with her argument, she took off her gold ring and -throwing it into the sea, said, “It was as much impossible for any -person to be poor, who had an inclination to be otherwise, as for her -ever to see that ring again.” The second day after this, and when she -had landed, she bought some mackerel, which the servant commenced to -dress for dinner, whereupon there was found a gold ring in one. The -servant ran to show it to her mistress, and the ring proved to be -that which she had thrown away. - -We are told in Brand’s “History of Newcastle,” that a gentleman of -that city, in the middle of the seventeenth century, dropped a ring -from his hand over the bridge into the river Tyne. Years passed on; -he had lost all hopes of recovering the ring, when one day his wife -bought a fish in the market, and in the stomach of that fish was -the identical jewel which had been lost! From the pains taken to -commemorate this event, it would appear to be true; it was merely an -occurrence possible, but extremely unlikely to have occurred. - -We are inclined to add in this section a circumstance connected with -a ring as it appeared in a respectable English periodical. Fact, -here, beats fiction: - -“Many years ago a lady sent her servant, a young man about twenty -years of age, and a native of that part of the country where his -mistress resided, to the neighboring town with a ring, which required -some alteration, to be delivered into the hands of a jeweller. The -young man went the shortest way across the fields; and coming to a -little wooden bridge that crossed a small stream, he leant against -the rail, and took the ring out of its case to look at it. While -doing so, it slipped out of his hand, and fell into the water. In -vain he searched for it, even till it grew dark. He thought it fell -into the hollow of a stump of a tree under water, but he could not -find it. The time taken in the search was so long, that he feared to -return and tell his story, thinking it incredible, and that he should -be even suspected of having gone into evil company and gamed it away -or sold it. In this fear he determined never to return--left wages -and clothes, and fairly ran away. This seemingly great misfortune was -the making of him. His intermediate history I know not; but this, -that after many years’ absence, either in the East or West Indies, he -returned with a very considerable fortune. He now wished to clear -himself with his old mistress; ascertained that she was living; -purchased a diamond ring of considerable value, which he determined -to present in person, and clear his character, by telling his tale, -to which the credit of his present position might testify. He took -the coach to the town of----, and from thence set out to walk the -distance of a few miles. He found, I should tell you, on alighting, -a gentleman who resided in the neighborhood, who was bound for the -adjacent village. They walked together, and in conversation, this -former servant, now a gentleman, with graceful manners and agreeable -address, communicated the circumstance that made him leave the -country abruptly many years before. As he was telling this, they came -to the very wooden bridge. ‘There,’ said he; ‘it was just here that I -dropped the ring; and there is the very bit of old tree into a hole -of which it fell--just there.’ At the same time he put down the point -of his umbrella into the hole of the knot in the tree, and drawing it -up, to the astonishment of both, found the very ring on the ferrule -of the umbrella.” - -Here also was an occurrence against which one would have previously -said the chances were as one to infinity. It was a circumstance which -we see to be most unlikely, yet must acknowledge to be possible, and, -when well authenticated, to be true. - -In the year 1765, a codfish was sold, and in its stomach was a gold -ring. It had remained there so long that the inscription was worn -off, although the scrolls in which it had been written remained -entire.[103] Codfish, like sharks, swallow any thing, whether fresh -or salted, bits of wood, red cloth, and even a whole book has been -found in one. We are not aware, however, that a cod has turned -“State’s evidence,” as it is said a shark did. A shark had swallowed -a log-book, thrown overboard to him by a pirate; and afterwards -repenting, took the first hook that offered, and thus turned State’s -evidence--so as to hang the villain by the revelation of the -document.[104] - - -§ 23. Poetical riddles are but a low species of verse, and yet the -best of poets have made them. We find a neat one on a ring, which, in -riddle-phrase, has been said to “unite two people together and touch -only one.” It runs thus: - - “Though small of body, it contains - The extremes of pleasure and of pains; - Has no beginning, nor no end; - More hollow than the falsest friend. - If it entraps some headless zany, - Or, in its magic circle, any - Have entered, from its sorcery - No power on earth can set them free. - At least, all human force is vain, - Or less than many hundred men. - Though endless, yet not short, nor long; - And what though it’s so wondrous strong, - The veriest child, that’s pleased to try, - Might carry fifty such as I.” - -George Herbert--“Holy Mr. Herbert,” as Isaac Walton calls him--has -an enigma in which a ring appears. We must confess our inability to -solve it, and leave readers to do so. It is entitled-- - - -“HOPE. - - “I gave to Hope a watch of mine; but he - An anchor gave to me. - Then an old prayer-book I did present, - And he an optic sent. - With that, I gave a phial full of tears; - But he a few green ears. - Ah, loiterer! I’ll no more, no more I’ll bring: - I did expect a ring.” - - -§ 24. Rings are sometimes misapplied. In the church of Loretto is -the house in which some Catholics say the Virgin mother of Jesus was -born, it having occupied a lane in Nazareth where Christ resided, -and which, after a long flight of years, was transported by angels -to Loretto. It must, as it stood in Nazareth, have resembled a mud -cabin. Within it is a miraculous statue of the Virgin and child, in -cedar wood. “The Bambino,” says an authoress, “holds up his hand, as -if to sport a superb diamond ring on his finger, presented to him -by Cardinal Antonelli; it is a single diamond, and weighs thirty -grains.”[105] - - -§ 25. The scenes through which many rings are carried must be as -remarkable as those exhibited in “The Adventures of a Guinea,” or -“of a Feather.” “My Lady Rochford,” writes Horace Walpole, “desired -me t’other day to give her a motto for a ruby ring, which had been -given by a handsome woman of quality to a fine man; he gave it to -his mistress, she to Lord *****, he to my Lady; who, I think, does -not deny that it has not yet finished its travels. I excused myself -for some time, on the difficulty of reducing such a history to a -poesy--at last I proposed this: - - ‘This was given by woman to man and by man to woman.’”[106] - - * * * * * - -It may be well for the author to so far take the part of a jeweller, -as to sort his Rings before he exhibits them. - -We propose to speak of: - - 1.--_Rings connected with power._ - - 2.--_Rings having supposed charms and virtues, or connected with - degradation and slavery, or used for sad and wicked purposes._ - - 3.--_Rings coupled with remarkable historical characters or - circumstances._ - - 4.--_Rings of love, affection and friendship._ - - - - - CHAPTER TWO. - - RINGS CONNECTED WITH POWER. - - 1. The Ring an Emblem of Power; Pharaoh; Quintus Curtius; Antiochus - Epiphanes, Augustus; King of Persia, Egypt under the Ptolemies; - Roman Senators; the Forefinger. 2. Rings used in Coronations; - Edward the Second, Mother of Henry VIII.; Queen Elizabeth; Charles - II.; Coronation Rings, Canute; Sebert; Henry II.; Childeric; - Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. 3. King withdrawing a - Proceeding from the Council by the use of a Ring. 4. The Doge of - Venice marrying the Adriatic. 5. The Ring of Office of the Doge. 6. - _The Fisherman’s Ring._ 7. Papal Ring of Pius II. 8. Investiture of - Archbishops and Bishops, by delivery of a Ring; Cardinal’s Ring; - Extension of the two Forefingers and Thumb. 9. Serjeant’s Ring. 10. - Arabian Princesses. 11. Roman Knights. 12. Alderman’s Thumb Ring. - - -§ 1. From the most ancient times, a ring has been an emblem of power. - -Pharaoh put his ring upon Joseph’s hand, as a mark of the power he -gave him; and the people cried, “Bow the knee.”[107] - -Quintus Curtius tells us that Alexander the Great sealed the letters -he wrote into Europe with his own ring seal, and those in Asia with -Darius’s ring; and that when Alexander gave his ring to Perdiccas, it -was understood as nominating him his successor. - -When Antiochus Epiphanes was at the point of death, he committed to -Philip, one of his friends, his diadems, royal cloak and ring, that -he might give them to his successor, young Antiochus.[108] - -Augustus, being very ill of a distemper which he thought mortal, gave -his ring to Agrippa, as to a friend of the greatest integrity. - -The ring given by Pharaoh to Joseph was, undoubtedly, a signet or -seal-ring, and gave authority to the documents to which it was -affixed; and by the delivery of it, therefore, Pharaoh delegated to -Joseph the chief authority in the state.[109] The king of Persia, in -the same way, gave his seal-ring to his successive ministers, Haman -and Mordecai; and in the book of Esther,[110] the use of such a ring -is expressly declared: “The writing which is written in the king’s -name, and sealed with the king’s seal, may no man reverse.” - -That ministers or lords under the king had their rings of office, -is also apparent from what occurred with the closing of the den of -lions: “And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den; -and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet -of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning -Daniel.”[111] - -In Egypt, under the Ptolemies, the king’s ring was the badge under -which the country was governed. It seemed to answer to the great -seal of England.[112] We read that Sosibius, minister under Ptolemy -Philopater, was forced, by popular clamor, to give up the king’s -signet ring to another. Here was a going out of a Lord John Russell, -and a coming in of a Lord Palmerston. - -At first, Roman Senators were not allowed to wear gold rings, unless -they had been ambassadors; but, at length, the Senators and Knights -were allowed the use of them; although Acron in Horace observes they -could not do it unless it were given them by the Prætor.[113] The -people wore silver rings. - -Inhabitants of the eastern world do not sign their names. They -have ring-seals, in which name and title are engraven, and they -make an impression with thick ink where we make our signature. To -give a person, then, your seal-ring, is to give him the use of an -authority and power which your own signature possesses. This explains -the extraordinary anxiety about seals, as exhibited in the laws -and usages of the East, and to which we have referred in a former -chapter. It also illustrates Judah’s anxiety about the signet which -he had pledged to Tamar. - -In ancient times, the forefinger was emblematical of power. Among -the Hebrews, “the finger of God” denoted his power; and it was the -forefinger among the gods of Greece and Italy which wore the ring, -the emblem of supremacy.[114] - - -§ 2. Rings are used in coronations. The English public records, -as now extant in the Tower of London, contain no mention of any -coronation proceedings before the reign of Edward the Second. The -accounts of the forms observed with reference to that king being -crowned, as also of Richard the Second, are the two most ancient -from which the minutes of those matters can be collected on official -authority.[115] However, there is enough of Saxon times left to -show that the Anglo-Saxon kings used a ring in their coronation -ceremonies.[116] - -In a curious old manuscript relating to the Ancient Form of the -Coronation of the Kings and Queens of England, we have this: “After -the king is thus arrayed, then let the crown be placed upon the -king’s head by the Archbishop, and afterwards let a ring be put upon -the king’s hand by the Bishop.” - -In Leland’s _Collectanea_ is a circumstantial account of the -coronation of the mother of Henry the Eighth. In describing the -ceremonies made use of by the Archbishop: “He next blest her ring and -sprinkled on it holy water.” - -In the ceremony of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, she was wedded -to the kingdom with a ring, which she always wore, till the flesh -growing over it, it was filed off a little before her decease.[117] - -On the restoration of Charles the Second of England, measures -were adopted to repair, as much as possible, the loss of the -ancient regalia of the crown taken from their depository, the -Jerusalem Chamber, Westminster, and broken up and sold by the -Parliamentarians.[118] The new regalia was constructed by Sir Robert -Vyner, the king’s goldsmith. The cost of it was £21,978 9s. 11d. - -In an account of the coronation of Charles II. of England,[119] we -have the following, which comes after a description of the robing -and crowning: “Then the master of the jewel house delivered to the -Archbishop the ring, who consecrated it after this manner, saying: -‘Bless, O Lord, and sanctify this ring, that thy servant, wearing -it, may be sealed with the ring of faith and, by the power of the -Highest, be preserved from sin; and let all the blessings, which -are found in Holy Scripture, plentifully descend upon him, that -whatsoever he shall sanctify may be holy; and whomsoever he blesseth -may be blessed. Amen.’ After which he put it upon the fourth finger -of the king’s right hand, and said: ‘Receive this ring of kingly -dignity, and by it the seal of Catholic Faith, that as this day -thou art adorned the head and prince of this kingdom and people, so -thou mayest persevere as the author and establisher of Christianity -and the Christian faith; that being rich in faith and happy in -works, thou mayest reign with Him that is King of kings; to whom be -honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.’” Think of this imposing -ceremony; and then remember the after life and the death of that -royal libertine. Better for his country had he never known a British -oak for safety. The living tree was dishonored when its foliage -shaded him. What can be said in favor of one who squandered on his -mistresses seventy thousand pounds sterling, which had been voted by -Parliament for a monument to his father? And also to think of the -joking excuse, that his father’s grave was unknown! - -In an explanation of what are called the sacred and royal habits and -other ornaments wherewith monarchs of England are invested on the -day of coronation, we have a description of the king’s and queen’s -coronation rings. The king’s is a plain gold ring, with a large -table ruby violet, wherein a plain cross or cross of St. George is -curiously enchased. The queen’s coronation ring is likewise gold, -with a large table ruby set therein and sixteen other small rubies -round about the ring, whereof those next to the collet are the -largest, the rest diminishing proportionally. - -In the account of Ancient Regalia which were destroyed and dissipated -in the time of the Commonwealth in England, there is no mention of a -ring. - -In the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-six, some workmen -discovered a monument while repairing Winchester Cathedral, in -England.[120] It contained the body of King Canute, and was -remarkably fresh. There was a wreath around the head, several -ornaments of gold and also silver bands; upon a finger was a ring, in -which was set a large and remarkably fine stone; while in one of the -hands was a silver penny. This silver penny was not for “the ferryman -that poets write of,” as was the piece of money in the mouths of the -Roman knights whose passing-away bodies we have before referred to; -but, although it may have been for Peter and not Charon, is it not -probable that we find here a custom of Christian times springing out -of heathen root? A statue of Jupiter has been turned into a Christ; -and that which the Roman used for the boatman of Styx, is here meant -for one who had the key of heaven. - -While Henry the Second, of England, was rebuilding Westminster Abbey, -the sepulchre of Sebert, king of the East Angles, was opened.[121] -The body was dressed in royal robes, and there was a thumb-ring, in -which was set a ruby of great value. - -Horace Walpole, having reference to the opening of this monarch’s -tomb, complains, like an antiquary, of the reburying the king’s -regalia. “They might, at least, have cut out the portraits and -removed the tomb [of King Sebert] to a conspicuous situation; but -though this age is grown so antiquarian, it has not gained a grain -more of sense in that walk--witness, as you instance, in Mr. Grose’s -Legends, and in the dean and chapter reburying the crown, robes and -sceptre of Edward I. There would surely have been as much piety -in preserving them in their treasury, as in consigning them again -to decay. I did not know that the salvation of robes and crowns -depended on receiving Christian burial. At the same time, the chapter -transgresses that prince’s will, like all their antecessors, for he -ordered his tomb to be opened every year or two years, and receive a -new cere-cloth or pall; but they boast now of having inclosed him so -substantially that his ashes cannot be violated again.”[122] - -When the tomb of Henry the Second, of England, was opened, it -appeared that he was buried wearing a crown and royal robes, -with other paraphernalia, while there was a great ring upon his -finger.[123] - -Richard the Second, of England, by his will directed that he should -be buried in velvet or white satin, etc., and that, according to -royal usage, a ring, with a precious stone in it, should be put upon -his finger. - -The body of Childeric, the first king of the Franks,[124] was -discovered at Tours. It was found in royal robes, and, with other -regalia, a coronation ring. - -In the year one thousand five hundred and sixty-two, the Calvinists -broke open the tomb of Matilda, wife to William the Conqueror, in the -Abbey of Caen; and discovered her body dressed in robes of state and -a gold ring, set with a sapphire, upon one of her fingers. The ring -was given to the then abbess, who presented it to her father, the -Baron de Conti, constable of France, when he attended Charles IX. to -Caen in 1563. - - -§ 3. In the time of Henry VIII. of England, the king’s ring was -used to withdraw from the Council the power to adjudge a matter and -to place it entirely in the hands of the monarch. We refer to the -complaints against Cranmer, which are made use of by Shakspeare,[125] -who has very closely followed Fox, in his Book of Martyrs.[126] The -king sends for Cranmer, and follows up his discourse thus: “Do you -not consider what an easy thing it is to procure three or four false -knaves to witness against you? Think you to have better luck that -way than your master Christ had? I see by it you will run headlong -to your undoing, if I would suffer you. Your enemies shall not so -prevail against you, for I have otherwise devised with myself to -keep you out of their hands. Yet, notwithstanding, to-morrow when -the council shall sit and send for you, resort unto them, and if, -in charging you with this matter, they do commit you to the Tower, -require of them, because you are one of them, a counsellor, that -you may have your accusers brought before them without any further -indurance, and use for yourself as good persuasions that way as you -may devise; and if no entreaty or reasonable request will serve, then -deliver unto them this my ring, (which, then, the king delivered -unto the Archbishop,) and say unto them, ‘If there be no remedy, -my lords, but that I must needs go to the Tower, then I revoke my -cause from you and appeal to the king’s own person by this token -unto you all;’ for, (said the king then unto the Archbishop,) ‘so -soon as they shall see this my ring, they know it so well that they -shall understand that I have reserved the whole cause into mine own -hands and determination, and that I have discharged them thereof.’ -Anon the Archbishop was called into the council chamber, to whom was -alleged as before is rehearsed. The Archbishop answered in like sort -as the king had advised him; and in the end, when he perceived that -no manner of persuasion or entreaty could serve, he delivered them -the king’s ring, revoking his cause into the king’s hands. The whole -council being thereat somewhat amazed, the Earl of Bedford, with a -loud voice, confirming his words with a solemn oath, said, ‘When you -first began the matter, my lords, I told you what would become of it. -Do you think that the king would suffer this man’s finger to ache? -Much more (I warrant you) will he defend his life against brabbling -varlets. You do but cumber yourselves to hear tales and fables -against him.’ And incontinently upon the receipt of the king’s token, -they all rose and carried to the king his ring, surrendering that -matter, as the order and use was, into his own hands.” - - -§ 4. The stranger in Venice is yet shown the richly gilt galley, -called _Bucentaur_, in which the Doge, from the year 1311, was -accustomed to go out into the sea annually on Ascension Day, to throw -a ring into the water, and thus to marry, as it were, the Adriatic, -as a sign of the power of Venice over that sea.[127] This ceremony -does not go into remote antiquity, yet the origin of it is of -considerable date. In the year 1177, when the Emperor Barbarossa went -to humble himself before the Pope, who had taken refuge in Venice, -the Pope, in testimony of the kindness he had there received, gave to -the Doge a ring, and with it a right for the Venetians to call the -Adriatic sea their own. He bade the Doge cast it into the sea, to -wed it, as a man marries his wife; and he enjoined the citizens, by -renewing this ceremony every year, to claim a dominion which they had -won by their valor; for they had, with a small squadron, defeated a -large fleet of the Emperor’s and taken his son prisoner; and it was -to regain his son that the Emperor submitted himself to the Pope. - -The ceremony took place on Ascension Day. The Doge, the senators, -foreign ambassadors and great numbers of the nobility, in their black -robes, walked to the sea-side, where the magnificent vessel, the -Bucentoro, was waiting to receive them. They then proceeded about -two miles up the Laguna, and when arrived at a certain place, they -all stopped. The Doge then rose from his chair of state, went to the -side of the vessel and threw a gold ring into the sea, repeating the -following words: “We espouse thee, O sea! as a token of our perpetual -dominion over thee.” At the close of this part of the ceremony, all -the galleys fired their guns; and the music continued to play. On -their voyage back, they stopped at a small island, where they went to -church, and high mass was there celebrated. They then returned in the -same order they at first set out.[128] - -This cry of perpetual dominion over the sea, puts us in mind -of the story of Canute; and knowing the present prostrate and -decaying condition of Venice, truly may we say: “How are the mighty -fallen.” One of our frigates would make the whole maritime power of -Venice tremble like the ring as it went through the waters. This -ceremony was intermitted in the year one thousand seven hundred and -ninety-seven.[129] - - -§ 5. The Doge of Venice had a ring of office. We find it figuring in -the acts through which the Doge Foscari had to move. A noble creature -was this Foscari. No Brutus ever behaved with the awful dignity which -was apparent in Foscari at the period of his son’s torture in his -presence.[130] - -When the Council of Ten demanded of him - - “The resignation of the Ducal ring, - Which he had worn so long and venerably,” - -he laid aside the Ducal bonnet and robes; surrendered his ring of -office, and cried out: - - “There’s the Ducal ring, - And there the Ducal diadem. And so, - The Adriatic’s free to wed another.” - -The ring was broken in his presence, and as nobly as the old Doge had -borne himself, whether when strangers were before him, or when his -son was tortured in his presence, (as an awful punishment for the -yearning of a young heart for childhood’s home,) so did this great -Venetian still act. He refused to leave the Ducal palace by a private -way. He would descend, he said, by no other than the same giant -stairs which he had mounted thirty years before. Supported by his -brother, he slowly traversed them. At their foot, leaning upon his -staff, for years of age were upon him, he turned towards the palace, -and accompanied a last look with these parting words: “My _services_ -established me within your walls; it is _the malice of my enemies_ -which tears me from them.” The bells of the Campanile told of his -successor. He suppressed all outward emotion, but a blood-vessel was -ruptured in the exertion and he died in a few hours. - - -§ 6. A Pope wears a ring of gold with a costly emerald or other -precious gem set in it. - -The decrees of the Romish Court consist of bulls and briefs. The -latter are issued on less important occasions than the former. Briefs -are written upon fine white parchment, with Latin letters; and the -seal is what is called “The Fisherman’s Ring.” It is a steel seal, -made in the fashion of a Roman signet, (_signatorius annulus_.) When -a brief is written to any distinguished personage, or has relation -to religious or general important matter, the impression from the -Fisherman’s Ring is said to be made upon a gold surface; in some -other cases it appears upon lead; and these seals are generally -attached by strings of silk. Impressions of this seal are also made -in ink, direct upon the substance on which the brief is written. -The author has obtained a sight of an impression of the Fisherman’s -Ring, attached to a bull or brief in the archives of the Catholic -bishopric of New-York, and liberty to copy it for publication.[131] -The impression is in ink upon vellum or fine parchment, at the left -hand of the extreme lower corner, balancing the signature at the -other (lower) corner. We are not aware that a sketch has ever before -been made public. - -[Illustration: (Fisherman’s Ring)] - -A “Fisherman’s Ring” was used at a very early period; and no doubt -the original device has been renewed. The reader will observe the -antique form of the prow of the boat and oar, as well as the singular -flying drapery attached to the head of the figure. - -When a pope dies, the cardinal chamberlain or chancellor -(_camerlengo_), accompanied by a large number of the high dignitaries -of the Papal Court, comes into the room where the body lies; and the -principal or great notary makes an attestation of the circumstance. -Then the cardinal chamberlain calls out the name of the deceased pope -three times, striking the body each time with a gold hammer; and as -no response comes, the chief notary makes another attestation. After -this, the cardinal chancellor demands the Fisherman’s Ring, and -certain ceremonies are performed over it; and then he strikes the -ring with the golden hammer, and an officer destroys the figure of -Peter by the use of a file. From this moment all the authority and -acts of the late pope pass to the College or Conclave of Cardinals. - -When a new pope is consecrated, it is always the cardinal chancellor -or chamberlain who presents the renewed Fisherman’s Ring; and this -presentation is accompanied by imposing ceremonies. - -Gavazzi, who tilts at every matter which may appear mystically -Catholic, just as an excited bull runs at a red mantle, says: “The -Fisherman’s Ring now in use is most valuable, and would hardly square -with the simplicity of Peter;”[132] and he remarks, in reference to -the present Pope: “This man has on one of his fingers a splendid -ring, composed of diamonds and pearls of great price, and this ring -of $8,000 is called the Fisherman’s Ring; it symbolizes the ring of -poor St. Peter, which cost, perhaps, two cents.” Gavazzi must be in -error. A ring like that of the “Fisherman’s,” subject to be destroyed -on the death of a pope, would not be surrounded by brilliants; and -the fact that this ring is used as a signet to impress a gold or -leaden surface, or even vellum, carries with it the conviction that -it would not be encircled with precious stones and pearls; for, -independent of the chance of injury, they would impede an impression. -It is very possible that the official ring, bearing an emerald, and -which a pope wears as Bishop of Rome, might be further ornamented. -We have been favored with a sight of a ring used by the present -Archbishop of New-York, which is composed of an extra large oblong -emerald of beautiful color, surrounded by brillants. This ring is -worn on the fourth finger of the right hand. - -Horace Walpole refers to his friend Mr. Chute’s playfully using an -expression which couples itself with the fisherman’s ring: “Mr. Chute -has received a present of a diamond mourning ring from a cousin; he -calls it _l’annello del Piscatore_. Mr. Chute, who was unmarried, -meant that his cousin was _fishing_ for his estate.” - -[Illustration: (Pope Pius II. Ring Laid Flat)] - -[Illustration: (Pope Pius II. Ring Two Views)] - - -§7. There is a massive ring extant, chased with the arms of Pope Pius -the Second.[133] It is of brass, and has been thickly gilt. It is -set with a topaz, the surface of which has lost its polish. On the -hoop of the ring are chased the arms of Pope Pius the Second, of the -family of Picolomini, the papal tiara, and this inscription, _Papa -Pio_. The stone is set in a massive square facet, carried up to a -considerable height above the finger; and on each of the four sides -is placed, in relief, one of the four beasts of the Revelation, which -were used to typify the Evangelists. Pope Pius the Second is better -known by his literary name of Æneas Sylvius. His works, which include -a History of Europe, a History of Bohemia and a long series of -letters, have passed through several editions. He was elected Pope in -1418, and died in 1464. This ring is considerably larger in size than -the rings usually found buried with bishops, and which were probably -what they received on their consecration. It must have been intended -to have been worn over a glove. It seems to have been a state ring -worn on one of those occasions when all Christendom came to receive -his benediction. - -The estates and honors which composed the ecclesiastical -temporalities were considered to partake of the nature of fiefs; -and, therefore, to require similar investiture from the chief lord. -Charlemagne is said to have introduced this practice and to have -invested a newly consecrated bishop by placing a ring and crosier in -his hands. - -By a Concordat at Worms, Henry V. resigned for ever all pretence to -invest bishops by the ring and crosier. - - -§ 8. During the times of the early British kings, it was a rule for -the monarch to invest archbishops and bishops, by delivery of a ring -and the pastoral staff. Anselm was hurried into the presence of -William Rufus, in order to be made Archbishop of Canterbury.[134] He -hesitated, because he was subject to Normandy, and the way in which -the holy men around him acted, savors very much of a portion of the -hurly-burly of a popular democratic election. When no argument could -prevail, the bishops and others who were present clapped the pastoral -staff into his hands, forced the ring upon his finger, shouted for -his election and bore him by force into the church, where _Te Deum_ -was sung. This right of investiture became a serious matter of -dispute in the time of Anselm. - -Miracles have been attributed to Anselm. A Flemish nobleman was cured -of a leprosy by drinking the water in which Anselm had washed his -hands; and a ship, wherein he sailed, having a large hole in one of -her planks, nevertheless took in no water so long as the holy man was -on board.[135] - -From the reign of Charlemagne, sovereign princes took upon them -to give the investiture of the greater benefices by the ring and -pastoral staff.[136] Gregory VII. was the first who endeavored to -take from them this right, towards the end of the eleventh century. - -Arnulph, immediately on his consecration as Bishop of Rochester, -gave the attendant monks to understand how a dream about a ring had -foretold this dignity.[137] “Arnulph being received by the monks with -all marks of respect, said to us, on the very day of his election: -‘Brethren, I had assurance given me a few days ago that, unworthy -as I am, I should soon be raised to the dignity now conferred upon -me. For as I slept one night, Gundulphus’ (who had been Bishop of -Rochester) ‘appeared to me, offering me a ring of great weight; which -being too heavy for me, I refused to accept it; but he, chiding me -for my stupidity in rejecting his present, obliged me to receive it, -and then disappeared.’ This he related to us; and we were convinced -it was no fantastical illusion which the holy man had seen in his -sleep, since, being made Bishop of Rochester, he received that very -ring, which Bishop Gundulphus, when alive, had given to Ralph, then -an abbot, but afterwards bishop.” - -Symbols of ring, staff, mitre and gloves are not used at the present -day in the consecration of archbishops and bishops of the Church -of England. The delivery of the _pastoral staff_ in the Roman -pontificate was preceded by its consecration, and followed by the -consecration and putting on of a _ring_ in token of his marriage to -the church; and of a _mitre_, as an helmet of strength and salvation, -that his face being adorned, and his head (as it were) armed with the -_horns_ of both Testaments, may appear terrible to the adversaries of -the truth, as also in imitation of the ornaments of Moses and Aaron; -and of _gloves_, in token of clean hands and breast to be preserved -by him.[138] - -The episcopal ring, and which is thus esteemed a pledge of the -spiritual marriage between the bishop and his church, was used at a -remote period. The fourth Council of Toledo, held in 633, appoints -that a bishop condemned by one council and found afterwards innocent -by a second should be restored by giving him the ring, staff, -etc.[139] - -From bishops, the custom of the ring has passed to cardinals, who are -to pay a large sum for the right to use a ring as such. Perhaps this -arises from the fact that cardinals and prelates do not, strictly, -belong to the hierarchy. - -A bishop, like a pope, receives a gold ring, set with a green gem. -Sometimes an abbot of a convent is invested with a ring, but this is -said only to occur when he possesses a bishop’s powers. - -Solid gold rings are frequently found in tombs of abbots and -bishops.[140] - -In a description of the finger-ring found in the grave of the -venerable Bede, it is said, that no priest, during the reign of -Catholicity in England, was buried or enshrined without his ring. -This, however, has been questioned.[141] - -High dignitaries of the Church do not appear to have restricted -themselves to a single ring. On the hands of the effigy of Cardinal -Beaufort in Winchester Cathedral, there are gloves fringed with gold -and having an oval-shaped jewel on the back; while on the middle and -third fingers of each hand are rings worn over the gloves. - -[Illustration: (Bishop Bitton Ring)] - -In new paving and beautifying of Exeter Cathedral in England, a -leaden coffin was found of a Bishop Bitton, who died in 1307.[142] -Near the bones of the finger was discovered a sapphire ring set -in gold, in the centre of which was engraved a hand with the two -forefingers extended in the attitude of benediction. - -This extension of the two forefingers, in company with the thumb, -must have been often observed in Catholic pictures. We see it in the -painting of the Virgin and Child in the Düsseldorf collection now in -New-York. - -The thumb and the first two fingers have always been reserved as -symbols of the three persons of the Trinity.[143] When a bishop -gives his blessing, he blesses with the thumb and first two fingers. -Sepulchral monuments bear witness of this fact. - -Both the Greek and Latin Churches agree that the thumb and first two -fingers symbolize the Trinity.[144] - -It is, however, insisted that the origin of thus using the thumb -and two fingers is not of Christian, but of heathen derivation; -for Apuleius mentions this practice as the usual one with orators -soliciting the attention of an audience.[145] Here we see another -pagan custom become a Christian one. - -The hand, with the thumb and two fingers extended, is sometimes -called the “hand of justice.”[146] - -Miniature hands, taking in a part of the arm, are found in Rome, -which have the thumb and two forefingers extended and the remaining -fingers closed. Caylus gives a drawing of one (two inches and nine -lines in length) which has a serpent stretched on the back of the -hand, after having surrounded the wrist, and a lizard, likewise -in relief, placed upon the arm.[147] The author we have referred -to cannot account for this peculiar disposition of the thumb and -fingers; but he considers that the thing itself was an offering, and -refers to a hole in it by which it could be suspended. But we observe -that Addison, in his Remarks on Italy,[148] says: “The custom of -hanging up limbs of wax, as well as pictures, is certainly direct -from the old heathens, who used, upon their recovery, to make an -offering in wood, metal or clay of the part that had been afflicted -with a distemper, to the deity that delivered them. I have seen, I -believe, every limb of a human body figured in iron or clay which -were formerly made on this occasion, among the several collections -of antiquities that have been shown in Italy.” This, however, does -not account for the snake and the lizard, or the peculiarity of -closing two fingers and elevating the others with the thumb; and we -are inclined to raise a question, whether the miniature hand and arm, -figured by Caylus, was not an amulet and worn as such? The position -of the fingers and thumb may here denote power, or authority and -control over noxious creatures. A Roman soldier going into Egypt -might carry such an one.[149] (This custom of offering a model of the -restored part, was common with the ancient Egyptians.[150]) - -Catholics kiss the bishop’s hand, or, rather, the ring which he wears -in virtue of his episcopal office. - -In the earliest ages bishops sealed with rings; but from the ninth -century they had distinct seals.[151] - -It is said that formerly bishops wore their rings on the forefinger -of the right hand.[152] - -When a bishop receives the ring at his consecration, the words used -are: “Receive the ring, the badge of fidelity, to the end that, -adorned with inviolable fidelity, you may guard, without reproach, -the Spouse of God, that is, the Holy Church.” - - -§ 9. At the English Law Bar, there is a distinction among the -barristers. Those called Serjeants are of the highest and most -ancient degree, and judges of the Courts of Westminster are always -admitted into this venerable order before they are advanced to the -Bench. - -The ceremony of making a serjeant is or rather was a very imposing -and expensive one. Connected with this ceremony, the serjeant had to -give a great dinner, “like to the feast of a king’s coronation,” and -which continued seven days, and he had to present gold rings, bearing -some loyal motto, to every prince, duke and archbishop present, and -to every earl and bishop, lord privy seal, lords chief justices, -lord chief baron, every lord baron of Parliament, abbot and notable -prelate, worshipful knight, master of the rolls, every justice, baron -of exchequer, chamberlain, officer and clerk of the courts, each -receiving a ring, convenient for his degree. And a similar token was -given to friends. - -These rings were delivered by some friend of the new serjeant’s and -who was of the standing of barrister. He was called his _colt_. -Whitlock says, when the new Serjeants counted, their _colts_ -delivered the rings.[153] Why they are thus called is not very -clear: “_colt_,” according to Shakspeare, is a young foolish fellow. - -In 1 _Modern Reports, case 30_, we have a hint of “short weight.” -“Seventeen serjeants being made the 14th day of November, a daye -or two after Serjeant Powis, the junior of them all, coming to the -King’s Bench bar, Lord Chief Justice Kelynge told him that he had -something to say to him, viz.: that the rings which he and the rest -of the serjeants had given weighed but eighteen shillings apiece; -whereas Fortescue, in his book _De Laudibus Legum Angliæ_, says, ‘The -rings given to the chief justices and to the chief baron ought to -weigh twenty shillings apiece;’ and that he spoke not this expecting -a recompence, but that it might not be drawn into a precedent, and -that the young gentlemen there might take notice of it.” - -We consider the matter about serjeants’ rings sufficiently curious -and interesting to allow of our adding extracts from Fortescue and -Cooke: - -“But this you must understand,[154] that when the day appointed -is come, those elect persons, among other solemnities, must keep -a great dinner, like to the feast of a king’s coronation, which -shall continue and last for the space of seven days, and none of -those elect persons shall defray the charges growing to him about -the costs of this solemnity with less expense than the sum of four -hundred marks; so that the expenses which eight men so elect shall -then bestow, will surmount to the sum of three thousand and two -hundred marks, of which expenses one parcel shall be this: Every of -them shall give rings of gold to the value of forty pounds sterling -at the least; and your chancellour well remembreth, that at what -time he received this state and degree, the rings which he then gave -stood him in fifty pounds. For every such serjeant, at the day of -his creation, useth to give unto every prince, duke and archbishop -being present at that solemnity and to the Lord Chancellour and Lord -Treasurer of England a ring of the value of 26_s_. 8_d_. - -“And to every earl and bishop, being likewise present, and also to -the lord privy seal, to both the lords chief justices, and to the -lord chief baron of the King’s Exchequer a ring of the value of 20_s_. - -“And to every lord baron of the Parliament, and to every abbot and -notable prelate and worshipful knight, being then present, and also -to the master of the rolls and to every justice a ring of the value -of a mark; and likewise to every baron of the exchequer, to the -chamberlains and to all the officers and notable men serving in the -king’s courts rings of a smaller price but agreeably to their estates -to whom they are given. - -“Insomuch that there shall not be a clerk, especially in the Court -of the Common Bench, but he shall receive a ring convenient for his -degree; and, besides these, they give divers rings to other of their -friends.” - -“And on Tuesday, May 10,[155] in the second week of the term, the -said Sir John Walter being of the Inner Temple, Sir Henry Yelverton -of Grayes Inne and Sir Thomas Trevor of the Inner Temple, with the -benchers, readers and others of those Inns of Court whereof they -respectively had been, being attended by the warden of the Fleet and -marshall of the Exchequer, made their appearance at Serjeants Inne -in Fleet street, before the two chief justices and all the justices -of both benches. And Sir Randolph Crew, chief justice, made a short -speech unto them, and (because it was intended they should not -continue serjeants to practise) he acquainted them with the king’s -purpose of advancing them to seats of judicature, and exhorted them -to demeane themselves well in their several places. Then every one -in his order made his count, (and defences were made by the ancient -serjeants,) and their several writs being read, their coyfs and -scarlet hoods were put on them, and being arrayed in their brown-blew -gownes, went into their chambers, and all the judges to their several -places at Westminster, and afterward the said three serjeants, -attyred in their party-coloured robes, attended with the marshall and -warden of the Fleete, the servants of the said serjeants going before -them, and accompanied with the benchers and others of the several -Inns of Court of whose society they had been, walked unto Westminster -and there placed themselves in the hall over against the Common Pleas -bar. - -“And the hall being full, a lane was made for them to the barre; -(the justices of the Common Bench being in court) they recited three -several counts, (and several defences made to several counts,) and -had their writs read. The first and third by Brownlow the chief -prothonotary, and the second by Goulton the second prothonotary. And -Sir John Walter and Thomas Trevor gave rings to the judges with this -inscription, ‘_Regi Legi servire libertas._’ And Sir Henry Yelverton -gave rings whereof the inscription was, ‘_Stat Lege Corona_,’ and -presently after (they all standing together) returned to Serjeants -Inn, where was a great feast, at which Sir James Lee, Lord Treasurer -and the Earl of Manchester, Lord President of the Council, were -present.” - - -§ 10. Arabian princesses wear golden rings on their fingers, to which -little bells are suspended, so that their superior rank may be known, -and they, themselves, receive in passing, the homage due to them.[156] - - -§ 11. The insignia of honor peculiar to the Roman knights were a -charger, furnished at the public expense, a golden ring and a certain -place in the theatre.[157] The senators also wore golden rings.[158] - - -§ 12. We read of: - - “---- an agate stone - On the forefinger of an alderman;” - -but cannot discover whether an alderman in Shakspeare’s time -wore a ring in connection with his office. We however find this: -“Grave persons, such as aldermen, used a plain broad gold ring -upon the thumb.” It may be that Shakspeare was not thinking of an -alderman whose duties were attached to a mere city, but of the -earl or _alderman_ of a whole shire, to whom the government of it -was intrusted. Such a person, from the authority he possessed, -might have worn a ring of power in former times. The word had the -same signification in general as senator. By Spelman’s Glossary -it appears there was anciently in England a title of _aldermannus -totius Angliæ_; and that this officer was in the nature of Lord Chief -Justice of England. - -It will be seen that there is an incorrectness in Mercutio, a -Veronese and in Verona, referring to an alderman. Knight, in his -edition of Shakspeare, sees this and proposes that we read, instead -of alderman, _burgomaster_. It has been observed that in whatever -country Shakspeare lays the scenes of his drama, he follows the -costume of his own.[159] - -In a portrait of Lady Ann Clifford, the celebrated Countess of -Pembroke, she wears a ring upon the thumb of her right hand. - -The mention of this lady will, at once, call up Ben Jonson’s epitaph -of the “wise, fair and good,” and excuse us for quoting: - -“That is a touching pillar planted on the road between Penrith and -Appleby, in the year 1656, by Anne, Countess Dowager of Pembroke, -to commemorate her final parting with her mother on this spot, on -the second of April, 1616. The inscription declares that Anne of -Pembroke gave four pounds to be annually distributed ‘upon the stone -hereby’ amongst the poor within the parish of Brougham. Well, after -forty years of troubles--and troubles that must have cost the ‘pious -Pembroke’ many a bitter hour--it is pleasant to think of the daughter -returning to consecrate it. Four pounds a year could not do much -good, you may say, to the people of Brougham: but it may consecrate -the spot in years of scarcity by the thanks of people sorely pressed; -and the spirit of tenderness which dictated the bounty is something -to think of every year.”[160] - -In a polyglot dictionary published in 1625, by John Minshew, under -the article _Ring Finger_, it is said that rings were worn on the -thumb by soldiers and doctors. - -A thumb-ring would not seem to be always connected with a dignity, if -it is to be judged of through its inscription or bearing. A massive -thumb-ring of brass, strongly gilt, was formerly in the collection of -the late Marquis of Donegal. Its motto, within side, was in quaint -Latin, (_Cauda piera meleor cera_,) which may be rendered in this -jingle: - - When God does send, - The times shall mend.[161] - - - - - CHAPTER THREE. - - RINGS HAVING SUPPOSED CHARMS OR VIRTUES, AND CONNECTED WITH - DEGRADATION AND SLAVERY, OR USED FOR SAD OR WICKED PURPOSES. - - 1. Antiquity of Amulets and Enchanted and Magical Rings; - Samothracian Rings; Double Object in Amulets; Substance and Form - of them. 2. Precious Stones and their Healing or Protective - Powers; Jasper; Diamond; Ruby; Carbuncle; Jacinth; Amethyst; - Emerald; Topaz; Agate; Sapphire; Opal; Cornelian; Chalcedony; - Turquoise; Coral; Loadstone; Sweating Stones. 3. Enchanted Rings; - those possessed by Execustus; Solomon’s Ring; Ballads of Lambert - Linkin and Hynd Horn. 4. Talismanic Ring; Elizabeth of Poland; - Ring against Poison offered to Mary of Scotland; Rings from the - Palace at Eltham and from Coventry; Sir Edmund Shaw; Shell Ring. - 5. Medicinal Rings. 6. Magical Rings; Ariosto; Ring of Gyges; Sir - Tristram; Cramp Rings; Rings to cure Convulsions, Warts, Wounds, - Fits, Falling Sickness, etc.; Galvanic Rings; Headache and Plague - Rings; Amulet against Storms. 7. Ordeal. 8. Punishment in time of - Alfred. 9. Founding of Aix-la-Chapelle. 10. Ring on a Statue. 11. - Bloody Baker. 12. The Borgia Ring. 13. Rings held in the Mouth. 14. - Rings used by Thieves, Gamblers and Cheats. 15. Roman Slave. - - -§ 1. Rings were made use of by way of charm and talisman in remote -ages. - -Their potency was directed against fascination of every kind, but -more particularly the evil eye, against demons and witches, to excite -debility, against the power of flames, against wounds in battle and, -indeed, every danger and most diseases. Nor was it the ring alone, -for the supposed virtue existed also in the material or in some -device or magical letter engraved upon its circumference. - -Shakspeare is thinking of the fascination of the eye in “Titus -Andronicus,” when he makes Aaron say:[162] - - “And faster bound to Aaron’s _charming_ eyes.” - -It has been observed that even Solomon was not exempt from the -dread of the fascination of the evil eye, and reference is made to -Proverbs xxiii. 6: “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil -eye, nor desire thou his dainty meats.” A writer, however, remarks -how the context clearly shows that nothing more is intended than -to express the disquiet with which a niggardly person regards what -another consumes at his table.[163] This dreaded fascination still -perplexes the minds of Orientals; and is not banished from Spanish -and Neapolitan superstitions. Naples is the headquarters for charms -and amulets. All the learning has been collected by the Canon Jorio -and the Marques Arditi.[164] - -We read of the Samothracian talismanic iron ring, engraved with -magical characters, inclosing an herb cut at a certain time or -small stones found under particular constellations.[165] Samothrace -is an island of the Ægean sea, opposite the Trojan territory, and -celebrated for its mysteries. An initiation into those mysteries was -supposed to have efficiency in preserving persons from dangers by -sea.[166] - -It has been observed that inscribed rings, commonly called talismanic -or cabalistic rings, are improperly so designated. The mixed term is -much more appropriate, _annuli virtuosi_. Perhaps _mystical_ might be -a suitable name. - -Although true “Abraxas” stones have that word engraved upon them, and -most of these are as old as the third century, yet this term is now -applied to gems which bear supposed talismanic emblems, although it -would be most proper to call them Abraxoids. - -According to Caylus, amulets were always made with a double object: -to flatter the superstition of the people and serve for seals; thus -holding on to the charm itself, while they were able to spread a -supposed effect through impression; and this idea, he observes, is -strengthened by the fact that the subjects cut upon them never appear -in relief. - -Philostratus says: “The Indian Brahmins carry a staff and a ring, -by means of which they are able to do almost any thing.” Here may -be the origin of similar articles received by Christian kings and -ecclesiastics as emblems of power? - -Stones and conglomerated earth were mostly used for amulets. - -Wherever the living man turns up the remains of past ages, -superstition is shown to belong to them through the appearance -of amulets; and no matter whether the subjects be Pagan or -Christian--for still we find this proof of weakness. Even in our -own day, men will carry these things under some creed that allows -or custom which defends their use. It is a pity such persons do not -feel, as they must know, that he is nearest heaven whose conduct is -his talisman. - -Many of the ancient amulets are in other shapes than rings; often in -the form of perforated cylinders, worn round the neck; and we presume -they were set in rings for convenience. - -Werenfels, in his Dissertation on Superstition,[167] where he speaks -of a superstitious man, says: “He will make use of no herbs but -such as are gathered in the planetary hour. Against any sort of -misfortune he will arm himself with a _ring_, to which he has fixed -the benevolent aspect of the stars and the lucky hour that was just -at the instant flying away, but which, by a wonderful nimbleness, he -has seized and detained.” - -A ring, being a circle, was given to the initiated in the Eleusinian -mysteries as an amulet possessed of the power to avert danger.[168] - -We find amulets referred to in Isaiah: “In that day will the Lord -take from them the ornaments of the feet-rings and the net works and -the crescents, the pendents and the bracelets and the thin veils, the -tires and the fetters and the zones and the perfume boxes and the -_amulets_.” - -Fosbroke[169] says that the makers of talismanic rings generally used -to have the sealing part made of a square shape; we, however, find -many of an oval form. - -“Amulet” with us, is _talisman_ with the Arabians. The Jews were -extremely superstitious in the use of them to drive away diseases; -and the Mishna forbids them, unless received from an approved man who -had cured at least three persons by the same means. - -The use of charms and amulets to cure diseases or avert danger and -mischiefs, both from the body and the fruits of the earth, was even -common among ignorant and superstitious Christians: for Constantine -had allowed the heathen, in the beginning of his reformation, for -some time, not only to consult their augurs in public, but also to -use charms by way of remedy for bodily distempers, and to prevent -storms of rain and hail from injuring the ripe fruits, as appears -from the very law where he condemns the other sorts of magic (that -tended to do mischief) to be punished with death. St. Chrysostom -thundered against the use of amulets and charms, as did St. Basil and -Epiphanius, which shows that this piece of superstition, of _trying -to cure diseases without physic_, was deeply rooted in the hearts of -many Christians.[170] - -We here give an enlarged specimen of one of these complicated -amulets--an amulet against evil, to act favorably and fortunately.[171] - -[Illustration: (Amulet of Protection)] - -The emblems are thus made out. The hare, rustic head and head of a -goat are to be considered as representing the god Pan, and to be -a guard against fear and certain sudden terrors called _panics_, -which were thought to be occasioned by this god.[172] The cornucopia -(erect) is to confirm abundance and happiness. In Memphis a white -cock was held to be a sacred animal. He was consecrated to the sun: -according to the Egyptians, to Osiris. It was made an emblem of the -soul. When Socrates hoped to be able to unite the divinity of his -soul with the divinity of the greater world, he ordered a cock to be -sacrificed to Æsculapius, as to the physician of souls. This animal -was sacrificed to Annubis, who was the sailor’s Mercury. The dolphin, -fed from food thrown away by sailors, is to represent those seeming -friends who swim with and follow our fortunes until they get depth of -water sufficient for themselves. Here the cock, by treading upon a -dolphin, with a palm branch over him, represents the power of wisdom -in the soul over a feigned or evil friend. - -We are inclined to present the reader with another of these -remarkable combinations, which is said to be an amulet of -health.[173] - -[Illustration: (Amulet of Health)] - -The bird Ibis appears here as it is seen in the hieroglyphics upon -obelisks. It was dedicated to Osiris and Isis, good and salutary -genii. This creature treads upon the crocodile, emblematical of -Typhon, who was reckoned among the Egyptians as the cause of every -evil. The two-headed Janus may signify the power of the sun and of -Osiris from east to west in the day and in the night (although it has -been questioned whether the faces are not those of Pythagoras and -the magician Apollonius). The goat’s head, which also appeared in -the last gem, is said to be an amulet of health and intended to have -power to defend against evils which malice might work, and such its -power is marked by holding in its mouth a monstrous crested dragon -allied to hatred and coupled with poisonous qualities and carrying a -terrible appearance. - - -§ 2. Jasper, set in rings, took the lead of all other precious stones -in its supposed healing power; and this power was supposed to be -strengthened when combined with silver in preference to gold. - -Even Galen has recommended a ring with jasper set in it and engraved -with the figure of a man wearing a bunch of herbs round the neck. -Many of the Gnostic or Basilidian gems, evidently used for magical -and talismanic purposes, were of jasper. Rings of this material, and -to be used as marriage tokens, are said to be made at Wesingburg, the -materials being supplied from the shores of Lake Wetter.[174] - -Pierre de Boniface, a great alchemist and much versed in magic, -who died in 1323, is the reputed author of a manuscript poem on -the virtues of gems, of which the celebrated Nostradamus gives the -following pretended extract: - -“The diamond renders a man invincible; the agate of India or Crete, -eloquent and prudent, amiable and agreeable; the amethyst resists -intoxication; the cornelian appeases anger; the hyacinth provokes -sleep.”[175] - -In a scarce poem, by T. Cutwode, entitled _Calthæ Poetarum_, or -the Humble Bee, (1599,) the goddess Diana is introduced, modestly -clothing and attiring the heroine: - - “And with an emerald hangs she on a ring, - That keeps just reckoning of our chastitie. - - * * * * * - - And therefore, ladies, it behoves you well - To walk full warily when stones will tell.” - -The ancients have had a very high esteem of the diamond, “champion -of the precious stones,” insomuch as they have thought it to be -endued with divine virtues, and that if it were but worn in a ring or -carried about a person near his heart, it would assuage the fury of -his enemies and expel vain fears, preserve from swooning, drive away -the vanity of dreams and terrors of the night and frustrate all the -malign contagious power of poisons. - -According to Josephus, the high-priest of the Israelites wore a ring -on his finger of inestimable value and celestial virtue; and Aaron -had one whereof the diamond, by its virtues, operated prodigious -things, for it changed its vivid lustre into a dark color when the -Hebrews were to be punished by death for their sins, when they were -to fall by the sword it appeared of a blood-red color, while, if they -were innocent, it sparkled as usual. - -It is reported of the diamond that it is endued with such a faculty -as that if it be in place with a loadstone, it bindeth up all its -power and hindereth all its attractive virtue. Also, that if a -diamond be put upon the head of a woman without her knowledge, it -will make her, in her sleep, if she be faithful to her husband, to -cast herself into his embraces; but if she be an adulteress, to turn -away from him. - -We take the above from a quaint work, by Thomas Nicols.[176] He goes -on to say: “It hath been by the ancients esteemed powerfull for the -driving away of _Lemures_, _Incubos_ and _Succubos_; and for the -hindring of contentions and to beget in men courage, magnanimitie and -stout-heartednesse.” - -A species of ruby, called _Balassius_, or _Palatius_,[177] is said -to restrain fury and wrath. There is a story of this stone by -Ælian.[178] Heraclis had cured the fractured thigh of a stork. The -creature flying in a dark night by a palace where one of these stones -lay flaming like a lamp, took it up and brought it to Heraclis and -cast it into her bosom, as a token of the acknowledgment of the favor -which it had received from her in the cure of its harm. Andreas -Baccius, speaking of a rubine of his inclosed in a ring, says that -on the fifth of December, 1600, he was travelling with his wife -Catharina Adelmania to Studgard, and, in his travel, he observed his -rubine to change its glory into obscurity, whereupon he told his -wife and prognosticated that evil thereupon would ensue either to -himself or her, which accordingly did; for, not many days after, his -wife was taken ill with a mortal disease and died. After which, he -saith, his rubine, of its own accord, did again recover its former -lustre, glory, beauty and splendor. A perfectly pure deep carmine-red -ruby often exceeds in price a diamond of the same size[179] It has -been written, that, if the carbuncle be worn in an amulet (or drunk) -it will be good against poison and the plague, and will drive away -sadness, evil thoughts, terrible dreams and evil spirits; also that -it cleareth the mind and keepeth the body in safety, and that if any -danger be towards it the stone will grow black and obscure, and that -being past, returns to its former color again.[180] - -The jacinth or hyacinth is said to have the faculty to procure -sleep when worn in a ring on the finger. Cardanus says he was wont -to wear one to the intent to procure sleep, to which purpose “it -seemed somewhat to confer, but not much.” The amethyst is said, by -Aristotle, to hinder the ascension of vapors; and that this is done -by the stone drawing the vapors to itself and then discussing them. -Andreas Baccius says that it sharpens the wit, diminishes sleep and -resists poison. - -The emerald is said to be at enmity with all impurity; and will -break if it do but touch the skin of an adulterer. We cannot forego -Nicols’ description of this stone: “The emerald is a pretious stone -or gemine of so excellent a viridity or spring-colour as that if a -man shall look upon an emerald by a pleasant green meadow, it will -be more amiable than the meadow, and overcome the meadow’s glorie -by the glorie of that spring of viriditie which it hath in itself. -The largeness of the meadow it will overcome with the amplitude of -its glory, wherewith farre above its greatnesse it doth feed the -eie; and the virescencie of the meadow it will overcome with the -brightnesse of its glory, which in itself seemeth to embrace the -glorious viridity of many springs.” It is reported of Nero that he -was wont to behold the fencers and sword players through an emerald -as by a _speculum_ or optic glass and that for this cause the jewel -is called _gemina Neronis_. According to Pausanias,[181] the favorite -ring of Polycrates, a tyrant of Samos, contained an emerald. He was -advised by Amasis, king of Egypt, to chequer his continued prosperity -and enjoyments by relinquishing some of his most favorite pleasures; -and he complied by throwing into the sea this most beautiful of his -jewels. The voluntary loss of so precious a ring affected him for -some time; but a few days after, he received, as a present, a large -fish, in whose belly the jewel was found.[182] - -Albertus Magnus observes: “If you would sharpen the understanding, -increase riches and foresee the future, take an emerald. For -prophesying, it must be placed beneath the tongue.” - -The topaz is said to free men from passions and sadness of mind; and -that, if it be cast into boiling water, it will suddenly “astonish it -into coldness.” - -The agate is stated to be good against poisons. It is reported of the -eagle that it doth carry this gem into her nest to secure her young -from the bitings of venomous creatures. “If,” says Albertus Magnus, -“you would avoid all dangers and overcome all earthly things and -possess a stout heart, take an agate. It causes danger and opposition -to vanish and makes a man strong, agreeable and of good cheer.” - -The sapphire, according to St. Jerome, will procure the wearer the -favor with princes and all others, pacify enemies, free him from -enchantments, bonds and imprisonments and it looseth men out of -prison and assuageth the wrath of God. It is reported of it that -it is of so contrary a nature to poisons that if it be put into a -glass with a spider or laid upon the mouth of the glass where it is, -the spider will quickly die.[183] It is said to keep men pure and, -therefore, is worn by priests.[184] The Gentiles consecrated this -gem to Apollo, because, in their inquiries at his oracle, if they -had the presence of this gem with them, they imagined they had their -answer the sooner. - -The opal is said to sharpen the sight of its possessor and cloud the -eyes of those who stand about him, so that they can neither see nor -mind what is done before them; for this cause it is asserted to be -a safe patron of thieves and thefts. Albertus Magnus says, “If you -wish to become invisible, take an opal and wrap it in a bay-leaf, -and it is of such virtue that it will make the bystanders blind, -hence it has been called the patron of thieves.” Nicols gives a -glowing description of this stone.[185] “The _opalus_ is a pretious -stone which hath in it the bright fiery flame of a carbuncle, the -pure refulgent purple of an amethyst, and a whole of the emerauld’s -spring glory or virescency, and every one of them shining with an -incredible mixture and very much pleasure.” It is reported of Nonius, -a Roman senator, that he had rather been deprived of his country and -senatorship than part with an opal which he had from Antonius. - -It is asserted of the cornelian that it causeth him that weareth it -to be of a cheerful heart, free from fear and nobly audacious and is -a good protection against witchcraft and fascination. - -“Chalcedony procureth victory to him that is the possessor of it and -carrieth it about him. It is much used for signets, for it sealeth -freely without any devouring of the wax.”[186] - -The report on jaspers is that they preserve men from drowning; and -“divers do very superstitiously attribute much power and virtue to -them if figures, images and characters be engraven upon them. The -effects which by this means are wrought in or for any, Andreas -Baccius doth attribute to the devil.”[187] - -We might presume that the ring of Gyges held the opal or the stone -known as the Heliotrope or Oriental jasper; for Pliny gives the -report of magicians that if this gem be anointed with the juice of -the marigold, it will cause him that carrieth it to walk invisible. - -The forget-me-not stone, turquoise or Turkey stone, “ceruleous like -unto a serene heaven,” if worn in a ring of gold will, it is said, -preserve men from falls and from the bruises proceeding of them by -receiving that harm into itself which otherwise would fall upon -the man; yet these virtues are said not to be in the gem except it -has been received as a gift. “The Turkeys,” says Fenton, in his -Secrete Wonders of Nature,[188] “doth move when there is any peril -prepared to him that weareth it.” Ben Jonson and Drayton refer to -the same superstition. Rueus says, that he saw a _Turchoys_, which, -upon the death of its master, lost all its beauty and contracted a -cleft, which, a certain man afterwards buying at an under price, -returned again to its former glory and beauty, as if, observes he, -by a certain sense, it had perceived itself to have found a new -master. The same author says of it that it doth change, grow pale -and destitute of its native color if he that weareth it do, at any -time, grow infirm or weak; and again, upon the recovery of its -master, that it doth recover its own lovely beauty, which ariseth of -the temperament of its own natural heat and becometh ceruleous like -unto a serene heaven. According to the ancients, the wearing of the -turquoise had a most excellent quality: it destroyed animosity and, -in particular, appeased discord between man and wife. - -It is possible that Shakspeare had in his mind the seeming influence -of the turquoise (as well as its value): - - “_Tubal._ One of them showed me a ring, that he had of your - daughter for a monkey. - - “_Shylock._ Out upon her! Thou torturest me, Tubal; it was my - turquoise; I had it of Leah, when I was a bachelor: I would not - have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.” - -The Arabs value the turquoise chiefly for its reputed talismanic -qualities; and they seek for large pieces, without particular -reference to purity of color. The stones intended for amulets are -usually set in small rings of plated tin. - -The wearing of coral in a ring has been thought of power to “hinder -the delusions of the devil, and to secure men from _Incubus_ and -_Succubus_.”[189] - -All remember Shakspeare’s beautiful exposition of adversity: - - “Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, - Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.”[190] - -Fenton, writing in 1569, says: “There is found in heads of old -and great toads a stone which they call borax or stelon: it is -most commonly found in the head of a he-toad.” They were not only -considered specifics against poison when taken internally, but “being -used in rings, gave forewarning against venom.” This stone has often -been sought for, but nothing has been found except accidental or -perhaps morbid indurations of the skull. Lupton says,[191] “You -shall know whether the _tode-stone_ be the right and perfect stone -or not. Hold the stone before a tode, so that he may see it, and if -it be a right and true stone, the tode will leap toward it and make -as though he would snatch it. He envieth so much that man should -have that stone.” Nicols, in his Lapidary, observes:[192] “Some say -this stone is found in the head of an old toad; others say that the -old toad must be laid upon the cloth that is red, and it will belch -it up, or otherwise not; you may give a like credit to both these -reports, for as little truth is to be found in them as may possibly -be. Witnesse Anselmus Boetius in _Lib._ 2, in the chapter of this -stone; who saith that to try this experiment in his youth, he took an -old toad and laid it upon a red cloth, and watched it a whole night -to see it belch up its stone, but after his long and tedious watchful -expectation, he found the old toad in the same posture to gratifie -the great pangs of his whole night’s restlessness. - -“Some of the toads that carry this precious jewel must be very -large, for Boetius says the stone is found of the bigness of an -egg, sometimes brownish, sometimes reddish, sometimes yellowish, -sometimes greenish.” It is reported that if poison be present, the -alleged stone will go into a perspiration. In connection with this -sensitiveness, it may be observed that precious stones are said to -sweat at the presence of poison. We are told that the jewels which -King John wore did so in his last sickness. There is no doubt, -however, although Shakspeare makes him cry out, “Poison’d--ill fare,” -that John got his death from unripe pears and new cider. His living -about three days from his attack, is a reasonable proof of not dying -by poison.[193] - -In a strange old book, and from which an interesting article appears -in “Household Words,” it is said, the use of a ring, that has lain -for a certain time in a sparrow’s nest, will procure love. - - -§ 3. That kind of fortune-telling, called Divination, has held -an empire over the mind of man from the earliest period. It was -practised by the Jews, Egyptians, Chaldeans, Persians, Greeks and -Romans, and is known to all modern nations.[194] - -The species of divination by rings is called Dactylomancy.[195] - -Scott, in his work on Demonology,[196] observes, that in the now -dishonored science of astrology, its professors pretended to have -correspondence with the various spirits of the elements on the -principles of the Rosicrusian philosophy. They affirmed they could -bind to their service and imprison in a ring some fairy, sylph, or -salamander and compel it to appear when called and render answers to -such questions as the viewer should propose. It is remarkable that -the sage himself did not pretend to see the spirit; but the task of -reviewer or reader was intrusted to a third party, a boy or girl -usually under the years of puberty. - -As to divination by means of a ring, in the first place the ring was -to be consecrated with a great deal of mystery: “the person holding -it was clad in linen garments to the very shoes, his head shaven all -round, and he held the vervein plant in his hand,” while, before -he proceeded on any thing, the gods were first to be appeased by a -formulary of prayers, etc. The divination was performed by holding -the ring suspended by a fine thread over a round table, on the edge -of which were made a number of marks, with the twenty-four letters of -the alphabet. The ring, in shaking or vibrating over the table, stops -over certain of the letters, which, being joined together, compose -the required answer.[197] - -Clemente Alexandrino speaks of enchanted rings which predicted future -events--such were two possessed by Execustus, the tyrant of Phocis, -who was able, by striking them together, to know, by the sound, what -he ought to do and what was to happen to him. He was, however, -killed through treason. The magnificent rings had been able to tell -the time of his death, but they could not point out the means of -avoiding it. - -Arabian writers make much mention of the magic ring of Solomon.[198] -It is said to have been found in the belly of a fish; and many -fictions have been created about it. The Arabians have a book called -_Scalcuthal_ expressly on the subject of magic rings; and they trace -this ring of Solomon’s, in a regular succession, from Jared the -father of Enoch to Solomon.[199] Josephus,[200] after extolling the -wisdom and acquirements of Solomon, and assuring us that God had -enabled him to expel demons by a method remaining of great force to -the days of the historian, says: - -“I have seen a certain man of my own country whose name was Eleazar, -releasing people that were demoniacal, in the presence of Vespasian, -his sons and his captains and the whole multitude of his soldiers. -The manner of the case was this: he put a _ring_, that had a part -of one of those roots mentioned by Solomon, to the nostrils of the -demoniac; after which, he drew out the demon through his nostrils; -and when the man fell down, immediately he adjured him to return -unto him no more, making still mention of Solomon and reciting the -incantations which he composed. - -“And when Eleazar would persuade and demonstrate to the spectators -that he had such a power, he set a little way off a cup or basin full -of water, and commanded the demon, as he went out of the man, to -overturn it, and thereby to let the spectators know that he had left -the man; and when this was done, the skill and wisdom of Solomon was -shown very manifestly.” - -In the popular old ballad of _Lambert Linkin_,[201] rings give proof -of a terrible coming event by bursting upon the fingers: - - - * * * * * - - “The Lord sat in England - A drinking the wine. - - “I wish a’ may be weel - Wi’ my lady at hame; - _For the rings o’ my fingers_ - _They’re now burst in twain_. - - “He saddled his horse, - And he came riding down; - But as soon as he viewed, - Belinkin came in. - - “He had na weel stepped - Twa steps up the stair, - Till he saw his pretty young son - Lying dead on the floor. - - “He had na weel stepped - Other twa up the stair, - Till he saw his pretty lady - Lying dead in despair. - - “He hanged Belinkin - Out over the gate; - And he burnt the fause nurice, - Being under the grate.” - -We would refer our reader to a beautiful Syrian legend in the -“Household Words,”[202] in which a ring is made to play an -interesting part upon the fingers of a maiden, who is able to know -of the good or ill fortune and faith of her absent lover through its -changes. He, in giving it, had informed her: “If good fortune is with -me, it will retain its brightness; if evil, dim. If I cease to love, -and the grave opens for me, it will become black.” Fitful changes -then come and go upon the ring, as the light and shadow of life -accompany the roving lover. - -There is a like notion in the ancient Scotch ballad of _Hynd -Horn_:[203] - - “And she gave to me a gay gold ring, - With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan; - With three shining diamonds set therein, - And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie. - - * * * * * - - “What if these diamonds lose their hue, - With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan, - Just when my love begins for to rew, - And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie. - - “For when your ring turns pale and wan, - With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan, - Then I’m in love with another man, - And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie. - - * * * * * - - “Seven long years he has been on the sea, - With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan; - And Hynd Horn has looked how his ring may be, - And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie. - - “But when he looked this ring upon, - With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan, - The shining diamonds were both pale and wan, - And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie. - - “Oh! the ring it was both black and blue, - With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan; - And she’s either dead or she’s married, - And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie. - - “He’s left the seas and he’s come to the land,” etc. - -John Sterling, whose life has been written by the Rev. Julius Charles -Hare, composed a fiction which is worked up through a supposed -talismanic Onyx Ring. The hero had been reading an old book on -necromancy; it caused him to long to change his lot; he appears to be -able to do this, through the appearance or apparition of an old man. -“Would you,” says this figure, in a sweet but melancholy voice, “in -truth accept the power of exchanging your own personal existence at -pleasure for that of other men?” After a moment’s pause, he answered -boldly, “Yes.” “I can bestow the power, but only on these conditions. -You will be able to assume a new part in life once in each week. -For the one hour after midnight on each Saturday, that is, for the -first hour of the new week, you will remember all you have been and -whatever characters you may have chosen for yourself. At the end of -the hour you may make a new choice; but, if then deferred, it will -again be a week before the opportunity will recur. You will also be -incapable of revealing to any one the power you are gifted with. -And if you once resume your present being, you will never again be -able to cast it off. If, on these terms, you agree to my proposal, -take this ring and wear it on the forefinger of your right hand. It -bears the head of the famous Apollonius of Tyana. If you breathe on -it at the appointed hour, you will immediately become any person -you may desire to be,” etc. The hero hesitates and says, “Before I -assent to your offer, tell me whether you would think me wise to do -so.” “Young man, were I to choose again, my choice would be to fill -the station where nature brought me forth and where God, therefore, -doubtless, designed me to work.” The ring is taken; it is supposed -to be at a time when this same hero is in a suspense of love, and -he appears successively to take the form of those who are around -the maiden of his affections. All this, in fact, is imagined by him -while in sickness. He secures his lady love; and sees upon her finger -an onyx ring like the one which had appeared to have allowed of his -visionary changes. She held up her hand before his face, which his -first impulse was to kiss; but he saw that on one of the fingers was -an onyx ring. “How on earth did you come by that? It has haunted me -as if a magic Ariel were fused amid the gold or imprisoned in the -stone.” “I will tell you.” And then the lady, somewhat lamely for the -story, informs him how she came into possession of it. The author -acted cleverly in coupling Apollonius with this ring: for he is -reputed to have been a most potent magician; not only miracles have -been imputed to him, but one writer dares to rank him above Jesus in -superhuman powers. - - -§4. Crowned heads have believed in amulets. - -When Elizabeth of Poland could not induce her son Andrea to leave his -lustful wife of sixteen, Joan of Naples, and he was determined to be -and act the King of Sicily and Jerusalem, she drew from her finger -a richly chased ring, took Andrea aside, placed it upon his finger, -and, clasping him in her arms, “My son,” she said, in a trembling -voice, “since you refuse to accompany me, here is a talisman which I -never make use of but in the last extremity. While you retain this -ring upon your finger, neither steel nor poison can injure you.” “You -see, then, my mother,” answered the prince, smiling, “thus protected, -you have no reason to fear for my life.” “There are other deaths -besides those by poison or steel,” replied the queen, sighing. When -the course pursued by Andrea had determined Joan that he should be -killed, her paramour Bertrand d’Artois told her of the talisman. -“Nevertheless, he dies,” cried Joan. The next day, and in the castle -of Aversa, this Queen of Naples was working, with her delicate hands, -_a rope of silk and gold_. - -When conspirators flew upon him, they attempted to strangle him -with their hands, for it was supposed he could not be slain by -steel or poison, owing to the amulet which his mother had given -him. Struggles and terror were about to allow of his escape, when -Bertrand d’Artois seized the prince round the body and, after a -desperate resistance, felled him to the ground; then dragging him by -the hair of the head to a balcony which looked out upon the gardens -and placing his knee upon his victim’s breast, “This way, barons!” -he cried; “I have got something to strangle him with!” and, after -a desperate struggle, he succeeded in passing _a rope of silk and -gold_ round the unfortunate man’s neck. When strangled, his body was -cast over the balcony. Charles of Duras was the mainspring of this -tragedy; and he afterwards died on the same spot, and was thrown over -the same balcony. Years after and while Joan was a prisoner in the -castle of Aversa, two Hungarian barons, in complete armor, presented -themselves before her, making a sign that she should follow them. -She rose and obeyed in silence; but a dismal cry burst from her when -she recognized the place where Andrea and Charles of Duras had each -died a violent death. Recovering herself, however, she inquired, in -a calm voice, why they had brought her to that place. One of the -barons showed her _a rope of silk and gold_. “Let God’s justice be -accomplished!” cried Joan, falling on her knees. And in a few minutes -she had ceased to suffer. This was the third corse that was thrown -over the balcony of Aversa.[204] - -Patrick, Lord Ruthven, a man suspected of occult practices and who -had been appointed of the privy council of Mary, Queen of Scots, -offered her a ring to preserve her from the effects of poison.[205] - -[Illustration: (Amulet Ring)] - -Amulet rings have been used by persons calling themselves Christians -even in, comparatively, late times. Caylus gives one covered with -letters of the twelfth century. The body of the ring is simple and -square; each of its surfaces is completely filled with characters, -skilfully engraved. - -The words are barbarous and the whole is senseless--the name of Jesus -Christ abbreviated with the words Alpha, Adonai and Agla and the -cross repeated appear here as they frequently do upon amulets. At the -end of the lines, two Arabic characters are distinctly marked 7. I. -These sort of characters did not pass, according to common opinion, -from Africa to Spain until the tenth century; and it was through -Spain that they were communicated to other parts of Europe. Rings of -the shape of this one and for similar use often inclosed sprigs of -some herb or hair or other light substance. The present one, however, -is said to be solid and does not contain any foreign matter. - -A gold ring has been found in the palace at Eltham in Kent, -England.[206] It is set with an oriental ruby and five diamonds, -placed at equal distances round the exterior. The interior is plain, -but on the sides is this inscription: - - Qui me portera exploitera - Et a grand joye revendra. - -or, - - Who wears me shall perform exploits; - And with great joy shall return. - -From these lines it is evident that the ring has been worn as an -amulet; and there is a very probable conjecture that it may have been -presented to some distinguished personage when he was on the point -of setting out for the Holy Land, in the time of the Crusades. The -inscription is in small Gothic letters, but remarkably well formed -and legible. The shape of the ruby, which is the principal stone, is -an irregular oval, while the diamonds are all of a triangular form -and in their native or crystallized state. - -A ring of gold was found at Coventry in England. It is evidently -an amulet. The centre device represents Christ rising from the -sepulchre, and in the background are shown the hammer, sponge and -other emblems of his passion. On the left is figured the _wound of -the side_, with the following legend: “_The well of everlasting -lyffe._” In the next compartment two small wounds, with “_The well of -comfort_,” “_The well of grace_;” and afterwards, two other wounds, -with the legends of “_The well of pity_,” “_The well of merci_.” On -the inside is an inscription in Latin which embraces the amulet, -having reference to the three kings of Cologne.[207] - -Sir Edmund Shaw, goldsmith and alderman of London, directed by -his will _circa_ 1487, to be made “16 Rings of fyne Gold, to be -graven with the well of pitie, the well of mercie and the well of -everlasting life.” - -Benvenuto Cellini mentions that, about the time of his writing, -certain vases were discovered, which appeared to be antique urns -filled with ashes. Amongst them were iron rings inlaid with gold, -in each of which was set a diminutive shell. Learned antiquaries, -upon investigating the nature of these rings, declared their opinion -that they were worn as charms by those who desired to behave -with steadiness and resolution either in prosperous or adverse -fortune.[208] (By way of parenthesis: This dare-devil man of fine -taste, Cellini, having finished a beautiful medal for the Duke of -Ferrara, the patron of Tasso, the magnificent Alfonso sent him a -diamond ring, with an elegant compliment. But the ring was really -not a valuable one. The Duke threw the mistake upon his treasurer, -whom he affected to punish, and sent Cellini another ring; but even -this was not worth one quarter of the sum he owed him. He accompanied -it with a significant letter, in which he ordered him not to leave -Ferrara. The artist, however, ran away as fast as his legs would -carry him, and was soon delighted to find he was beyond the fury of -the “Magnifico Alfonso.”) - - -§ 5. Ancient physicians carried signets or rings, frequently wearing -them upon the thumb, upon which were engraved their own names, -sometimes written backwards, or the denominations of the nostrums -they vended. With regard to one of these seals, we find the word -_aromatica_ from _aromaticum_, on another _melina_, abbreviation -of _melinum_, a collyrium prepared with the alum of the island of -Melos.[209] A seal of this kind is described by Tochon d’Annecy -bearing the words _psoricum crocodem_, an inscription that has -puzzled medical antiquaries. - -It has been suggested that the use of talismanic rings as charms -against diseases may have originated in the phylacteries or -preservative scrolls of the Jews, although it is easy to imagine -that, in the earliest days of medicine, the operator, after binding -up a wound, would mutter “thrilling words” in incantation over it, -which, in process of time, might be, as it were, _embodied_ and -perpetuated in the form of an inscription, the ring, in some degree, -representing a bandage.[210] It appears to us this is much further -from fact than that a barber’s pole represents an arm with a bandage. - -Amulet rings for medicinal purposes were greatly in fashion with -empyrics and ancient physicians.[211] - -In Lucian’s Philopseudes, one of the interlocutors in a dialogue -says that since an Arabian had presented him with a ring of iron -taken from the gallows, together with a charm constructed of certain -hard words, he had ceased to be afraid of the demoniacs who had been -healed by a Syrian in Palestine. - -In another dialogue, a man desires that Mercury should bestow a ring -on him to insure perpetual health and preservation from all danger. - -These rings were to be worn upon the fourth or medical finger. - -Marcellus, a physician who lived in the reign of Marcus Aurelius, -directs the patient who is afflicted with a pain in the side to wear -a ring of pure gold inscribed with some Greek letters on a Thursday -at the decrease of the moon. It is to be worn on the right side, if -the pain be on the left; and _vice versâ_. - -Trallian, another physician who lived in the fourth century, cured -the colic and all bilious complaints by means of an octangular ring -of iron, upon which eight words were to be engraven, commanding the -bile to take possession of a lark. A magic diagram was to be added, -which he has not failed to preserve for the certain advantage of his -readers. He tells us that he had had great experience in this remedy -and considered it as extremely foolish to omit recording so valuable -a treasure; but he particularly enjoins the keeping it a secret from -the profane vulgar, according to an admonition of Hippocrates that -sacred things are for sacred purposes only. The same physician, in -order to cure the stone, directs the wearing a copper ring, with -the figure of a lion, a crescent and a star to be placed on the -fourth finger; and for the colic, in general, a ring with Hercules -strangling the Nemean lion. - -In the Plutus of Aristophanes, to a threat on the part of the -sycophant, the just man replies that he cares nothing for him, as -he has got a ring which he bought of a person, whom the scholiast -conceives to have been an apothecary, who sold medicated rings -against the influence of demons, serpents, etc. Carion, the servant, -sarcastically observes that this ring will not prevail against the -bite of a sycophant.[212] - -As to medicinal rings, Joannes Nicolaus, a German professor, has most -unceremoniously ascribed the power of all these medical charms to the -influence of the devil, who, he says, by these means, has attracted -many thousands of human beings into his dominions.[213] - -Lucati has attributed the modern want of virtue in medicated rings -to their comparative smallness, contending that the larger the ring -or the gem contained in it, the greater the medium power, especially -with those persons whose flesh is of a tender and penetrable nature. - -Lord Chancellor Hatton sent to Queen Elizabeth a ring against -infectious air, “to be worn,” as the old courtier expresses it, -“betwixt the sweet dugs” of her bosom. - -Ennemoser, in his History of Magic, a work made more visionary by the -unsatisfactory additions of the Howitts, gravely speaks of coming -events manifested in diseases. We have a betrothal ring in the -following extract:[214] - -“In the St. Vitus’s dance, patients often experience divinatory -visions of a fugitive nature, either referring to themselves or -to others and occasionally in symbolic words. In the ‘Leaves from -Prevorst,’ such symbolic somnambulism is related, and I myself -have observed a very similar case: Miss v. Brand, during a violent -paroxysm of St. Vitus’s dance, suddenly saw a black evil-boding crow -fly into the room, from which, she said, she was unable to protect -herself, as it unceasingly flew round her as if it wished to make -some communication. This appearance was of daily occurrence with the -paroxysm for eight days afterwards. On the ninth, when the attacks -had become less violent, the vision commenced with the appearance of -a white dove, which carried a letter containing a betrothal ring in -its beak; shortly afterwards the crow flew in with a black-sealed -letter. The next morning the post brought a letter with betrothal -cards from a cousin; and a few hours after, the news was received of -the death of her aunt in Lohburg, of whose illness she was ignorant. -Of both these letters, which two different posts brought in on the -same day, Miss v. Brand could not possibly have known any thing. The -change of birds and their colors, during her recovery and before the -announcement of agreeable or sorrowful news, the symbols of the ring -and the black seal, exhibit, in this vision, a particularly pure -expression of the soul as well as a correct view into the future.” - - -§6. Some of the finest scenes in Ariosto are brought out through a -magic ring. When it was worn on the finger, it preserved from spell; -and carried in the mouth, concealed the possessor from view. Thus, in -the Orlando Furioso, where Ruggiero had Angelica in the lone forest -and secure from sight, she discovers the magic ring upon her finger -which her father had given her when she first entered Christendom and -which had delivered her from many dangers. - - “Now that she this upon her hand surveys, - She is so full of pleasure and surprise, - She doubts it is a dream and, in amaze, - Hardly believes her very hand and eyes. - Then softly to her mouth the hoop conveys, - And, quicker than the flash which cleaves the skies, - From bold Rogero’s sight her beauty shrouds, - As disappears the sun concealed in clouds.”[215] - -The ring of Gyges is taken notice of both by Plato and Tully. This -Gyges was the master shepherd to King Candaules. As he was wandering -over the plains of Lydia, he saw a great chasm in the earth and had -the curiosity to enter it. After having descended pretty far into -it, he found the statue of a horse in brass, with doors in the sides -of it. Upon opening of them, he found the body of a dead man, bigger -than ordinary, with a ring upon his finger, which he took off and put -it upon his own. The virtues of it were much greater than he at first -imagined; for, upon his going into the assembly of the shepherds, he -observed that he was invisible when he turned the stone of the ring -within the palm of his hand and visible when he turned it towards -his company. By means of this ring he gained admission into the most -retired parts of the court; and made such use of those opportunities -that he at length became King of Lydia. The gigantic dead body to -whom this ring belonged was said to have been an ancient Brahmin, -who, in his time, was chief of that sect. - -Addison, in one of his Tatlers,[216] playfully declares he is in -possession of this ring and leads his reader through different -scenes, commencing thus: “About a week ago, not being able to sleep, -I got up and put on my magical ring and, with a thought, transported -myself into a chamber where I saw a light. I found it inhabited by -a celebrated beauty, though she is of that species of women which -we call a slattern. Her head-dress and one of her shoes lay upon a -chair, her petticoat in one corner of the room and her girdle, that -had a copy of verses made upon it but the day before, with her thread -stocking, in the middle of the floor. I was so foolishly officious -that I could not forbear gathering up her clothes together to lay -them upon the chair that stood by her bedside, when, to my great -surprise, after a little muttering, she cried out, “What do you want? -Let my petticoat alone.” - -To have the ring of Gyges is used proverbially sometimes of wicked, -sometimes of fickle, sometimes of prosperous people who obtain all -they want. It is alluded to in Beaumont and Fletcher’s Fair Maid of -the Inn: - - “---- Have you Gyges’ ring, - Or the herb that gives invisibility?” - -The Welsh Sir Tristram is described as having had, from his mother, a -mystical ring, the insignia of a Druid. - -Let us now look particularly at the subject of cramp rings. - -St. Edward, who died on the fifth of January, 1066, gave a ring which -he wore to the Bishop of Westminster. The origin of it is surrounded -with much mystery. A pilgrim is said to have brought it to the king -and to have informed him that St. John the Evangelist had made -known to the donor that the king’s decease was at hand.[217] This -“_St. Edward’s Ring_,” as it was called, was kept for some time at -Westminster Abbey as a relic of the saint, and was applied for the -cure of the falling sickness or epilepsy and for the cramp. From this -arose the custom of the English kings, who were believed to have -inherited St. Edward’s powers of cure, solemnly blessing every year -rings for distribution. - -Good Friday was the day appointed for the blessing of rings. They -were often called “medycinable rings,” and were made both of gold and -silver, and the metal was composed of what formed the king’s offering -to the Cross on Good Friday. - -The prayers used at the ceremony of blessing the rings on Good Friday -are published in Waldron’s Literary Museum; and also in Pegge’s -_Curiatia Miscellanea_, Appendix, No. iv. p. 164. - -Cardinal Wiseman is in possession of a MS. containing the ceremony of -blessing cramp rings. It belonged to the English Queen Mary. At the -commencement of the MS. are emblazoned the arms of Philip and Mary, -around which are the badges of York and Lancaster and the whole is -inclosed within a frame of fruit and flowers. The first ceremony -is headed: “Certain Prayers to be used by the Queen’s Leigues in -the Consecration of the Crampe Rynges.” Accompanying it is an -illumination representing the queen kneeling, with a dish--containing -the rings to be blessed--on each side of her; and another exhibits -her touching for the evil a boy on his knees before her, introduced -by the clerk of the closet; his right shoulder is bared and the queen -appears to be rubbing it with her hand. The author of the present -work caused an application to be made for leave to take a copy of -this illumination, so that his readers might have the benefit of it: -the secretary of the Cardinal refused. - -In a medical treatise, written in the fourteenth century,[218] there -is what is called the _medicine_ against the cramp; and modernizing -the language, it runs thus: “For the Cramp. Take and cause to be -gathered on Good Friday, at 5 Parish Churches, 5 of the first pennies -that is offered at the cross, of each Church the first penny; then -take them all and go before the cross and say 5 paternosters to the -worship of the 5 wounds and bear them on the 5 days, and say each day -all much in the same way; and then cause to be made a ring thereof -without alloy of other metal and write within it Jasper, Batasar, -Altrapa” (these are blundered forms of the three kings of Cologne) -“and write without Jh’es Nazarenus; and then take it from the -goldsmith upon a Friday and say 5 paternosters as thou did before and -use it always afterward.” - -Lord Berners, the translator of Froissart, when at the court of the -Emperor Charles the Fifth as ambassador from Henry the Eighth, in a -letter dated 21st June, 1518, writes to Cardinal Wolsey: “If your -Grace remember me with some crampe rynges, ye shall do a thing much -looked for and I trust to bestow thaym well, with Godd’s grace.”[219] - -A letter from Dr. Magnus to Cardinal Wolsey, written in 1526,[220] -contains the following: “Pleas it your Grace to wete that M. Wiat of -his goodness sent unto me for a present certaine cramp ringges, which -I distributed and gave to sondery myne acquaintaunce at Edinburghe, -amonges other to Mr. Adame Otterbourne, who, with oone of thayme, -releved a mann lying in the falling sekeness, in the sight of myche -people; sethenne whiche tyme many requestes have been made unto me -for cramp Ringges at my departing there and also sethenne my comyng -from thennes. May it pleas your Grace, therefore, to show your -gracious pleasure to the said M. Wyat that some Ringges may be kept -and sent into Scottelande; which, after my poore oppynyoun, shulde be -a good dede, remembering the power and operacion of thaym is knowne -and proved in Edinburgh and that they be greatly required for the -same cause by grete personnages and others.” - -The mode of hallowing rings to cure the cramp is found in what is -entitled an “Auncient Ordre for the hallowing of Cramp Rings,” etc. -It is amusing to read of the degrading course which king, queen, -ladies and gentlemen had to take, each one creeping along a carpet -to a cross. The account runs thus: “Firste, the King to come to the -Chappell or clossett, with the lords and noblemen wayting upon him, -without any sword borne before hime of that day, and ther to tarrie -in his travers until the Bishope and the Deane have brought in the -Crucifixe out of the vestrie and laid it upon the cushion before the -highe alter. And then the usher to lay a carpet for the Kinge to -creepe to the crosse upon. And that done, there shall be a forme set -upon the carpett before the crucifix and a cushion laid upon it for -the Kinge to kneel upon. And the Master of the Jewell house ther to -be ready with the crampe rings in a bason of silver and the Kinge -to kneel upon the cushion before the forme. And then the Clerke of -the Closett be readie with the booke concerninge the halowinge of -the crampe rings, and the aumer must kneele on the right hand of the -Kinge, holdinge the sayd booke. When that is done, the Kinge shall -rise and go to the alter, weare a Gent. Usher shall be redie with a -cushion for the Kinge to kneele upon; and then the greatest Lords -that shall be ther to take the bason with the rings and beare them -after the King to offer. And thus done, the Queene shall come down -out of her closett or traverss into the Chappell with ladyes and -gentlewomen waiting upon her and creepe to crosse, and then go agayne -to her clossett or traverse. And then the ladyes to creepe to the -crosse likewise, and the Lords and Noblemen likewise.” - -In 1536, when the convocation under Henry the Eighth abolished some -of the old superstitious practices, this of creeping to the cross -on Good Friday, etc., was ordered to be retained as a laudable and -edifying custom.[221] - -Even in the dark ages of superstition, the ancient British kings do -not seem to have affected to cure the king’s evil or _scrofula_. This -gift was left to be claimed by the Stuarts. The Plantagenets were -content to cure the cramp. - -In our own time we find three young men in England subscribing -sixpence each to be moulded into a ring for a young woman afflicted -with the cramp. - -In Berkshire, England, there is a popular superstition that a ring -made from a piece of silver collected at the Communion is a cure for -convulsions and fits of every kind.[222] Another curious British -superstition, by way of charm, is recorded: that a silver ring will -cure fits if it be made of five sixpences, collected from five -different bachelors, to be conveyed by the hand of a bachelor to a -smith that is a bachelor. None of the persons who give the sixpences -are to know for what purpose or to whom they gave them. While, in -Devonshire, there is a notion that the king’s evil can be cured by -wearing a ring made of three nails or screws which have been used to -fasten a coffin that has been dug out of the churchyard. - -There is a medical charm in Ireland to cure warts. A wedding-ring -is procured and the wart touched or pricked with a gooseberry thorn -through the ring.[223] - -A wedding-ring rubbed upon that little abscess called a sty, which -is frequently seen on the tarsi of the eyes, is said to remove -it.[224] In Somersetshire, England, there is a superstition that -the ring-finger, stroked along any sore or wound, will soon heal -it. All the other fingers are said to be poisonous, especially the -forefinger.[225] In Suffolk, England, nine young men of a parish -subscribed a crooked sixpence each to be moulded into a ring for a -young woman afflicted with fits. The clergy in that country are not -unfrequently asked for sacramental silver to make rings of, to cure -falling sickness; and it is thought cruel to refuse.[226] There is -a singular custom prevailing in some parts of Northamptonshire and -probably there are other places where a similar practice exists. If -a female is afflicted with fits, nine pieces of silver money and -nine three-halfpennies are collected from nine bachelors. The silver -money is converted into a ring to be worn by the afflicted person -and the three-halfpennies (_i. e._ 13½d.) are paid to the maker -of the ring, an inadequate remuneration for his labor but which -he good-naturedly accepts. If the afflicted person be a male, the -contributions are levied upon females.[227] In Norfolk a ring was -made from nine sixpences freely given by persons of the opposite sex -and it was considered a charm against epilepsy. “I have seen,” says -a correspondent in _Notes and Queries_,[228] “nine sixpences brought -to a silversmith, with a request that he would make them into a ring; -but 13½d. was not tendered to him for making nor do I think that any -three-halfpennies are collected for payment. After the patient had -left the shop, the silversmith informed me that such requests were -of frequent occurrence and that he supplied the patients with thick -silver rings, but never took the trouble to manufacture them from the -sixpences.” - -Brande, in his _Popular Antiquities_,[229] says: “A boy, diseased, -was recommended by some village crone to have recourse to an alleged -remedy, which has actually, in the enlightened days of the nineteenth -century, been put in force. He was to obtain thirty pennies from -thirty different persons, without telling them why or wherefore -the sum was asked; after receiving them, to get them exchanged for -a half-crown of sacrament money, which was to be fashioned into a -ring and worn by the patient. The pennies were obtained, but the -half-crown was wanting--the rector of the place, very properly, -declined taking any part in such a gross superstition. However, -another reverend gentleman was more pliable; and a ring was formed -(or professed to be so) from the half-crown and worn by the boy.” A -similar instance, which occurred about fourteen years since, has -been furnished to the same work by Mr. R. Bond of Gloucester: “The -epilepsy had enervated the mental faculties of an individual moving -in a respectable sphere in such a degree as to partially incapacitate -him from directing his own affairs; and numerous were the recipes, -the gratuitous offering of friends, that were ineffectually resorted -to by him. At length, however, he was told of what would certainly -be an infallible cure, for in no instance had it failed; it was, to -personally collect thirty pence, from as many respectable matrons, -and to deliver them into the hands of a silversmith, who, in -consideration thereof, would supply him with a ring, wrought out of -half a crown, which he was to wear on one of his fingers--and the -complaint would immediately forsake him. This advice he followed; and -for three or four years the ring ornamented (if we may so express -it) his fifth or little finger, notwithstanding the frequent relapses -he experienced during that time were sufficient to convince a less -ardent mind than his that the fits were proof against its influence. -Finally, whilst suffering from a last visitation of that distressing -malady, he expired, though wearing the ring--thus exemplifying a -striking memento of the absurdity of the means he had had recourse -to.”[230] - -Quite recently, a new means has been contrived for deluding the -public in the form of rings, which are to be worn upon the fingers -and are said to prevent the occurrence of and cure various diseases. -They are called galvanic rings. Although by the contact of the two -metals of which they are composed an infinitesimally minute current -of electricity (hence, also, of magnetism) is generated, still, from -the absurd manner in which the pieces of metal composing the ring -are arranged and which displays the most profound ignorance of the -laws of electricity and magnetism, no trace of the minute current -traverses the finger upon which the ring is worn; so that a wooden -ring or none at all would have exactly the same effect as regards the -magnetism or galvanism.[231] - -Epilepsy was to be cured by wearing a ring in which a portion of an -elk’s horn was to be inclosed; while the hoof of an ass, worn in the -same way, had the reputation of preventing conjugal debility.[232] - -Michaelis, a physician at Leipsic, had a ring made of the tooth of a -sea-horse, by which he pretended to cure diseases of every kind.[233] -Rings of lead, mixed with quicksilver, were used against headache; -and even the chains of criminals and iron used in the construction of -gibbets were applied to the removal of complaints. - -Rings simply made of gold were supposed to cure St. Anthony’s fire; -but, if inscribed with magic words, their power was irresistible. - -With regard to rings supposed to possess magical properties, there is -one with an inscription in the Runic character, on jasper, being a -Dano-Saxon amulet against the plague. The translation is thus given: - - “Raise us from dust we pray thee, - From Pestilence, O set us free, - Although the Grave unwilling be.”[234] - -On another ring, inscribed with similar characters, and evidently -intended for the same purpose, the legend is as follows: - -“_Whether in fever or leprosy, let the patient be happy and confident -in the hope of recovery._”[235] - -Rings against the plague were often inscribed Jesus--Maria--Joseph or -I. H. S. _Nazarenus_--_Rex_--_Judæorum_. - -A ring was dug up in England, with the figure of St. Barbara upon -it. She is the patroness against storms; and it was most likely an -intended amulet against them.[236] However, St. Barbara was not -solely here depended upon, for it has around it Jesu et Maria. - - -§ 7. The ordeal of touch, by a person accused of murder, remarkably -appears in an English trial.[237] There, the murdered woman, at the -touch of the accused, “thrust out the ring or marriage finger three -times and pulled it in again and the finger dropped blood upon the -grass.” The report goes on to say, that “Sir Nicholas Hyde, seeming -to doubt the evidence, asked the witness, ‘Who saw this besides -you?’ _Witness._ ‘I cannot swear what others saw; but, my lord, I do -believe the whole company saw it; and if it had been thought a doubt, -proof would have been made of it, and many would have attested with -me.’ The witness observing some admiration in the auditors, spake -further: ‘My lord, I am minister of the parish and have long known -all the parties, but never had any occasion of displeasure against -any of them, nor had to do with them or they with me, but as I was -minister, the thing was wonderful to me; but I have no interest in -the matter, but as called upon to testify the truth, that I have -done. My lord, my brother here present is minister of the next parish -adjoining, and, I am assured, saw all done that I have affirmed.’” -The clergyman so appealed to confirmed the statement; and the accused -were convicted and hanged. - - -§ 8. Amongst the dooms or punishments which Æthelbirht, King of Kent, -established in the days of Augustine, the amount of what was called -_bot_ or damages to be paid for every description of injury to the -person is fully detailed.[238] The laws of King Alfred comprise, -likewise, numerous clauses respecting compensation for wounds -inflicted; and the term “_dolzbote_” occurs in c. 23, relating -to tearing by a dog. A silver ring was found in Essex, England, -inscribed with the Anglo-Saxon word _dolzbot_, the exact meaning of -which is compensation made for giving a man a wound either by a stab -or blow.[239] - - -§ 9. We find a romantic story coupled with the founding of -Aix-la-Chapelle. Petrarch relates[240] of Charles the Great of -France, that this monarch was so fondly attached to a fair lady that, -after her death, he carried about her embalmed body in a superb -coffin and that he could not indeed forsake it, because, under the -tongue, was a gem “enchassée” in a very small ring. - -A venerable and learned bishop, who thought a living beauty was -preferable to the remains of a departed one, rebuked his sovereign -for his irreligious and strange passion and revealed to him the -important secret that his love arose from a charm that lay under -the woman’s tongue. Whereupon the bishop went to the woman’s corse -and drew from her mouth the ring; which the emperor had scarcely -looked upon when he abhorred the former object of his attachment -and felt such an extraordinary regard for the bishop that he could -not dispense with his presence for a single moment, until the good -prelate was so troubled with royal favor that he cast the ring into -a lake or marsh. The emperor happened to be attracted to the site of -the submerged ring; and, in consequence, founded upon it a palace and -church, which gave birth to Aix-la-Chapelle. - -The Germans have a legend which they connect with what must have -been this ring. It runs thus: Charlemagne, although near his -dissolution, lingered in ceaseless agony, until the archbishop who -attended him caused the lake to be dragged and, silently placing the -talisman on the person of the dying monarch, his struggling soul -parted quietly away. This talisman is said to be in the possession -of Louis Napoleon; but it is described as a small nut, in a gold -filagree envelopment, found round the neck of Charlemagne on the -opening of his tomb and given by the town of Aix-la-Chapelle to -Bonaparte and by him to his favorite Hortense, _ci-devant_ Queen of -Holland, at whose death it descended to her son. In the German legend -it is said to have been framed by some of the magi in the train of -the ambassadors of Aaroun-al-Raschid to the mighty Emperor of the -West, at the instance of his spouse Fastrada, with the virtue that -her husband should be always fascinated towards the person or thing -on which it was.[241] - - -§ 10. Some of our readers are lovers of operatic music, and have -heard _Zampa_. The placing of a ring on the finger of a statue and -its consequences must have been gathered from a story by Floriguus. -He mentions the case of a young gentleman of Rome, who, on his -wedding day, went out walking with his bride and some friend after -dinner; towards evening, he got to a tennis-court and while he played -he took off his ring and placed it upon the finger of a brass statue -of Venus. The game finished, he went to fetch his ring; but Venus had -bent her finger upon it and he could not get it off. Whereupon, loth -to make his companions tarry, he there left it, intending to fetch -it the next day, went then to supper and, so, to bed; but, in the -night, the truly brazen Venus had slipped between him and his bride, -and thus troubled him for several successive nights. Not knowing -how to help himself, he made his moan to one Palumbus, a learned -magician, who gave him a letter and bade him, at such a time of the -night, in such a crossway, where old Saturn would pass by with his -associates, to deliver to him the epistle. The young man, of a bold -spirit, accordingly did so; and when Saturn had read it, he called -Venus, who was riding before him, and commanded her to deliver the -ring, which forthwith she did. - -Moore has even made use of this tale. He calls it “The Ring,” and -uses upwards of sixty stanzas on it. He seems here to have laid -aside, as much as it was possible for him, his usual polish and tried -to imitate Monk Lewis. The scene is laid in Christian times; his hero -is one Rupert; and the deliverer a Father Austin. Moore says he met -with the story in a German work, “Fromman upon Fascination;” while -Fromman quotes it from Belaucensis. - -It is remarkable how often we find stories, which have originated in -heathen times, made a vehicle for Catholic tales. The above has found -its way into monkish legend. - -In _The Miracles of the Virgin Mary_, compiled in the twelfth -century, by a French monk,[242] there is a tale of a young man, who, -falling in love with an image of the Virgin, inadvertently placed on -one of its fingers a ring, which he had received from his mistress, -accompanying the gift with the most tender language of respect and -affection. A miracle instantly took place and the ring remained -immovable. The young man, greatly alarmed for the consequences of his -rashness, consulted his friends, who advised him, by all means, to -devote himself entirely to the service of the Madonna. His love for -his former mistress prevailed over their remonstrances and he married -her; but on the wedding-night, the newly betrothed lady appeared to -him and urged her claim, with so many dreadful menaces that the poor -man felt himself compelled to abandon his bride and, that very night, -to retire privately to a hermitage, where he became a monk for the -rest of his life. This story has been translated by Mons. Le Grand, -in his entertaining collection of _fabliaux_, where the ring is -called a marriage-ring. - -Perhaps this last story grew out of the legend of St. Agnes. A -priest, who officiated in a church dedicated to St. Agnes, was very -desirous of being married. He prayed the Pope’s license, who gave -it him, together with an emerald ring; and commanded him to pay his -addresses to the image of St. Agnes in his own church. Then the -priest did so and the image put forth her finger and he put the ring -thereon; whereupon the image drew her finger in again and kept the -ring fast--and the priest was contented to remain a bachelor; “and -yet, as it is sayd, the rynge is on the fynger of the ymage.”[243] - - -§ 11. There is a legend of a Sir Richard Baker, who was surnamed -_Bloody Baker_, wherein a ring bears its part.[244] This Sir Richard -Baker was buried in Cranbrook church, Kent, England, and his -gauntlet, gloves, helmet and spurs are suspended over his tomb. The -gloves are red. The Baker family had formerly large possessions in -Cranbrook; but in the reign of Edward VI. great misfortunes fell on -them; by extravagance and dissipation they gradually lost all their -lands, until an old house in the village (now used as the poor-house) -was all that remained to them. The sole representative of the family -remaining at the accession of Queen Mary was Sir Richard Baker. -He had spent some years abroad in consequence of a duel; but when -Mary reigned he thought he might safely return, as he was a papist; -when he came to Cranbrook, he took up his abode in his old house; -he brought one foreign servant with him; and only these two lived -there. Very soon strange stories began to be whispered respecting -unearthly shrieks having been heard frequently to issue at nightfall -from his house. Many people of importance were stopped and robbed in -the Glastonbury woods and many unfortunate travellers were missed -and never heard of more. Richard Baker still continued to live in -seclusion, but he gradually repurchased his alienated property, -although he was known to have spent all he possessed before he left -England. But wickedness was not always to prosper. He formed an -apparent attachment to a young lady in the neighborhood, remarkable -for always wearing a great many jewels. He often pressed her to -come and see his old house, telling her he had many curious things -he wished to show her. She had always resisted fixing a day for her -visit, but happening to walk within a short distance of his house, -she determined to surprise him with a visit; her companion, a lady -older than herself, endeavored to dissuade her from doing so, but she -would not be turned from her purpose. They knocked at the door, but -no one answered them; they, however, discovered it was not locked and -determined to enter. At the head of the stairs hung a parrot which, -on their passing, cried out: - - “Peepoh, pretty lady, be not too bold, - Or your red blood will soon run cold.” - -And cold did run the blood of the adventurous damsel when, on opening -one of the room doors, she found it filled with the dead bodies of -murdered persons, chiefly women. Just then they heard a noise and on -looking out of the window saw Bloody Baker and his servant bringing -in the murdered body of a lady. Nearly dead with fear, they concealed -themselves in a recess under the staircase. As the murderers, with -their dead burthen, passed by them, the hand of the unfortunate -murdered lady hung in the baluster of the stairs; with an oath, -Bloody Baker chopped it off and it fell into the lap of one of the -concealed ladies. As soon as the murderers had passed by, the ladies -ran away, having the presence of mind to carry with them the dead -hand, on one of the fingers of which was a ring. On reaching home, -they told their story; and, in confirmation of it, displayed the -ring. All the families who had lost relatives mysteriously were then -told of what had been found out; and they determined to ask Baker to -a large party, apparently in a friendly manner, but to have officers -concealed. He came, suspecting nothing; and then the lady told him -all she had seen, pretending it was a dream. “Fair lady,” said he, -“dreams are nothing; they are but fables.” “They may be fables,” said -she, “but is this a fable?” and she produced the hand and ring. Upon -this the officers rushed in and took him; and the tradition further -says, he was burnt, notwithstanding Queen Mary tried to save him on -account of the religion he professed. - - -§ 12. Dumas has it[245] that Cæsar Borgia wore a ring, composed of -two lion’s heads, the stone of which he turned inward when he wished -to press the hand of “a friend.” It was then the lion’s teeth became -those of a viper charged with poison. (His infamous father, the old -poisoner Alexander VI., kept a poisoned key by him, and when his -“holiness” wished to rid himself of some one of his familiars, he -desired him to open a certain wardrobe, but as the lock of this was -difficult to turn, force was required before the bolt yielded, by -which a small point in the handle of the key left a slight scratch -upon the hand, which proved mortal.) - - -§ 13. Liceto, as referred to by Maffei, gives an example of a ring -forming part of the Barberini collection, which has engraved upon -the stone a Cupid with butterflies; and, on the hoop of it, _Mei -Amores_, _i. e._ My Loves. This shows a freedom of subject that may -have reference to pretty plain flirting or wantonness. A fragment of -Ennius, which runs thus: _Others give a ring to be viewed from the -lips_, is coupled with a wanton custom (in full vigor in the time -of Plautus) for loose characters to take the hoop of the ring with -the teeth and, leaving the stone out of the mouth, thus invite young -persons to see either the figure or minute characters and who had to -approach very close to do it. - - -§ 14. We have heard of rings with delicate spring-lancets or -cutting-hooks, used by thieves to cut pockets before they pick them. - -It is said that gamblers have rings with movable parts, which will -show a diminutive heart, spade, club or diamond according as a -partner desires a particular suit or card to be led. - -Thieves in America will often wear a ring with the head of a dog -projecting and its ear sharpened and still further extended, so that -a blow with it would cut like any sharply pointed instrument. The -present Chief of Police in New-York is in the habit of clipping off -these sharp ears whenever he has a rogue in custody who possesses -such a ring. And characters of the like class wear one bearing a -triangular pyramid of metal, with which they can give a terrible blow. - -The crime of ring-dropping consists, generally, in a rogue’s stooping -down and seeming to pick up a purse containing a ring and a paper, -which is made in the form of a receipt from a jeweller, descriptive -of the ring and making it a “rich, brilliant, diamond ring;” and in -the fellow’s proposing, for a specified payment, to share its value -with you. - -When Charles VIII. of France crossed the Alps, he descended into -Piedmont and the Montferrat, which was governed by two Regents, -Princes Charles Jean Aimé and Guillaume Jean. They advanced to meet -Charles, each at the head of a numerous and brilliant court and -shining with jewels. Charles, aware that, notwithstanding their -friendly indications, they had, nevertheless, signed a treaty with -his enemy, received them with the greatest courtesy; and as they -were profuse in their professions of amity, he suddenly required -of them a proof: it was, to lend him the diamonds they then wore. -The two regents could but obey a request which possessed all the -characteristics of a command. They took off their rings and other -trinkets, for which Charles gave them a detailed receipt and, then, -pledged them for twenty-four thousand ducats.[246] - - -§ 15. When the Roman slave was allowed his liberty, he received, with -a cap and white vest, a ring. The ring was of iron.[247] We have -not heard the origin of this stated, but it appears to us it was -gathered from the fable of Prometheus. The slave had been fastened, -as it were, to the Caucasus of bondage; and when freed from that, -he had, still, as Prometheus had, to wear an iron ring, by way of -remembrance. He was not permitted to have one of gold, for that was -a badge of citizenship.[248] However, vanity is inherent in bond and -free; and slaves began to cover their iron rings with gold, while -others presumed to wear the precious metals alone.[249] The iron -rings of slaves were alluded to by Statius, who died about thirty -years later than Pliny.[250] Apuleius introduces a slave, with an -iron ring, bearing a device. - -We all remember Moore’s lines, beginning with: - - “Rich and rare were the gems she wore, - And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore.” - -This was rather an Irish way of wearing a ring, on the top of a -snow-white wand, instead of upon a lily-white finger. The poet works -out and polishes and varnishes these verses from the following story -in Warren’s History of Ireland:[251] A young lady, of great beauty, -adorned with jewels and a costly dress, undertook a journey alone, -from one end of the kingdom to the other, with a wand only in her -hand, at the top of which was a ring of exceeding great value; and -such an impression had the laws and government of the then monarch, -Brian Borholme, made on the minds of all the people that no attempt -was made upon her honor, nor was she robbed of her clothes or jewels. -Ireland may or not be changed since that time; yet the monarch Brian -does not seem to have worked through moral suasion, if we may believe -an Irish verse-maker, who certainly uses neither the delicacy of -sentiment nor the polish of Moore: - - “Oh, brave King Brian! he knew the way - To keep the peace and to make them pay; - For those who were bad, he knocked off their head; - And those who were worse, he kilt them dead.” - - - - - CHAPTER FOUR. - - RINGS COUPLED WITH REMARKABLE HISTORICAL - CHARACTERS OR CIRCUMSTANCES. - - 1. Ring of Suphis; Pharaoh’s Ring given to Joseph. 2. Rings of - Hannibal; Mithridates; Pompey; Cæsar; Augustus and Nero. 3. Cameo. - 4. Ethelwoulf; Madoc; Edward the Confessor; King John; Lord L’Isle; - Richard Bertie and his Son Lord Willoughby; Great Earl of Cork; - Shakspeare’s Signet-Ring; The Ring Queen Elizabeth gave to Essex; - Ring of Mary of Scotland and one sent by her to Elizabeth; Darnley; - The Blue Ring; Duke of Dorset; Ring in the Isle of Wight supposed - to have belonged to Charles the First, and Memorial Rings of this - Monarch; Earl of Derby; Charles the Second; Jeffrey’s Blood-Stone; - The great Dundee; Nelson; Scotch Coronation Ring; The Admirable - Crichton; Sir Isaac Newton; Kean; Wedding Ring of Byron’s Mother. - 5. Matrons of Warsaw. 6. The Prussian Maiden. - - -§ 1. When Egypt is mentioned, the Pyramids rise in their sublimity--a -sublimity made perfect by their vastness and mysterious age. We can -fancy Abraham beholding them with awe, as, in the moonlight, they -seemed to be awful and gigantic reflexes of his own tents looming -into the heavens. We can imagine Alexander, rushing triumphantly on -as the sun warmed and brightened their points; and Cambyses, within -their shadow, horrifying the Egyptians by the destruction of their -god Apis. We can hear, too, the modern destroyer, with the bombastic -cry to his soldiers that, from the summits of those monuments, forty -centuries looked down upon them: they must indeed have looked down -upon those who came as locusts and were swept away like them! And -as our minds enter, from the outward heat, into the cold chamber of -the Pyramids, we observe Champollion, Wilkinson, Vyse and Lepsius -unrolling ages with the unwinding of papyrus and illuminated bandage. - -Let us, however, attempt to sink these mighty mountains of man’s -labor below the desert--upon which they now heavily press as though -they were sealing the earth--and bring up, amid the vast desert and -in their place, a single figure, bearing a signet-ring upon its -finger. It is Suphis or Cheops, King of Memphis, who caused the Great -Pyramid to be made for his monument. What a speck, for such a tomb! -The monuments of man take up much space. Here was a whole nation -employed to make one man’s mausoleum. We fear that the virtues which -live after men could often go within the compass of their finger-ring. - -To every kingly order or decree connected with the foundation of the -Great Pyramid or with the thousands of men who had to work or with -the prodigious material employed, an impression of the signet-ring of -Suphis had to be attached. Rings have been used for higher and holier -things; but never for so vast a human purpose. - -Now, bring up, once more, (through the mind’s enchantment,) the -Pyramids, built upwards of two thousand years before the time of -Christ, with all the busy centuries which have encircled them; -and looking back, we can hardly think that this ring of Suphis, a -circle which an inch square might hold--is undestroyed! And even -if it be, we can scarcely believe that it is to be seen within the -sweep of our own observation. The city of New-York holds the ring -of Suphis. In the Egyptian collection formed by Dr. Abbott is this -ring. And if exquisite work can add to its value, it has it in a high -degree. Beautiful in execution;--there is something wonderful in its -preservation; while a species of awe, seldom attaching to a small -substance, seems to chill our nature and we are dumb while we look -upon it. - -Here is the most valuable antique ring in the world. This ring alone -ought to be sufficient to secure the collection to New-York for -ever.[252] - -[Illustration: (Hieroglyphics Ring and Oval)] - -It may be well to copy a description of this relic as it appears in -Dr. Abbott’s Catalogue: - -“This remarkable piece of antiquity is in the highest state of -preservation, and was found at Ghizeh, in a tomb near that excavation -of Colonel Vyse’s called Campbell’s tomb. It is of fine gold; and -weighs nearly three sovereigns. The style of the hieroglyphics is in -perfect accordance with those in the tombs about the Great Pyramid, -and the hieroglyphics within the oval make the name of that Pharaoh -of whom the pyramid was the tomb. The details are minutely accurate -and beautifully executed. The heaven is engraved with stars: the fox -or jackal has significant lines within its contour: the hatchets -have their handles bound with thongs, as is usual in the sculptures; -the volumes have the string which binds them hanging below the roll, -differing in this respect from any example in sculptured or painted -hieroglyphics. The determinative for country is studded with dots, -representing the sand of the mountains at the margin of the valley of -Egypt. The instrument, as in the larger hieroglyphics, has the tongue -and semi-lunar mark of the sculptured examples; as is the case also -with the heart-shaped vase. The name is surmounted with the globe and -feathers, decorated in the usual manner; and the ring of the cartouch -is engraved with marks representing a rope, never seen in the -sculptures: and the only instance of a royal name similarly encircled -is a porcelain example in this collection, inclosing the name of the -father of Sesostris. The O in the name is placed as in the examples -sculptured in the tombs, not in the axis of the cartouch. The -chickens have their unfledged wings; the cerastes its horns, now only -to be seen with the magnifying glass.” - -[Illustration: Signet of the actual size.] - -[Illustration: (Signet Top and Bottom Seal)] - -Probably the next most important ring is one believed to have been -that which was given by Pharaoh to the patriarch Joseph. Upon -opening, in the winter of 1824, a tomb in the necropolis of Sakkara -near Memphis, Arab workmen discovered a mummy, every limb of which -was cased in solid gold; each finger had its particular envelope, -inscribed with hieroglyphics: “So Joseph died, being an hundred and -ten years old; and they embalmed him and he was put in a coffin in -Egypt.”[253] A golden scarabæus or beetle was attached to the neck -by a chain of the same metal; _a signet-ring_ was also found, a pair -of golden bracelets and other relics of value.[254] The excavation -had been made at the charge of the Swedish Consul; but the articles -discovered became the prize of the laborers. By a liberal application -of the cudgel, the scarabæus with its chain, a fragment of the gold -envelope and the bracelets were recovered. The bracelets are now in -the Leyden Museum, and bear the same name as the ring.[255] This -signet-ring, however, which was not given up at the time, found -its way to Cairo and was there purchased by the Earl of Ashburnham. -That nobleman having put his collection of relics, with his baggage, -on board a brig chartered in Alexandria for Smyrna, the vessel was -plundered by Greek pirates, who sold their booty in the island of -Syra. The signet in question fell thus into the hands of a Greek -merchant, who kept it till about three years ago, when it was sold -in Constantinople and purchased and brought finally to England. It -is again in the possession of the Earl of Ashburnham. This signet -has been assigned to the age of Thothmes III. The quantity and -nature of the golden decorations existing in the tomb referred to -indicate it as the sepulchre of one of the Pharaohs or of some highly -distinguished officer of the royal household; and a calculation -places the death of the patriarch Joseph in about the twentieth -year of the reign of Thothmes III. The signet would be an excellent -specimen of the antique of a kind called Tabat, still common in the -country and which resemble, in all but the engraved name upon this -signet, the ring placed by Pharaoh on Joseph’s hand. The seal turns -on a swivel, (and, so, has two tablets,) and, with the ring or circle -of the signet, is of very pure and massive gold. The carving is very -superior and also bold and sharp, which may be accounted for from the -difficult oxydization of gold above all metals. In connection with -this ring, it is necessary to remember what occurred when “Pharaoh -took off his ring from his hand and put it upon Joseph’s hand.”--“And -he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they -cried before him, Bow the knee; and he made him ruler over all the -land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh and -without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of -Egypt. _And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name_ ZAPHNATH-PAANEAH.” The seal -has the cartouch of Pharaoh. And one line upon it has been construed -into _Paaneah_, the name bestowed by Pharaoh on Joseph. This -signifies, in combination with “_Zaphnath_,” either, _the Revealer of -Secrets_, or, _the Preserver of the World_. - -A discovery of the ring of Suphis and that which Pharaoh gave to -Joseph appears to border on the marvellous; and, yet, such things -were and gentleness of climate may allow us to suppose that they -still exist,--while modern energy, science and learning are so -laying bare the world’s sepulchre of the past that we ought not to -disbelieve at the suggested resurrection of any thing. In excavations -recently made in Persia, the palace of Shushan and the tomb of Daniel -have probably been found; and also the very pavement described in -Esther, i. 6, “of red and blue and white and green marble.”[256] - - -§ 2. Hannibal carried his death in his ring, which was a singular -one. When the Roman ambassadors required the king of Bythinia to -give Hannibal up, the latter, on the point of the king’s doing so, -swallowed poison, which he always carried about in his ring. In -the late war between America and Mexico, rings were found upon the -fingers of dead officers of the latter country. These opened and, -it is said, a poisonous substance was discovered; and there is a -notion that the owners of these rings were ready to act the part of -Hannibal: poison themselves rather than become prisoners. - -The Romans were very curious in collecting cases of rings, -(_dactylothecæ_,) many of which are mentioned as being at Rome; among -these was that which Pompey the Great took from Mithridates and -dedicated to Jupiter in the Capitol.[257] - -And Pompey’s ring is known. Upon it were engraved three trophies, -as emblems of his three triumphs over the three parts of the world -Europe, Asia and Africa.[258] A ring with a trophy cut upon it has -helped to victory: When Timoleon was laying siege to Calauria, Icetes -took the opportunity to make an inroad into the territories of -Syracuse, where he met with considerable booty; and having made great -havoc, he marched back by Calauria itself, in contempt of Timoleon -and the slender force he had with him. Timoleon suffered him to pass; -and then followed him with his cavalry and light-armed foot. When -Icetes saw he was pursued, he crossed the Damyrias and stood in a -posture to receive the enemy, on the other side. What emboldened him -to do this was the difficulty of the passage and the steepness of -the banks on both sides. But a strange dispute and jealousy of honor -which arose among the officers of Timoleon awhile delayed the combat: -for there was not one that was willing to go after another, but every -man wanted to be foremost in the attack; so that their fording was -likely to be very tumultuous and disorderly by their jostling each -other and pressing to get before. To remedy this, Timoleon ordered -them to decide the matter by lot; and that each, for this purpose, -should give him his ring. He took the rings and shook them in the -skirt of his robe; and the first that came up happening to have a -trophy for the seal, the young officers received it with joy and, -crying out that they would not wait for any other lot, made their way -as fast as possible through the river and fell upon the enemy, who, -unable to sustain the shock, soon took to flight, throwing away their -arms and leaving a thousand of their men dead upon the spot.[259] - -Cæsar’s ring bore an armed Venus. On that of Augustus there was, -first, a sphinx; afterwards, the image of Alexander the Great; and at -last, his own, which the succeeding emperors continued to use. Dr. -Clarke says, the introduction of sculptured animals upon the signets -of the Romans was derived from the sacred symbols of the Egyptians -and hence the origin of the sphinx for the signet of Augustus. - -Nero’s signet-ring bore Apollo, flaying Marsyas. This emperor’s -musical vanity led him to adopt it. - - -§ 3. When the practice of deifying princes and venerating heroes -became general, portraits of men supplied the place of more ancient -types. This custom gave birth to the cameo; not, perhaps, introduced -before the Roman power and rarely found in Greece. - - -§ 4. In the British Museum is an enamelled gold ring of Ethelwoulf, -King of Wessex, second King of England, A. D. 836, 838. It bears his -name.[260] - -The tradition of Madoc, one of the last princes of Powis, is kept -up by the discovery of a gold signet-ring, with the impress of a -monogram placed under a crown. It is supposed to be the ring of Madoc. - -The ring of Edward the Confessor has been discovered; and is said to -be in the possession of Charles Kean the actor and that he wears it -whenever he plays the character of King Lear. This performer is a -collector of antiquities. He purchased the red hat of Cardinal Wolsey -at the sale of the Strawberry Hill collection. This hat was found -by Bishop Burnet, when Clerk of the Closet, in the great wardrobe -and was given by his son, the Judge, to the Countess Dowager of -Albemarle, who presented it to Horace Walpole. - -King John of England is reputed to have secured a ring to aid his -designs upon the beautiful wife of the brave Eustace de Vesci, one -of the twenty-five barons appointed to enforce the observance of -Magna Charta.[261] The tyrant, hearing that Eustace de Vesci had a -very beautiful wife, but far distant from court and studying how to -accomplish his licentious designs towards her, sitting at table with -her husband and seeing a ring on his finger, he laid hold on it and -told him that he had such another stone, which he resolved to set -in gold in that very form. And having thus got the ring, presently -sent it to her, in her husband’s name; by that token conjuring her, -if ever she expected to see him alive, to come speedily to him. She, -therefore, upon sight of the ring, gave credit to the messenger -and came with all expedition. But so it happened that her husband, -casually riding out, met her on the road and marvelling much to see -her there, asked what the matter was? and when he understood how -they were both deluded, resolved to find a wanton and put her in -apparel to personate his lady. The king afterwards boasting to the -injured husband himself, Eustace had the pleasure to undeceive him. -We may imagine the cheated monarch’s rage and how freely he used his -favorite oath of, “by the teeth of God!” - -Lord L’Isle, of the time of Henry VIII. of England, had been -committed to the Tower of London on suspicion of being privy to a -plot to deliver up the garrison of Calais to the French. But his -innocence appearing manifest on investigation, the monarch released -and sent him a diamond ring with a most gracious message. Whether it -was his liberty or the ring or the message, the fact is that he died -the night following “of excessive joy.”[262] - -The turquoise was valuable enough for princely gift. Anne of -Brittany, young and beautiful, Queen of Louis the Twelfth of France, -sent a turquoise ring to James the Fourth of Scotland, who fell at -Flodden. Scott refers to it: - - “For the fair Queen of France - Sent him a turquoise ring and glove; - And charged him, as her knight and love, - For her to break a lance.” - -And, in a note, he says that a turquoise ring, “probably this fatal -gift,” is (with James’s sword and dagger) preserved in the College of -Heralds, London; and gives the following quotation from Pittscottie: -“Also, the Queen of France wrote a love-letter to the King of -Scotland, calling him her love, showing him that she had suffered -much rebuke in France for the defending of her honor. She believed -surely that he would recompense her again with some of his kingly -support in her necessity, that is to say, that he would raise her an -army and come three foot of ground, on English ground, for her sake. -To that effect she sent him a ring off her finger, with fourteen -hundred French crowns to pay his expenses.” - -Some of the trials of life which Richard Bertie and his wife -Catharine, Duchess of Suffolk, underwent,[263] are matters of -history. They arose from the zeal of the Duchess for the Reformation -in the reign of Edward VI. and through the malice of Bishop Gardiner. -The lady had in her “progress” caused a dog in a rochet (part of a -bishop’s dress) to be carried and called by Gardiner’s name. They had -an only son Peregrine Bertie, who claimed and obtained the Barony -of Willoughby of Eresby. He was sent as general of auxiliaries -into France; and did good service at the siege of Paris and by -the reduction of many towns. His troops were disbanded with great -commendation; and Lord Willoughby received a present of a diamond -ring from the King of France.[264] This ring he, at his death, left -his son, with a charge, upon his blessing, to transmit it to his -heirs. Queen Elizabeth wrote a free letter inviting him back to -England, beginning it, “Good Peregrine.” His will is a remarkable -one. It begins thus: “In the name of the blessed divine Trynitie in -persons and of Omnipotent Unitye in Godhead, who created, redeemed -and sanctified me, whom I steadfastlye beleeve will glorifye this -sinfull, corruptyble and fleshely bodie, with eternal happiness -by a joyeful resurrection at the general Judgment, when by his -incomprehensible justice and mercye, having satisfied for my sinfull -soule, and stored it uppe in his heavenlye treasure, his almightye -voyce shall call all fleshe to be joyned together with the soule to -everlasting comforte or discomforte. In that holye name I Pergrin -Bertye,” etc., etc., etc. He was once confined to his bed with the -gout and had an insulting challenge sent him, to which he answered, -“That although he was lame of his hands and feet, yet he would meet -his adversary with a piece of a rapier in his teeth.” His idea of a -“carpet knight” is observable in his saying, that “a court became a -soldier of good skill and great spirit as a bed of down would one of -the Tower lions.” - -Richard Boyle, who, by personal merit, obtained a high position and -is known as the “great Earl of Cork,” did not forget his early life. -When he was in the height of his prosperity, he committed the most -memorable circumstances of his life to writing, under the title of -“True Remembrances;” and we find the mention of a ring which his -mother had given him: “When first I arrived in Ireland, the 23d -of June, 1588, all my wealth then was twenty-seven pounds three -shillings in money and two tokens which my mother had given me, viz. -a diamond ring, which I have ever since and still do wear, and a -bracelet of gold worth about ten pounds; a taffety doublet cut with -and upon taffety; a pair of black silk breeches laced; a new Milan -fustian suit laced and cut upon taffety, two cloaks, competent linen -and necessaries, with my rapier and dagger; and, since, the blessing -of God, whose heavenly providence guided me hither, hath enriched my -weak estate in the beginning with such a fortune as I need not envy -any of my neighbors, and added no care or burthen to my conscience -thereunto.”[265] - -We have mentioned Shakspeare’s signet-ring. It is of gold and -was found on the sixteenth day of March in the year one thousand -eight hundred and ten, by a laborer’s wife upon the surface of the -mill-close, adjoining Stratford churchyard. The weight is twelve -penny-weights; it bears the initials W. S.; and was purchased by Mr. -R. B. Wheeler (who has published a Guide to Stratford-upon-Avon[266]) -for thirty-six shillings, the current value of the gold. It is -evidently a gentleman’s ring of the time of Elizabeth; and the -crossing of the central lines of the W. with the oblique direction -of the lines of the S. exactly agree with the character of that day. -There is a connection or union of the letters by an ornamental string -and tassels, known commonly as a “true lover’s knot”--the upper bow -or flourish of which forms the resemblance of a heart. On the porch -of Charlcote House near Stratford, erected in the early part of -Elizabeth’s reign by the very Sir Thomas Lucy said to have persecuted -Shakspeare for deer stealing, the letters T. L. are surrounded in a -manner precisely similar. Allowing that this was Shakspeare’s ring, -it is the only existing article which originally belonged to him. - -Singularly enough, a man named William Shakspeare was at work near -the spot when this ring was picked up.[267] Little doubt can be -entertained that it belonged to the poet and is probably the one -he lost before his death and was not to be found when his will -was executed, the word _hand_ being substituted for _seale_ in the -original copy of that document. The only other person at Stratford -having the same initials and likely to possess such a seal was -William Smith, but he used one having a different device, as may be -seen from several indentures preserved amongst the records of the -corporation. Halliwell believes in the authenticity of this relic. -Mr. Wheeler, its owner, says: “Though I purchased it upon the same -day for 36s. (the current value of the gold) the woman had sufficient -time to destroy the precious _ærugo_, by having it unnecessarily -immersed in _aquafortis_, to ascertain and prove the metal, at a -silversmith’s shop, which consequently restored its original color.” - -In the Life of Haydon the painter,[268] we have the following letter -from him to Keats, (March 1, 1818:) “My dear Keats, I shall go mad! -In a field at Stratford-upon-Avon, that belonged to Shakspeare, they -have found a gold ring and seal, with the initials W. S. and a true -lover’s knot between. If this is not Shakspeare’s, whose is it?--a -true lover’s knot! I saw an impression to-day, and am to have one as -soon as possible: as sure as you breathe and that he was the first of -beings, the seal belonged to him. - - “O Lord! B. R. HAYDON.” - -Let us now turn to the ring that Queen Elizabeth gave to the -handsome, brave and open-hearted Devereux, Earl of Essex; and which -was probably worn by him, when, on his trial, he was desired to hold -up his right hand, and he said that he had, before that time, done it -often at her majesty’s command for a better purpose. The story of -this ring has been discarded by some authors; but we see no reason -to doubt it. We take our account from Francis Osborn’s Traditional -Memoirs on the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.[269] “Upon this,” says he, -“with a great deal of familiarity, she presented a ring to him, which -after she had, by oaths, endued with a power of freeing him from any -danger or distress, his future miscarriage, her anger or enemies’ -malice could cast him into, she gave it him, with a promise that, -at the first sight of it, all this and more, if possible, should be -granted. After his commitment to the Tower, he sent this jewel to her -majesty by the then Countess of Nottingham, whom Sir Robert Cecill -kept from delivering it. But the Lady of Nottingham, coming to her -death-bed and finding by the daily sorrow the Queen expressed for the -loss of Essex, herself a principal agent in his destruction, could -not be at rest till she had discovered all and humbly implored mercy -from God and forgiveness from her earthly sovereign; who did not -only refuse to give it, but having shook her as she lay in bed, sent -her, accompanied with most fearful curses, to a higher tribunal.” -This reads like truth; and what a picture it presents! Mark the fury -of such an overbearing, half-masculine Queen; and, the repentant -passiveness of the dying Countess! - -Dr. Birch, in his Memoirs, says: the Queen observed, “God may forgive -you, but I never can.” - -We are inclined to believe that Elizabeth swore pretty roundly on -this occasion, as it is known she could; and that there was a -violence on the occasion is even shown by Dr. Birch: he says--“The -Countess of Nottingham, affected by the near approach of death, -obtained a visit from the Queen, to whom she revealed the secret; -that the Queen shook the dying lady in her bed, and thenceforth -resigned herself to the deepest melancholy.” - -The melancholy continued; and this haughty woman was soon smitten; -refusing to rest on a bed, from a superstition that it would be her -death couch, she became almost a silent lunatic, and crouched upon -the floor. There sat she, as did another queen, who cried-- - - “Here I and sorrow sit, - Here is my throne;” - -neither rising nor lying down, her finger almost always in her mouth, -her eyes open and fixed on the ground.[270] But her indomitable will -did not leave her in her death hour. She had declared she would have -no rascal to succeed her; and when she was too far gone to speak, -Secretary Cecil besought her, if she would have the King of Scots -to reign after her, to show some sign unto them. Whereat, suddenly -heaving herself up, she held both her hands joined together, over -her head, in manner of a crown. Then, she sank down, and dozed into -another world. - -The Chevalier Louis Aubery de Maurier, who was many years the French -Minister in Holland, and said to have been a man of great parts -and unsuspected veracity, gives the following story of the Essex -ring:[271] - -“It will not, I believe, be thought either impertinent or -disagreeable to add here what Prince Maurice had from the mouth of -Mr. Carleton, Ambassador from England in Holland, who died Secretary -of State, so well known under the name of my Lord Dorchester and -who was a man of great merit. He said that Queen Elizabeth gave the -Earl of Essex a ring in the height of her passion for him, ordering -him to keep it, and that whatever he should commit she would pardon -him when he should return that pledge. Since that time, the Earl’s -enemies having prevailed with the Queen, who besides was exasperated -against him for the contempt he showed for her beauty, which, through -age, began to decay, she caused him to be impeached. When he was -condemned, she expected that he should send her the ring; and would -have granted him his pardon according to her promise. The Earl -finding himself in the last extremity, applied to Admiral Howard’s -lady, who was his relation, and desired her, by a person whom she -could trust, to return the ring into the Queen’s own hands. But her -husband, who was one of the Earl’s greatest enemies and to whom she -told this imprudently, would not suffer her to acquit herself of the -commission; so that the Queen consented to the Earl’s death, being -full of indignation against such a proud and haughty spirit who -chose rather to die than to implore her mercy. Some time after, the -Admiral’s lady fell sick and being given over by her physicians, she -sent word to the Queen that she had something of great consequence -to tell her before she died. The Queen came to her bedside, and -having ordered all the attendants to withdraw, the Admiral’s lady -returned her, but too late, that ring from the Earl of Essex, -desiring to be excused that she did not return it sooner, having been -prevented doing it by her husband. The Queen retired immediately, -being overwhelmed with the utmost grief; she sighed continually for -a fortnight following, without taking any nourishment; lying abed -entirely dressed and getting up an hundred times a night. At last she -died with hunger and with grief, because she had consented to the -death of a lover who had applied to her for mercy. This melancholy -adventure shows that there are frequent transitions from one passion -to another and that as love often changes to hate, so hate, giving -place sometimes to pity, brings the mind back again into its first -state.” Sir Dudley Carleton, who is made the author of this story, -was a man who deserved the character that is given of him and could -not but be well informed of what had passed at court. The Countess of -Nottingham was the daughter of the Lord Viscount Hunsdon, related to -the Queen and also, by his mother, to the Earl of Essex. - -The story of the ring and the relations of the Queen’s passion for -the Earl of Essex were long regarded by many writers as romantic -circumstances. But these facts are now more generally believed. Hume, -Birch and other judicious historians give credit to them. Dr. Birch -has confirmed Maurice’s account by the following narrative, which -was often related by the Lady Elizabeth Spelman, a descendant of -Sir Robert Cary, Earl of Monmouth, whose acquaintance with the most -secret transactions of Queen Elizabeth’s court is well known:[272] - -“When Catharine, Countess of Nottingham, wife of the Lord High -Admiral and sister of the Earl of Monmouth, was dying, (as she did, -according to his Lordship’s own account, about a fortnight before the -Queen,) she sent to her majesty, to desire that she might see her -in order to reveal something to her majesty, without the discovery -of which she could not die in peace. Upon the Queen’s coming, Lady -Nottingham told her that, while the Earl of Essex lay under sentence -of death, he was desirous of asking her majesty’s mercy, in the -manner prescribed by herself, during the height of his favor: the -Queen having given him a ring which, being sent to her as a token -of his distress, might entitle him to her protection. But the Earl, -jealous of those about him and not caring to trust any one with it, -as he was looking out of the window one morning, saw a boy, with -whose appearance he was pleased, and, engaging him, by money and -promises, directed him to carry the ring, which he took from his -finger and threw down, to Lady Scroope, a sister of the Countess of -Nottingham and a friend of his lordship, who attended upon the Queen -and to beg of her that she would present it to her majesty. The boy, -by mistake, carried it to Lady Nottingham, who showed it to her -husband, the Admiral, an enemy of Lord Essex, in order to take his -advice. The Admiral forbid her to carry it or return any answer to -the message; but insisted upon her keeping the ring. - -“The Countess of Nottingham having made the discovery, begged the -Queen’s forgiveness, but her majesty answered, ‘God may forgive you, -but I never can;’ and left the room with great emotion. Her mind was -so struck with this story that she never went to bed, nor took any -subsistence, from that instant: for Camden is of opinion that her -chief reason for suffering the Earl to be executed was his supposed -obstinancy in not applying to her for mercy.” - -Miss Strickland considers that the story of this ring should not be -lightly rejected. - -There are two rings extant claiming to be the identical one so -fatally retained by Lady Nottingham. The first is preserved at -Hawnes, Bedfordshire, England and is the property of the Reverend -Lord John Thynne. The ring is gold, the sides are engraved and the -inside set with blue enamel; the stone is a sardonyx, on which is -cut, in relief, a head of Elizabeth, the execution being of a high -order. The second is the property of a Mr. Warner, and was given -by Charles the First to Sir Thomas Warner, the settler of Antigua, -Nevis, etc. It is a diamond set in gold, inlaid with black enamel at -the back and sides.[273] - -And now let us turn to one of Elizabeth’s victims, who had her talent -and was her contrast: for Mary of Scotland was womanly and beautiful. -So charming was she in the mind of the French poet Ronsard that he -tells us France without her was as “a ring bereft of its precious -pearl.”[274] The nuptial ring of Mary, Queen of Scots, on her -marriage with Lord Darnley, is extant.[275] It is, in general design, -a copy of her great seal, the banners only being different, for, -in the great seal they each bear a saltier surmounted by a crown. -(In her great seal made when Dowager of France, after the death of -Francis the Second, the dexter banner is St. Andrew’s Cross, the -sinister the Royal Arms of the Lion.) The ring part is enamelled. It -is of most beautiful and minute workmanship. An impression is not -larger than a small wafer. It has the initials M. R.; and on the -interior is a monogram of the letters M. and A., _Mary_ and _Albany_: -Darnley was created Duke of Albany. - -A use of the arms of England by Mary came to the knowledge of and -gave great offence to Elizabeth and Burghley; and the latter obtained -a copy of them so used, which copy is now in the British Museum. It -is endorsed by Burghley, “False Armes of Scotl. Fr. Engl. Julii, -1559.” The following doggrel lines are underneath the arms: - - “The armes of Marie Quene Dolphines of France - The nobillist Ladie in earth for till aduance, - Off Scotland Quene, and of England also, - Off Ireland als God haith providit so.” - -A letter has been discovered in the handwriting of Mary herself -which presents the monogram of M. and A. that is upon the ring. This -epistle is in French; and the following is a translation: - -“Madam, my good sister, the wish that I have to omit nothing that -could testify to you how much I desire not to be distant from your -good favor, or to give you occasion to suspect me from my actions -to be less attached to you than, my good sister, I am, does not -permit me to defer longer the sending to you the bearer, Master of my -Requests, to inform you further of my good will to embrace all means -which are reasonable, not to give you occasion to be to me other than -you have been hitherto; and relying on the sufficiency of the bearer, -I will kiss your hands, praying God that he will keep you, Madam my -good sister, in health and a happy and long life. From St. John’s -Town, this 15th of June. - - “Your very affectionate and faithful - “Good Sister and Cousin, - “MARIE R.” - - “To the Queen of England, - “Madam my good Sister - “and Cousin.” - -The history of the ring bearing the arms of England, Scotland and -Ireland, (and which is said to have been produced in evidence at the -trial of the unfortunate Mary as a proof of her pretensions to the -crown of England,) is curious. It descended from Mary to her grandson -Charles the First, who gave it on the scaffold to Archbishop Juxon -for his son Charles the Second, who, in his troubles, pawned it in -Holland for three hundred pounds, where it was bought by Governor -Yale; and sold at his sale for three hundred and twenty dollars, -supposed to the Pretender. Afterwards it came into the possession -of the Earl of Ilay, Duke of Argyll. It was ultimately purchased by -George the Fourth of England, when he was Prince Regent.[276] This is -sometimes called the Juxon ring. - -It appears by Andrews’s continuation of Henry’s History of Great -Britain,[277] that Mary had three wedding rings on her marriage with -Darnley: “She had on her back the great mourning gown of black, with -the great mourning hood,” (fit robes for such a wedding!) “The rings, -which were three, the middle a rich diamond, were put on her finger. -They kneel together and many prayers are said over them,” etc., -etc. Rings of Mary of Modena have been mistaken for those of Mary of -Scotland. - -There is a ring at Bolsover Castle containing a portrait of Mary.[278] - -A word more of Elizabeth and Mary. Aubrey says,[279] “I have seen -some rings made for sweethearts, with a heart enamelled held between -two right hands. See an epigram of George Buchanan on two rings that -were made by Elizabeth’s appointment, being layd one upon the other -showed the like figure. The heart was two diamonds, which joyned, -made the heart. Queen Elizabeth kept one moietie, and sent the other -as a token of her constant friendship to Mary, Queen of Scots; but -she cut off her head for all that.” Aubrey, who also quotes an -old verse as to the wearers of rings: _Miles, mercator, stultus, -maritus, amator_,--here alludes, it is presumed, to a diamond ring -originally given by Elizabeth to Mary as a pledge of affection and -support and which Mary commissioned Beatoun to take back to her when -she determined to seek an asylum in England. The following is one of -Buchanan’s epigrams on the subject of the ring, described by Aubrey: - -“_Loquitur adamas in cordis effigiem sculptus, quem Maria Elizabethæ -Angl. misit:_” (The diamond sculptured into the form of a heart and -which Mary sent to the English Elizabeth, says:) - - “_Quod te jampridem videt, ac amat absens,_ - _Hæc pignus cordis gemma, et imago mei est,_ - _Non est candidior non est hæc purior illo_ - _Quamvis dura magis non image firma tamen._” - -These lines we thus render in verse: - - “This gem is pledge and image of my heart: - A heart that looks and loves, though not in view. - The jewel has no clearer, purer part-- - It may be harder, but is not more true.” - -The sentiment in this epigram must have been gathered from -expressions made by Mary herself: for, at a time when she was at -Dumferline and desired and hoped for an interview with Elizabeth, she -received, through the hands of Randolph, a letter from the English -Queen, “which first she did read and after put into her bosom next -unto her _schyve_.” Mary entered into a long private conversation -with Randolph on the subject of their proposed interview; and asked -him, in confidence, to tell her frankly whether it were ever likely -to take effect. “Above any thing,” said she, “I desire to see my -good sister; and next, that we may live like good sisters together, -as your mistress hath written unto me that we shall. I have here,” -continued she, “a ring with a diamond fashioned like a heart: I know -nothing that can resemble my good will unto my good sister better -than that. My meaning shall be expressed by writing in a few verses, -which you shall see before you depart; and whatsomever lacketh -therein, let it be reported by your writing. I will witness the same -with my own hand, and call God to record that I speak as I think with -my heart, that I do as much rejoice of that continuance of friendship -that I trust shall be between the queen my sister and me and the -people of both realms, as ever I did in any thing in my life.” “With -these words,” continues Randolph, “she taketh out of her bosom the -Queen’s Majesty’s letter; and after that she had read a line or two -thereof, putteth it again in the same place, and saith, ‘If I could -put it nearer my heart I would.’”[280] - -Mary’s sad going to England, makes us remember Wordsworth’s sonnet: - - “----; but Time, the old Saturnian seer, - Sighed on the wing as her foot pressed the strand, - With step prelusive to a long array - Of woes and degradations, hand in hand, - Weeping Captivity and shuddering Fear, - Stilled by the ensanguined block of Fotheringay!” - -[Illustration: Original size.] - -In the British Museum is a ring which belonged to one whose life -had been a tissue of cowardice, cruelty, falsehood and weakness, -Lord Darnley. If this was a ring he ordinarily wore, it probably -was upon his finger when he led the way to the murder of Riccio -and pointed him out to the slayers. However this may be, the story -goes that when Darnley was reconciled to Mary and was in the house -called Kirk of Field, she, one evening, on taking leave in order to -attend a marriage of a servant, embraced him tenderly; took a ring -from her finger and placed it upon his. It was on this night that -a terrific explosion was heard, which shook the city of Edinburgh. -Then it was that the Kirk of Field was blown up; and at a little -distance, in the garden, were the dead bodies of Darnley and his -page. We are not of those who believe that Mary’s hand or heart were -in this murder, notwithstanding we read of the vote of the Scotch -Parliament and peruse Buchanan’s suggested letters from the Queen to -Bothwell--especially as these epistles are not forthcoming. It has -been said that Buchanan expressed sorrow on his death-bed for what he -had written against Mary. But he certainly was not a repentant. We -have a proof of his indomitable disposition in the fact that when, -at his dying hour, he was informed that the King was highly incensed -against him for writing his books _De Jure Regni_ and History of -Scotland, he replied, “he was not much concerned about that, for -he was shortly going to a place where there were few kings.”[281] -Writers who show no esteem for Buchanan give him the character of an -inveterate drinker even up to his death hour; he, “continuing his -debauches of the belly, made shift to get the dropsy by immoderate -drinking,” and it was said of him, by way of jest, that he was -troubled _vino inter cute_ and not _aquâ inter cute_ (by _wine -between the skin_ and not _water between the skin_).[282] - -There is a ring known in English history as the _Blue Ring_.[283] -King James the First kept a constant correspondence with several -persons of the English court for many years prior to Queen -Elizabeth’s decease; among others with Lady Scroope, sister of -Robert Carey, afterwards Earl of Monmouth, to which lady his majesty -sent, by Sir James Fullerton, a sapphire ring, with positive orders -to return it to him, by a special messenger, as soon as the Queen -actually expired. Lady Scroope had no opportunity of delivering -it to her brother Robert while he was in the palace of Richmond; -but waiting at the window till she saw him at the outside of the -gate, she threw it out to him and he well knew to what purpose he -received it. Indeed, he was the first person to announce to James his -accession to the crown of England; and the monarch said to him: “I -know you have lost a near kinswoman and a mistress, but take here my -hand, I will be a good master to you and will requite this service -with honor and reward.” This Robert Carey wrote his own memoirs; -and therein says: “I only relied on God and the King. The one never -left me; the other, shortly after his coming to London, deceived my -expectations and adhered to those who sought my ruin.” - -Thomas Sackvil, Duke of Dorset, who was Lord High Treasurer of -England in the times of Elizabeth and James I., has left a remarkably -long and curious will, which shows exceeding wealth and a mixture -of seeming humility, obsequious loyalty and pride of position. His -riches appear to have mainly come from his father, who was called -by the people _Fill-Sack_, on account of his vast property. A great -number of personal ornaments are bequeathed; and among them many -rings, which are particularly described. He often and especially -notices[284] “one ring of gold and enamelled black and set round -with diamonds, to the number of 20., whereof 5. being placed in the -upper part of the said ring do represent the fashion of a cross.” -This ring is coupled with “one picture of the late famous Queen -Elizabeth, being cut out of an agate, with excellent similitude, -oval fashion and set in gold, with 20. rubies about the circle of it -and one orient pearl pendant to the same; one ring of gold, enamelled -black, wherein is set a great table diamonde, beying perfect and pure -and of much worth; and one cheyne of gold, Spanish work, containing -in it 48. several pieces of gold, of divers sorts, enamelled white -and of 46. oval links of gold, likewise enamelled white, wherein -are 144. diamonds.” These rings, chain and picture are to remain -as heirlooms; while particular directions are given to place them -in the custody of the warden and a senior fellow of New College at -Oxford during minority of his descendants, to be kept within the said -college “in a strong chest of iron, under two several keys,” etc. -The testator states how the “said rynge of gould, with the great -table diamonde sett therein togeather with the said cheyne of goulde, -were given to him by the Kinge of Spayne;” while the way in which he -obtained the ring set round with twenty diamonds is thus elaborated -in the will: “And to the intent that they may knowe howe just and -great cause bothe they and I have to hould the sayed Rynge, with -twentie Diamonds, in so heighe esteeme, yt is most requisite that I -do here set downe the whole course and circumstance howe and from -whome the same rynge did come to my possession, which was thus: In -the Begynning of the monethe of June one thousand sixe hundred and -seaven, this rynge thus sett with twenty Diamondes, as is aforesayed, -was sent unto me from my most gracious soveraigne King James, by -that honorable personage the Lord Haye, one of the gentlemen of his -Highnes Bedchamber, the Courte then beying at Whitehall in London -and I at that tyme remayning at Horsley House in Surrey, twentie -myles from London, where I laye in suche extremitye of sickness as -yt was a common and a constant reporte all over London that I was -dead and the same confidentlie affirmed even unto the Kinge’s Highnes -hymselfe; upon which occasion it pleased his most excellent majestie, -in token of his gracious goodness and great favour towards me, to -send the saied Lord Hay with the saied Ringe, and this Royal message -unto me, namelie, that his Highness wished a speedie and a perfect -recoverye of my healthe, with all happie and good successe unto me -and that I might live as longe as the diamonds of that Rynge (which -therewithall he delivered unto me) did indure, and, in token thereof, -required me to weare yt and keep yt for his sake. This most gracious -and comfortable message restored a new Life unto me, as coming from -so renowned and benigne a soveraigne,”--but enough of this fulsome -praise of the coward King of Holyrood. It makes us think of Sir -Richie Moniplie’s scene: “But my certie, lad, times are changed since -ye came fleeing down the back stairs of auld Holyrood House, in grit -fear, having your breeks in your hand, without time to put them on, -and Frank Stewart, the wild Earl of Bothwell, hard at your haunches; -and if auld Lord Glenwarloch hadna cast his mantle about his arm and -taken bluidy wounds mair than ane in your behalf, you wald not have -crawed sae crouse this day.” - -There is a ring in the Isle of Wight, shown as having belonged to -Charles the First of England; and the following story is told of -it.[285] When Charles was confined in Carisbrook Castle, a man -named Howe was its master gunner. He had a son, a little boy, who -was a great favorite of Charles. One day, seeing him with a child’s -sword by his side, the King asked him what he intended doing with -it? “To defend your Majesty from your Majesty’s enemies,” was the -reply; an answer which so pleased the King that he gave the child the -signet-ring he was in the habit of wearing upon his finger. - -An engraving of the ring has been published. The article itself is in -the possession of a descendant of Howe’s. It is marked inside with -the letters A and T conjoined followed by E. The author cannot trace -or couple these letters with Charles the First; and he is otherwise -inclined to doubt the story. It is a tale to please loyal readers. -Charles was an intelligent man; and he was not likely, especially -under his then circumstances, to have given his signet-ring to a -child. There is a very pretty incident connected with his passing -to prison, where he might beautifully have left a ring with a -true-hearted lady. As he passed through Newport, on the way to -the Castle of Carisbrook, the autumn weather was most bitter. A -gentlewoman, touched by his misfortunes and his sorrows, presented -him with a damask rose, which grew in her garden at that cold season -of the year and prayed for him. The mournful monarch received the -lady’s gift, heartily thanked her and passed on to his dungeon. - -It is true that Charles, when in the Isle of Wight, gave a ring from -his finger. But the receiver of it was Sir Philip Warwick. This -ring bore a figure cut in an onyx; and was handed to Sir Philip in -order to seal the letters written for the King by that knight at the -time of the treaty. This ring was left by Sir Philip to Sir Charles -Cotterell, Master of the Ceremonies, who, in his will, (16th April, -1701,) bequeathed it to Sir Stephen Fox. It came into the possession -of the latter’s descendant, the late Earl of Ilchester and was stolen -from his house in old Burlington street, London, about seventy years -ago.[286] - -Just before his execution, the same monarch caused a limited number -of mourning rings to be prepared. Burke, in his Commoners of Great -Britain and Ireland, mentions the family of _Rogers in Lota_. This -family was early remarkable for its loyalty and attachment to the -crown. A ring is still preserved as an heirloom, which was presented -to its ancestor by King Charles the First during his misfortunes. -Robert Rogers of Lota received extensive grants from Charles the -Second. In the body of his will is the following: “And I also -bequeathe to Noblett Rogers the miniature portrait ring of the martyr -Charles I. given by that monarch to my ancestor previous to his -execution; and I particularly desire that it may be preserved in the -name and family.” The miniature is said to be by Vandyke. - -The present possessor of this ring says that when it was shown in -Rome, it was much admired; the artists when questioned, “Whose -style?” frequently answered, “Vandyke’s.”[287] Although many doubt -whether Vandyke ever submitted to paint miniatures, yet portraits in -enamel by him are known to be in existence. - -A ring, said to be one of the seven given after the King’s death, -was possessed by Horace Walpole and sold with the Strawberry Hill -collection. It has the King’s head in miniature and behind, a skull; -while between the letters C. R. is this motto: - - “_Prepared be to follow me._” - -There is another of these rings (all of which may be considered as -“stamped with an eternal grief”) in the possession of a clergyman. -The shank of the ring is of fine gold, enamelled black, but the -greater part of the enamel has been worn away by use. On the inner -side of the shank an inscription has been engraved, the first letter -of which still remains, but the rest of this also has been worn away -by much use. In the shank is set a small miniature in enamel of -the King, inclosed in a box of crystal which opens with a spring. -At the back of the box, containing the miniature, is a piece of -white enamel, having a death’s head surmounted by a crown with the -date January 30 represented upon it in black. A memorial ring of -Charles the First, which has a portrait of the King in enamel and -an inscription at the back, recording the day of his execution, was -exhibited before the members of the London Antiquarian Society in -March, 1854.[288] - -Rings, with portraits of Charles the First on ivory, are not uncommon. - -When the body of Charles the First was discovered in 1813, (in the -royal burial place at Windsor,) the hair at the back of the head -appeared close cut; whereas, at the time of the decollation, the -executioner twice adjusted the King’s hair under his cap. No doubt -the piety of friends had severed the hair after death, in order to -furnish rings and other memorials of the unhappy monarch. - -A noble character was James Stanley, seventh Earl of Derby, who was -beheaded for his loyalty to Charles the First. - -As a proof of his bravery, with six hundred horse he maintained fight -against three thousand foot and horse, receiving seven shots in his -breast-plate, thirteen cuts in his beaver, five or six wounds on his -arms and shoulders, and had two horses killed under him. - -His manliness shows well in his answer to Cromwell’s demand that -he should deliver up the Isle of Wight: “I scorn your proffers; -I disdain your favors; I abhor your treasons; and am so far from -delivering this island to your advantage, that I will keep it to the -utmost of my power to your destruction. Take this final answer and -forbear any further solicitations; for if you trouble me with any -more messages upon this occasion, I will burn the paper and hang the -bearer.”[289] - -He was executed contrary to the promise of quarter for life, “an -ancient and honorable plea not violated until this time.” - -There is a deeply interesting account of his acts and deportment -written by a Mr. Bagaley who attended on him. The Earl wrote letters -to his wife, daughter and sons; a servant went and purchased all the -rings he could get and lapped them up in several papers and writ -within them and the Earl made Bagaley subscribe them to all his -children and servants. This coupling his servants with his children -in connection with these death tokens is charming. The Earl handed -the letters with the rings to Bagaley and, in relation to delivering -them, he used this beautiful and perfect expression--“As to them, -I can say nothing: _silence and your own looks will best tell your -message_.” - -On quitting his prison, others confined there kissed his hand and -wept; but as to himself, he told them: “You shall hear that I die -like a Christian, a man and a soldier.” - -He was to be beheaded at Bolton. On his way thither, Bagaley says: -“His lordship, as we rode along, called me to him and bid me, when I -should come into the Isle of Man, to commend him to the Archbishop -there and tell him he well remembered the several discourses that -had passed between them there concerning death and the manner of it; -that he had often said the thoughts of death could not trouble him -in fight or with a sword in hand, _but he feared it would something -startle him tamely to submit to a blow on the scaffold_. But,” said -his lordship, “tell the archdeacon from me that I do now find in -myself an absolute change as to that opinion.” - -At night when he laid him down upon the right side, with his hand -under his face, he said: “Methinks I lie like a monument in a church; -and to-morrow I shall really be so.” - -There was a delay in his execution, for the people of Bolton refused -to strike a nail in the scaffold or to give any assistance. He asked -for the axe and kissed it. He forgave the headsman before he asked -him. To the spectators, he said: “Good people, I thank you for your -prayers and for your tears; I have heard the one and seen the other -and our God sees and hears both.” He caused the block to be turned -towards the church. “I will look,” cried he, “towards the sanctuary -which is above for ever.” There were other interesting circumstances -attending his execution. With outstretched arms he laid himself down -to the block, exclaiming, “Blessed be God’s name for ever and ever. -Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.” Then the executioner -did his work--“_and no manner of noise was then heard but sighs and -sobs_.” - -We are left without any account of the way in which Bagaley delivered -the rings; but, imagination can make a picture of a darkened and -dismantled mansion, suffering widow and children, with terrified -retainers, and Bagaley standing in the midst, weary, heart-sick, -tearfully presenting the melancholy remembrances and realizing the -truthfulness of the words of his brave, good and gentle master: -“_Silence and your own looks will best tell your message_.” - -The French woman Kerouaille, favorite mistress of Charles the Second, -and created Duchess of Portsmouth, is said to have secured two -valuable diamond rings from the King’s finger while the throes of -death were on him. The following graphic description is worth reading: - -“I should have told you, in his fits his feet were as cold as ice, -and were kept rubbed with hot cloths, which were difficult to get. -Some say the Queen rubbed one and washed it in tears. Pillows were -brought from the Duchess of Portsmouth’s by Mrs. Roche. His Highness, -the Duke of York, was the first there, and then I think the Queen, -(he sent for her;) the Duchess of Portsmouth swooned in the chamber, -and was carried out for air; Nelly Gwynne roared to a disturbance -and was led out and lay roaring behind the door; the Duchess wept -and returned; the Princess (afterwards Queen Anne) was not admitted, -he was so ghastly a sight, (his eye-balls were turned that none of -the blacks were seen, and his mouth drawn up to one eye,) so they -feared it might affect the child she goes with. None came in at -the common door, but by an odd side-door to prevent a crowd, but -enough at convenient times to satisfy all. The grief of the Duchess -of Portsmouth did not hinder her packing and sending many strong -boxes to the French ambassador’s; and the second day of the King’s -sickness, the chamber being kept dark--one who comes from the light -does not see very soon, and much less one who is between them and the -light there is--so she went to the side of the bed, and sat down to -and taking the king’s hand in hers, felt his two great diamond rings; -thinking herself alone, and asking him what he did with them on, said -she would take them off, and did it at the same time, and looking up -saw the Duke at the other side, steadfastly looking on her, at which -she blushed much, and held them towards him, and said, ‘Here, sire, -will you take them?’ ‘No, madam,’ he said, ‘they are as safe in your -hands as mine. I will not touch them till I see how things will go.’ -But since the King’s death she has forgot to restore them, though he -has not that she took them, for he told the story.” This extract is -taken from a letter written by a lady who was the wife of a person -about the court at Whitehall and forms part of a curious collection -of papers lately discovered at Draycot House near Chippenham, -Wiltshire, England.[290] - -Jeffreys, the bloody Jeffreys, whose greatest honor was to make a -martyr of Sidney, while rising in royal favor and when about to -depart for the circuit to give the provinces “a lick with the rough -side of his tongue,” (a favorite expression of his,) experienced a -mark of regard from Charles the Second. The King took a ring from his -own finger and gave it to this besotted wretch of a chief justice. -At the same time the monarch bestowed on him a curious piece of -advice to be given by a king to a judge: it was, that, as the weather -would be hot, Jeffreys should beware of drinking too much.[291] The -people called the ring “_Jeffrey’s blood-stone_,” as he got it just -after the execution of Sir Thomas Armstrong. Roger North says: “The -king was persuaded to present him with a ring, publicly taken from -his own finger, in token of his majesty’s acceptance of his most -eminent services; and this by way of precursor being blazoned in -the Gazette, his lordship went down into the country, as from the -king _legatus a latere_.” The Lord Keeper North, who, it has been -said, hated Jeffreys worse than popery,[292] speaks of the terror -to others of the face and voice of the chief justice: “as if the -thunder of the day of judgment broke over their heads;” and shows -how Jeffreys, who, by this time, had reached the position of Lord -Chancellor, was discovered by a lawyer that had been under the storm -of his countenance:[293] “There was a scrivener of Wapping brought -to hearing for relief against a bummery bond; the contingency of -losing all being showed, the bill was going to be dismissed. But one -of the plaintiff’s counsel said that he was a strange fellow and -sometimes went to church, sometimes to conventicles and none could -tell what to make of him and it was thought he was a trimmer. At -that the Chancellor fired; and ‘A trimmer,’ said he, ‘I have heard -much of that monster, but never saw one. Come forth, Mr. Trimmer, -turn you round, and let us see your shape;’ and at that rate talked -so long that the poor fellow was ready to drop under him; but, at -last, the bill was dismissed with costs and he went his way. In the -hall, one of his friends asked him how he came off? ‘Came off!’ -said he, ‘I am escaped from the terrors of that man’s face, which I -would scarce undergo again to save my life; and I shall certainly -have the frightful impression of it as long as I live.’ Afterwards, -when the Prince of Orange came and all was in confusion, this Lord -Chancellor, being very obnoxious, disguised himself in order to go -beyond sea. He was in a seaman’s garb and drinking a pot in a cellar. -This scrivener came into the cellar after some of his clients; and -his eye _caught that face_, which made him start; and the Chancellor, -seeing himself eyed, feigned a cough and turned to the wall with his -pot in his hand. But _Mr. Trimmer_ went out and gave notice that he -was there; whereupon the mob flowed in and he was in extreme hazard -of his life,” etc., etc. This term “Trimmer” seemed to be very -obnoxious to Jeffreys. Once at the council and when the king was -present, Jeffreys “being flaming drunk, came up to the other end of -the board and (as in that condition his way was) fell to talking and -staring like a madman, and, at length, bitterly inveighed against -Trimmers and told the king that he had Trimmers in his court and he -would never be easy so long as the Trimmers were there.”[294] North -gives the interpretation of the word “Trimmer,” which was taken up -to subdivide the Tory party, of whom all (however loyal and of the -established church professed) who did not go into all the lengths of -the new-flown party at court, were so termed.[295] - -The name of the great Dundee instantly brings to mind one of the most -spirited and characteristic ballads ever written: - - “The Gordon demands of him which way he goes-- - Where’er shall direct me the shade of Montrose! - Your Grace, in short space, shall hear tidings of me: - Or that low lies the bonnet of Bonny Dundee. - Come, fill up my cup; come, fill up my can; - Come, saddle the horses and call up the men; - Come, open your gates and let me gae free, - For it’s up with the bonnets of Bonny Dundee.”[296] - -All of this is gone; low lies Bonny Dundee; and the untruth of what -is called history is all we have of him. There was a ring of which a -description and an engraving remain containing some of Lord Dundee’s -hair, with the letters V. D. surmounted by a coronet worked upon it -in gold; and on the inside of the ring are engraved a skull and this -poesy: - - “_Great Dundee, for God and me. J. Rex._” - -This ring, which belonged to the family of Graham of Duntrune, -(representative of Viscount Dundee,) has, for several years, been -lost or mislaid.[297] - -A memorial of Nelson is left in some half-dozen of rings. In -the place of a stone, each ring has a metal _basso relievo_ -representation of Nelson, half bust. The metal, blackish in -appearance, forming the relief, being, in reality, portions of the -ball which gave the Admiral his fatal wound at Trafalgar. - -Cardinal York, the last of the Stuart family, left as a legacy to the -Prince of Wales, afterwards George the Fourth, a valuable ring which -was worn by the kings of Scotland on the day of their coronation.[298] - -We have met with but one case where, in a college disputation, the -successful contestant was rewarded with a ring. James Crichton, -who obtained the appellation of the “Admirable Crichton,” had -volunteered--it was at a time when he was only twenty years of -age--to dispute with any one in Hebrew, Syriac, Arabic, Greek, Latin, -Spanish, French, Italian, English, Dutch, Flemish and Sclavonian; and -this, either in verse or prose. He did not seem to prepare himself, -but occupied his time in hunting, hawking, tilting, vaulting, tossing -a pike, handling a musket and other military feats. Crichton duly -appeared in the College of Navarre and acquitted himself beyond -expression in the disputation, which lasted from nine o’clock in the -morning until six at night. At length, the President, after extolling -him highly for the many rare and excellent endowments which God and -nature had bestowed upon him, rose from his chair and, accompanied -by four of the most eminent professors of the University, gave him -a diamond ring (with a purse full of money) as a testimony of regard -and favor.[299] - -In England, during the year 1815, a tooth of Sir Isaac Newton was -sold for seven hundred and twenty pounds to a nobleman who had it set -in a ring. - -The elder Kean used to wear, to the hour of his death, a gold snake -ring, with ruby head and emerald eyes. At the sale of his effects, it -fetched four guineas and an half.[300] - -On the day of the arrival of Miss Milbankes’ answer to Lord Byron’s -offer of marriage, he was sitting at dinner in Newstead Abbey, when -his gardener came and presented him with his mother’s ring, which -she had lost and which the gardener had just found in digging up the -mould under her window. Almost at the same moment, the letter from -Miss Milbankes arrived; and Lord Byron exclaimed, “If it contains -a consent, I will be married with this very ring.”[301] It does -not appear whether it was really used. Strange, if it were! and -singular that his lordship, so full of powerful superstition, should -have suggested it. His mother’s temper had been, in part, his bane; -her marriage was a most unhappy one; the poet’s father notoriously -wedded for money and was separated from his wife--while, the poet’s -offer, at a time when he was greatly embarrassed, coupled with his -own mysterious after-separation, would make this ring appear a fatal -talisman if it were really placed upon Miss Milbankes’ finger. It was -in his after-bitterness, in his desolate state and dissoluteness -that Byron called the wedding-ring “the damn’dest part of matrimony.” - - -§ 5. In the last Polish struggle, the matrons of Warsaw sent their -marriage rings to coin into ducats.[302] - -A few years ago the signet-ring of the famous Turlough Lynnoch was -found at Charlemont in the county of Armagh, Ireland. It bears the -bloody hand of the O’Neils and initials T. O. The signet part of the -ring is circular and the whole of it silver. O’Neils had been kings -of Ireland and were also Earls of Ulster. The symbol of the province -of Ulster was a bloody hand. Fergus, the first King of Scotland, was -descended from the O’Neils. King James the First made this bloody -hand the distinguishing badge of a new order of baronets and they -were created to aid by service or money for forces in subduing the -O’Neils.[303] - -During the years 1813, 1814 and 1815, when Prussia had collected -all her resources, in the hope of freeing herself from the yoke -which France had laid upon her, the most extraordinary feelings of -patriotism burst forth. Every thought was centred in the struggle; -every coffer was drained; all gave willingly. In town and village -altars were erected, on which ornaments of gold, silver and precious -stones were offered up. Massive plate was replaced in palaces by -dishes, platters and spoons of wood. Ladies wore no other ornaments -than those made of iron, upon which was engraved: “_We gave gold for -the freedom of our country; and, like her, wear an iron yoke._” -One evening, a party had assembled in the house of an inhabitant -of Breslau. Among them, was a beautiful though poor maiden. Her -companions were boasting what each had contributed towards the -freedom of their country. Alas! she had no offering to proclaim--none -to give. With a heavy heart she took her leave. While unrobing for -the night, she thought she could dispose of her hair and, so, add -to the public fund. With the dawn, she went to a hairdresser’s; -related her simple tale; and parted with her tresses for a trifling -sum, which she instantly deposited on an altar and returned to her -quiet home. This reached the ears of the officers appointed each -day to collect the various offerings; and the President received -a confirmation from the hairdresser, who proposed to resign the -beautiful hair, provided it was resold for the benefit of fatherland. -The offer was accepted; iron rings were made, each containing a -portion of hair; and these produced far more than their weight in -gold.[304] - - - - - CHAPTER FIVE. - - RINGS OF LOVE, AFFECTION AND FRIENDSHIP. - - 1. The Gimmal or Gimmow Ring. 2. Sonnet by Davison. 3. Church - Marriage ordained by Innocent III.; and, Marriage-Ring. 4. Rings - used in different countries on Marriages and in Betrothment: - Esthonia; the Copts; Persia; Spain; Ackmetchet in Russia. 5. - Betrothal Rings. 6. Signets of the first Christians. 7. Laws of - Marriage. 8. Wedding Finger; Artery to the Heart; Lady who had lost - the Ring Finger. 9. Roman Catholic Marriages. 10. Marriage-Ring - during the Commonwealth. 11. Ring in Jewish Marriages. 12. - Superstitions. 13. Rings of twisted Gold-wire given away at - Weddings. 14. Cupid and Psyche. 15. St. Anne and St. Joachim. - 16. Rush Rings. 17. Rings with the Orpine Plant. 18. Ancient - Marriage-Rings had Mottoes and Seals. 19. The Sessa Ring. 20. Rings - bequeathed or kept in Memory of the Dead: Washington; Shakspeare; - Pope; Dr. Johnson; Lord Eldon; Tom Moore’s Mother. 21. The Ship - _Powhattan_. 22. Ring of Affection illustrated by a Pelican and - Young. 23. Bran of Brittany. 24. Rings used by Writers of Fiction; - Shakspeare’s Cymbeline. 25. Small Rings for the _Penates_. 26. - Story from the “Gesta Romanorum.” - - -§ 1. One of the prettiest tokens of friendship and affection is what -is termed a _Gimmal_ or _Gimmow_ Ring. It is of French origin. This -ring is constructed, as the name imports, of twin or double hoops, -which play within one another, like the links of a chain. Each hoop -has one of its sides flat and the other convex; and each is twisted -once round and surmounted with an emblem or motto. The course of -the twist, in each hoop, is made to correspond with that of its -counterpart, so that, on bringing together the flat surfaces of the -hoops, these immediately unite in one ring.[305] - -[Illustration: (Friendship Ring)] - -This form of ring is connected with the purest and highest acts -of friendship; it became a simple love token; and was, at length, -converted into the more serious _sponsalium annulus_, or ring of -affiance. - -The lover putting his finger through one of the hoops and his -mistress hers through the other, were thus symbolically yoked -together; a yoke which neither could be said wholly to wear, one half -being allotted to the other; and making, as it has been quaintly -said, a joint tenancy. - -Dryden describes a gimmal ring in his play of _Don Sebastian_:[306] - - “A curious artist wrought ’em-- - With joints so close as not to be perceived; - Yet are they both each other’s counterparts! - (Her part had Juan inscribed; and his had Laydor; - You know those names were theirs;) and in the midst - A heart divided in two-halfs was placed. - Now if the rivets of those rings, inclosed, - Fit not each other, I have forged this lie, - But if they join, you must for ever part.” - -Gimmal rings, though originally double, were, by a further -refinement, made triple and even more complicated, yet the name -remained unchanged. - -Herrick, in his “Hesperides,” has the following lines: - -“THE JIMMAL RING OR TRUE-LOVE KNOT. - - “Thou sent’st to me a true-love knot; but I - Return’d a ring of jimmals, to imply - Thy love had one knot, mine a triple-tye.” - -A singular silver gimmal ring was found in Dorset, England; the -legend _Ave Maria_ is partly inscribed on each moiety and legible -only when they are united.[307] - -A beautiful enamelled ring of this kind which belonged to Sir Thomas -Gresham, is extant.[308] It opens horizontally, thus forming two -rings, which are, nevertheless, linked together and respectively -inscribed on the inner side with a Scripture posy: QUOD. DEVS. -CONJVNXIT (_what God did join_) is engraved on one half and HOMO -NON SEPARAT, (_let not man separate_), on the other. The ring is -beautifully enamelled. One of the portions is set with a diamond -and the other with a ruby; and corresponding with them, in a cavity -inside the ring, are or rather were within the last twenty years two -minute figures or genii. The workmanship is admirable and probably -Italian. - -The reader who may be curious to know more about the gimmal ring, -and the probable derivation of the word _Gimmal_, is referred to a -learned and interesting article by Robert Smith, Esq., in the London -Archæologia, vol. xii. p. 7. - -It is possible that Shakspeare was thinking of gimmal rings, some of -which had engraven on them a hand with a heart in it, when (in the -_Tempest_) he makes Ferdinand say to Miranda “Here’s my hand” and she -answers “And mine, with my heart in it.” - - -§ 2. Coupled with the love of youth for maiden, we have one of the -most simple and perfect of old English sonnets (by Davison):[309] - -“PURE AND ENDLESS.” - - “If you would _know_ the love which you I bear, - Compare it to the ring which your fair hand - Shall make MORE precious, when _you_ shall it wear: - So _my love’s_ nature you shall understand. - Is it of metal _pure_? So endless is _my_ love, - Unless you it destroy with your disdain. - Doth it the purer grow the more ’tis tried? - So doth my love; yet herein they dissent: - That whereas gold, the more ’tis purified, - By growing less, doth show some part is spent; - My love doth grow more pure by your more trying, - And yet increaseth in the purifying.” - -As far back as the fifteenth century a lover wore his ring on the -last or little finger.[310] - - -§ 3. It is said that Pope Innocent the Third was the first who -ordained the celebration of marriage in the church; before which, it -was totally a civil contract; hence arose dispensations, licenses, -faculties and other remnants of papal benefit.[311] Shelford[312] -observes it came with the Council of Trent. The Council sat within -the Bishopric of Trent, Germany, from the year 1545 to 1563. - -But the ring was used in connection with marriage before Catholic -times. The Greeks had it. We find from Juvenal[313] that the Romans -employed the ring. There was commonly a feast on the signing of -the marriage contract; and the man gave the woman a ring (_annulus -pronubus_) by way of pledge, which she put upon her left hand, on -the finger next the least: because of the suggested nerve running -to the heart.[314] The ring was generally of iron, though sometimes -of copper and brass, with little knobs in the form of a key, to -represent that the wife had possession of the husband’s keys.[315] -Roman keys attached to a ring for the finger are not uncommon.[316] -The ring is at right angles to the axle and, therefore, it could only -be used for a lock which required very little strength to turn it or -as a latch-key. It may be a question, whether these were not rings -used on marriages? - -[Illustration: (Roman Key Ring)] - -Maffei gives a gem, upon which is engraved only the two Greek words -ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙ ΠΙΣΤΙΣ, in English, _Faith immortal_, which he considers as -intended to be set in a betrothal ring--in some one of those rings -which lovers gave to their beloved, with protestations of eternal -constancy, as a tacit promise of matrimony. Some Roman nuptial rings -had inscriptions, as _Ama me_; _Amo te_; _Bonam vitam_, etc. Among -other rings found at Pompeii were some which are considered to have -been wedding-rings.[317] One, of gold, picked up in Diomed’s house, -had a device representing a man and woman joining hands. Another, was -a double gold ring, in which two small green stones were set. - -There is no evidence that the ring was used by the Egyptians at a -marriage.[318] - -[Illustration: (Double Gold Ring)] - -On the authority of a text in Exodus, wedding-rings are attempted to -be carried as far back as the Hebrews.[319] Leo of Modena, however, -maintains that they did not use any nuptial ring.[320] Selden owns -that they gave a ring in marriage, but that it was only in lieu of a -piece of money of the same value which had before been presented. It -probably was ring-money or money in the shape of a ring, (of which we -have before spoken.) - - -§ 4. The common use of the ring in different countries, when -betrothment or marriage takes place, is remarkable. - -In Esthonia, a province of the Russian empire, where the girls -consider marriage the one great object to be coveted, attained and -prepared for from the earliest dawn of their susceptibilities, they -spin and weave at their outfit, frequently for ten years before their -helpmate is forthcoming: this outfit extends to a whole wardrobe -full of kerchiefs, gloves, stockings, etc. When they have formed an -acquaintance to their liking, the occasion having been usually of -their own creating, they look forward with impatience to the moment -of the proposal being made. But there is one season only, the period -of the new moon, when an offer can be tendered; nor is any time so -much preferred for a marriage as the period of the full moon. The -plenipos in the business of an offer are generally a couple of the -suitors’ friends or else his parents, who enter the maid’s homestead -with mead and brandy in their hands. On their approach the gentle -maiden conceals herself, warning having been given her in due form -by some ancient dame; the plenipos never make a direct announcement -of the purpose of their mission, but in most cases tell the girl’s -parents some story about a lamb or an ewe which has got astray and -they desire to bring home again. The parents immediately invite them -to drink, vowing that they know nothing of the stray creature; if -they decline to drink with them, it is a sign either that they have -no inclination for the match or that their daughter has whispered -them “her heart has no room for the youth in question.” But if all -are of one mind, the parents set merrily to work on the mead and -brandy and give the suitor’s envoys free license to hunt out the -stray lambkin. When caught, she is also expected to taste of the cup; -and from that moment the bridegroom becomes at liberty to visit his -bride. He makes his appearance, therefore, a few days afterwards, -bringing presents of all kinds with him, together with a ring, which -he places on the maiden’s finger as his betrothed.[321] - -The Copts have a custom of betrothing girls at six or seven years -of age, which is done by putting a ring upon their finger; but -permission is afterwards obtained for her friends to educate her -until she arrives at years of discretion.[322] - -In Persia, a ring is among the usual marriage presents on the part of -the bridegroom.[323] - -It is said that in Spain every girl who has attained the age of -twelve may compel a young man to marry her, provided he has reached -his fourteenth year and she can prove, for instance, that he has -promised her his hand and given her to understand that he wished her -to become his wife. These proofs are adduced before an ecclesiastical -vicar. A present of a ring is considered sufficient proof to enable -the girl to claim her husband. If the vicar pronounces the marriage -ought to take place, the youth, who has been previously sent to -prison, cannot be liberated until after the celebration.[324] - -Dr. Clark, in his Travels in Russia, describes the marriage, at -Ackmetchet, of Professor Pallas’s daughter with an Hungarian General -according to the rites of the Greek Church. After ascertaining as -to ties of blood between them and voluntary consent, a Bible and -crucifix were placed before them and large lighted wax tapers, -decorated with ribbons, put into their hands. - -After certain prayers had been read and the ring put upon the bride’s -finger, the floor was covered by a piece of scarlet satin and a -table was placed before them with the communion vessels. The priest -having tied their hands together with bands of the same colored satin -and placed a chaplet of flowers upon their heads, administered the -sacrament and afterwards led them, thus bound together, three times -round the communion table followed by the bride’s father and the -bridesmaids. During this ceremony, the choristers chanted a hymn; and -after it was concluded, a scene of general kissing took place among -all present, etc. - - -§ 5. The betrothal of a young couple was formerly attended with -considerable ceremony, a portion of which was the exchange of rings. -Shakspeare alludes to this in the play of “_Twelfth Night_:” - - “Strengthened by the interchangement of your rings.” - -We have a similar thing in “_Two Gentlemen of Verona_:”[325] - - _Julia._ “Keep this remembrance for thy Julia’s sake.” - _Proteus._ “Why then we’ll make exchange; here, take you this.” - [_Giving a ring._ - _Julia._ “And seal the bargain with a holy kiss.” - -This betrothing, affiancing, espousal or plighting troth between -lovers was sometimes done in church with great solemnity; and the -service on this occasion is preserved in some of the old rituals.[326] - -The virgin and martyr, Agnes, in Ambrose, says: “My Lord Jesus Christ -hath espoused me with his ring.” - -This interchangement of rings appears in Chaucer’s “Troilus and -Cresseide:” - - “Soon after this they spake of sondry things - As fitt to purpose of this aventure, - And playing _enterchangeden of rings_ - Of whom I can not tellen no scripture. - But well I wot, a broche of gold and assure - In which a rubie set was like an herte, - Creseide him gave, and stacke it on his sherte.”[327] - -In Germany, a loving couple start on the principle of reciprocity -and exchange rings. This is not done at the time of the marriage -ceremony, but previously when the formal betrothment takes place, -which is generally made the occasion of a family festival. The ring -thus used is not called a wedding ring, but _Trau_ ring, which -means _ring of betrothal_. A particular ring does not form part of -the ceremony of marriage. Royalty, however, appears to go beyond -the common custom of the country, even in a marriage. At the late -marriage of the Emperor of Austria, the Prince Archbishop of Vienna, -who performed the ceremony, took rings from a golden cup and -presented them to the august couple, who, reciprocally, placed them -on each other’s finger; and, while either held the hand of the other, -they received the episcopal benediction. - -In the early Christian Church a ring of troth, the _annulus -pronubus_, was given by the man to the woman as a token and proof of -her betrothment. - -Pope Nicholas, A. D. 860, in the account which he gives of the -ceremonies used in the Roman Church, says: “In the espousals, the man -first presents the woman whom he betroths with the arræ or espousal -gifts; and among these, he puts a ring on her finger.”[328] This -ring, which may be traced back to the time of Tertullian, appears to -have come into the Christian Church from Roman usage; although the -Oriental ring of betrothment may have been the origin of both. - -According to the ritual of the Greek Church, the priest first placed -the rings on the fingers of the parties, who afterwards exchanged -them. In the life of St. Leobard, who is said to have flourished -about the year 580, written by Gregory of Tours, he appears to have -given a ring, a kiss and a pair of shoes to his affianced. The ring -and shoes were a symbol of securing the lady’s hands and feet in -the trammels of conjugal obedience; but the ring, of itself, was -sufficient to confirm the contract.[329] - -It would seem that, on the ceremony of betrothal, the ring was placed -on the third finger of the right hand; and it may be a question, -whether the beautiful picture by Raffaelle, called _Lo Sposalizio_, -should not be considered as an illustration of espousal or betrothing -and not a marriage of the Virgin. Mary and Joseph stand opposite to -each other in the centre; the high priest, between them, is bringing -their right hands towards each other; Joseph, with his right hand, -(guided by the priest,) is placing the ring on the third finger of -the right hand of the Virgin; beside Mary is a group of the virgins -of the Temple; near Joseph are the suitors, who break their barren -wands--that which Joseph holds in his hand has blossomed into a lily, -which, according to the legend, was the sign that he was the chosen -one.[330] - -The same circumstance, of placing the ring on the third finger of the -right hand, is observable in Ghirlandais’s fresco of the “Espousals” -in the church of the Santa Croce at Florence. - -There is certainly some confusion as to the hand on which the -marriage-ring was placed. However, in religious symbols of espousal, -the distinction of the right hand was certainly kept. In an ancient -pontifical was an order that the bridegroom should place the ring -successively on three fingers of the right hand and leave it on the -fourth finger of the left, in order to mark the difference between -the marriage-ring, the symbol of a love which is mixed with carnal -affection and the episcopal ring, the symbol of entire chastity.[331] - -The espousal became the marriage-ring. The esponsais consisted in -a mutual promise of marriage, which was made by the man and woman -before the bishop or presbyter and several witnesses; after which, -the articles of agreement of marriage (called _tabulæ matrimoniales_) -which are mentioned by Augustin, were signed by both persons. After -this, the man delivered to the woman the ring and other gifts: an -action which was termed _subarrhation_. In the latter ages the -espousals have always been performed at the same time as the office -of matrimony, both in the western and eastern churches; and it has -long been customary for the ring to be delivered to the woman after -the contract has been made, which has always been in the actual -office of matrimony.[332] - -According to Clemens Alexandrinus, the ring was given, not as an -ornament but as a seal to signify the woman’s duty in preserving the -goods of her husband, because the care of the house belongs to her. -This idea, by the by, is very reasonable, as we shall hereafter show, -when speaking of the ritual of the Church of England. The symbolical -import of the “wedding ring,” under the spiritual influence of -Christianity, came to comprise the general idea of wedded fidelity in -all the width and importance of its application.[333] - - -§ 6. The first Christians engraved upon their seals symbolical -figures, such as a dove, fish, anchor or lyre.[334] The rings used in -their fyancels represented pigeons, fish, or, more often, two hands -joined together. Clemens of Alexandria, who permitted these symbols, -condemns not only the representation of idols, but also of the -instruments of war, vases for the table and every thing repugnant to -the strictness of the Gospel. - -A ring, when used by the church, signifies, to use the words of -liturgical writers, _integritatem fidei_, the perfection of fidelity -and is _fidei sacramentum_, the badge of fidelity.[335] - - -§ 7. The canon law is the basis of marriage throughout Europe, except -so far as it has been altered by the municipal laws of particular -States.[336] An important alteration was made in the law of marriage -in many countries by the decrees of the Council of Trent, held for -the reformation of marriage. These decrees are the standing judgments -of the Romish Church; but they were never received as authority in -Great Britain. Still the ecclesiastical law of marriage in England is -derived from the Roman pontiffs. It has been traced as far back as -605, soon after the establishment of Christianity there.[337] - -Marriages in the Episcopal Church are governed by the _Rubric_. This -term signifies a title or article in certain ancient common-law books. - -Rubrics also denote the rules and directions given at the beginning -and in the course of the liturgy, for the order and manner in which -the several parts of the office are to be performed. - -Statutes of the English Parliament have confirmed the use of the -rubric inserted in the part of the Common Prayer Book relating to the -marriage ceremony. But prior to the British marriage acts, a case -arose where no ring was used according to the Common Prayer Book. -A then Chief Justice (_C. J._ Pemberton) was inclined to think it a -good contract, there being words of a present contract repeated after -a person in orders.[338] - -The rubric directs that the man shall give unto the woman a ring, -laying the same upon the book; and the priest, taking the ring, shall -deliver it unto the man to put it on the fourth finger of the woman’s -left hand. And he says, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I -thee worship and with all my worldly gifts I thee endow.” These words -are best explained by the rubric of the 2d of Edward VI., which ran -thus:[339] “The man shall give unto the woman a ring and other tokens -of spousage, as gold or silver, laying the same upon the book; and -the man, taught by the priest, shall say, ‘With this ring I thee wed, -this gold and silver I thee give;’” and then these words, “With all -my worldly goods I thee endow,” were delivered with a more peculiar -significancy. Here the proper distinction is made, the endowment of -all his goods means granting the custody or key and care of them. It -will be seen that the word “endow” is kept apart from the positive -gift of pieces of gold and silver. It has been said that the ancient -pledge was a piece of silver worn in the pocket; but marriage being -held sacred, it was thought more prudent to have the pledge exposed -to view by making it into a ring worn upon the hand.[340] - -The Christian marriage-ring appears, in its substance, to have been -copied from the Roman nuptial ring. It was, according to Swinburn, -of iron, adorned with an adamant; the metal hard and durable, -signifying the durance and perpetuity of the contract. Howbeit, he -says, it skilleth not at this day what metal the ring be of, the form -of it being round and without end doth import that their love should -circulate and flow continually. - -In the Roman ritual there is a benediction of the ring and a prayer -that she who wears it may continue in perfect love and fidelity to -her husband and in fear of God all her days.[341] - - -§ 8. We have remarked on the vulgar error of a vein going from -the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. It is said by -Swinburn and others that therefore it became the wedding finger. -The priesthood kept up this idea by still keeping it as the wedding -finger; but it was got at through the use of the Trinity: for, in -the ancient ritual of English marriages, the ring was placed by the -husband on the top of the thumb of the left hand, with the words, -“In the name of the Father;” he then removed it to the forefinger, -saying: “In the name of the Son;” then to the middle finger, adding: -“And of the Holy Ghost;” finally, he left it, as now, on the fourth -finger, with the closing word “Amen.”[342] - -As to the supposed artery to the heart. Levinus Lemnius quaintly -says:--“A small branch of the artery and not of the nerves, as -Gellius thought, is stretched forth from the heart unto this finger, -the motion whereof you may perceive evidently in all that affects the -heart of woman, by the touch of your forefinger. I used to raise -such as are fallen in a swoon by pinching this joint and by rubbing -the ring of gold with a little saffron: for, by this, a restoring -force that is in it passeth to the heart and refresheth the fountain -of life unto which this finger is joined. Wherefore antiquity thought -fit to encompass it about with gold.”[343] - -By the way, a correspondent, in a British periodical, suggests: that -a lady of his acquaintance has had the misfortune to lose the ring -finger, and the question is raised whether she can be married in the -Church of England!?[344] - -In the “British Apollo” it is said that, during the time of George -the First, the wedding-ring, though placed in the ceremony of the -marriage upon the fourth finger, was worn upon the thumb.[345] - -The use of the ring has become so common in England that poor people -will not believe the marriage to be good without one; and the notion -also is that it must be of gold. At Worcester (England) on one -occasion, the parties were so poor that they used a brass ring. The -bride’s friends indignantly protested that the ring ought to have -been of gold; and the acting officer was threatened with indictment -for permitting the use of such base metal. - -In another case of humble marriage, the bridegroom announced that -a ring was not necessary. The woman entreated to have one. The -superintendent of the poor took part with the woman and represented -how the absence of it would expose her to insult; and he, kindly, -hesitated to proceed with the marriage until a ring was produced. -The man yielded at last and obtained one. The woman’s gratitude -brought tears into her eyes. - - -§ 9. In Roman Catholic marriages, with the priest in pontificals, -go two clerks in surplices. The latter carry the holy-water pot, -the sprinkler, the ritual and a little basin to put the ring in -when it is to be blessed.[346] After the pair have clasped hands -and the priest has by words joined them together, he makes the sign -of the cross upon them; sprinkles them with holy water; blesses -the wedding-ring and sprinkles it also with holy water in the form -of a cross, after which he gives it to the man, who puts it on the -wedding-finger of the woman’s left hand. - - -§ 10. The supposed heathen origin of our marriage-ring had well nigh -caused the abolition of it during the time of the Commonwealth in -England. The facetious author of Hudibras gives us the following -chief reasons why the Puritans wished it to be set aside: - - “Others were for abolishing - That tool of matrimony, a ring; - With which th’ unsanctify’d bridegroom - Is marry’d only to a thumb, - (As wise as ringing of a pig - That us’d to break up ground and dig,) - The bride to nothing but the will, - That nulls the after-marriage still.”[347] - - -§ 11. The author of the present essay found a difficulty in getting -a correct account of the use of the ring in Jewish marriages;[348] -although there is an exceedingly learned and interesting decision -in relation to one in the English Ecclesiastical Reports.[349] He -applied to a professional friend of the Jewish persuasion, who -obtained the following interesting particulars from one of our best -Hebrew scholars:[350] The nuptial rite among the Jews consists of -three distinct acts which together form the regular marriage ceremony. - -1st. The religious act _Kidushin_, consecration, by which the husband -that is to be _mekadesh_ consecrates--that is to say, sets apart from -all other women and inhibits to all other men the woman who, by that -act, becomes his wife. - -The ceremony is performed in manner following. A canopy is raised -under which the bridegroom takes his stand. The bride is brought -in and placed either at his right hand or opposite to him. The -officiating minister pronounces the initiatory nuptial benediction, -after which he receives from the bridegroom a ring that must be -of a certain value and the absolute property of the bridegroom, -purchased and paid for by him and not received as a present or bought -on credit. After due inquiry on these points, the minister returns -the ring to the bridegroom, who places it on the forefinger of the -bride’s right hand, while at the same time he says to her in Hebrew: -“Behold! thou art _mekudesheth_ consecrated unto me by means of this -ring, according to the law of Moses and of Israel.” The bride joins -in and expresses her consent to this act of consecration by holding -out her right hand and accepting the ring; which--after her husband -has pronounced the formula--constitutes her his lawful wife; so that, -even though the marriage should not be consummated, neither party -is thenceforth at liberty to contract another marriage, unless they -have previously been divorced according to law: and if the woman were -to submit to the embraces of another man, she would be guilty of -adultery. - -The law which enjoins “consecration” requires that the symbol of the -act should be an object made of one of the precious metals--gold or -silver--and of a certain value. But though the law does not insist on -or even mention a ring, yet the custom of using a ring has, during -very many centuries, so generally prevailed--to the exclusion of -all other symbols--that the words “by means of this ring” have been -incorporated in the formula of consecration. In the greater part of -Europe and in America the ring is usually of gold; but in Russia, -Poland and the East the poorer classes use rings of silver. - -2d. The civil act _Ketubah_, written contract: As soon as bridegroom -and bride have completed the act of consecration, the officiating -minister proceeds to read the marriage contract, a document in Hebrew -characters, signed by the bridegroom in the presence of two competent -witnesses--by which the husband engages to protect, cherish and -maintain his wife; to provide her with food, raiment, lodging and all -other necessaries; and secure to her a dowry for the payment of which -the whole of his estate--real and personal--stands pledged. - -When this document has been read, the minister pronounces the closing -nuptial benediction, and a glass is broken in memory of Jerusalem -destroyed, (see Psalm cxxxvii.,) which completes the ceremony. The -psalm here referred to is that most beautiful one, beginning, “By -the rivers of Babylon,” and ending with what has immediate reference -to the destruction: “Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy -little ones against the stones.”[351] - -3d. But all the time these religious and civil acts are being -performed, the young couple have likewise before their eyes and above -their heads the emblem of the moral act _Hhupah_, cohabitation or -living together by themselves under one roof. This is the purpose -for which the canopy is raised over them; beneath which they ought, -by right, to stand quite alone--though generally the minister and -parents or nearest friends also find room under it. - -These three distinct acts--religious, civil and domestic--to -constitute marriage according to the regular form _Hhupa ve -kidushin_, require ten adult male witnesses. But so binding is the -act of consecration, that if it were performed privately, without -the knowledge of parents or assistance of minister and solely in -the presence of two competent witnesses who hear the man pronounce -the formula “Behold thou art consecrated unto me,” etc., and see -the woman accept the ring, this proceeding, however irregular and -reprehensible, constitutes a marriage perfectly valid in the eyes of -the law. - -Larpent, writing from France, but imbued with an ordinary English -prejudice, which is apt to ridicule unfamiliar things and lose sight -of reasons for customs, blurts out this: “I have been to the Jew’s -wedding. The ceremony consists principally of singing and drinking -and blessing in Hebrew. There must be something Jewish, however, as -usual, and that is concerning the ring, which, as soon as produced, -is shown round to all the rabbis near and some elders, etc., and to -the sponsors, to be sure it is really gold or otherwise the marriage -is void; and the true old clothesman-like way in which they all -spied at the ring was very amusing. Nearly the last ceremony is the -bridegroom’s smashing a wine-glass in a plate on the floor, with an -idea that he and his spouse are then as difficult to separate as it -would be to re-unite the glass. The gentleman showed gallantry by -exerting all his force and looking most fiercely as he broke the -glass.”[352] - -The handing of the ring from the minister to some one of the persons -present has a reason broader than that which Larpent is pleased to -assign, as we consider we have shown. We confirm it by saying, that -the Jewish law requires, at the time of marriage, that a valuable -consideration should pass from the bridegroom to the bride. This -consideration is represented by the ring, which, therefore, must not -be of less value than the _minimum_ fixed by the law. And as this -value has to be ascertained and attested, which cannot be done by -less than two witnesses, the officiating minister or Rabbi, after -making the inquiries required by law, examines the ring and hands it -to the presiding officer of the synagogue, (a layman, who is supposed -to know more about the value of gold or silver than a Rabbi,) who -also examines and hands it back to the minister; and these two, -the minister and the officer of the synagogue, then witness that -the article is of that value which the law requires. We say this -advisedly; and can add as positively that the ring is never handed -round to third persons. - -At a marriage to which the author was invited--a marriage between -a Jewish merchant and the amiable daughter of a learned Rabbi in -New-York--the usual course was not departed from. The father of -the bride, who officiated, received the ring from the bridegroom, -ascertained that it was the young man’s own property lawfully -acquired, examined and then delivered it to the president of the -synagogue. He, also, examined and handed the ring back to the -minister, who, finally, performed the ceremony. - - -§ 12. Some married women are so rigidly superstitious or firm that -they will not draw off their wedding-ring to wash or at any other -time: extending the expression “till death do us part” even to the -ring.[353] - -And there is a superstition connected with the wear of the ring, -worked into this proverb: - - “As your wedding-ring wears, - Your cares will wear away.” - - -§ 13. Gold-wire rings of three twisted wires were given away at -weddings; and Anthony Wood relates of Edward Kelly, a “famous -philosopher” in Queen Elizabeth’s days, that “Kelly, who was openly -profuse beyond the modest limits of a sober philosopher, did give -away in gold-wire rings (or rings twisted with three gold wires) -at the marriage of one of his maid servants, to the value of -£4,000.”[354] - - -§ 14. A gold ring has been discovered in Rome, which has the subject -of Cupid and Psyche cut into the metal.[355] We give an enlarged -illustration of it. Psyche is figured more ethereally than she -generally appears upon gems. The lower portion of this emanation -seems to partake of the delicate plumage of the butterfly; and the -whole prettily illustrates the soul. There is a strong contrast -between these figures; and we are inclined to think the designer -intended it. While Psyche is all that we have said, the other form -comes up to Colman’s theatrical Cupid: - - “Fat, chubby-cheeked and stupid.” - -Byron observes that the story of Cupid and Psyche is one uniform -piece of loveliness. - -[Illustration: (Cupid and Psyche Ring)] - - -§ 15. The meeting of St. Anne and St. Joachim at the Golden Gate is -a favorite subject.[356] The Nuns of St. Anne at Rome show a rude -silver ring as the wedding-ring of Anne and Joachim. - - -§ 16. A wicked trick upon weak and confiding women used to be played -by forcing upon their finger a rush ring: as thereby they fancied -themselves married.[357] Richard, Bishop of Salisbury, in his -Constitutions, Anno 1217, forbids the putting of rush rings or any of -like matter on women’s fingers. - -De Breveil says,[358] it was an ancient custom to use a rush ring -where the necessity for marriage was apparent. - - -§ 17. Rings occur in the fifteenth century, with the orpine plant -(_Telephium_) as a device. It was used because the bending of the -leaves was presumed to prognosticate whether love was true or false. -The common name for orpine plants was that of _midsummer men_. In a -tract said to be written by Hannah More, among other superstitions -of one of the heroines, “she would never go to bed on Midsummer Eve -without sticking up in her room the well-known plant called midsummer -men, as the bending of the leaves to the right or to the left would -never fail to tell her whether her lover was true or false.” The -orpine plant occurs among the love divinations on Midsummer Eve in -the Connoisseur:[359] “I likewise stuck up two midsummer men, one for -myself and one for him. Now if this had died away, we should never -have come together; but, I assure you, his blowed and turned to mine.” - - -§ 18. Marriage-rings, in the olden time, were not, as now, -plain in form and without words.[360] Some had a seal part for -impression.[361] A ring of this kind was ploughed up in the year 1783 -on Flodden Field. It was of gold and an inscription upon it ran thus: -“Where are the constant lovers who can keep themselves from evil -speakers?” This would have been a relic for Abbotsford; but Dryburgh -Abbey has the wizard; and a stranger is in his halls. - -A Roman bronze ring has been discovered of singular shape and fine -workmanship, which appears to have been intended as a token of love -or affection.[362] - -[Illustration: (Token Ring of Love Two Views)] - -The parts nearest the collet are flat and resemble a triangle from -which the summit has been cut. Its greatest singularity is an -intaglio ploughed out of the material itself, representing the head -of a young person. The two triangular portions which start from the -table of the ring are filled with ornaments, also engraved hollow. -Upon it is the word VIVAS or _Mayest thou live_. - -[Illustration: (Ring Found at Sessa)] - -§ 19. In the year 1845, an interesting ring was found at Sessa, -(the _Suessa Auruncorum_ of the ancients,) situate in the Terra -de Livaro, Kingdom of Naples. We here give the original signet. -A drawing of the same with its outer edge, which, as it will be -seen, contained the name of an after owner and the outer ring, with -its religious maxims along its edge, appears in the Archæological -Journal.[363] The stone which forms the signet is of a deep-red color -and, apparently, a species of agate. In the centre are engraved -two right hands joined together, with the following letters above -and below, C. C. P. S., I. P. D. Our cut is somewhat larger than -the original. Judging from the workmanship of the signet, it is -believed to have been executed in the period between the reigns of -Severus and Constantine or, in other words, about the middle of the -third century. The interpretation of these letters must be left to -conjecture. It would appear, however, to have been regarded as an -object of value or interest at a later period, when it was set in -gold for the person whose name appears round the stone in capital -letters, which are to be thus read: - - ✠ SIGILLV· THOMASII· DE· ROGERIIS· DE· SUESSA· - _Sigillum Thomasii de Rogeriis de Suessa._ - -On the outer side of the hoop of the ring are two other inscriptions, -also in capital letters. The first reads: - - ✠ XPS· VINCIT· XPS· REGNAT· XPS· IMPERA· - _Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat._ - -And the second: - - ✠ ET· VERBU: CARO: FACTU: E: ET ABITAUIT: INOB· - _Et verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis._ - -The workmanship of these inscriptions is exceedingly good and the -letters well formed and sharply cut. It will be remarked that in -the first legend on the hoop the letter T. in the word _Imperat_ is -omitted for want of space; and in the second, for the same reason, -not only the final _m_, as usual, is twice suppressed, but the word -_est_ is given in the abbreviated form of _e_; several letters are -joined together; the aspirate is omitted in _habitavit_; and the -letter _n_ is made to serve for the final of _in_ and the initial -of _nobis_. As to the date of this ring, it may, very probably, -be ascribed to the thirteenth century. There can be no doubt that -the owner, Thomasius de Rogeriis, must have been a member of the -Neapolitan family of Roggieri. The legend upon the ring, _Christus -vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat_, is found, also, in the -series of Anglo-Gothic gold coins from the reign of Edward III. of -England to that of Henry VI. - -We have been favored with the perusal of a presentation copy of -the article (in the Archæological Journal) and from it have taken -the above explanation. This copy was sent by the possessor of the -ring, George Borrett, of Southampton, England, Esquire, to Isaac E. -Cotheal, of New-York, Esquire; and it has, interleaved, (with the -addition of a wax impression,) the following MS. note: “The Abbé -Farrari, a priest attached to the Church of Sta. Maria in Comedia, -(also called the Bocci della Venite,) submitted it to some members -of the Propaganda at Rome, 12th April, 1845, who described it as -follows: _Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat, et -verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis. Sigillum Thomasii de -Rogeriis de Suessa_: Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands -and the Word was made flesh and dwelt in us. The seal of Thomas de -Rogeriis de Suessa. - -“The veritable signet of Cicero (_i. e._) the coral in the centre of -the ring only. There were members of the Propaganda who thought it -resembled some impressions attached to documents in the Vatican of -the Roman Governor in Judea, ‘_Pontius Pilate_.’ The gold setting is -supposed to be about the eighth or ninth century by some dignitary in -triumph over the pagan philosopher or governor.” - -Notwithstanding what is thus said, we are strongly under the -impression that it was a mystical ring or one worn in remembrance -of a marriage. Upon marbles and gems which illustrate the marriage -ceremony, the bride and bridegroom are represented with their -respective right hands joined. In Montfaucon[364] (and figured -also in Maffei) is a gem which has marital symbols and among -them a ring and the clasped right hands; and, in the same work, -(Montfaucon,)[365] we find a ring precisely in the form and of the -size of the Sessa ring, with right hands disposed in exactly the same -manner and also letters above and below the emblem. The words there -are: - - PROTEROS - VGIAE - -_Proteros_ and _Hygie_; and Montfaucon says, “Cela marque peut être -le mariage contracté entre les deux.” - -Addison, in his Dialogue on Medals, says: “The two hands that join -one another are emblems of Fidelity;” and he quotes (Ovid’s Met. lib. -iv.): - - “---- _Inde Fides dextræque data._” - -(Thence faith and the right hand joined.) And also Seneca (Hurc. Fur. -lib. iv.): - - “_Sociemus animos, pignus hoc fidei cape,_ - _Continge dextram._” - -(Let us unite souls, receive this pledge of faith, grasp the right -hand.) - -We can hardly imagine a more perfect token of love, affection or -friendship than this of right hands clasped and the names of giver -and receiver. We commend it to loving friends and jewellers. - -This joining of right hands appears upon ancient English -marriage-rings. Here is one, with its motto, _The Nazarene_: - -[Illustration: (The Nazarene Ring)] - -A silver wedding-ring, dug up at Somerton Castle, Lincolnshire, has a -poesy very common in former times: - - “I love you, my sweet dear heart. - Go I pray you please my love.”[366] - -There is a marriage gold ring of the time of Richard the Second of -England, having a French motto, translated, _Be of good heart_, and -bearing the figure of St. Catharine with her wheel, emblematical -of good fortune, and St. Margaret, to whom Catholics address their -devotions for safe delivery in childbirth.[367] The author has seen -an old American ring, in the possession of a young man, whose -grandfather presented it on his wedding day to his wife. It has a -piece of jet set in it and is cut into raised angular facets. On the -inside is engraved: - - “_First love Christ, that died for thee,_ - _Next to him, love none but me._” - _T. A. G._ - -John Dunton, a London bookseller and who is mentioned in the -_Dunciad_, describes, in his autobiography, his wedding-ring: as -having two hearts united upon it and this poesy: - - “_God saw thee_ - _Most fit for me._” - -This would not seem to have attached to his second wife; for she left -him and wrote in one of her letters, “I and all good people think you -never married me for love, but for my money.” - -Dr. John Thomas, who was Bishop of Lincoln in 1753, married four -times. The motto or poesy on the wedding-ring at his fourth marriage -was: - - “If I survive, - I’ll make them five.” - -This Rev. Dr. John Thomas was a man of genial humor. He used to tell -a story of his burying a body; and a woman came “and pulled me,” said -he, “by the sleeve in the middle of the service. ‘Sir, sir, I want -to speak to you.’ ‘Prythee,’ says I, ‘woman, wait till I have done.’ -‘No, sir, I must speak to you immediately.’ ‘Why then, what is the -matter?’ ‘Why sir,’ says she, ‘you are burying a man who died of the -small-pox next to my poor husband, who never had it.’” - - -§ 20. Heroes, philosophers, poets--indeed, men of all classes leave -remembrances in the shape of rings. The will of Washington contains -this: “To my sisters-in-law Hannah Washington and Mildred Washington, -to my friends Eleanor Stuart, Hannah Washington of Fairfield and -Elizabeth Washington of Hayfield, I give each a mourning ring of the -value of one hundred dollars. These bequests are not made for the -intrinsic value of them, but as mementoes of my esteem and regard.” -Shakspeare bequeathes such tokens to several friends--among them, -to his brother players, whom he calls “my poor fellows”--“twenty -shillings eight pence apiece to buy them rings.” Pope bequeathed sums -of five pounds to friends, who were to lay them out in rings. This -great poet was no admirer of funerals that blackened all the way or -of gorgeous tombs: “As to my body, my will is that it be buried near -the monument of my dear parents at Twickenham, with the addition -after the words _filius fecit_ of these only, _et sibi_: _Qui obiit -anno 17_--, _ætatis_--: and that it be carried to the grave by six of -the poorest men of the parish, to each of whom I order a suit of gray -coarse cloth as mourning.” - -The affection which Dr. Johnson bore to the memory of his wife was a -pretty point in his heavy character: “March 28, 1753. I kept this day -as the anniversary of my Letty’s death, with prayer and tears in the -morning. In the evening I prayed for her conditionally, if it were -lawful.” Her wedding-ring, when she became his wife, was, after her -death, preserved by him as long as he lived with an affectionate care -in a little round wooden box and in the inside of which he pasted a -slip of paper thus inscribed by him in fair characters: - - “_Eheu!_ - _Eliz. Johnson_ - _Nupta Jul. 9^o, 1736,_ - _Mortua, eheu!_ - _Mart. 17^o, 1752._”[368] - -Husbands can love, where friends may see nothing to admire: Mrs. -Johnson has been summed up as “perpetual illness and perpetual -opium.”[369] - -Lord Eldon wore a mourning ring for his wife. In his will we find -this: “And I direct that I may be buried in the same tomb at Kingston -in which my most beloved wife is buried and as near to her remains as -possible; and I desire that the ring which I wear on my finger may be -put with my body into my coffin and be buried with me.”[370] - -The last gift of Tom Moore’s mother to him was her wedding-ring: -“Have been preparing my dear mother for my leaving her, now that I -see her so much better. She is quite reconciled to my going; and -said this morning, ‘Now, my dear Tom, don’t let yourself be again -alarmed about me in this manner, nor hurried away from your house and -business.’ She then said she must, before I left her this morning, -give me her wedding-ring as her last gift; and, accordingly sending -for the little trinket-box in which she kept it, she, herself, put -the ring on my finger.”[371] - -The poet Gray was the possessor of trinkets; and, perhaps, we -may refer these to the “effeminacy” and “visible fastidiousness” -mentioned in Temple’s Life, (adopted by Mason.) In his will, the poet -gives an amount of stock to Richard Stonehewer, and adds: “and I -beg his acceptance of one of my diamond rings,” while to Dr. Thomas -Wharton he bequeaths £500--and, “I desire him also to accept of one -of my diamond rings.” He bequeaths his watches, _rings_, etc., to his -cousins Mary Antrobus and Dorothy Comyns, to be equally and amicably -shared between them. - - -§ 21. On the 1st of March, 1854, the ship _Powhattan_ sailed from -Havre for New-York, with two hundred and fifty passengers. Not far -from Barnegat Inlet she became a wreck, so complete that not a -vestige of her reached land. The passengers were seen to cling to the -bulwarks and, then, drop off by fifties; her captain, through his -trumpet, could be heard to implore attention to them; while the sea -crushed and dashed all to death on the fretted beach. The clothing -of one of the victims, who was not more than twenty years of age, -showed her to have belonged to the wealthy class of Germans. She was -beautiful even as she lay in death dabbled with sea-weed and scum. -Upon her fingers were two rings; one, plain and the other had a -heart attached to it. They were marked P. S. and B. S. 1854. This we -gather from a fleeting newspaper. While the mind sighs as it leaves -the corpse to its shallow, seaside, foreign and premature grave, a -curiosity is awakened by the rings and the attendant emblem. The date -shows them to be very late gifts. Were these tokens of affection from -brother and sister--for one heart might well do for both--and who -placed them upon that now cold hand, then glowing with an affection -that throbbed from under those rings? Or, was this young creature on -her way to her youthful husband, who had come before and built up a -home and whose betrothal was shown in the _heart_, while the plain -ring had made them one before God and the church and who was watching -for her and, in fancy, had, through day dreams and in night watching, -fancied the vessel sweep into port and the hand, that lovingly wore -his gifts, wave a recognition? It may be that father and mother -were the donors, with a blessing and a prayer and the added almost -certainty of thought that she who received with a last kiss, would -long survive parents to reverence the tokens, hallow their memory and -think of Fatherland! Oh, how much of fact, of poetry, of sadness may -crowd around a little ring!! - -[Illustration: (The Pelican Mother Ring)] - - -§ 22. We can hardly meet with a prettier token and illustration of -affection than is to be found upon an ancient silver ring. It has -a pelican feeding three young ones from the life-current oozing -out of her breast; with the words: _Their Mother_. There is but -little doubt that this was one of three rings given by a mother to -her three children. The pelican is made an emblem of charity; and -Hackluyt, in his Voyages, speaks of the “_Pellicane_”--“which is -fain to be the lovingst bird that is, which rather than her young -should want, will spare her heart-blood.” In no form or fashion -could a mother’s love have been more beautifully and permanently -displayed--pure as the metal, perfect as the emblem. It makes us feel -that love _is_ indestructible; that it came from Heaven and returns -thither. No matter what may have been the sorrows, the cares and the -long-suffering of that mother; no matter though her heart dances -no longer to the music of her children’s voices; no matter what -were the earthly trials of those loved children; no matter though -their home-nest has been torn down or that the snow of the world -covers where the wings of the parent bird were spread; no matter -though the grave has taken all, save this illustration of a divine -emanation:--we feel that such love could not die and the throbbing -from the poet’s soul comes upon our memory: - - “Oh when the mother meets on high - The babe she lost---- - Hath she not then, for pains and fears, - The day of woe, the watchful night, - For all her sorrows, all her tears, - An overpayment of delight!”[372] - - -§ 23. This love between mother and child, from its undying purity, -is always a pleasant thing to trace and to follow. In the _Household -Words_,[373] a work in which there is more of usefulness, pleasure -and beauty than in any other modern book, a ring plays a pretty part -in a ballad of the youthful knight, Bran of Brittany. He was “wounded -sore,” and “in a dungeon tower, helpless he wept in the foeman’s -power.” - - “O find a messenger true to me, - To bear me a letter across the sea. - A messenger true they brought him there, - And the young knight warned him thus with care: - Lay now that dress of thine aside, - And in beggar’s weeds thy service hide, - And take my ring, my ring of gold, - And wrap it safe in some secret fold, - But, once at my mother’s castle gate, - That ring will gain admittance straight. - And O! if she comes to ransom me, - Then high let the white flag hoisted be; - But if she comes not--ah, well-a-day! - The night-black flag at the mast display.[374] - When the messenger true to Leon came, - At supper sat the high-born dame: - With cups of gold and royal fare, - And the harpers merrily harping there. - I kneel to thee, right noble dame; - This ring will show from whom I came. - And he who gave me that same ring, - Bade me in haste this letter bring. - Oh! harpers, harpers, cease your song; - The grief at my heart is sharp and strong. - Why did they this from his mother hide? - In a dungeon lies my only pride! - O quick make ready a ship for me, - This night I’ll cross the stormy sea.” - -The ballad goes on to show how young Bran, from his bed, at morn, at -noon, at vesper, asked the warder whether he saw a ship; and when, -at last, the warder says he observes one, he couples it with the -falsehood that the color of its flag is black. - - “When the downcast knight that answer heard, - He asked no more, he spake no word. - He turned to the wall his face so wan, - And shook in the breath of the Mighty One!” - -The mother touches the strand; hears a death-bell; asks of a -gray-haired man; speeds wildly to the tower: - - “At the foot of the tower, to the gaoler grim, - She sobbed aloud and she called to him: - O! open the gates (my son! my son!) - O open the gates (my only son!) - They opened the gates; no word they said: - Before her there her son lay dead. - In her arms she took him so tenderly, - And laid her down--never more rose she!” - -The ballad then describes an oak, with lofty head, whereon the birds -gather at night: - - “And amidst them comes ever croaking low, - With a young dark raven, an aged crow. - Wearily onward they flap their way - With drooping wings, soaked through with spray, - As they had come from a far countrye; - As they had flown o’er a stormy sea. - And the birds they sing so sweet and clear - That the waves keep very still to hear. - They all sing out in a merry tone, - They all sing together--save two alone. - With mournful voice ever croaking low, - Sing, happy birds! says the aged crow, - Blest little birds! sing, for you may, - _You did not die from home far away_!” - -How this noble ballad would have stirred the hearts of the authors of -“The Lay of the Last Minstrel” and of “Christabel”! - - -§ 24. Authors of fiction, from early times, have made use of rings -for their scenes. Shakspeare not unfrequently introduces them; indeed -the most interesting portion of _Cymbeline_ is worked up through the -wager of a ring as to the honor of the heroine. Imogen, in taking -leave of Posthumus, says: - - “------ Look here, love; - This diamond was my mother’s; take it, heart; - But keep it till you woo another wife, - When Imogen is dead. - _Posthumus_. How! how! another? - You gentle gods, give me but this I have, - And sear up my embracements from a next - With bonds of death! Remain thou here, - (_Putting on the ring_,) - While sense can keep it on.” - -And he, then, exchanges for it, “a manacle of love,” a bracelet, -placing it upon her arm, that “fairest prisoner.” Iachimo induced -Posthumus to wager this ring, which he esteemed “more than the world -enjoys”--but it is unnecessary to go further: for who has not read -Shakspeare? - - -§ 25. Roman iron rings, wrought with much care and having precious -stones, but minute enough for a child, have been found. One or two -of them are mentioned and illustrated in Caylus,[375] who, no doubt -rightly, considers they were intended for the finger of a domestic -deity or household god. - -[Illustration: (Roman Child’s Iron Ring)] - -The Romans clung to their home deities; and this is the best part -of their character. One of the most beautiful of the antique draped -figures, cut upon a signet, represents a woman contemplating a -household god,[376] “a symbol of that domestic affection which -the ancients, exalted almost blamelessly, into an object of divine -homage.”[377] - -[Illustration: (Woman Contemplating Household Gods)] - -It was on this particular gem that Croly wrote these charming lines: - - “Domestic love! not in proud palace halls - Is often seen thy beauty to abide; - Thy dwelling is in lowly cottage walls, - That in the thickets of the woodbine hide; - With hum of bees around, and from the spring, - Shining along thro’ banks with harebells dyed; - And many a bird to warble on the wing, - When morn her saffron robe o’er heaven and earth doth fling. - - O! love of loves!--to thy white hand is given - Of earthly happiness the golden key! - “Thine are the joyous hours of winter’s even, - When the babes cling around their father’s knee; - And thine the voice that, on the midnight sea, - Melts the rude mariner with thoughts of home, - Peopling the gloom with all he longs to see. - Spirit! I’ve built a shrine; and thou hast come; - And on its altar closed--for ever closed thy plume!” - -Gifts of rings by lovers have always been common; but the intimate -relation between husband and wife brings toils, duties and sacrifices -which generally charm off ordinary love tokens. It is comforting, -however, when the husband can look to the past, to the present, to -the future with sentiments like those embraced in the following -beautiful lines in connection with the gift of a ring: - -“TO MRS. ----, WITH A RING. - - “‘Thee, Mary, with this ring I wed,’-- - So, sixteen years ago, I said-- - Behold another ring--for what? - To wed thee o’er again? Why not? - With that first ring I married youth, - Grace, beauty, innocence and truth, - Taste long admir’d, sense long rever’d - And all my Mary then appeared. - If she, by merit since disclosed, - Prove twice the woman I supposed: - I plead that double merit now - To justify a double vow. - Here then to-day (with faith as sure, - With ardor as intense and pure, - As when amidst the rites divine - I took thy troth and plighted mine) - To thee, sweet girl, my second ring, - A token and a pledge I bring, - With this I wed till death us part - Thy riper virtues to my heart; - Those virtues which, before untried, - The wife has added to the bride; - Those virtues, whose progressive claim, - Endearing wedlock’s very name, - My soul enjoys, my song approves, - For conscience’ sake, as well as love’s. - For why?--They show me hour by hour - Honor’s high thought, affection’s power, - Discretion’s deed, sound judgment’s sentence, - And teach me all things--but repentance.”[378] - -And there is a charm and gentleness about the following lines which -Dr. Drennan addressed to his wife, with a gift of a ring: - - “Emblem of happiness! not bought nor sold; - Accept this modest ring of virgin gold. - Love, in this small, but perfect, circle trace; - And duty, in its soft but strict embrace. - Plain, precious, pure, as best becomes the wife; - Yet firm to bear the frequent rubs of life. - Connubial life disdains a fragile toy, - Which rust can tarnish and a touch destroy; - Nor much admires what courts the general gaze, - The dazzling diamond’s meretricious blaze, - That hides, with glare, the anguish of a heart, - By nature hard, but polished bright by art. - More to thy taste the ornament that shows - Domestic bliss and, without glaring, glows, - Whose gentle pressure serves to keep the mind - To _all_ correct; to _one_ discreetly kind-- - Of simple elegance the unconscious charm; - The holy amulet to keep from harm. - To guard, at once and consecrate, the shrine-- - Take this dear pledge:--it makes and keeps thee mine. - - -§ 26. There is an interesting story in the _Gesta Romanorum_[379] -(indeed the whole work is full of pleasing matter) entitled the -judgment of Solomon. It is often represented in that illumination -which in the ancient manuscripts of the French translation of the -Bible by Guiars des Moulins is prefixed to the Proverbs of Solomon, -although the story itself does not occur in that Bible. It appears to -have been a great favorite in the middle ages; and was often related -from the pulpit. A king, in some domestic difference with his wife, -had been told by her that one only of her three sons was a true -offspring, but which of them was so she refused to discover. This -gave him much uneasiness; and his death soon afterwards approaching, -he called his children together; and declared, in the presence of -witnesses, that he left a ring, which had very singular properties, -to him that should be found to be his lawful son. On his death a -dispute arose about the ring between the youths--and it was at length -agreed to refer its decision to the King of Jerusalem. He immediately -ordered that the dead body of the father should be taken up and tied -to a tree; that each of the sons should shoot an arrow at it and that -he who penetrated the deepest should have the ring. The eldest shot -first and the arrow went far into the body; the second shot also and -deeper than the other. The youngest son stood at a distance and wept -bitterly; but the king said to him: “Young man, take your arrow and -shoot as your brothers have done.” He answered, “Far be it from me -to commit so great a crime. I would not for the whole world disfigure -the body of my own father.” The king said: “Without doubt you are his -son, and the others are changelings: to you, therefore, I adjudge the -ring.” - - * * * * * - -Here the author closes his “Dactylotheca” or casket of rings. - -Metaphorically speaking, he fears it has been discovered that he does -not wear a _ring of power_; and that no _talismanic ring_ is in his -possession. And it may be that some constrained position in which the -writer has kept his readers, will allow them to desire the use of -_cramp rings_ for relief. If so, he would willingly “creep to cross” -to succor them: provided the ending of this essay did not answer that -purpose. - -One thing the author will hope; and it is this: that his readers -and he have fashioned the interesting token of friendship a _gimmal -ring_; and if it be so, then they will pass from this work with the -idea that they have one part of such ring, while the writer may -proudly hold to the other, until some future essay shall bring author -and friends and the twin hoops of the _gimmal_ together again. With -such a token upon his hand, he can waive a farewell. - - - - -INDEX. - - - A. - - Abraxas stones, 95. - - Ackmetchet, marriage at, 199. - - Agate, its supposed magical and medical powers, 104. - - Agnes, St., priest placing ring on finger of statue, 141. - - Ahlstan, ring of, 39. - - Aix-la-Chapelle, ring connected with the founding of, 138. - - Alderman’s thumb-ring, 90. - - Alexander’s ring, 20, 66, 156. - - Amethyst, its supposed magical and medical powers, 100. - - Amulet-rings found at Eltham, 120; - at Coventry, 121; - in antique urns, 121; - worn by physicians, 122; - Dano-Saxon amulet, 136; - amulet against storms, 136. - - Andrea of Sicily and Jerusalem, 118. - - Anglo-Saxon rings and workmen, 25. - - Anne, Countess Dowager of Pembroke, 91. - - Anne of Brittany sends ring to James IV. of Scotland, 158. - - _Annulus pronubus_, 201. - - Anselm, investiture by ring, 81; - and his miracles, 81. - - Antiochus Epiphanes, ring of, 66. - - Apis, sacred Egyptian bull, 32. - - Arabian princesses, wearing rings with little bells attached, 90. - - Archbishop’s investiture by ring, 80. - - Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, 126. - - Arnulph’s dream about a ring, 81. - - Artery, supposed, in the fourth finger, 47, 206. - - Augustus, ring of, 67, 156. - - - B. - - Bagaley’s account of Stanley, seventh Earl of Derby, 181. - - Baker, Sir Richard, 141. - - Balassius, (Ruby,) 102. - - Belt, ring in the form of, 37. - - Bertie, Richard, receives diamond ring from King of France, 159. - - Betrothal rings: Grecian, 196; - in Esthonia, 197; - among the Copts, 198; - ceremony attendant on betrothal, 199, 201; - betrothal rings in Germany, 200. - - Bishops, investiture by ring, 80, 83; - sealed with rings in early times, 85. - - “Blood-stone” of Jeffreys, 184. - - Bloody Baker, 141. - - “Blue Ring,” 174. - - Borgia, Cæsar, his poisoned ring. 144. - - “Bot,” 137. - - Boyle, Richard, (Great Earl of Cork,) 160. - - Brand, Miss v., her vision, 125. - - Bran of Brittany, 226. - - Brian Borholme, 147. - - Britons, rings worn by, 24, 25. - - British Museum, rings in, 34. - - Bronze rings, seldom used by Egyptians, 26. - - Bronze ring, widening by pressure, 37. - - Bucentaur, the galley used on the Doge marrying the sea, 73. - - Bull (Apis) on a ring, 32. - - Byron, his mothers wedding-ring, 189. - - - C. - - Cæsar’s ring, 156. - - Caius Marius, 26. - - California ring presented to President Pierce, 43. - - Cameo, its origin, 156. - - Canute, King, discovery of his tomb, body and ring, 70. - - Carbuncle, 29. - - Cardinal’s ring, 83. - - Carey, Robert, Earl of Monmouth, takes the “Blue Ring” to James on - Queen Elizabeth’s decease, 174. - - Catacombs of Rome, 89. - - Cats cut upon Egyptian rings, 38. - - Cecil, Earl of Salisbury. 49. - - Chains of criminals made into rings to cure diseases, 136. - - Chalcedony, its supposed magical power, 106. - - Charlemagne, story connected with founding Aix-la-Chapelle, 138. - - Charles I., supposed ring of this monarch given to a boy, 177; - his ring used by Sir Philip Warwick, 178; - mourning rings of this king, 179; - his hair used for rings, 180. - - Charles II., Duchess of Portsmouth takes diamond rings from his hand - when on his death-bed, 183. - - Charles VIII. of France, 145. - - Charm rings, 93. - - Cheops, ring of, 149. - - Childeric, his tomb, body, ring, 71. - - Christians, rings of early Christians, 39, 40. - - Christians wearing talismanic rings, 119; - symbolical figures on the rings of early Christians, 203; - Christian marriage-ring copied from Romans, 205. - - Coffin-nails or screws made into rings to cure king’s evil, 132. - - Collar, pliable ring in the form of, 37. - - College of Navarre, gives ring to Crichton, 188. - - Commonwealth of England, inclined to abolish the ring in marriages, - 208. - - Convulsions cured by silver rings, 132. - - Copts, betrothal ring used by them, 198. - - Coral, its supposed magical power, 107. - - Cork, Earl of, 160. - - Cornelian rings found near the Pyramids, 26. - - Cornelian, its magical and medical powers, 100, 105. - - Coronation rings, 67. - - Council of Trent, in relation to marriage, 195, 204. - - Cramp rings, 128. - - Cranmer using the ring of Henry VIII. before the Council, 72. - - Creeping to cross, 130. - - Crichton (the Admirable), ring given to him by the College of - Navarre, 188. - - Criminals, chains of, made into rings to cure diseases, 136. - - Croly’s lines on a gem representing a woman contemplating a - household god, 230. - - Cupid and Psyche, on a Roman signet, 214. - - Cupid with butterflies, on a ring, 144. - - - D. - - Dactylomancy, or divination by rings, 111. - - Dactylotheca, Roman name for cases containing rings, 22, 155. - - Dano-Saxon amulet, 136. - - Darnley’s ring, 173. - - Death’s-head rings, 30. - - Devereux, Earl of, ring given by Queen Elizabeth to, 162. - - De Vesci, King John’s bad conduct towards the wife of, 157. - - Diamond, 41; - on swivel in ring, 49; - its magical and medical powers, 100, 101. - - Divination by rings, 111, 112. - - Doge marrying the sea, 73; his ring of office, 75. - - “Dolzbote;” 138. - - Domestic deities of the Romans, small iron rings used for, 229. - - Drennan, Dr., his lines to his wife with a ring, 232. - - Dschemid, said to have introduced the ring, 16. - - Dundee, ring in memory of the great Dundee, 187. - - - E. - - Edward, St., ring of, 128. - - Edward the Confessor’s ring, 157. - - Egyptians, their rings, 17, 21, 26, 27, 34, 35; - on what fingers worn, 47, 48; - no evidence that they used a marriage-ring, 196. - - Eldon, Lord, desired his ring to be buried with him, 225. - - Eleusinian mysteries, rings given to the initiated, 96. - - Elizabeth of Poland, talismanic ring given by her to her son - Andrea, 118. - - Elizabeth, Queen, medicinal ring sent to her by Lord Chancellor - Hatton, 124; - ring given by her to Essex, 162; - her death, 164; - ring given by her to Mary of Scotland, 168. - - Elk’s horn, piece of, worn in ring to cure epilepsy, 135. - - Emerald, its supposed medical and magical powers, 100, 103. - - Epilepsy cured by wearing ring, 133, 135. - - Essex-ring, 162, _et seq._ - - Esthonia, betrothal rings in, 197. - - Eternity, ring an emblem of, 21. - - Ethelwoulf, ring of, 156. - - Etruscan rings, 35, 36. - - Evil eye, charm-rings to act against it, 93. - - Execustus, his two enchanted rings, 112. - - - F. - - Fingers on which rings are worn, 45, 46, 67, 86, 202; - finger for betrothal ring, 201, 202; - finger for wedding ring, 206. - - Fish, rings found in, 59. - - “Fisherman’s Ring,” 77. - - Fits, cured by ring, 132, 133. - - - G. - - Gallienus frightening a dishonest jeweller, 57. - - Galvanic rings, 135. - - Gambler’s rings, 145. - - Gauls, rings used by, 24. - - German betrothal ring, 200. - - _Gesta Romanorum_, story from, 233. - - Gibbet, iron from it made into rings to cure diseases, 136. - - Gimmal ring, 192. - - Gimmow (or Gimmal) ring, 192. - - Godwin, Earl, 11, 12. - - Gold rings, generally used by the Egyptians, 26; - Roman gold rings, 27. - - Gray bequeaths his rings, 220. - - Greeks, inscriptions on their rings, 36; - had the wedding and betrothal ring, 195, 196. - - Greek urns, rings in, 18. - - Gresham, Sir Thomas, his gimmal ring, 194. - - Gyges, ring of, 126. - - - H. - - Hand, on which hand rings are worn, 45, 47; - with thumb and two forefingers extended, 83. - - Hannibal’s ring, 154. - - Hathaway, Anne, lines to, (note,) 11. - - Hatton, Chancellor, sending medicinal ring to Queen Elizabeth, 124. - - Hebrews, wore a number of rings, 49; - as to their using a marriage-ring, 196-7. - - Heliogabalus, never wore the same ring twice, 46. - - Henry II. of England, his tomb, body, ring, 71. - - Heraldry, ring in, 58. - - Herbert’s enigma, 62. - - Household gods of the Romans, small iron rings for, 229; - Croly’s lines on a gem representing a woman contemplating a - household deity, 230. - - Hyacinth, its supposed medical and magical powers, 102. - - Hynd Horn, ballad of, 115. - - - I. J. - - Indian Brahmins, 95. - - Innocent III. ordered the celebration of marriage through the - church, 195. - - Inscriptions on Greek and Roman rings, 36. - - Investiture by ring and staff, 80, 81, 82. - - Ireland, diamond found in, 41. - - Iron, rings of, 26, 27, 94, 229; - iron from gibbets made into rings to cure diseases, 136; - iron rings containing the Prussian maiden’s hair, 191. - - Ivory rings worn by the Egyptians, 27. - - Jacinth, its supposed medical and magical powers, 102. - - James IV. of Scotland, receiving a turquoise ring from Anne of - Brittany, 158. - - Jasper, its supposed superior healing and magical powers, 99, 105. - - Jeffreys and his “Blood-stone,” 184. - - Jewish marriage, and use of ring at it, 208. - - Joan of Naples, 118. - - John, King of England, his bad conduct in relation to the wife of - De Vesci, 157. - - Johnson, Dr., his care of his wife’s wedding-ring, 222. - - Joseph, ring given by Pharaoh to, 66, 151. - - Judah and Tamar, 20. - - - K. - - Kean the elder, his ring, 189. - - Kerouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth, takes two diamond rings from the - hand of Charles II. when in his death-throes, 183. - - Key, ring with a key attached, 196. - - King’s evil cured by ring made from coffin-nails or screws, 132. - - Kings of Scotland, ring used at their coronation, bequeathed by - Cardinal York to Prince Regent, 188. - - - L. - - Lacedemonians, as to their inventing seal-rings, 17. - - Lambert Linkin, ballad of, 114. - - Law of rings, 50. - - Lawyers in Rome, clients presenting them with rings, 23. - - Lines with a ring, 232. - - L’Isle, Lord, 158. - - Lituus, 23. - - Louis IX. of France, 58. - - Love’s Telegraph, 54. - - - M. - - Mad-stone, (note,) 109. - - Madoc’s ring, 157. - - Magnet in a ring, 31. - - Marriage, its ceremony through the Church, ordained by Innocent - III., 195; - marriage at Ackmetchet, 199. - - Marriage-ring, Grecian and Roman, 195, 196, 216; - used at Ackmetchet, 199; - marriage-rings had inscriptions, others a sealing part, 215, 220, - 221; - ancient one of silver with inscription, 220. - - Mary, Queen of Scots, talismanic ring offered to her by Lord - Ruthven, 119; - her nuptial ring, 168, 170; - portrait of Mary in a ring at Bolsover Castle, 171; - a ring (one portion) sent to her by Queen Elizabeth, 171. - - Matilda, wife of the Conqueror, her tomb, body, ring, 71. - - Matrons of Warsaw, part with their rings to coin into ducats for - Polish struggle, 190. - - Medicinal rings, 122, 123, 124, 136. - - _Mei Amores_, upon a ring, 144. - - Mexican officers’ rings, 154. - - Michaelis, (physician,) had medical ring made of tooth of sea-horse, - 136. - - Mithridates, ring of, 155. - - Money in the form of rings, 13. - - Months, Polish idea of their being under the influence of precious - stones, 56. - - Moore, his mother’s gift of her wedding-ring, 223. - - - N. - - Name-rings, 55. - - Navarre, College of, gives ring to Crichton, 188. - - Nelson, memorial rings of, 188. - - Nero’s ring, 156. - - Nottingham, Countess of, and her connection with the Essex ring, - 163. - - Newton, Sir Isaac, his magnet-ring, 31; - his tooth set in a ring, 189. - - - O. - - O’Neils of Ulster, and Turlough Lynnoch, 190. - - Opal, its supposed medical and magical powers, 105. - - Ordeal of touch, 137. - - Order of the Ring, 51. - - Orpine plant, inserted in rings, 215. - - - P. - - Palatius, (Ruby,) 102. - - Pallas, freed-man of Claudius, ring of, 19. - - Papal ring, 76, 78. - - Pearls, 28. - - Pelican and young upon a ring, 225. - - Pembroke, Anne, Countess Dowager of, 91. - - Persians, their seal-rings, 52, 67; - bridegroom makes a present of a ring, 198. - - Pharaoh’s ring given to Joseph, 66, 151. - - Physicians’ rings, 49, 122. - - Pierce, Franklin, ring from California presented to, 43. - - Pio, Albert, anecdote of, 49. - - Pius II., ring of, 79. - - Plague-rings, 136. - - Poison carried in rings, 38, 154. - - Pompeii, marriage-ring found at, 196. - - Pompey’s ring, 155. - - Pope’s ring, 17, 78. - - Pope the poet, bequeathed rings, 222. - - Porcelain rings worn by the Egyptians, 27. - - Portsmouth, Duchess of, her taking diamond rings from the hand of - Charles II. in the death throes, 183. - - Power, rings connected with, 65. - - Powhattan, (ship,) 224. - - Prometheus, and his wearing the first ring, 15, 16. - - Prussian maiden and the sacrifice of her hair, 190. - - Puritans set against the wedding-ring, 208. - - - R. - - Richard II., directions in his will, 71. - - Riddle on a ring, 62. - - Ring-dropping, 145. - - Ring-money, 13. - - Roman Catholic marriages, 208. - - Roman flute players, rings worn by, 23. - - Roman lawyers, rings given to, by clients, 23. - - Roman urns, rings in, 19. - - Roman rings, 36; - marriage-rings, 195. - - Roman senators and their rings, 66. - - Roman slave, 146. - - Roman knights, 24, 66, 90. - - Ruby, its supposed medical and magical powers, 102. - - Rubric, marriage in the Episcopal Church governed by, 204, 205. - - Ruthven, Lord, offers talismanic ring to Mary, Queen of Scots, 119. - - Rush-rings, 215. - - - S. - - Sackvil, Duke of Dorset, ring given to him by King James, 175. - - St. Anne, ring of, 214. - - Samothracian talismanic ring, 94. - - Sapphire; its supposed medical and magical powers, 104. - - Scarabæus, form of seal, 17. - - Sea-horse’s tooth, Michaelis’s medical ring made of, 136. - - Seal-rings, when first used by ladies, 26. - - Sebert, his tomb, body, ring, 70. - - Serjeants at law, their rings and the ceremony relating to their - presentation, 86. - - Sessa, ring found at, 216. - - Shakspeare’s signet-ring, 10, 161; - bequeathed rings to his brother players, 222. - - Shoes, rings with shape of soles of shoes, 24. - - Signets with Sanscrit inscriptions, 17; - importance given to signets in England, 53. - - Size of rings, Egyptian, 31, 32, 33. - - Slave, Roman, 146. - - Solomon’s magic ring, 113. - - Sonnet, by Davison, 195. - - Sore cured by touch of ring-finger, 132, 133. - - Spain, the power of a girl to compel marriage when a ring has been - given, 198. - - Stanley, seventh Earl of Derby, his character and last gift of - rings, 181. - - Statues, rings on, 22, 23, 24. - - Sterling’s story of the “Onyx Ring,” 116. - - Storms, amulet against, 136. - - “Sty” on the eye cured by rubbing with wedding-ring, 132. - - _Subarrhation_, the delivering of ring and other gifts, 203. - - Substances from which rings are formed, 26. - - Suphis, ring of, 149. - - Suffolk, Duchess of, 159. - - _Symbolum_, a term used for a ring, 13. - - Syrian legend, 115. - - - T. - - Talismanic rings, 93; - their form, 96. - - “Thee, Mary, with this ring I wed,” 231. - - Theseus, 14. - - Thieves’ rings, 145. - - Thumb-rings, 90, 91, 92. - - Toad-stone. 107. - - Topaz, its supposed medical and magical powers, 104. - - _Trau_ (betrothal) ring in Germany, 200. - - Trent, Council of, 195, 204. - - Tristram, had a mystical ring, 127. - - Trophy, emblem on rings, 155. - - Turlough Lynnoch, his ring, 190. - - Turquoise, its supposed medical and magical powers, 106; - turquoise ring sent by the Queen of Louis XII. to James IV. of - Scotland, 158. - - - U. V. - - _Ungulus_, Oscan word for ring, 13. - - Urns, rings in Greek urns, 18. - - Urns, rings in Roman urns, 19. - - Value of some ring, 54. - - Venus, story of placing ring on brazen, statue of this goddess, 139. - - Virgin, the, story of placing ring on finger of statue, 141. - - - W. - - Walpole’s poesy upon a ring, 63. - - Warsaw, matrons of, give their wedding-rings to be coined in aid of - the Polish struggle, 190. - - Warts, taken away by ring touching them, 132. - - Warwick, Sir Philip, intrusted with use of the ring of Charles I., - 178. - - Washington bequeathed rings, 229. - - Wedding-ring touching wart to take it away, 132; - rubbing on “sty” to cure it, _ib._; - Grecian and Roman wedding-rings, 195, 196; - gold-wire rings given away at weddings, 213, 215; - ancient silver ring, 220. - - Whistle connected with a ring, 38. - - Wire rings of gold given away at weddings, 213. - - Wound cured by touch of ring, 133. - - - Y. - - York, Cardinal, his bequest of the ring used by kings of Scotland on - their coronation, 188. - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] The poem from which this stanza is taken has now become so -scarce, and is so pleasing, that we are induced to insert it in this -note: - - -TO THE IDOL OF MINE EYES AND THE DELIGHT OF MINE HEART, ANNE HATHAWAY. - - Would ye be taught, ye feathered throng, - With love’s sweet notes to grace your song, - To pierce the heart with thrilling lay, - Listen to mine Anne Hathaway! - She _hath a way_ to sing so clear, - Phœbus might wond’ring stop to hear; - To melt the sad, make blithe the gay, - And nature charm, Anne _hath a way_: - She _hath a way_, - Anne Hathaway, - To breathe delight Anne _hath a way_. - - When envy’s breath and rancorous tooth - Do soil and bite fair worth and truth, - And merit to distress betray, - To soothe the heart Anne _hath a way_; - She _hath a way_ to chase despair, - To heal all grief, to cure all care, - Turn foulest night to fairest day: - Thou know’st, fond heart, Anne _hath a way_, - She _hath a way_, - Anne Hathaway, - To make grief bliss Anne _hath a way_. - - Talk not of gems, the orient list, - The diamond, topaz, amethyst, - The emerald mild, the ruby gay: - Talk of my gem, Anne Hathaway! - - She _hath a way_, with her bright eye, - Their various lustre to defy, - The jewel she and the foil they, - So sweet to look Anne _hath a way_. - She _hath a way_, - Anne Hathaway, - To shame bright gems, Anne _hath a way_. - - But were it to my fancy given - To rate her charms, I’d call them Heaven; - For though a mortal made of clay, - Angels must love Anne Hathaway. - She _hath a way_ so to control - To rapture the imprisoned soul, - And sweetest Heaven on earth display, - That to be Heaven Anne _hath a way_! - She _hath a way_, - Anne Hathaway, - To be Heaven’s self Anne _hath a way_. - -[2] Chambers’s Miscellany, vol. xv., No. 132. - -[3] Layard’s Nineveh, ii. 318. - -[4] Papers read before the Irish Academy, 1836. - -[5] Babylon and Nineveh, 513. - -[6] Pliny, lib. ix.; Pausanias in Attic. Poet., c. vi.; Ovid. Fast., -1. v. Bannier, ii. 497. - -[7] Lib. i. c. 1. - -[8] Plin. lib. xiii.; Montfaucon. - -[9] Book of Costume, by a Lady of Rank, 21. - -[10] Archæologia Biblica. - -[11] P. 246. - -[12] Fuss’s Roman Antiquities. - -[13] Pictorial Bible, (Knight’s Ed.,) Note to 1 Kings, ch. xxi. - -[14] Curiosities of Burial, (Chambers’s Repository.) - -[15] Dagley’s Gems, _Preface_. - -[16] Hottzappfel’s Turning and Mechanical Manipulations, p. 1362. - -[17] Chambers’s Repository, (Curiosities of Burial.) - -[18] Gemma Antiche, iii. 182. - -[19] Genesis, ch. xli. _et seq._ - -[20] Goldsmith. - -[21] Caylus, vol. iii. p. 157. - -[22] And see Layard’s Nineveh, 339, 340. - -[23] Montfaucon. - -[24] Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. xx., N. S., 55. - -[25] Fuss’s Roman Antiquities, sec. 435. - -[26] Juvenal, Sat. VII. - -[27] Adams’s Roman Antiquities, 366, (Boyd’s edit.) - -[28] Montfaucon. - -[29] Plutarch’s Numa. - -[30] Fuss, § 318. - -[31] Fosbroke, 247; Fuss, § 150. - -[32] Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. xviii., N. S., 527. - -[33] 4. vol. i. pl. lxxxix. - -[34] Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 247. - -[35] Dugdale’s History of St. Paul’s; and Archæologla, xvii. 316. - -[36] Eccleston’s Introduction to English Antiquities, 60,61; and see -Manufactures of Metal, 376; Hone’s Every-Day Book, 671; Archæologia, -iv. 54. - -[37] Ingoldsby Legends, 223. - -[38] Fosbroke, 251. - -[39] Montfaucon. - -[40] Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 246. - -[41] Wilkinson’s Manners of the Ancient Egyptians, 371. - -[42] Rees’s Encyclopædia--Title, _Rings_. - -[43] Lib. i. i. cap. 5. - -[44] Life of Caius Marius. - -[45] Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 246. - -[46] Wilson’s Archæological Dictionary, Art. _Rings_. - -[47] Chambers’s Miscellany. - -[48] Cardanus, lib. vii. _de Lapidibus_. - -[49] Dumas’ Celebrated Crimes--_The Borgias_. - -[50] Notes to Tallis’s Edit. of Shakspeare. - -[51] Act IV. Scene 2. - -[52] Nichols’s Lapidary, 54, 57; Kobell, 274. - -[53] Hill’s Theophrastus, p. 75, notes _n. y._ - -[54] Chances, Act 1, Sc. 3. - -[55] Collins’s Peerage. - -[56] Harris’s Rudimentary Magnetism, 6. - -[57] Recueil d’Antiquités. - -[58] Remarks on Italy. - -[59] Curiosities of Burial--Chambers’s Repository. - -[60] Recueil d’Antiquités, Tom. ii. p. 310. - -[61] Lib. iv., p. 172, Pl. LVII. - -[62] Lib. v. p. 161. - -[63] Caylus, ii. 311. - -[64] Gentleman’s Magazine, Vol. xviii., N. S., 527. - -[65] Archæologia, v. 71. - -[66] Ib. viii. 430. - -[67] Heb. xi. 37, 38. - -[68] Fosbroke, 247; Archæologia, iv. 54. - -[69] Vol. iv. N. S., p. 224. - -[70] (Published by Redfield,) p. 110. - -[71] Lond. Gent.’s Mag., Vol. xxiv. p. 285. - -[72] Archæologia, (London,) ii. 35. - -[73] Memorials of Affairs of State, iii. 368. - -[74] Nugæ Antiquæ, ii. 263. - -[75] Jer, xxii. 24. - -[76] Moutfaucon. - -[77] Lib. x. - -[78] Martial, Lib. xi., epiq. 60. - -[79] Aristophanes, _in Nub._, &c. - -[80] Wilkinson. - -[81] P. 185, Edit. of 1646. - -[82] P. 185. - -[83] Chap. ii., v. 2. - -[84] Archæologia Biblica, § 128-9; Wilkinson. - -[85] Godolphin’s Orphan’s Leg., 413. - -[86] Williams on Executors, 739. - -[87] _Apreece_ v. _Apreece_, 1 V. and B. 364. - -[88] _Vowles_ v. _Young_, 13 Ves. J. 144. - -[89] Montfaucon. - -[90] London, for 1760, p. 243. - -[91] Roscoe’s Leo X., i. 338, (8vo.) - -[92] Library of Entertaining Knowledge, Pompeii, vol. ii. p. 324. - -[93] And see Layard’s Nineveh and Babylon, (Putnam’s Edit.,) 529. - -[94] Vol. i. p. 345, 4to. - -[95] Adam’s Roman Antiquities, 366, (Boyd’s edit.) - -[96] Household Words, ix. 462. - -[97] Family Friend, vol. ii. p. 132. - -[98] Furnished to the author through the attention of Messrs. -Marchand Aé. Gaime, Guillemot & Co., Jewellers, of New-York. - -[99] Mineral Kingdom, p. 269. - -[100] New-York Albion newspaper, 8th October, 1853. - -[101] When the tomb of Childeric, father of Clovis, was opened, -there were found, besides the skeletons of his horse and page, his -arms, a crystal orb and more than three hundred little ornaments -resembling bees of the purest gold, their wing part being inlaid with -a red stone like cornelian. It has, however, been asserted that they -were what are called _fleurons_, supposed to have been attached to -the harness of the monarch’s war-horse. Napoleon, wishing to have -some regal emblem more ancient than the _fleur-de-lis_, adopted the -_fleurons_ or bees, and the green ground as the original Merovingian -color, (Notes and Queries, viii. 30.) - -[102] London Gent.’s Mag. for January, 1765, p. 210. - -[103] Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. xxxv. old series, p. 141. - -[104] Article in the N. Y. Albion for 31st Dec. 1853, on Cod and Cod -Fishing, 627. - -[105] Lady Morgan’s Italy, vol. ii. p. 419. - -[106] Correspondence, vol. iii. p. 107. - -[107] Genesis, chap. lxi. _et seq._ - -[108] 1 Mac. vi. 15. - -[109] Encyc. Brit., Article _Ring_. - -[110] Chap. viii. 8. - -[111] Daniel vi. 17. - -[112] Egypt under the Ptolemies, by Sharp, 118. - -[113] Lib. ii. Sat. 7. - -[114] Notes and Queries, iv. 261. - -[115] An Historical and Critical Enquiry into the nature of the -Kingly Offices, etc., by T. C. Banks, p. 7. See also a complete -account of the Ceremonies observed in the Coronation of the Kings and -Queens of England, 4th edition, published by J. Roberts. Also, the -entire Ceremonies of the Coronation of King Charles II., and of Queen -Mary, consort of James II., as published by the Learned Heralds, -Ashmole and Sandford. - -[116] Archæologia, (London,) iii. 390. - -[117] Biographia Britannica, Art. _Devereux_. - -[118] Archæologia, vol. xxvi. (London.) Account of the Jerusalem -Chamber, by A. J. Kempe, Esquire. - -[119] Ib. vol. xxix. pl. 2. Particulars of the Regalia of England, -made for the Coronation of Charles II., by Robert Cole, Esquire. - -[120] Archæologia, iii. 390. - -[121] Ib. 385. - -[122] Correspondence, vol. vi. p. 67. - -[123] Archæologia, iii. 392. - -[124] Ib. 389. - -[125] King Henry VIII., Act 5, Scenes 1, 2. - -[126] See also Antiquitat. Britannicæ, 334, 336; Burnet, 327, _et -seq._ - -[127] Encyc. Am., Art. _Venice_. And see Scott’s Discovery of -Witchcraft (1665,) p. 152. - -[128] In the Gentleman’s Magazine for March, 1798, p. 184, is a -minute account of this ceremony, which somewhat varies from the -above: “On Ascension Day, the Doge, in a splendid barge, attended -by a thousand barks and gondolas, proceeds to a particular place in -the Adriatic. In order to compose the angry gulf and procure a calm, -the patriarch pours into her bosom a quantity of holy water. As soon -as this charm has had its effect, the Doge, with great solemnity, -through an aperture near his seat, drops into her lap a gold ring, -repeating these words, ‘_Desponsamus te, Mare, in signum veri -perpetuique dominii._’ ‘We espouse thee, O sea! in token of real and -perpetual dominion over thee.’” - -[129] Dictionary of Dates, Adriatic. - -[130] See Smedley’s Sketches of Venetian History, referred to in note -[A] to Byron’s Works. - -[131] He is under obligations to the Reverend Thomas S. Preston for -this. - -[132] Gavazzi’s Lectures, (New-York ed.,) 185. - -[133] London Gent.’s Mag. for 1848, p. 599. - -[134] Eadmer, Histor. Nov., l. i. p. 16. - -[135] John of Salisbury’s Life of Anselm. - -[136] Rapin. - -[137] William of Malmesbury. - -[138] Burn’s Ecclesiastical Law, 209. - -[139] Encyc. Brit., Title, _Ring_. - -[140] London Gent’s Mag., vol. lxxi. p. 1082. - -[141] Notes and Queries, viii. 387. - -[142] Ib. 2d vol. 4th S., 300. - -[143] Notes and Queries, v. 114. - -[144] Ib. 492. - -[145] Metamorph. ii. 34. - -[146] Ennemoser, i. 258, _et seq._ - -[147] Caylus, vi. 295, Pl. xciii. - -[148] Addison, (Tickell’s edit.,) v. 178. - -[149] Since writing the above, we have come across _Ennemoser’s -History of Magic_, who refers to these hands; and while he takes up -with the notion of their being votive offerings, he refers to the -extended fingers to show that a cure had been effected by magnetic -manipulation. In reference to one particular specimen, the author -considers the hand itself to be an appropriate emblem from having -performed the cure. (Vol. i. p. 255.) This, then, does away with the -idea that a cure in the hand itself was effected; and if we take away -the hand, the remarkable figures with which it was studded do not -seem to be connected with or emblematical of any kind of disease. All -this brings us nearer to our notion, that these hands were used as -amulets. - -[150] Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, ii. 354. - -[151] Fosbroke’s Encyc. of Antiquities, 246. - -[152] Notes and Queries, v. 492. - -[153] Whitlock’s Memoirs, p. 356. - -[154] Fortescue de Laud. Legum Angl., cap. 50. - -[155] 3 Cooke’s Reports, 3. - -[156] Calmet’s Dictionary, Art. _Bells_. - -[157] Roman Antiquities, by Foss, § 62. - -[158] Ib. § 456. - -[159] Brande’s Popular Antiquities, (by Ellis,) 264. - -[160] Household Words: _I Give and Bequeath_. - -[161] London Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. lxxxiii. p. 17. - -[162] Act 2, scene 1; and see Douce’s Illustrations, 383. - -[163] Knight’s Bible. - -[164] Spaniards and their Country, 66. - -[165] Fosbroke’s Ency. of Antiquities, 247-8. - -[166] Ency. Brit., Ency. Amer. - -[167] P. 6. - -[168] Oliver on Masonry, 168. - -[169] P. 249. - -[170] Bingham’s Origines Ecclesiasticæ, p. 943, (Bohn’s edit.) - -[171] Maffei, vol. ii. pl. 20, p. 42. - -[172] “The first author of it (_general shout_) was Pan, Bacchus’s -Lieutenant-General in his Indian expedition, where, being encompassed -in a valley with an army of enemies, far superior to them in number, -he advised the god to order his men in the night to give a general -shout, which so surprised the opposite army that they immediately -fled from their camp; whence it came to pass that all sudden fears -impressed upon men’s spirits without any just reason were called by -the Greeks and Romans pannick terrors.”--_Potter’s Greece_, iii. c. 8. - -[173] Maffei, vol. ii. pl. 21, p. 45. - -[174] Archæologia, xxi. 127. - -[175] Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, p. 246. - -[176] A Lapidary, or the History of Pretious Stones, with cautions -for the undeceiving of all those that deal with pretious stones, -(1652,) p. 51. - -[177] This name occurs among the ancients, because it is the -mother-dwelling or the _palace_, as it was said, in which the -carbuncle or true ruby is produced and dwells.--_Kobell_, 274. - -[178] Lib. viii. _de Hist. Animal_. - -[179] Kobell. - -[180] Nicols’ Lapidary, 56-7. - -[181] Paus. viii, c. 14. - -[182] The Imperial Treasury at Vienna possesses an emerald valued at -£50,000. - -[183] Nicols’ Lapidary, 85. - -[184] And see Kobell’s Mineral Kingdom, 274. - -[185] P. 86. - -[186] Nicols. - -[187] Nicols, 130. - -[188] 1569, p. 51. - -[189] Ib. 164. - -[190] _As You Like It_, Act 2, Sc. 1. - -[191] First Book of Notable Things, 4to, vol. i. - -[192] P. 158. - -[193] This subject may allow us to mention what is called the -“mad-stone,” a supposed antidote to hydrophobia. The following is -from the New-York Tribune newspaper for July 4, 1854: - - THE MAD-STONE.--The reference of _The Washington Union_ to the - mad-stone (one of which is now in the possession of the family - of the late Mr. John King Churchill, in Richmond, Va.) has drawn - articles upon the subject from several of our cotemporaries. _The - Petersburg Intelligencer_ has been shown one, in the possession - of Mr. Oliver, who resides in Petersburg, and, it is said, has - several certificates of cases in which it has been successfully - used for the bite of a mad dog. It is rectangular in shape, with - parallel sides and polished surfaces, traversed by dark-gray and - brown streaks, and about a size larger than half a Tonquay bean, - except that it is not near so thick. Upon being applied to the - wound of the patient, says _The Intelligencer_, it soon extracts - the virus, which, it is said, may be distinctly seen in the - water, into which it is repeatedly dipped during the operation. - _The Portsmouth Globe_ says: “We were raised--‘brought up’ is, - perhaps, the word--in Petersburg, Va., and among our very earliest - recollections is one concerning a cure from hydrophobia, made - through the agency of a mad-stone. The person, whoever it was that - was bit by a rabid dog, went to Williamsburg, in this State, where - it was said that a mad-stone was located, and came back well, and - was never troubled either with madness or its symptoms. Our next - notice of the subject was when two individuals in Petersburg were - bitten by mad dogs. One, we think, lived in Halifax street, and his - father believing the mad-stone a humbug, refused to let his son go - and try it. He was seized with the fits, after the usual medicinal - agents had failed, and died in great agony. The other visited the - mad-stone--still then at Williamsburg--and entirely recovered. The - next case was this: We were travelling from Paineville, Amelia - County, to Farmville, Prince Edward County, Va., and stopped at a - blacksmith’s house to get dinner. In the course of conversation, he - said he had been bit by a mad dog, that had destroyed by its bite - a number of cattle, sheep and hogs, and that he hastened at once - to Williamsburg; that, on the way, he had suffered much from the - bite, but after the application of the stone, he had got relief and - suffered none since. ‘That bite,’ said he, laying much emphasis on - the cost, ‘_cost_ me nearly a _hundred_ dollars.’ - - “Such is all that we remember concerning the mad-stone.” - -As a pendant, we give a “slip” from the Richmond (Virginia) _Penny -Post_ for August 12, 1854. The description, if it may be so called, -of the stone referred to is remarkable: “as large as a piece of -chalk,” and “almost indescribable:” - - “An article which we inserted in the _Penny Post_ some two months - ago, has elicited remarks from the press in every quarter. We know - from facts in our possession, that we were ‘_rectus in curia_.’ - Mr. W. Bradly, who resides some half mile from the city, has left - at our office the genuine Simon Pure mad-stone, which can be - examined by the curious. We understand from Mr. Bradly that this - stone has been in the Bradly family for more than one hundred - years; and we are informed by gentlemen of intelligence from the - counties of Orange, Green, Culpepper and Madison that they are - cognizant of more than fifty cures of mad-dog bites, snake and - spider bites. This is a most valuable discovery, and one which - ought to be generally known. We mentioned facts some time since, - with regard to Sale’s mad-stone, located in Caroline County, which - excited only a sneer from the press; none are so blind as those - who will not see. We who write this happen to know facts connected - with this matter, and we have faithfully given them. This stone is - rather a curious-looking affair; it is about as large as a piece of - chalk, perfectly porous, and truth to say, almost indescribable. - When applied to the wound either of a snake or mad-dog bite, it - will draw until all its pores are saturated, then drop off, and - if placed in warm water will soon disgorge and then be ready for - action again. We shall keep this stone in our office for several - days for the inspection of the curious. It ought to be purchased by - the city for the use of the public. We understand that Mr. Bradly - will sell it for $5,000; if it saves one valuable life, it will be - cheap at double that price.” - -In connection with this, we add a letter from the _Macon Journal and -Messenger_, (August, 1854:) - - A TALE FOR THE CURIOUS.--We received the following communication - from Major J. D. Wilkes, of Dooly County. He is a highly - respectable citizen, well known to us, and we feel no hesitation in - assuring the public that he would make no statements which were not - fully reliable. - - “_Editors of the Journal and Messenger_: - - “Permit me to lay before your readers a few facts which may furnish - matter of speculation for the curious, but may be doubted by some - or ridiculed by others. They are, nevertheless, strictly true. Some - twelve years ago I went out with a party on a deer hunt, and shot - down a fine buck. While dressing him, I cut up the haslet for my - hounds, and in doing so, I cut out a stone of dark greenish color, - about where the windpipe joins the lights. It was from an inch and - a half to two inches long, and quite heavy for its size, although - it appears to be porous. I have heard of such stones from old - hunters, and that they possessed the faculty of extracting poison, - and other medical virtues, but they were seldom found. They were - called beasle or bezoar stones. I have been a frontier man and - killed many a deer, but have never found another of the same kind. - I laid it by more as a matter of curiosity than having any faith in - its virtues. - - “On the 12th ult. I had a favorite dog bitten on the nose by a - large rattlesnake. The dog at once commenced reeling and fell down. - I was within a few feet of him, and immediately (as the only remedy - at hand) forced a chew of tobacco down his throat. I got him home - very soon and dissolved some alum, but found his jaws nearly set. - I forced open his mouth, and poured it down his throat. I then - recollected seeing in your paper of the 5th ult. the description of - a stone and its virtue in extracting poison, in possession of some - family in Virginia, which stone, I presume, was similar to the one - I had taken from the deer. I got a bowl of warm water and applied - the stone to the place bitten, and then dropped it into the water, - when I could see a dirty, dark green substance shooting out of - it. This I repeated three times with a similar result. The fourth - time it seemed to show that all the poison had been extracted. In - less than a minute the dog got up, vomited up the tobacco, and - the swelling subsided immediately. In less than two hours he was - perfectly well, and eating any thing that was offered him. - - “Now I will not decide which of the three remedies--the tobacco, - the alum or the stone--cured the dog; but from the fact that he - was immediately cured on the application of the stone, should - reasonably weigh in favor of that remedy. In the article published - in your paper it is remarked that ‘We are not aware that the - existence of such is known to the scientific world at all,’ and it - is spoken of as its origin being a mystery, and wholly unknown. - Now, will not the above facts reveal the mystery of their origin? I - have now several highly respectable neighbors who were with me when - I obtained the stone. I live about nine miles east of Montezuma, in - Dooly County, where it may be seen or the use of it obtained, by - any one who may need it. - - “J. D. WILKES.” - -[194] Popular Delusions, ii. 298, 301; Harwood. - -[195] Brande, iii. 329. - -[196] P. 295. - -[197] Ennemoser’s History of Magic, ii. 456, referring to the 29th -book of Ammianus Marcellinus. - -[198] Archæologia, xxi. 124. - -[199] Solomon’s wisdom and happiness have become proverbial; and the -fable of the rabbins and the heroic and erotic poems of the Persians -and Arabians speak of him, as the romantic traditions of the Normans -and Britons do of King Arthur, as a fabulous monarch, whose natural -science, (mentioned even in the Bible,) whose wise sayings and dark -riddles, whose power and magnificence are attributed to magic. -According to these fictions Solomon’s ring was the talisman of his -wisdom and power.--Ency. Amer., Art. _Solomon_. - -[200] Johnston’s Josephus, Book viii. ch. 2. - -[201] Motherwell’s Minstrelsy, vol. ii. p. 164, (Ticknor’s edit.) In -Chambers’s Collection of Scotch Ballads, this story goes under the -name of _Lammilsin_. - -[202] Vol. ix. p. 233. - -[203] Motherwell’s Minstrelsy, vol. i. p. 187. - -[204] _Causes Célèbres_ (Dumas). - -[205] Strickland’s Queens of Scotland, iii, 319. - -[206] Archæologia, xix. 411. - -[207] Archæologia, xviii. 306. - -[208] Egyptian rings in the form of a shell are not uncommon. - -[209] Milligen’s Curiosities of Medical Experience, ii. 137. - -[210] Archæologia, xxi. 25. - -[211] Archæologla, xxi. 121. - -[212] Plut., Act 4, § 3. - -[213] Archæologia, xxi. 122. - -[214] Vol. i. p. 76. - -[215] Canto xi. v. 6, (Rose’s translation;) and see Hunt’s Stories -from the Italian Poets. - -[216] No. 243. - -[217] See, however, Hospinian, referred to by Brande, vol. i. p. 151. -As to Edward the Confessor’s curing the _struma_, see Archæologia, i. -162. - -[218] London Gent.’s Magazine, vol. i., N. S., p. 49, referring to -MS. Arundel, 275, fol. 23 _b_. - -[219] Ib. 50, referring to MS. Harl. 295, fol. 119 _b_, cited by -Ellis, i. 129. - -[220] Ib. referring to MS. Cott. Calig. B. II. fol. 112. - -[221] London Gent.’s Magazine. - -[222] Brande’s Pop. Ant. iii. 300, referring to Gent. Mag. for 1794, -p. 433, 648. Ib. 598, 889. - -[223] Notes and Queries, i. 349. - -[224] Ennemoser’s History of Magic, ii. 488. - -[225] Notes and Queries, vii. 153. - -[226] Archæologia, xxi. 25. - -[227] Notes and Queries, vii. 146. - -[228] Ib. 216. - -[229] Vol. iii. p. 280, (Ellis’s edit.) - -[230] Lupton, quoted by Brande, says: “A piece of a child’s navell -string, borne in a ring, is good against the falling sickness, the -pain of the head and the collick.” - -“_Annulus frigatorius._ A ring made of glass (_salt_) of antimony, -formerly supposed to have the power of purging.” Gardiner’s Medical -Dictionary. - -[231] Beckmann’s History of Inventions, i. 46, (Bohn’s edit.) - -[232] See also Burton’s Anat. of Melancholy, (1621,) p. 476; Browne, -ch. xviii. - -[233] Archæologia, xxi. 122; Illustrated Magazine of Art, i. 11. - -[234] Archæologia, (London,) xxi. 25. - -[235] Ib. 117. - -[236] London Gent.’s Mag. vol. lxxv. p. 801. - -[237] Vol. xiv. of State Trials, case of Mary Norkott and John Okeman. - -[238] Ancient Laws and Institutes of England, 8vo. vol. i. p. 13. - -[239] Ib. p. 79. - -[240] Mem. de Petrarque, i. 210. - -[241] Notes and Queries, i. 140. - -[242] See Douce’s Illust. of Shakspeare, p. 69. - -[243] Hone’s Every Day Book, i. 141. - -[244] Notes and Queries, vol. ii. p. 67. - -[245] Crimes Célèbres. - -[246] Crimes Célèbres, (Dumas.) - -[247] Roman Antiquities, by Fuss, § 62. - -[248] Blair’s Roman Slavery, 97; and see note 50, p. 241. - -[249] Pliny, xxxiii. - -[250] Lacrim. Etrus., (Sylv. iii. 3,) “_lævæque ignobile ferrum_.” - -[251] Vol. i. book x. - -[252] We write at a time when a subscription is going among the -inhabitants of New-York for the purchase of this collection; and -already have private citizens subscribed to the amount of $25,000. -This tells well for republican individual enterprise and taste. - -The author has to acknowledge the prompt kindness of Dr. Abbott, in -allowing him to take impressions as well from the Suphis-ring as from -many others in the Doctor’s collection. - -[253] Genesis, ch. 1. v. 26. - -[254] Pote’s Inquiry into the Phonetic Reading of the Ashburnham -Signet. (Pickering, 1841.) - -[255] See Wilkinson’s Manners of the Egyptians, iii. 374. - -[256] On the tomb is the sculptured figure of a man bound hand and -foot, with a huge lion in the act of springing upon him to devour -him. No history could speak more graphically the story of Daniel in -the Lion’s Den.--_The (American) Family Christian Almanac for 1855._ - -[257] Fuss’s Roman Antiquities, § 435. - -[258] Adams’ Roman Antiquities, 366, (Boyd’s edit.) - -[259] Plutarch’s _Timoleon_. - -[260] Introduction to English Antiquities, by Eccleston, 60, 61. - -[261] Dugdale. - -[262] Burke’s Extinct Peerage, “Plantagenet Viscount L’Isle,” 432. - -[263] Hollingshed; Dugdale. - -[264] Echard, 363. - -[265] Biographia Britannica, art. Boyle. - -[266] 1814; and see Notes and Queries, v. 589. - -[267] Halliwell’s Life of Shakspeare, 334. - -[268] Part i. p. 346, (Harper’s edit.) - -[269] P. 92. And see Johnson’s Life of Coke, p. 147; Hume, Horace -Walpole. The ring is said to be retained in the family of the -Countess of Nottingham. - -[270] Pictorial History of England, ii. 693. - -[271] Histoire de Hollande, 215, 216; and also see the Biographia -Britannica, vol. 5, art. Devereux. - -[272] Biographia Britannica, art. Devereux. - -[273] Lives and Letters of the Devereux Earls of Essex, by the -Honorable W. B. Devereux. - -[274] Strickland’s Queens of Scotland, vol. iii. p. 181. - -[275] Gent’s Mag. vol. xxxv. p. 390; Archæologia, vol. xxxiii. - -[276] Willis’s Current Notes for February and March, 1852. - -[277] P. 184, (note.) - -[278] Gent.’s Mag. for 1852, p. 407. - -[279] Anecdotes and Traditions, published by the Camden Society, -(London, 1839.) - -[280] Strickland’s Queens of Scotland, iii. 279. - -[281] Mackenzie’s Lives and Characters. - -[282] Father Garvasse. - -[283] Burke’s Extinct Peerages, “Carey,” 111. - -[284] Collins’s Baronage, 421, (4to.) - -[285] Hillier’s Narrative of the attempted escape of Charles the -First, etc., p. 79. And see Gentleman’s Magazine, N. S., p. 28. - -[286] Gent.’s Mag., vol. xli. p. 450, and ib. for June. - -[287] Notes and Queries, vii. 184. - -[288] See Gent.’s Mag., vol. xli. p. 512. - -[289] Collins’s Peerage, v. 68, 5th edit. - -[290] Household Words, ix. 277. - -[291] Burnet; and see note to Life of Lord Keeper North, vol. ii. p. -13. - -[292] Knight. - -[293] P. 33, _et seq._ - -[294] North, 100. - -[295] Lord Halifax, who is described by Dryden under the character -of “Jotham” in _Absalom and Achitophel_, was at the head of the -party called Trimmers; and in his “Preface to the _Character of a -Trimmer_,” thus explains the term: “This innocent word _Trimmer_ -signifies no more than this: that if men are together in a boat and -one part of the company would weigh it down on one side, another -would make it lean as much to the contrary, it happens that there -is a third opinion, of those who conceive it would be as well if -the boat went even, without endangering the passengers. Now, ’tis -hard to imagine by what figure in language or by what rule in sense -this comes to be a fault; and it is much more a wonder it should be -thought a heresy.” - -[296] Miss Mitford’s Recollections, 425, (Am. edit.) - -[297] Notes and Queries, ii. 70. - -[298] Hone’s Year Book, 1022. - -[299] Biographia Britannica, Art. _Crichton_. - -[300] London Gent.’s Mag., N. S., ii. p. 195. - -[301] Moore’s Life of Byron, vol. i. p. 458. - -[302] Beattie’s Life of Campbell, ii. 287. - -[303] Dublin Penny Journal, 208. - -[304] The Death Warrant, or Guide to Life, 1844. (London.) - -[305] Hone’s Every Day Book. - -[306] 1690, p. 122. - -[307] Gent.’s Mag. for 1852, p. 640. - -[308] Ib. vol. xxxv. N. S. 390; Burgon’s Life and Times of Sir Thomas -Gresham, i. 51. - -[309] Poetical Rhapsody. - -[310] Polyglot Dictionary, by John Minshew, (1625,) art. -_Ring-Finger_. - -[311] Reflections on the Causes of Unhappy Marriages, etc., by Lewis, -p. 84. - -[312] Shelford on Marriage, 17, 31. - -[313] Sat. VI. verse 27. - -[314] Macrob. Sat. VII. 15. - -[315] Wilson’s Archæological Dictionary, art. _Ring_. - -[316] Archæological Album, by Wright, p. 138. - -[317] Illustrations of Ancient Art, by Trollope, p. 49. - -[318] Wilkinson. - -[319] Ch. 35, v. 22. - -[320] Uxor Ebraica, Lib. ii. ch. 14. - -[321] Kohl’s Reminiscences. - -[322] Hamilton’s Marriage Rites, p. 188. - -[323] Ib. 194. - -[324] Bourgoing’s Travels through Spain. - -[325] Act 2d, sc. 2d. - -[326] Douce, 24. - -[327] Book iii. - -[328] The People’s Dictionary of the Bible, art. _Rings_. - -[329] Douce’s Illustrations of Shakspeare, p. 69. - -[330] The beautiful architectural design in this picture is said to -be copied, but very much improved, from a picture by Perugino, the -master of Raffaelle. As the latter had a genius beyond copying and as -Perugino made use of the talents of his pupil, it is fair to suppose -that Raffaelle composed the building and afterwards claimed its -outline by inserting it, with improvament from reflection, in his own -painting, _Lo Sposalizio_. The general form and proportions are to be -found in Brunelleschi’s design for the octagon chapel of the Scholari -annexed to the church Degl’ Angeli at Florence. See Kugler’s Hand -Book of Painting, by Eastlake, p. 332. - -[331] Martense, ii. 128. - -[332] Palmer’s _Origines Liturgicæ_, vol. ii. p. 214. - -[333] Bishop Jeremy Taylor’s “_Wedding Ring_.” - -[334] Fosbroke’s Encyc. of Antiquities, p. 250. - -[335] Notes and Queries, ii. 611. - -[336] 1 Dow, 181; 2 Hagg. C. R. 70, 81. - -[337] Hallam’s Middle Ages, ii. 286, _et seq._; Shelford on Marriage, -19, 20. - -[338] _Poulter_ v. _Cornwall_, Salk. 9. - -[339] Burns’ Eccl. Law--_Marriage_. - -[340] Athenian Oracle, No. xxvi. - -[341] Burns’ Eccl. Law, art. _Marriage_. - -[342] Notes and Queries, iv. 199. - -[343] Hone’s Table Book. - -[344] Notes and Queries, v. 371. - -[345] Vol. i. p. 270. - -[346] Hamilton’s Marriage Rites, etc., 125. - -[347] III. ii. 309. - -[348] See Hamilton’s Marriage Rites, etc., 178. - -[349] _Lindo_ v. _Belisario_, 1 Haggard’s Consist. Reps. 217. - -[350] And see Morgan’s Doctrine and Law of Marriage, Adultery and -Divorce, i. 97, _et seq._, and particularly note x. at p. 103. - -[351] Verse 9. - -[352] Larpent’s Private Journal, 563. - -[353] Hone’s Table Book. - -[354] Fosbroke, 249; Hone’s Table Book. - -[355] Caylus, iii. 313, Pl. lxxxv. - -[356] Hone’s Every Day Book. - -[357] See Douce’s Illust. of Shakspeare, 194. - -[358] Antiquities of Paris. - -[359] No. 56. - -[360] Herrick, in his Hesperides, speaks of “posies for our -wedding-ring.” - -[361] London Gent.’s Mag. vol. lv. O. S. p. 89. - -[362] Caylus, ii, 312, Pl. lxxxix. - -[363] No. 32. - -[364] Tom. III. P. II. Pl. cxxciv. - -[365] Supplement, Tom. III. Pl. LXV. p. 174. - -[366] Gent.’s Mag. vol. lxxv. p. 801, 927. - -[367] Ib. vol. lx. O. S. 798, 1001. - -[368] Boswell’s Johnson, 280, (Murray’s ed.) - -[369] Piozzi. - -[370] Twiss’s Life of Eldon. - -[371] Moore’s Diary, 173. - -[372] A gold ring, bearing a pelican feeding her young, was found at -Bury St. Edmunds, England. (Gent.’s Mag. xxxix. 532, N. S.) The crest -of the house of Lumley, Earls of Scarborough, is a pelican in her -nest feeding her young. - -[373] Vol. viii. p. 179. - -[374] Has not the idea of this _black flag_ been taken from the black -sail referred to by Plutarch in his life of Theseus? When the latter -was to go with the Athenian youths to attempt the destruction of the -Minotaur, a ship was prepared with a black sail, us carrying them to -certain ruin. But when Theseus encouraged his father Ægeus by his -confidence of success against the Minotaur, he gave another sail, a -white one, to the pilot, ordering him, if he brought Theseus safe -back, to hoist the white; but if not, to sail with the black one in -token of his misfortune. When Theseus returned, the pilot forgot to -hoist the white sail and Ægeus destroyed himself. - -[375] Vol. ii. 310, 314. - -[376] It has been called Calphurnia consulting the Penates on the -fate of Cæsar. - -[377] Dagley’s Gems, p. 6. - -[378] We do not know who is the author of these lines. They appeared -anonymously in the Gentlemen’s Magazine (London) for 1780, vol. 1. -Old Series, 337, and it is merely said that they are by the “writer -of lines on presenting a knife and verses on a former wedding day.” - -[379] Douce’s Illustrations of Shakspeare, 549. - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - Obvious printer and scanning errors have been silently corrected. - - Other errors made by the author such as listing T. Cutwode’s poem as - as “Calthæ Poetarum, or the Humble Bee” have been maintained. - - Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation such as - “high-priest/high priest” and “wedding-ring/wedding ring” have been - maintained. - - Page 59: “§ 22.” added before “The story of losing rings”. - - Page 129: “a ring thereof without allou” changed to “a ring thereof - without alloy”. - - Page 207: “in the ceremony of the mariage” changed to “in the - ceremony of the marriage”. - - Page 235: “4” changed to “81” in Index entry for _Anselm_. - - Footnote 308: “Burgou’s Life and Times” changed to “Burgon’s Life - and Times”. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History and Poetry of Finger-rings, by -Charles Edwards - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY, POETRY OF FINGER-RINGS *** - -***** This file should be named 63969-0.txt or 63969-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/9/6/63969/ - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Susan Carr and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/63969-0.zip b/old/63969-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7bd96c8..0000000 --- a/old/63969-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h.zip b/old/63969-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c47c6ca..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/63969-h.htm b/old/63969-h/63969-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index d941eca..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/63969-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12228 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The History and Poetry of Finger-Rings, by Charles Edwards—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - margin-top: 1.5em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - word-spacing: 0.2em; - letter-spacing: 0.1em; - line-height: 1em; - font-weight: normal; -} - -h1 {font-size: 135%; letter-spacing: 0.2em; line-height: 3em;} -h2 {font-size: 125%; letter-spacing: 0.4em;} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; - text-indent: 1em; -} - -.itxt {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} - -.p0 {margin-top: -1.5em;} -.p1 {margin-top: 1em;} -.p1h {margin-top: 1.3em;} -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p3 {margin-top: 3em;} -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p10 {margin-top: 10em;} - -.pb10 {margin-bottom: 10em;} - -.noindent {text-indent: 0em;} -.pg-brk {page-break-before: always;} - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -.pfs100 {font-size: 100%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; word-spacing: 0.3em;} -.pfs90 {font-size: 90%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; word-spacing: 0.3em;} -.pfs80 {font-size: 80%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; word-spacing: 0.3em;} -.pfs70 {font-size: 70%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; word-spacing: 0.3em;} - -.fs90 {font-size: 90%; font-style: normal;} -.fs135 {font-size: 135%; font-style: normal;} -.fs150 {font-size: 150%; font-style: normal;} -.fs180 {font-size: 180%; font-style: normal;} - -.bold {font-weight: bold;} -.ptxt {font-size: 80%; word-spacing: 0.1em; text-align: center; padding-top: .5em;} -.ctxt {font-size: 200%; letter-spacing: 0.5em; text-align: center;} - - -/* for horizontal lines */ -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 1.5em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 30%; margin-left: 35%; margin-right: 35%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%;} -hr.r10 {width: 10%; margin-left: 45%; margin-right: 45%;} -hr.r15 {width: 15%; margin-left: 42.5%; margin-right: 42.5%;} -hr.r20a {width: 20%; margin-left: 40%; margin-right: 40%; - margin-top: 0em; margin-bottom: 0.1em;} - -@media handheld { -hr.chap {width: 0%; display: none;} -} - - -/* for inserting info from TN changes */ -.corr { - text-decoration: none; - border-bottom: thin dotted gray; -} - -@media handheld { - .corr { - text-decoration: none; - border-bottom: none; - } -} - - -/* for different code on screen versus handhelds */ -.screenonly { display: block; } -.handonly { display: none; } - -@media handheld { - .screenonly { display: none; } - .handonly { display: block; } -} - - -/* for basic lists */ -ul.index { list-style-type: none; } -li.ifrst { margin-top: 1em; } -li.indx { margin-top: .5em; } -li.isub1 {text-indent: 1em;} - - -/* for tables */ -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto;} - -table.autotable { border-collapse: collapse; } -table.autotable td {} - -.tdl {text-align: left; padding-left: 1.5em; text-indent: -1em;} - -.tdlx {text-align: justify; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: top;} - -.tdrb {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; font-size: 90%;} - -.tdcx {text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; font-size: 95%; letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-weight: bold;} -.tdcy {text-align: center; padding-bottom: 1em; font-size: 80%;} - - -/* for spacing */ -.pad1 {padding-left: 1em;} -.pad2 {padding-left: 2em;} -.pad3 {padding-left: 3em;} -.pad4 {padding-left: 4em;} - -.padr1 {padding-right: 1em;} -.padr20pc {padding-right: 20%;} - -.pad40pc {padding-left: 40%;} -.pad50pc {padding-left: 50%;} - - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - color: #A9A9A9; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; - text-indent: .5em; -} - - -/* blockquote (/# #/) */ - -.blockquot { - margin: 1.5em 0%; - font-size: 90%;} - -.blockquotx { margin: 1.5em 5% 1.5em 5%; } - -.blockquoty { margin: 1.5em 40% 1.5em 10%; font-size: 90%; } - -p.hang1 { - padding-left: 1em; - text-indent: -1em;} - - -/* general placement and presentation */ -.center {text-align: center; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} - -.right {text-align: right; margin-right: 1em;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} - -.lsp {letter-spacing: 0.1em;} -.lsp2 {letter-spacing: 0.17em;} -.lht {line-height: 2em;} - -.caption {font-weight: normal; font-size: 80%; - text-align: left; padding-bottom: 0.50em; padding-left: 1.5em;} - -.captionx {font-weight: normal; font-size: 80%; - text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0.50em; } - - -/* Images */ - -img { - border: none; - max-width: 100%; - height: auto; -} - -img.w100 {width: 100%;} - - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -.figleft { - float: left; - clear: left; - margin-left: 0; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-right: 1em; - padding: 0; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -@media handheld -{ - .figleft { - float: left; - clear: left; - text-align: center; - margin-right: .2em; - } -} - -.figright { - float: right; - clear: right; - margin-left: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-right: 0; - padding: 0; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - - -@media handheld -{ - .figright { - float: right; - clear: right; - text-align: center; - margin-left: .2em; - } -} - - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 90%;} -.footnote p {text-indent: 0em;} -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: none; -} - -/* Poetry */ -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {text-align: left; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} -.poetry {display: inline-block; font-size: 90%} -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} -.poetry .indentq {text-indent: -3.5em;} - - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -.transnote p {text-indent: 0em;} - - -/* Poetry indents */ -.poetry .indent2q {text-indent: -2.5em;} -.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} -.poetry .indent10 {text-indent: 2em;} -.poetry .indent12 {text-indent: 3em;} -.poetry .indent14 {text-indent: 4em;} -.poetry .indent18 {text-indent: 6em;} -.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} -.poetry .indent2h {text-indent: -1.5em;} -.poetry .indent4 {text-indent: -1em;} -.poetry .indent6 {text-indent: 0em;} -.poetry .indent8 {text-indent: 1em;} - -/* Illustration classes */ -.illowp100 {width: 100%;} @media handheld { .illowp100 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp48 {width: 48%;} @media handheld { .illowp48 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp49 {width: 49%;} @media handheld { .illowp49 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp54 {width: 54%;} @media handheld { .illowp54 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp55 {width: 55%;} @media handheld { .illowp55 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp56 {width: 56%;} @media handheld { .illowp56 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp57 {width: 57%;} @media handheld { .illowp57 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp72 {width: 72%;} @media handheld { .illowp72 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp75 {width: 75%;} @media handheld { .illowp75 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp76 {width: 76%;} @media handheld { .illowp76 {width: 100%;} } -.illowe5 {width: 5em;} -.illowe10 {width: 10em;} -.illowe15 {width: 15em;} - - </style> - </head> - -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The History and Poetry of Finger-rings, by -Charles Edwards - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The History and Poetry of Finger-rings - -Author: Charles Edwards - -Release Date: December 6, 2020 [EBook #63969] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY, POETRY OF FINGER-RINGS *** - - - - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Susan Carr and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter illowp56" id="cover" style="max-width: 75em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Original Cover" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<h1> -THE<br /> -HISTORY AND POETRY<br /> -OF<br /> -<span class="fs180 lsp2">FINGER-RINGS</span></h1> - - -<p class="pfs70">BY<br /> -<span class="fs180 lsp lht">CHARLES EDWARDS</span><br /> -COUNSELLOR AT LAW, NEW YORK</p> - - -<p class="pfs100 p4">“——My ring I hold dear as my finger; ’tis part of it.”<br /> -<span class="smcap pad40pc">Shakspeare</span></p> - -<hr class="r10 p4" /> -<p class="pfs100"><em>WITH A PREFACE BY R. H. STODDARD.</em></p> -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="pfs90">NEW YORK<br /> -<span class="fs135">JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY</span><br /> -<span class="smcap lsp">150 Worth Street, corner Mission Place</span></p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="pfs90 p10 pb10">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by<br /> -<span class="lsp2">CHARLES EDWARDS</span>,<br /> -In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District<br /> -of New-York.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[Pg iii]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs150 lsp2" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> -<hr class="r10" /> -</div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> history of finger-rings is more abundant than -the poetry, which is chiefly connected with the ceremonies -and observances in which they figure. What -this history is Mr. Edwards has indicated in the gossipy -pages which follow, and which contain a world -of curious information. Interesting in themselves, -they are valuable for their references, which enable -the reader to verify the statements of Mr. Edwards, -and to pursue his line of study farther than he has -chosen to do. He will find many particulars in regard -to rings of all sorts, among the different people by whom -they have been worn, in ancient and modern times, -and of the important part they have played in the history -of the world. He will also find many allusions -to them in the poets, but not so many poems of which -they were the inspiration as he might have expected, -for the simple reason that such poems do not exist.</p> - -<p class="center">“The small orbit of the wedding-ring,”</p> - -<p>as a nameless old poet satirically calls it, has seldom -proved large enough for genius to revolve in. Mr. Edwards -quotes but one marriage poem,</p> - -<p class="center">“Thee, Mary, with this ring I wed,”</p> - -<p>which he fails to trace to its author, the Rev. Samuel -Bishop, who has written nothing else that is worth -remembering. I am happy to restore it to him, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span> -to quote a second poem, which is rather more elegant -and less familiar, and which is put down to the credit -of William Pattison, of whom I know nothing. I take -it from Dr. Palmer’s “Poetry of Courtship and Compliment” -(1868), an admirable collection of amorous -verse.</p> - - -<p class="ptxt">TO HER RING.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Blest ornament! how happy is thy snare,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To bind the snowy finger of my fair!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">O, could I learn thy nice concise art,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Now, as thou bind’st her fingers, bind her heart.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Not Eastern diadems like thee can shine,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Fed from her brighter eyes with beams divine;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Nor can their mightiest monarch’s power command</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So large an empire as my charmer’s hand.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">O, could thy form thy fond admirer wear,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Thy very likeness should in all appear;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">My endless love thy endless love should show,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And my heart flaming, for thy diamond glow.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="pfs100 pad40pc">R. H. S.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2> -<hr class="r10" /> -</div> - -<table class="autotable" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdcx">CHAPTER ONE.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">1. Interest and Importance attaching to Rings; Shakspeare’s Ring; Earl Godwin. 2. Words <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">symbolum</i> and <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ungulus</i>. 3. Ring-money. 4. Rings in Mythology; Theseus; Prometheus, Inventor of the First Ring. 5. Seals from the Scarabæus. 6. Rings in Greek Urns. 7. Judah and Tamar; Alexander. 8. Ring a Symbol of Fidelity, Eternity and of the Deity. 9. Roman Rings. 10. Rings in German Caverns. 11. Rings of the Gauls and Britons. 12. Anglo-Saxon Workers in Metal. 13. Ladies’ Seal-rings. 14. Substance, Forms and Size of Rings; Number, and on what fingers worn; Pearls; Carbuncle; Death’s-head Rings. 15. Law of Rings. 16. Order of the Ring. 17. Rings found in all places. 18. Persian Signets. 19. Value of ancient Rings. 20. Love’s Telegraph, and Name-rings; Polish Birth-day Gifts. 21. Rings in Heraldry. 22. Rings in Fish. 23. Riddle. 24. Ring misapplied. 25. Horace Walpole’s Poesy on a Ring.</td> -<td class="tdrb"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcx">CHAPTER TWO.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcy">RINGS CONNECTED WITH POWER.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">1. The Ring an Emblem of Power; Pharaoh; Quintus Curtius; Antiochus Epiphanes; Augustus; King of Persia; Egypt under the Ptolemies; Roman Senators; the Forefinger. 2. Rings used in Coronations; Edward the Second; Mother of Henry VIII.; Queen Elizabeth; Charles II.; Coronation Rings; Canute; Sebert; Henry II.; Childeric; Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. 3. King withdrawing a Proceeding from the Council by the use of a Ring. 4. The Doge of Venice marrying the Adriatic. 5. The Ring of Office of the Doge. 6. <em>The Fisherman’s Ring.</em> 7. Papal Ring of Pius II. 8. Investiture of Archbishops and Bishops by delivery of a Ring; Cardinal’s Ring; Extension of the two Forefingers and Thumb. 9. Serjeant’s Ring. 10. Arabian Princesses. 11. Roman Knights. 12. Alderman’s Thumb Ring.</td> -<td class="tdrb"><a href="#Page_65">65</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcx">CHAPTER THREE.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcy">RINGS HAVING SUPPOSED CHARMS OR VIRTUES, AND CONNECTED WITH DEGRADATION<br />AND SLAVERY,OR USED FOR SAD OR WICKED PURPOSES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">1. Antiquity of Amulets and Enchanted and Magical Rings; Samothracian Rings; Double Object in Amulets; Substance and Form of them. 2. Precious Stones and their Healing or Protective Powers: Jasper; Diamond; Ruby; Carbuncle; Jacinth; Amethyst; Emerald; Topaz; Agate; Sapphire; Opal; Cornelian; Chalcedony; Turquoise; Coral; Loadstone; Sweating Stones. 3. Enchanted Rings; those possessed by Execustus; Solomon’s Ring; Ballads of Lambert Linkin and Hynd Horn. 4. Talismanic Ring; Elizabeth of Poland; Ring against Poison offered to Mary of Scotland; Rings from the Palace at Eltham and from Coventry; Sir Edmund Shaw; Shell Ring. 5. Medicinal Rings. 6. Magical Rings; Ariosto; Ring of Gyges; Sir Tristram; Cramp Rings; Rings to cure Convulsions, Warts, Wounds, Fits, Falling Sickness, etc.; Galvanic Rings; Headache and Plague Rings; Amulet against Storms. 7. Ordeal. 8. Punishment in time of Alfred. 9. Founding of Aix-la-Chapelle. 10. Ring on a Statue. 11. Bloody Baker. 12. The Borgia Ring. 13. Rings held in the Mouth. 14. Rings used by Thieves, Gamblers and Cheats. 15. Roman Slave.</td> -<td class="tdrb"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcx">CHAPTER FOUR.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcy">RINGS COUPLED WITH REMARKABLE HISTORICAL CHARACTERS OR CIRCUMSTANCES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">1. Ring of Suphis; Pharaoh’s Ring given to Joseph. 2. Rings of Hannibal; Mithridates; Pompey; Cæsar; Augustus and Nero. 3. Cameo. 4. Ethelwoulf; Madoc; Edward the Confessor; King John; Lord L’Isle; Richard Bertie and his Son Lord Willoughby; Great Earl of Cork; Shakspeare’s Signet-Ring; The Ring Queen Elizabeth gave to Essex; Ring of Mary of Scotland and one sent by her to Elizabeth; Darnley; The Blue Ring; Duke of Dorset’s Ring in the Isle of Wight supposed to have belonged to Charles the First, and Memorial Rings of this Monarch; Earl of Derby; Charles the Second; Jeffrey’s Blood-Stone; The great Dundee; Nelson; Scotch Coronation Ring; The Admirable Crichton; Sir Isaac Newton; Kean; Wedding Ring of Byron’s Mother. 5. Matrons of Warsaw. 6. The Prussian Maiden.</td> -<td class="tdrb"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcx">CHAPTER FIVE.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcy">RINGS OF LOVE, AFFECTION AND FRIENDSHIP.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">1. The Gimmal or Gimmow Ring. 2. Sonnet by Davison. 3. Church Marriage ordained by Innocent III.; and, Marriage-Ring. 4. Rings used in different countries in Marriages and on Betrothment: Esthonia; the Copts;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span> Persia; Spain; Ackmetchet in Russia. 5. Betrothal Rings. 6. Signets of the first Christians. 7. Laws of Marriage. 8. Wedding Finger; Artery to the Heart; Lady who had lost the Ring Finger. 9. Roman Catholic Marriages. 10. Marriage-Ring during the Commonwealth. 11. Ring in Jewish Marriages. 12. Superstitions. 13. Rings of twisted Gold-wire given away at Weddings. 14. Cupid and Psyche. 15. St. Anne and St. Joachim. 16. Rush Rings. 17. Rings with the Orpine Plant. 18. Ancient Marriage-Rings had Mottoes and Seals. 19. The Sessa Ring. 20. Rings bequeathed or kept in Memory of the Dead: Washington; Shakspeare; Pope; Dr. Johnson; Lord Eldon; Tom Moore’s Mother. 21. The Ship <i>Powhattan</i>. 22. Ring of Affection illustrated by a Pelican and Young. 23. Bran of Brittany. 24. Rings used by Writers of Fiction; Shakspeare’s Cymbeline. 25. Small Rings for the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Penates</i>; Lines to a Wife with the gift of a Ring. 26. Story from the “Gesta Romanorum.”</td> -<td class="tdrb"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - -<p class="pfs100 p4">HISTORY AND POETRY</p> -<p class="pfs80 p2">OF</p> -<p class="ctxt">FINGER-RINGS.</p> - -<hr class="r15 p3" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_ONE">CHAPTER ONE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hang1">1. Interest and Importance attaching to Rings; Shakspeare’s Ring; Earl -Godwin. 2. Words <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">symbolum</i> and <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ungulus</i>. 3. Ring-money. 4. Rings in -Mythology; Theseus; Prometheus Inventor of the First Ring. 5. Seals -from the Scarabæus. 6. Rings in Greek Urns. 7. Judah and Tamar; Alexander. -8. Ring a Symbol of Fidelity, Eternity, and of the Deity. 9. Roman -Rings. 10. Rings in German Caverns. 11. Rings of the Gauls and -Britons. 12. Anglo-Saxon Workers in Metal. 13. Ladies’ Seal-rings. -14. Substance, Forms and Size of Rings; Number, and on what fingers -worn; Pearls; Carbuncle; Death’s-head Rings. 15. Law of Rings. 16. Order -of the Ring. 17. Rings found in all places. 18. Persian Signets. -19. Value of ancient Rings. 20. Love’s Telegraph, and Name-rings; Polish -Birth-day Gifts. 21. Rings in Heraldry. 22. Rings in Fish. 23. Riddle. -24. Ring misapplied. 25. Horace Walpole’s Poesy on a Ring.</p></div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 1. A <span class="allsmcap">CIRCLE</span>, known as a finger-ring, has been an -object of ornament and of use for thousands of years. -Indeed, the time when it was first fashioned and worn -is so far in the past that it alone shines there; all around -is ashes or darkness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span></p> - -<p>This little perfect figure may seem to be a trifling matter -on which to found an essay; and yet we shall find it -connected with history and poetry. It is, indeed, a small -link, although it has bound together millions for better -for worse, for richer for poorer, more securely than could -the shackle wrought for a felon. An impression from it -may have saved or lost a kingdom. It is made the symbol -of power; and has been a mark of slavery. Love -has placed it where a vein was supposed to vibrate in -the heart. Affection and friendship have wrought it -into a remembrance; and it has passed into the grave -upon the finger of the beloved one.</p> - -<p>And, though the ring itself may be stranger to us, and -might never have belonged to ancestor, friend or companion, -yet there can be even a general interest about -such a slight article. For instance, a few years ago a -ring was found which had belonged to Shakspeare, and -must have been a gift: for the true-lover’s knot is there. -Who would not desire to possess, who would not like -even to see the relic? There is reason to suppose that -this ring was the gift of Anne Hathaway, she “who had -as much virtue as could die.” And we must be allowed -to indulge in the idea that it was pressing Shakspeare’s -finger when those lines were inscribed “<em>To the idol of -mine eyes and the delight of my heart, Anne Hathaway</em>:”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Talk not of gems, the orient list,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The diamond, topaz, amethyst,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The emerald mild, the ruby gay:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Talk of my gem, Anne Hathaway!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She <em>hath a way</em>, with her bright eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Their various lustre to defy,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> - <div class="verse indent0">The jewel she, and the foil they,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So sweet to look Anne <em>hath a way</em>.</div> - <div class="verse indent6">She <em>hath a way</em>,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Anne Hathaway,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To shame bright gems Anne <em>hath a way</em>!”<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>We shall find many interesting stories connected with -rings. By way of illustration, here is one:</p> - -<p>In a battle between Edmund the Anglo-Saxon and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> -Canute the Dane, the army of the latter was defeated -and fled; and one of its principal captains, Ulf, lost his -way in the woods. After wandering all night, he met, -at daybreak, a young peasant driving a herd of oxen, -whom he saluted and asked his name. “I am Godwin, -the son of Ulfnoth,” said the young peasant, “and thou -art a Dane.” Thus obliged to confess who he was, Ulf -begged the young Saxon to show him his way to the -Severn, where the Danish ships were at anchor. “It is -foolish in a Dane,” replied the peasant, “to expect such -a service from a Saxon; and, besides, the way is long, -and the country people are all in arms.” The Danish -chief drew off a gold ring from his finger and gave it to -the shepherd as an inducement to be his guide. The -young Saxon looked at it for an instant with great earnestness, -and then returned it, saying, “I will take -nothing from thee, but I will try to conduct thee.” -Leading him to his father’s cottage, he concealed him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> -there during the day; and when night came on, they -prepared to depart together. As they were going, the -old peasant said to Ulf, “This is my only son Godwin, -who risks his life for thee. He cannot return among his -countrymen again; take him, therefore, and present him -to thy king, Canute, that he may enter into his service.” -The Dane promised, and kept his word. The young -Saxon peasant was well received in the Danish camp; -and rising from step to step by the force of his talents, -he afterwards became known over all England as the -great Earl Godwin. He might have been monarch; -while his sweet and beautiful daughter Edith or Ethelswith -did marry King Edward. “Godwin,” the people -said in their songs, contrasting the firmness of the father -with the sweetness of the daughter, “is the parent of -Edith, as the thorn is of the rose.”<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 2. The word <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">symbolum</i>, for a long time, meant a -ring; and was substituted for the ancient Oscan word -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ungulus</i>.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 3. In examining ancient rings, care must be taken -not to confound them with coins made in the shape of -rings.<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> The fresco paintings in the tombs of Egypt -exhibit people bringing, as tribute, to the foot of the -throne of Pharaoh, bags of gold and silver rings, at a -period before the exodus of the Israelites. Great quantities -of ring-money have been found in different countries, -including Ireland.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip014" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100 p1" src="images/i_p014.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="captionx">Egyptian Ring-money.<span class="pad40pc"> </span>Celtic Ring-money.</div> -</div> - -<p>The ancient Britons had them. That these rings were -used for money, is confirmed by the fact that, on being -weighed, by far the greater number of them appear to -be exact multiples of a certain standard unit. Layard -mentions<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> that Dr. Lepsius has recently published a bas -relief, from an Egyptian tomb, representing a man -weighing rings of gold and silver, with weights in the -form of a bull’s head; and Layard also gives a seeming -outline of the subject, (although its description -speaks of “weights in the form of a seated lion.”) It is -presumed that these rings are intended for ring-money; -the fact of weighing them strengthens this idea; and -see Wilkinson’s Popular Account of the Ancient Egyptians, -(revised,) ii. 148-9.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 4. We not only find rings in the most ancient times, -but we also trace them in mythology.</p> - -<p>Fish, in antediluvian period, were intelligent, had fine -musical perception and were even affectionate. Thus, -in relation to Theseus, the Athenian prince: Minos happened -to load Theseus with reproaches, especially on -account of his birth; and told him, that, if he were the -son of Neptune, he would have no difficulty in going to -the bottom of the sea; and then threw a ring in to banter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -him. The Athenian prince plunged in, and might -have been food for fishes, had they not, in the shape of -dolphins, taken him upon their backs, as they had done -Arion, and conveyed him to the palace of Amphitrite.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> -It is not said whether she, as Neptune’s wife, had a -right to the <em>jetsam</em>, <em>flotsam</em>, and <em>lagan</em>, to the sweepings -or stray jewelry of the ocean; but she was able to hand -Theseus the ring, and also to give him a crown, which -he presented to the ill-used lady Ariadne, and it was -afterwards placed among the stars.</p> - -<p>And, coupled with mythology, we have, according to -the ancients, the origin of the ring. Jupiter, from -revenge, caused Strength, Force and Vulcan to chain -his cousin-german Prometheus to the frosty Caucasus, -where a vulture, all the livelong day, banqueted his -fill on the black viands of his hot liver. The god had -sworn to keep Prometheus there (according to Hesiod<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a>) -eternally; but other authors give only thirty thousand -years as the limit. He who had punished did, for -reasons, forgive; but as Jupiter had sworn to keep -Prometheus bound for the space of time mentioned, he, -in order not to violate his oath, commanded that Prometheus -should always wear upon his finger an iron -ring, to or in which should be fastened a small fragment -of Caucasus, so that it might be true, in a certain sense, -that Prometheus still continued bound to that rock. -Thus, as we have said, came the idea of the first ring, -and, we may add, the insertion of a stone.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p> - -<p>While some writers, under this story, connect Prometheus<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> -with the first ring, Pliny still says that the inventor -of it is not known, and observes that it was used -by the Babylonians, Chaldeans, Persians and Greeks, -although, as he thinks, the latter were unacquainted -with it at the time of the Trojan war, as Homer does -not mention it.<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> - -<p>It has however been said that Dschemid, who made -known the solar year, introduced the use of the ring.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> - -<p>Touching Pliny’s notion of the antiquity of rings, -there is, in Southey’s “Commonplace Book,” (second -series,<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a>) the following quotation from “Treasurie of -Auncient and Moderne Times,” (1619:) “But the good -olde man Plinie cannot overreach us with his idle arguments -and conjectures, for we read in Genesis that Joseph, -who lived above five hundred yeares before the -warres of Troy, having expounded the dreame of Pharaoh, -king of Ægypt, was, by the sayde prince, made -superintendent over his kingdom, and for his safer possession -in that estate, he took off his ring from his hand -and put it upon Joseph’s hand.” ... “In Moses’s -time, which was more than foure hundred yeares before -Troy warres, wee find rings to be then in use; for we -reade that they were comprehended in the ornaments -which Aaron the high priest should weare, and they of -his posteritie afterward, as also it was avouched by Josephus. -Whereby appeareth plainly, that the use of -rings was much more ancient than Plinie reporteth -them in his conjectures: but as he was a Pagan, and -ignorant in sacred writings, so it is no marvell if these -things went beyond his knowledge.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span></p> - -<p>It is pretended that seal-rings were an invention of -the Lacedemonians, who, not content with locking their -coffers, added a seal; for which purpose they made use -of worm-eaten wood, with which they impressed wax or -soft wood; and after this they learned to engrave seals.<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 5. Cylinders, squares and pyramids were forms used -for seals prior to the adoption of ring-seals.<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> These -settled with the Greeks into the scarabæus or beetle, that -is to say, a stone something like the half of a walnut, -with its convexity wrought into the form of a beetle, -while the flat under surface contained the inscription for -the seal. The Greeks retained this derivable form until -they thought of dispensing with the body of the beetle, -only preserving for the inscription the flat oval which -the base presented, and which they ultimately set in -rings. This shows how ring-seals came into form. Many -of the Egyptian and other ring-seals are on swivel, and -we are of opinion that the idea of this convenient form -originated with the perforated cylindrical and other seals, -which were, with a string passed through them, worn -around the neck or from the wrist.<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> - -<p>The sculpture of signets was, probably, the first use of -gem engraving, and this was derived from the common -source of all the arts, India.<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> Signets of lapis lazuli and -emerald have been found with Sanscrit inscriptions, presumed -to be of an antiquity beyond all record. The -natural transmission of the arts was from India to Egypt,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -and our collections abound with intaglio and cameo -hieroglyphics, figures of Isis, Osiris, the lotus, the crocodile, -and the whole symbolic Egyptian mythology -wrought upon jaspers, emeralds, basalts, bloodstones, -turquoises; etc. Mechanical skill attained a great excellence -at an early period. The stones of the Jewish high-priests’ -breast-plate were engraved with the names of the -twelve tribes, and of those stones one was a diamond(?). -The Greek gems generally exhibit the figure nude; the -Romans, draped. The Greeks were chiefly intaglios.</p> - -<p>It is generally understood that the ancients greatly -excelled the moderns in gem engraving, and that the art -has never been carried to the highest perfection in modern -times. Mr. Henry Weigall, however, states that “this -supposition is erroneous, and has probably arisen from -the fact of travellers supposing that the collections of -gems and impressions that they have made in Italy are -exclusively the works of Italian artists; such, however, -is not the case, and I have myself had the satisfaction of -pointing out to many such collectors, that the most admired -specimens in their collections were the works of -English artists.”<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 6. Rings have been discovered in the cinerary urns -of the Greeks. These could hardly have got there -through the fire which consumed the body, for vessels -still containing aromatic liquids have also been discovered -in the urns. It is very possible they were tokens -of affection deposited by relations and friends. Such -remembrances (as we shall see) are found in the graves -of early Roman Christians.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> - -<p>The idea that rings in Roman urns were secretly and -piously placed there, is strengthened by the fact that it -was contrary to the laws of Rome to bury gold with -the dead.<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> There was one exception to this rule, which -appears odd enough to readers of the nineteenth century, -namely, a clause which permitted the burial of such gold -as fastened false teeth in the mouth of the deceased, thus -sparing the children and friends of the dead the painful -task of pulling from their heads the artificial teeth which -they had been accustomed to wear. It seems strange to -find that these expedients of vanity or convenience were -practised in Rome nearly two thousand years ago.</p> - -<p>Maffei<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> gives a description and enlarged illustration -of a gold ring bearing a cornelian, whereon is cut the -story of Bellerophon upon his winged horse, about to -attack the <em>chimera</em>; and also a small but exquisite urn -of porphyry, which contained funeral ashes and this ring. -These were found in the garden of Pallas, freed man of -Claudius; and Maffei reasonably makes out that the -ring had belonged to him. Bellerophon is said to have -been a native of Corinth, and Pallas was from that city. -Nero became emperor mainly through Pallas, and yet -he sacrificed the latter to be master of his great riches. -These relics thus possess much interest. Although a -freed man, merely as such, had no right to wear a gold -ring, yet Pallas gained the office of Prætor, and so was -entitled to one. (In Plutarch’s Galba, the freed man of -the latter was honored with the privilege of wearing -the gold ring for bringing news of the revolt against -Nero.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp75" id="ip020" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p020.jpg" alt="Signet Bracelet" /> -</div> - -<p class="p1h">§ 7. In the unpleasant story of Judah and Tamar, we -see that the former left in pledge with the latter his signet.<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> -This, most likely, was in the shape of a ring, -although such signets were often worn from the wrist: -for, in this case, he also pledged his bracelets.</p> - -<p>In the Scriptures, the signet ring is frequently named; -and Quintus Curtius tells us that Alexander wore one. -After his fatal debauch, and finding himself past recovery, -and his voice beginning to fail, he gave his ring to -his general, Perdiccas, with orders to convey his corpse -to the temple of Ammon. Being asked to whom he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> -would leave his empire, he answered, “To the most -worthy.”<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 8. The ring was generally the emblem of fidelity in -civil engagements; and hence, no doubt, its ancient use -in many functions and distinctions.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> A ring denoted -eternity among the Hindoos, Persians and Egyptians; and Brahma, as -the creator of the world, bears a ring in his hand. The Egyptian -priests in the temple of the creative Phtha (Vulcan of the Greeks) -represented the year under the form of a ring, made of a serpent -having its tail in its mouth—a very common shape of ancient -rings. Although Jupiter is often figured with attributes of mighty -power, yet he is seldom coupled with a mark of eternity. There is, -however, a gem (an aqua-marine, engraved in hollow) of this deity -holding a ring as the -emblem of eternity.<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe15" id="ip021"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p021.jpg" alt="Jupiter Holding Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Pythagoras forbade the use of the figures of gods upon rings, -lest, from seeing their images too frequently, it should breed a -contempt for them.<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p> - -<p>It has been attempted to connect with a ring the consecration of a -circle, as emblematical of the Deity. Over the door of a Norman -church at Beckford, in Gloucestershire, England, is a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span> -rude bas-relief, representing the holy cross between the four beasts, -used as symbols of the Evangelists. The “human form divine” appears -to have been beyond the sculptor’s power; he has made <em>a ring</em>. The -others are an eagle, lion, and bull.<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 9. The Romans distinguished their rings by names -taken from their use, as we do.<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> The excessive luxury -shown in the number worn, and the value of gems and -costly engraved stones in them, and the custom of wearing -lighter rings in summer and heavier in winter, are -among the most absurd instances of Roman effeminacy, -(as we shall hereafter more particularly show.)<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> The -case in which they kept their rings was called <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Dactylotheca</i>. -No ornament was more generally worn among -the Romans than rings. This custom appears to have -been borrowed from the Sabines.<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> They laid them -aside at night, as well as when they bathed or were in -mourning, as did suppliants. However, in times of sorrow, -they rather changed than entirely put them aside; -they then used iron ones, taking off the gold rings.<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> It -was a proof of the greatest poverty, when any one was -obliged to pledge his ring to live. Rings were given by -those who agreed to club for an entertainment. They -were usually pulled off from the fingers of dying persons; -but they seem to have been sometimes put on -again before the dead body was buried.</p> - -<p>There is no sign of the ring upon Roman statues before<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -those of Numa and Servius Tullius. The rings were -worn to be taken off or put on according to festivals, -upon the statues of deities and heroes, and upon some of -the emperors, with the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Lituus</i> ensculped, to show that -they were sovereign pontiffs.</p> - -<p>This <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">lituus</i> is a crooked staff; and the Roman priests -are represented with it in their hands. They, as augurs, -used it in squaring the heavens when observing the flight -of birds. It is traced to the time of Romulus, who being -skilled in divination, bore the lituus; and it was called -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">lituus quirinalis</i>, from Quirinus, a name of Romulus. -It was kept in the Capitol, but lost when Rome was taken -by the Gauls; afterwards, when the barbarians had -quitted it, the lituus was found buried deep in ashes, -untouched by the fire, whilst every thing about it was -destroyed and consumed.<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> Emperors appropriated to -themselves the dignities of the office of high priest,<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> and -hence this priestly symbol upon their medals, coins and -signets. Although it is a common notion that the pastoral -staff of the Church of Rome is taken from the shepherd’s -crook, it may be a question whether it did not -take its rise from the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">lituus</i>?</p> - -<p>Brave times those Roman times for lawyers—or patrons, -as they were called. Their clients were bound to -give them the title of <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Rex</i>; escort them to the Forum -and the Campus Martius; and not only to make ordinary -presents to them and their children or household, -but, on a birth-day, they received from them the birth-day -ring. It was worn only on that day.<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p> - -<p>There were rings worn by flute-players, very brilliant -and adorned with a gem.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span></p> - -<p>In the Sierra Elvira, in Spain, more than two hundred -tombs and an aqueduct were discovered. Several skeletons -bore the rings of Roman knights; and some of -them had in their mouths the piece of money destined -to pay the ferryman Charon.<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> These skeletons crumbled -into dust as soon as they were touched. What a perfect -subject for a poem by Longfellow!</p> - -<p>Roman stamps or large seals or brands have been -found of quaint shapes. Some of them are in the form -of feet or shoes. Drawings of them appear -in Montfaucon. They were fashioned -to mark casks and other bulky -articles. Caylus gives an illustration -of a ring in the form of a pair of shoes, -or rather, the soles of shoes.<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip024"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p024.jpg" alt="Roman Shoe Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Pliny observes that rings became so common at Rome, -they were given to all the divinities; and even to those -of the people who had never worn any. Their divinities -were adorned with iron rings—movable rings, which -could be taken off or put on according to festivals and -circumstances.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 10. At Erpfingen in Germany, remarkable stalactical -caverns have been discovered. Every where, and especially -in the lateral caves, human bones of extraordinary -size, with bones and teeth of animals, now unknown, -have been discovered, and there, with pottery, rings -were found.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 11. Rings were in use among the Gauls and Britons,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> -but seemingly for ornament only. They are often found -in British barrows. Anglo-Saxon rings were common.<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> -William de Belmeis gave certain lands to St. Paul’s -Cathedral, and at the same time directed that his gold -ring set with a ruby should, together with the seal, be -affixed to the charter for ever. The same thing was done -by Osbart de Camera, he granting to St. Paul’s, in pure -alms and for the health of his soul, certain lands; giving -possession by his gold ring, wherein a ruby was set; and -appointing that the same gold ring with his seal should -for ever be affixed to the charter whereby he disposed -of them.<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p> - -<p>Anglo-Saxon kings gave rings to their wittenagemot -and courtiers, and they to their descendants.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 12. In metals the Anglo-Saxons worked with great -skill. We read of the gold cup in which Rowena drank -to Vortigern. So early, perhaps, as the seventh century, -the English jewellers and goldsmiths were eminent in -their professions; and great quantities of other trinkets -were constantly exported to the European Continent. -Smiths and armorers were highly esteemed, and even the -clergy thought it no disgrace to handle tools.<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> St. -Dunstan, in particular, was celebrated as the best blacksmith, -brazier, goldsmith and engraver of his time. This -accounts for the cleverness with which he laid hold of -the gentleman in black:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“St. Dunstan stood in his ivy’d tower,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Alembic, crucible, all were there;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">When in came Nick to play him a trick,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In guise of a damsel, passing fair.</div> - <div class="verse indent10">Every one knows</div> - <div class="verse indent10">How the story goes:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He took up the tongs and caught hold of his nose.”<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 13. Ladies used seal-rings in the sixth century; but -women of rank had no large seals till towards the beginning -of the twelfth.<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 14. There is scarcely a hard substance of which rings -have not been composed. All the metals have been -brought into requisition. First, iron; then, as in Rome, -it was mingled with gold.</p> - -<p>Conquerors wore iron rings until Caius Marius changed -the fashion. He had one when he triumphed over -King Jugurtha.<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> And while stones have lent their aid -as garniture for metal, these too have made the whole -hoop.</p> - -<p>We find rings of two stones; such were those which -the Emperor Valerianus gave to Claudius.</p> - -<p>Near to the Pyramids, cornelian rings have been discovered. -Rings of glass and other vitreous material have -been found. Emerald rings were discovered at Pompeii, -also glass used instead of gems. Some made entirely of -one stone, as of amber, have been obtained.<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></p> - -<p>With the Egyptians, bronze was seldom used in rings, -though frequently in signets. They were mostly of gold<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> -and this metal seems to have been always preferred to -silver.</p> - -<p>Ivory and blue porcelain were the materials of which -those worn by the lower classes were made.<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></p> - -<p>An ancient ring of jet has been dug up in England.</p> - -<p>There were some rings of a single metal, and others -of a mixture of two;<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> for the iron, bronze and silver -were frequently gilt, or, at least, the gold part was fixed -with the iron, as appears from Artemidorus.<a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> The -Romans were contented with iron rings a long time; and -Pliny assures us that Marius first wore a gold one in his -third consulate. Sometimes the ring was iron, and the -seal gold; sometimes the stone was engraven, and sometimes -plain; and the engraving, at times, was <em>raised</em>, -and also <em>sunk</em>. (The last were called <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">gemmæ ectypæ</i>, -the former <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">gemmæ sculpturâ prominente</i>.)</p> - -<p>An incident, mentioned by Plutarch, shows how distinctive -was a gold ring.<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> When Cinna and Caius -Marius were slaughtering the citizens of Rome, the slaves -of Cornutus hid their master in the house and took a -dead body out of the street from among the slain and -hanged it by the neck, then they put a gold ring upon the -finger, and showed the corse in that condition to Marius’s -executioners; after which they dressed it for the funeral, -and buried it as their master’s body.</p> - -<p>The rings of the classical ancients were rather incrusted -than set in gold in our slight manner.<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p> - -<p>The first mention of a Roman gold ring is in the year<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span> -432 U. C.; but they, at last, were indiscriminately worn -by the Romans. Three bushels were gathered out of the -spoils after Hannibal’s victory at Cannæ.<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></p> - -<p>“Lovely soft pearls, the fanciful images of sad tears,” -have been used in rings from the time of the Latins. -Cleopatra’s drinking off the residuum of a pearl, worth -three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars, aside -from luxurious extravagance, seems to be somewhat -nasty; but we are inclined to believe that this fond -queen had faith in its supposed medicinal and talismanic -properties:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent12">“—— Now I feed myself</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With most delicious passion.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Pliny, the Roman naturalist, gravely tells us that the -oyster which produces pearls, does so from feeding on -heavenly dew. Drummond thus translates him:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“With open shells in seas, on heavenly dew,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">A shining oyster lusciously doth feed;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And then the birth of that ethereal seed</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Shows, when conceived, if skies look dark or blue.”<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Early English writers entertained the same notion; -and Boethius, speaking of the pearl-mussel of the Scotch -rivers, remarks, that “These mussels, early in the morning, -when the sky is clear and temperate, open their -mouths a little above the water and most greedily swallow -the dew of heaven; and after the measure and quantity -of the dew which they swallow, they conceive and -breed the pearl. These mussels,” he continues, “are so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -exceedingly quick of touch and hearing, that, however -faint the noise that may be made on the bank beside -them, or however small the stone that may be thrown -into the water, they sink at once to the bottom, knowing -well in what estimation the fruit of their womb is to all -people.” In the East, the belief is equally common that -these precious gems are</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent12">“—— rain from the sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Which turns into pearls as it falls in the sea.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The ancient idea that pearls are generated of the dews -of heaven, is pretty conclusively met by Cardanus,<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> who -says it is fabulous, seeing that the shell fishes, in which -they are conceived, have their residence in the very -bottom of the depth of the sea.</p> - -<p>The charlatan Leoni de Spoleto prescribed the drink -of dissolved pearls for Lorenzo the Magnificent, when he -was attacked by fever aggravated by hereditary gout.<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a></p> - -<p>There was supposed to be a gem called a carbuncle, -which emitted, not reflected, but native light.<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> Our old -literature abounds with allusions to this miraculous gem. -Shakspeare has made use of it in <cite>Titus Andronicus</cite>, -where Martius goes down into a pit, and, by it, discovers -the body of Lord Bassianus; and calls up to Quintus -thus:<a id="FNanchor_51" href="#Footnote_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Lord Bassianus lies embrewed here,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">All on a heap, like to a slaughter’d lamb,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In this detested, dark, blood-drinking pit.</div> - <div class="verse indent2"><em>Quintus.</em> If it be dark, how dost thou know ’tis he?</div> - <div class="verse indent2"><em>Martius.</em> Upon his bloody finger he doth wear</div> - <div class="verse indent0">A precious ring, that lightens all the hole,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Which, like a taper in some monument,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Doth shine upon the dead man’s earthy cheek,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And show the ragged entrails of this pit:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So pale did shine the moon on Pyramus,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">When he by night lay bathed in maiden’s blood.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p> -<p>Ludovicus Vartomannus, a Roman, reporteth that the -king of Pege (or Pegu), a city in India, had a carbuncle -(ruby) of so great a magnitude and splendor, that by -the clear light of it he might, in a dark place, be seen, -even as if the room or place had been illustrated by the -sunbeams. St. or Bishop Epiphanius saith of this gem, -that if it be worn, whatever garments it be covered -withal, it cannot be hid.<a id="FNanchor_52" href="#Footnote_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></p> - -<p>It was from a property of resembling a burning coal -when held against the sun that this stone obtained the -name <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">carbunculus</i>; which being afterwards misunderstood, -there grew an opinion of its having the qualities -of a burning coal and shining in the dark. And as no -gem ever was or ever will be found endued with that -quality, it was supposed that the true carbuncle of the -ancients was lost; but it was long generally believed -that there had been such a stone. The species of carbuncle -of the ancients which possessed this quality in the -greatest degree was the Garamantine or Carthaginian; -and this is the true garnet of the moderns.<a id="FNanchor_53" href="#Footnote_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p> - -<p>Rings, with a death’s head upon them, were worn by -improper characters in the time of Elizabeth of England. -This kind of ring is referred to in Beaumont and -Fletcher:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent12">“—— I’ll keep it,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">As they keep death’s head in rings:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To cry <em>memento</em> to me.”<a id="FNanchor_54" href="#Footnote_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Although we meet with nothing to show the motive -for wearing such rings by the characters referred to, we -are inclined to fancy the desire was to carry the semblance -of a widow and to let the ring have the character -of a mourning token. Lord Onslow, who lived in the -time of Elizabeth, bequeathed “a ring of gold with a -death’s head” to friends.<a id="FNanchor_55" href="#Footnote_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></p> - -<p>Sir Isaac Newton was possessed of a small magnet set -in a ring, the weight of which was only three grains, but -which supported, by its attractive power on iron, seven -hundred grains. It has been observed that such instances -are by no means common, although the smallest -magnets appear to have the greatest proportionate -power.<a id="FNanchor_56" href="#Footnote_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a></p> - -<p>Our own sailors, in the quiet weather of a voyage, -will, with the aid of a marlinspike, make exceedingly -neat rings out of Spanish silver or a copper coin.</p> - -<p>Some of the Egyptian signets were of extraordinary -size. Sir Gardiner Wilkinson mentions an ancient Egyptian -one which contained about twenty pounds worth of -gold. It consisted of a massive ring, half an inch in its -largest diameter, bearing an oblong plinth, upon which -the devices were engraved; on one face was the successor -of Amunoph III., who lived B. C. 1400; on the -other a lion, with the legend, “Lord of strength,” referring -to the monarch; on the other side a scorpion, and -on the remaining one a crocodile.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip032"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p032.jpg" alt="Bronze Ox Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>In the work of Count Caylus, there -is a <em>vignette</em> of a ring of bronze, remarkable -from its size and the subject -upon it.<a id="FNanchor_57" href="#Footnote_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> The collet or collar of the -ring is an inch in height, and eleven -lines in thickness. The figure upon it -is an ox—or, as the author we have referred -to calls it, a cow, recumbent and -swaddled, or covered by draperies; and -it wears a collar, to which hangs, according to this author, -a bell. He considers that it was made when the Romans -wore them of an excessive size, and while Gaul -was under the dominion of the former. He does not -give any guess at the intention or meaning of the subject. -We believe it was, originally, Egyptian; and -made in memory of the sacred Bull Apis, (found in -tombs,) honored by the Egyptians as an image of the -soul of Osiris and on the idea that his soul migrated -from one Apis to another in succession. And as to what -Caylus considers a bell, we are inclined to designate a -bag. In Dr. Abbott’s collection of Egyptian Antiquities -are not only mummies of these sacred bulls, but also -the skulls of others, and over the head of one is suspended -a large bag, found in the pits with the bulls, and -supposed to be used to carry their food.</p> - -<p>Addison, in observing upon the size of old Roman -rings,<a id="FNanchor_58" href="#Footnote_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> refers to Juvenal, as thus translated by Dryden:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Charged with light summer rings, his fingers sweat,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Unable to support a gem of weight.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>And he goes on to say, that this “was not anciently<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -so great an hyperbole as it is now, for I have seen old -Roman rings so very thick-about and with such large -stones in them, that it is no wonder a fop should reckon -them a little cumbersome in the summer season of so hot -a climate.”</p> - -<p>As a proof of the size to which Roman rings sometimes reached, -we here give an outline of one as it -appears in Montfaucon.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp76" id="ip033" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p033.jpg" alt="Queen Plotina’s Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>This ring bears the portrait of Trajan’s good queen -Plotina. The coiffure is remarkable and splendid, being -composed of three rows of precious stones cut in facets.</p> - -<p>According to Pliny, devices were not put upon the -metal of rings until the reign of Claudius.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span></p> - -<p>When a wealthy Egyptian had been embalmed and -placed in a superb case or coffin, with a diadem on his -head and bracelets upon his arms, rings of gold, ivory -and engraved cornelian were placed upon his fingers.<a id="FNanchor_59" href="#Footnote_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip034"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p034.jpg" alt="Isis and Serapis Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Contrary to what might have been supposed, the -British Museum is not rich in rings. Through a dear -friend, the author is able to give drawings of a few of its -treasures, and the following extract from a letter: “They -can trace none of their rings with any certainty. The -collection is not large, and has been bought at various -times from other collections and private sources, which -could give no history, or, if attempted, none that can be -relied on. Mr. Franks, the curator of this department, -kindly made the impressions I send of those he considered -most curious, and selected the others for me.”</p> - -<p>Here is one of those rings. It -bears the heads of Isis and Serapis. -A similar ring (perhaps the same) -is figured in Caylus,<a id="FNanchor_60" href="#Footnote_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> who observes -on the singularity of form and -the ingenuity attendant upon shaping -it, while it is considered extremely -inconvenient to wear. It -would, however, suit all fingers, -large or small, because it can be easily diminished or -widened. The two busts are placed at the extremities of -the serpent which forms the body of the ring contrariwise—if -we may be allowed the expression—so that -whatever position or twist is given to the ring, one of -the two heads always presents itself in a natural position.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span> -The ring given by Caylus was found in Egypt, but is -said to be of Roman workmanship and made when the -former was under the dominion of the Romans; and he -hints that the heads may represent a Roman emperor -and empress under the forms of Isis and Jupiter Serapis, -adding, “I will not hazard any conjecture on the names -that may be given them. I will content myself with -saying that the work is of a good time and far removed -from the lower empire; and I will add, that the quantity -of rings which were wrought for the Romans -of all the states may serve to explain -the extraordinary forms which some present -to us.”</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe5" id="ip035-t"> - <img class="w100 p0" src="images/i_p035-t.jpg" alt="Romano-Egyptian Isis and Serapis Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Here is another, from the British Museum, -in which Isis and Serapis appear, -singularly placed. This ring is Romano-Egyptian, -and of bronze.</p> - -<p>Here are two, Etruscan, from the same source, with -an impression from each.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip035" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <div class="captionx">No. 1.<span class="pad50pc"> </span>No. 2.</div> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p035.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>They are both of gold, while No. 2 has a white stone -which works upon a swivel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe5" id="ip036"> - <img class="w100 p0" src="images/i_p036.jpg" alt="Abruzzi Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>We add, in this portion of our book, another -from the British Museum. It is worked from -Greek or Etruscan gold, and was found in the -Abruzzi.</p> - -<p>Illustrations of some of the Egyptian seal-rings -contained in the British Museum, will be -found in Knight’s Pictorial Bible, at the end -of the third chapter of Esther.</p> - -<p>Fashion and Fancy have given us rings of all imaginable -shapes, and these powers, joined with Religion and -Love, have traced upon them every supposable subject.</p> - - <div class="screenonly"> - <div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip037-1"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p037-1.jpg" alt="ZHCAIC Ring" /> -</div> - </div> - - <div class="handonly"> -<div class="figright illowe10" id="ip037-1a"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p037-1.jpg" alt="ZHCAIC Ring" /> -</div> - </div> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip037-2"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p037-2.jpg" alt="Snake Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Although modern rings seldom display the exquisite -cutting and artistic taste which appear upon antiques, -still the latter exhibit sentimental phrases and sentiments -similar to such as are observed upon rings of the present -day. The Greeks were full of gallantry. Time has -preserved to us incontestable proofs of the vows which -they made to mistresses and friends, as well as of the -trouble they took and the expense they went to in order -to perpetuate their sentiments. Caylus,<a id="FNanchor_61" href="#Footnote_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> who says this, -gives a drawing of a ring bearing the words KIPIA KAAH, -<em>Beautiful Ciria</em>; and adds, “This inscription is simple -but energetic; it appears to me to suit the sentiment.” -In Montfaucon are several illustrations of Greek sentences -upon rings, which carry out what Caylus has observed; -thus there are (rendered into English), <em>Good be with you, -Madam. Good be with you, Sir. Good be with him -who wears you and all his household. Remember it. -Theanus is my light.</em> Upon a ring bearing a hand -which holds a ring: <em>Remember good fortune.</em> There -are, also, upon Roman rings, sentiment and compliment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> -in Latin sentences, as thus translated: <em>Live happy, my -hostess. You have this pledge of love. Live in God. Live.</em> -And Caylus<a id="FNanchor_62" href="#Footnote_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> gives a description and drawing of a remarkably -formed gold ring; and although it bears Greek words, -he leaves it in doubt whether it is of Roman or Grecian -workmanship. It has the appearance of three rings united, -widened in the front and tapering within the hand. Upon -the wide part of each are two letters, the whole forming -ZHCAIC, <em>Mayest thou live.</em> The -Romans often preferred the Greek -language in their most familiar -customs.</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip037-3"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p037-3.jpg" alt="Buckle Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>A ring of bronze has been discovered, in the form of -a snake with its tail in its mouth, made on the principle -of some of our steel rings which we use -to hold household keys, widening their -circle by pressure.<a id="FNanchor_63" href="#Footnote_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> In the finger-ring, -the part in the mouth is inserted loose, -so as to draw out and increase to the -size of the circle needed.</p> - -<p>Rings of gold are common in England at the present -day, made to form a strap with buckles, precisely, in -shape, a common belt or collar. It lies flat like an -ordinary leather strap, and is formed -of small pieces of gold which are kept -so delicately together that the lines -of meeting are scarcely perceptible. -This is accomplished by having many minute and unseen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> -hinges, which make the whole pliable and allow it -to be buckled (as a ring) upon the finger.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip037-4" style="max-width: 55.875em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p037-4.jpg" alt="Buckle Ring Laid Flat" /> -</div> - -<p>Nothing is new. One of the prettiest modern rings, -used as a remembrancer, has a socket for hair and a -closing shutter. Roman remains were found at Heronval -in Normandy, and among them were rings. One -of these was almost of modern form, with a small place -under where the stone is usually fixed, into which hair -might be inserted.<a id="FNanchor_64" href="#Footnote_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> We are constantly retracing the -steps of antiquity.</p> - -<p>A Roman gold ring of a triangular form has been discovered -in England, with an intaglio representing the -story of Hercules strangling the Nemean lion.<a id="FNanchor_65" href="#Footnote_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> And -also a ring that, while it was remarkable for its thickness, -had a whistle on one side, which was useful in calling -servants before the time of domestic bells.<a id="FNanchor_66" href="#Footnote_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a></p> - -<p>We shall find that there were rings in which poison -was carried.</p> - -<p>Wilkinson has discovered several Egyptian rings, -where the subject is made up of two cats sitting back to -back, and looking round at each other, with an emblem -of the goddess Athor between them.</p> - -<p>We do not know why Athor, <em>Venus</em>, should be between -these sentinel cats. Had the symbol of Pasht, -<em>Diana</em>, been there, the thing would have been less difficult; -for cats, like maids, “love the moon,” and their -guardian goddess was Pasht. Their attitude is more -watchful than sacred cats would be supposed to assume, -and might rather appear to apply to the species embalmed -in Kilkenny history.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span></p> - -<p>There is an Anglo-Saxon ring inscribed Ahlstan, -Bishop of Sherborne, which has the hoop of alternate lozenges -and circles. It has, also, a Saxon legend. Epigraphs -in that language are extremely rare. It has been -supposed that Ahlstan had command of the Saxon army.</p> - -<p>In the catacombs of Rome, where the early Christians -“wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, being -destitute, afflicted, tormented,”<a id="FNanchor_67" href="#Footnote_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> where they stealthily -prayed and lived and died, vast quantities of signet -and other rings have been discovered, as well as medals, -cameos and other precious stones. Signet rings of -different devices, as belonging to different owners, are -in the catacombs here; and this has raised the idea that -they were deposited by relatives and friends as the stone -lid of the grave was about to be shut,—offerings of love -and affection.<a id="FNanchor_68" href="#Footnote_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a></p> - -<p>“What a picture,” exclaims a writer in the London -Art Journal,<a id="FNanchor_69" href="#Footnote_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> “do these dark vaults display of the devotion, -the zeal, the love of those early Christian converts -whose baptism was in blood! I picture them to myself, -stealing forth from the city in the gloomy twilight, out -towards the lonely Campagna, and disappearing one by -one through well-known apertures, threading their way -through the dark sinuous galleries to some altar, where -life and light and spiritual food, the soft chanting of the -holy psalms and the greeting of faithful brethren, waking -the echoes, awaited them. The sight of these early -haunts of the persecuted and infant religion is inexpressibly -affecting; and I pity those, be they Protestant or -Catholic, who can visit these hallowed precincts without<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -an overwhelming emotion. How many martyrs, their -bodies torn and lacerated by the cruel beasts amid the infuriated -roar of thousands shrieking forth the cry of <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Christianos -ad leonem!</i> in the bloody games of the Flavian amphitheatre, -breathing their last sigh, calling on the name -of the Redeemer, have passed, borne by mourning friends -or by compassionate widows or virgins to their last dark -narrow home, along the very path I was now treading! -How many glorified saints, now singing the praises of -the Eternal around the great white throne in the seventh -heaven of glory, may have been laid to rest in these -very apertures, lighted by a flickering taper like that I -held. But I must pause—this is an endless theme, endless -as the glory of those who hover in eternal light and -ecstatic radiance above; it is moreover a pæan I feel -utterly unworthy to sing.”</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe5" id="ip040"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p040.jpg" alt="Christian Ring and Impression" /> -</div> - -<p>We have received a drawing and impression -of a ring which is in the British -Museum; and our opinion is that it belonged -to one of the early Christians. -While the ΧΑΙΡΩ, <em>I rejoice</em>, upon it, -favors the idea, the monogram (upon the -signet part) confirms it. This is, evidently, -the name of Jesus in its earliest -monogrammatic form, made up of the -letters Χ. and Ρ. As commonly found on -monuments in the catacombs of Rome, it -has a single cross with the Ρ. thus, <span class="fs135">☧</span> -while in our illustration the cross -is multiplied; and this is the only -difference. Surely such a memorial as this is more likely -to have been the ring of the lowly-minded “fisherman,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> -than the one which is said to be framed with diamonds -and worn by the Pope. In Dr. Kip’s very interesting -work on the Catacombs of Rome, there is an illustration -of a seal-ring, upon which a like monogram appears, -although somewhat complicated.<a id="FNanchor_70" href="#Footnote_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a></p> - -<p>Near Cork, in Ireland, a silver ring was discovered, -the hoop whereof is composed of nine knobs or bosses, -which may have served instead of beads and been used -by the wearer in the Catholic counting of them. The -antiquaries of Ireland have considered this ring as very -ancient.<a id="FNanchor_71" href="#Footnote_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip041" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p041.jpg" alt="Irish Diamond Ring Two Views" /> -</div> - -<p>In referring to Irish rings, it may be well to mention -one which was found in the county of Westmeath, with -some very ancient remains.<a id="FNanchor_72" href="#Footnote_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> It is remarkable, from -being set with many diamonds in beautifully squared -work. On account of the place where it was discovered, -a suggestion has been made that it may have belonged -to Rose Failge, Prince of Ireland, eldest son of Calhoir -the Great, who reigned A. D. 122, he being called the -<em>Hero of Rings</em>. However, diamonds do not appear to -have been named among precious stones at that early -period.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span></p> - -<p>The author is not aware that diamonds are often set -loosely or upon swivel in a ring. We have mention of -one in the reign of James I. of England. Robert Cecil, -Earl of Salisbury, (nicknamed by a cotemporary “Robert -the Devil,” and by James called his “little Beagle,”) -was dangerously ill at Bath; but on a report of his recovery, -the King sent purposely the Lord Hay to him, -with a token, “which was a fair diamond, set or rather -hung square in a gold ring without a foil”—and this -message, “That the favor and affection he bore him was -and should be ever, as the form and matter of that, endless, -pure and most perfect.”<a id="FNanchor_73" href="#Footnote_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> A writer, given to detraction, -says that this great statesman died of the disease of -Herod, upon the top of a mole-hill; and that his body -burst the lead it was wrapped in. On his tomb lies the -skeleton of the Earl curiously carved. He seemed well -to weigh the glory of a courtier, for in writing to Sir -John Harrington,<a id="FNanchor_74" href="#Footnote_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> he said: “Good Knight, rest content -and give heed to one that hath sorrowed in the bright -lustre of a Court, and gone heavily even on the best -seeming fair ground. ’Tis a great task to prove one’s -honesty and yet not spoil one’s fortune. You have tasted -a little hereof in our blessed Queen’s time, who was -more than a man, and, in truth, sometimes less than a -woman. I wish I waited now in your presence chamber, -with ease at my food and rest in my bed. I am pushed -from the shore of comfort, and know not where the -winds and waves of a Court will bear me. I know it -bringeth little comfort on earth; and he is, I reckon, no -wise man that looketh this way to heaven.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip043-t"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p043-t.jpg" alt="Frank Pierce Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>In the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, some -citizens of California presented President Pierce with a gigantic -ring. We here give an outline, and add a description of it from -Gleason’s Pictorial Newspaper for the 25th of December, 1852.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp48" id="ip043-b" style="max-width: 16em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p043-b.jpg" alt="President Franklin Pierce Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>“It is already pretty widely known to the public generally, -that a number of citizens of San Francisco have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span> -caused to be manufactured and forwarded to Gen. -Pierce, a most valuable and unique present, in the form -of a massive gold ring, as a token of esteem for the President -elect. Of this ring our artist has herewith given -us an admirable representation. It is a massive gold -ring, weighing upwards of a full pound. This monster -ring, for chasteness of design, elegance of execution, and -high style of finish, has, perhaps, no equal in the world. -The design is by Mr. George Blake, a mechanic of San -Francisco. The circular portion of the ring is cut into -squares, which stand at right angles with each other, and -are embellished each with a beautifully executed design, -the entire group presenting a pictorial history of California, -from her primitive state down to her present flourishing -condition, under the flag of our Union.</p> - -<p>“Thus, there is given a grizzly bear in a menacing attitude, -a deer bounding down a slope, an enraged boa, a -soaring eagle and a salmon. Then we have the Indian -with his bow and arrow, the primitive weapon of self-defence; -the native mountaineer on horseback, and a -Californian on horseback, throwing his lasso. Next -peeps out a Californian tent. Then you see a miner at -work, with his pick, the whole being shaded by two -American flags, with the staves crossed and groups of -stars in the angles. The part of the ring reserved for a -seal is covered by a solid and deeply carved plate of -gold, bearing the arms of the State of California in the -centre, surmounted by the banner and stars of the United -States, and inscribed with ‘<span class="smcap">Frank Pierce</span>,’ in old Roman -characters. This lid opens upon a hinge, and presents -to view underneath a square box, divided by bars -of gold into nine separate compartments, each containing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span> -a pure specimen of the varieties of ore found in the -country. Upon the inside is the following inscription: -‘<em>Presented to</em> <span class="smcap">Franklin Pierce</span>, <em>the Fourteenth President -of the United States.</em>’ The ring is valued at $2000. -Our engraving gives a separate view of the lid, so as to -represent the appearance of the top of the ring both when -it is open and when it is closed. Altogether, it is a massive -and superb affair, rich in emblematical design and -illustration, and worthy its object.”</p> - -<p>Rings appear to have been worn indiscriminately on -the fingers of each hand. It would seem, however, from -Jeremiah, that the Hebrews wore them on their right -hand; we there read that when the Lord threatened -King Zedekiah with the utmost effects of his anger, he -told him: “Though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king -of Judah, were the signet on my right hand, yet would -I pluck thee thence.”<a id="FNanchor_75" href="#Footnote_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></p> - -<p>Trimalchion wore two rings, one large and gilt, upon -the little finger of his right hand, and the other of gold, -powdered with iron stars, upon the middle of the ring -finger.<a id="FNanchor_76" href="#Footnote_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a></p> - -<p>Among the Romans, before rings came to be adorned -with stones, and while the graving was yet on the metal -itself, every one wore them at pleasure on what hand and -finger he pleased. When stones came to be added, they -had them altogether on the left hand; and it would have -been held an excess of foppery to have put them on the -right.</p> - -<p>Pliny says, they were at first worn on the fourth finger, -then on the second or index, then on the little finger, and -at last, on all the fingers excepting the middle one.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span></p> - -<p>Clemens Alexandrinus has it that men wore the ring -on the extremity of the little finger, so as to leave the -hand more free.</p> - -<p>According to Aulus Gellius,<a id="FNanchor_77" href="#Footnote_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> both the Greeks and -Romans wore them on the fourth finger of the left -hand; and the reason he gives for it is this, that having -found, from anatomy, that this finger had a little nerve -that went straight to the heart, they esteemed it the most -honorable by this communication with that noble part. -Macrobius quotes Atteius Capito, that the right hand -was exempt from this office, because it was much more -used than the left, and, therefore, the precious stones of -the rings were liable to be broken, and that the finger -of the left hand was selected which was the least employed.</p> - -<p>Pliny says, the Gauls and ancient Britons wore the -ring on the middle finger.</p> - -<p>At first, the Romans only used a single ring; then, -one on each finger, and, at length, as we gather from -Martial,<a id="FNanchor_78" href="#Footnote_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> several on each. Afterwards, according to -Aristophanes,<a id="FNanchor_79" href="#Footnote_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> one on each joint. Their foppery at -length arose to such a pitch that they had their weekly -rings.</p> - -<p>The beast Heliogabalus carried the point of using rings -the farthest, for, according to Lampridius, he never wore -the same ring or the same shoe twice.</p> - -<p>Heliogabalus was a funny wretch:—he would frequently -invite to his banquets eight old men blind of -one eye, eight bald, eight deaf, eight lame with the gout, -eight blacks, eight exceedingly thin, and eight so fat that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span> -they could scarcely enter the room, and who, when they -had eaten as much as they desired, were obliged to be -taken out of the apartment on the shoulders of several -soldiers.</p> - -<p>Egyptian women wore many, and sometimes two or -three on one finger; but the left was considered the hand -peculiarly privileged to bear these ornaments; and it is -remarkable that its third was decorated with a greater -number than any other and was considered by them as -the ring finger.<a id="FNanchor_80" href="#Footnote_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> This notion, as we have observed, the -Grecians had.</p> - -<p>The idea of wearing rings on the fourth finger of the -left hand, because of a supposed artery there which went -to the heart, was carried so far that, according to Levinus -Lemnius, this finger was called <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Medicus</i>; and the old -physicians would stir up their medicaments and potions -with it, because no venom could stick upon the very -outmost part of it but it will offend a man and communicate -itself to the heart.</p> - -<p>With regard to the translation of rings from the right -to the left hand, it may be pleasing to refer to that -charming old work, <em>Enquiries into Vulgar and Common -Errors</em>, by Browne:<a id="FNanchor_81" href="#Footnote_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> he says, “That hand [the left] -being lesse employed, thereby they were best preserved, -and for the same reason they placed them on this finger, -for the thumbe was too active a finger and is commonly -imployed with either of the rest: the index or fore finger -was too naked whereto to commit their pretiosities, and -hath the tuition of the thumbe scarce unto the second -joynt: the middle and little finger they rejected as extreams, -and too big or too little for their rings; and of all<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> -chose out the fourth as being least used of any, as being -guarded on either side, and having in most this peculiar -condition that it cannot be extended alone and by -itselfe, but will be accompanied by some finger on either -side.”</p> - -<p>As to the Egyptians deriving a nerve from the heart -in the fourth finger of the left hand, the priests, from this -notion, anointed the same with precious oils before the -altar. And Browne, in his Vulgar Errors, says, “The -Egyptians were weak anatomists, which were so good -embalmers.”<a id="FNanchor_82" href="#Footnote_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a></p> - -<p>In the General Epistle of St. James,<a id="FNanchor_83" href="#Footnote_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> we have this: -“For if there come unto your assembly a man with a -gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a -poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him -that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou -here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou -there or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then -partial in yourselves and are become judges of evil -thoughts?” In an illustrated edition of the New Testament, -it is said, the expression “with a gold ring” might -very properly be rendered, “having his fingers adorned -with gold rings;” and that about the time referred to in -the text, the wearing of many rings had become a fashion, -at least among the master people, the Romans, -from whom it was probably adopted by persons of -wealth and rank in the provinces. The custom is noticed -by Arrian; while Seneca, in describing the luxury and -ostentation of the time, says, “We adorn our fingers -with rings, and a jewel is displayed on every joint.” -There is a newspaper anecdote of an eminent preacher at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> -Norwich, in England, which shows that he had the -above verse (from the Epistle of St. James) in mind when -it occurred. His Reverence made a sudden pause in -his sermon; the congregation were panic-struck. Having -riveted their attention, he addressed himself by name -to a gentleman in the gallery. “Has that poor man -who stands at the back of your pew a gold ring on his -finger?” The gentleman turned round, and replied, “I -believe not, sir.” “Oh, then, I suppose that is the reason -he must not have a seat.” The gentleman had three -gold rings on his hand; and his pew was nearly empty.</p> - -<p>Here is another anecdote of a priest, in worse taste -than the last. Albert Pio, Prince of Caspi, was buried -with extraordinary pomp in the Church of the Cordeliers -at Paris. He had been deprived of his principality -by the Duke of Ferrara, became an author, and -finally a fanatic. Entering one day into one of the -churches at Madrid, he presented holy water to a lady -who had a very thin hand, ornamented by a most beautiful -and valuable ring. He exclaimed in a loud voice -as she reached the water, “Madam, I admire the ring -more than the hand.” The lady instantly exclaimed, -with reference to the cordon or rope with which he was -decorated, “And for my part, I admire the halter more -than I do the ass.” He was buried in the habit of a Cordelier; -and Erasmus made a satire on the circumstance, -entitled the “Seraphic Interment.”</p> - -<p>The Hebrew women wore a number of rings upon -their fingers.<a id="FNanchor_84" href="#Footnote_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a></p> - -<p>Hippocrates, in treating of the decency of dress to be -observed by physicians, enjoins the use of rings. We<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -have somewhere seen it suggested, that the rings thus -worn by physicians might have contained aromatic water -or preservative essence, in the same way as their canes -were supposed to do; and hence the action of putting -the heads or tops of the latter to their noses when consulting -in a sick-room.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 15. The author deems it as well to refer to the law, -in relation to rings. In common parlance, we consider -precious stones to be jewels; but rings of gold will pass -by that word. In the time of Queen Elizabeth, the Earl -of Northumberland bequeathed by his will his jewels to -his wife, and died possessed of a collar of S’s, and of a -garter of gold, and of a button annexed to his bonnet, -and also many other buttons of gold and precious stones -annexed to his robes, and of many chains, bracelets -and rings of gold and precious stones.<a id="FNanchor_85" href="#Footnote_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> The question -was, whether all these would pass by the devise under -the name of jewels? It was resolved by the justices, -that the garter and collar of S’s did not pass, because -they were not properly jewels, but ensigns of power -and state; and that the buckle of his bonnet and the -button did not pass, because they were annexed to his -robes, and were no jewels. But, for the other chains, -bracelets and tings, they passed under the bequest of -jewels.</p> - -<p>Persons who desire to leave specific rings to friends -should designate them; for, otherwise, the particular article -will not pass. Thus, “I give a diamond ring,” is -what is called a general legacy, which may be fulfilled -by the delivery of any ring of that kind; while “I give<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> -the diamond ring presented to me by A,” is a specific -legacy, which can only be satisfied by the delivery of -the specified subject.<a id="FNanchor_86" href="#Footnote_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> A legacy of £50 for a ring is but -a money legacy; it fastens upon no specific ring, and -carries interest like other money bequests.<a id="FNanchor_87" href="#Footnote_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a></p> - -<p>A family ring may become an important piece of evidence -in the establishment of a pedigree; and the law -admits it for that purpose: upon the presumption, as -Lord Erskine has it, “that a person would not wear a -ring with an error upon it.”<a id="FNanchor_88" href="#Footnote_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a></p> - -<p>In ancient times dying persons gave their rings to some -one, declaring thereby who was their heir.<a id="FNanchor_89" href="#Footnote_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 16. We do not find in any work on orders of knighthood, -any association having direct reference to a ring; -but in a volume of the Imperial Magazine there is a -reference to the Order of the Ring, said to have been -copied from a beautifully illuminated MS., on vellum.<a id="FNanchor_90" href="#Footnote_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> -The sovereign of the order was to wear upon the fifth -finger a blue enamelled ring, set round with diamonds, -with the motto, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Sans changer</i>. The matter looks fictitious, -for it embraces the seeming signatures of Leonora, -Belvidera, Torrismond and Cæsario.</p> - -<p>Lorenzo the Magnificent, of the Medici family, bore a -diamond ring with three feathers and the motto, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Semper</i>; -and when the Medici returned to Florence, Giuliano de -Medici instituted an order of merit, denominated the -Order of the Diamond, alluding to the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">impresa</i>, an emblem -of his father. This was done to secure influence<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> -by recalling the memory of the parent. The members -of it had precedence on public occasions, and it was -their province to preside over festivals, triumphs and -exhibitions.<a id="FNanchor_91" href="#Footnote_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 17. Rings have been found in strange places, and -under interesting circumstances. We find them upon -and below the earth; within the Pyramids; beneath the -ashes of Pompeii and Herculaneum; and strewed over -battle-fields.<a id="FNanchor_92" href="#Footnote_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> They have been discovered on the field -of Cressy.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 18. In Persia, at the present day, letters are seldom -written and never signed by the person who sends them; -and it will thus appear that the authenticity of all orders -and communications, and even of a merchant’s bills, depends -wholly on an impression from his seal-ring.<a id="FNanchor_93" href="#Footnote_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> This -makes the occupation of a seal-cutter one of as much -trust and danger as it seems to have been in Egypt. -Such a person is obliged to keep a register of every -ring-seal he makes; and if one be lost or stolen from the -party for whom it was cut, his life would answer for -making another exactly like it. The loss of a signet-ring -is considered a serious calamity; and the alarm which -an Oriental exhibits when his signet is missing, can only -be understood by a reference to these circumstances, as -the seal-cutter is always obliged to alter the real date at -which the seal was cut. The only resource of a person -who has lost his seal is to have another made with a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -new date, and to write to his correspondents to inform -them that all accounts, contracts and communications to -which his former signet is affixed are null from the day -on which it was lost.</p> - -<p>Importance has been given to signets in England. -This was at a time when the schoolmaster had not made -many penmen. “And how great a regard was had to -seals,” says Collins, in his <em>Baronage</em>, “appears from -these testimonies; the Charter of King Henry I. to the -Abbey of Evesham, being exhibited to King Henry III. -and the seal being cloven in sunder, the King forthwith -caused it to be confirmed,” etc., etc.; “and in 13 Ed. -III., when, by misfortune, a deed, then showed in the -Chancery, was severed from the seal, in the presence of -the Lord Chancellor and other noble persons, command -was not only given for the affixing it again thereto, but -an exemplification was made thereof under the Great -Seal of England, with the recital of the premises. And -the counterfeiting of another man’s seal was anciently -punished with transportation, as appears from this record -in the reign of King John,” etc., etc. “It is also as remarkable -that in 9 H. III. c. c. marks damages were -recovered by Sir Ralph de Crophall, Knight, against -Henry de Grendon and William de Grendon for forcibly -breaking a seal from a deed. Also so tender was every -man in those times of his seal, that if he had accidentally -lost it, care was taken to publish the same, lest another -might make use of it to his detriment, as is manifested -in the case of Benedict de Hogham,” etc. “Also not -much unlike to this is that of Henry de Perpount, a person -of great quality, (ancestor of his Grace the Duke -of Kingston,) who, on Monday, in the Octaves of St.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> -Michael, 8 Ed. I., came into the Chancery at Lincoln -and publicly declared, that he missed his seal; and protested, -that if any instrument should be signed with that -seal, for the time to come, it should be of no value or -effect. Nor is that publication made by John de Greseley -of Drakelow, in <em>Com. Derb.</em> 18 R. II., upon the -loss of his seal, less considerable,” etc., etc.<a id="FNanchor_94" href="#Footnote_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 19. We are aware of the value of many modern -rings, arising from their being used as mere frames for -jewels. And ancient ones, from the same fact or from -having exquisite engraving upon them, were also highly -prized. Nonius,<a id="FNanchor_95" href="#Footnote_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> a senator, is said to have been proscribed -by Anthony for the sake of a gem in a ring, worth -twenty thousand sesterces.</p> - -<p>The “Roving Englishman”<a id="FNanchor_96" href="#Footnote_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> informs us, that the Pasha -wears on his right-hand little finger, a diamond ring -which once belonged to the Dey of Algiers, and cost a -thousand pounds sterling.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 20. An English work, of but little note, professes to -make out “Love’s Telegraph,” as understood in America, -thus:—If a gentleman wants a wife, he wears a ring on -the <em>first</em> finger of the left hand; if he is engaged, he wears -it on the <em>second</em> finger; if married, on the <em>third</em>; and -on the fourth if he never intends to be married. When -a lady is not engaged, she wears a hoop or diamond on her -<em>first</em> finger; if engaged, on the <em>second</em>; if married, on the -<em>third</em>; and on the fourth if she intends to die a maid.<a id="FNanchor_97" href="#Footnote_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span></p> - -<p>Many of our readers are aware that there are <em>name-rings</em>, -in which the first letter attaching to each jewel -employed will make a loved one’s name or a sentiment. -In the formation of English rings of this kind, the terms -<em>Regard</em> and <em>Dearest</em> are common. Thus illustrated:—R(<em>uby</em>) -E(<em>merald</em>) G(<em>arnet</em>) A(<em>methyst</em>) R(<em>uby</em>) D(<em>iamond</em>).—D(<em>iamond</em>) -E(<em>merald</em>) A(<em>methyst</em>) R(<em>uby</em>) E(<em>merald</em>) -S(<em>apphire</em>) T(<em>opaz</em>). It is believed that this pretty notion -originated (as many pretty notions do) with the French. -The words which the latter generally play with, in a -combination of gems, are <em>Souvenir</em> and <em>Amitié</em>, thus: -S(<em>aphir</em> or <em>S</em>ardoine) O(<em>nix</em> or <em>O</em>pale) U(<em>raine</em>) V(<em>ermeille</em>) -E(<em>meraude</em>) N(<em>atralithe</em>) I(<em>ris</em>) R(<em>ubis</em> or <em>R</em>ose diamant).—A(<em>méthiste</em> -or <em>A</em>igue-marine) M(<em>alachite</em>) I(<em>ris</em>) T(<em>urquoise</em> -or <em>T</em>opaze) I(<em>ris</em>) E(<em>meraude</em>).</p> - -<p>Here are the alphabetical French names of precious -stones:<a id="FNanchor_98" href="#Footnote_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a></p> - -<table class="autotable fs90" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">A.</td> -<td class="tdl">Améthiste. Aigue-marine.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">B.</td> -<td class="tdl">Brilliant. Diamant, désigniant la même pierre.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">C.</td> -<td class="tdl">Chrisolithe. Carnaline. Chrisophrase.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">D.</td> -<td class="tdl">Diamant.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">E.</td> -<td class="tdl">Emeraude.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">F.</td> -<td class="tdl">(<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Pas de pierre connue.</i>)</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">G.</td> -<td class="tdl">Grenat.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">H.</td> -<td class="tdl">Hiacinthe.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">I.</td> -<td class="tdl">Iris.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">J.</td> -<td class="tdl">Jasper.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">K.</td> -<td class="tdl">(<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Pas de pierre connue.</i>)</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">L.</td> -<td class="tdl">Lapis lazuli.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">M.</td> -<td class="tdl">Malachite.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">N.</td> -<td class="tdl">Natralithe.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">O.</td> -<td class="tdl">Onix. Opale.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">P.</td> -<td class="tdl">Perle. Peridot. Purpurine.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Q.</td> -<td class="tdl">(<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Pas de pierre connue.</i>)</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">R.</td> -<td class="tdl">Rubis. Rose diamant.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">S.</td> -<td class="tdl">Saphir. Sardoine.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">T.</td> -<td class="tdl">Turquoise. Topaze.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">U.</td> -<td class="tdl">Uraine.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">V.</td> -<td class="tdl">Vermeille (<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">espèce de grenat jaune</i>).</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">X.</td> -<td class="tdl">Xépherine.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Y. Z.</td> -<td class="tdl">(<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Pas de nous connus.</i>)</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span></p> - -<p>Kobell says,<a id="FNanchor_99" href="#Footnote_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> “In <em>name-rings</em>, in which a name is -indicated by the initial letter of different gems, the emerald -is mostly used under its English and French name -(<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Emeraude</i>) to stand for <em>e</em>, which would otherwise not be -represented. (The German name is <i lang="de" xml:lang="de">Smaragd</i>.) While on -this point, it may be mentioned that a difficulty occurs -with <em>u</em>, but recent times have furnished a name which -may assist, namely, a green garnet, containing chrome, -from Siberia, which has been baptized after the Russian -Minister Uwarrow, and called <em>Uwarrovite</em>.”</p> - -<p>The Poles have a fanciful belief that each month of -the year is under the influence of a precious stone, which -influence has a corresponding effect on the destiny of a -person born during the respective month. Consequently -it is customary among friends and lovers, on birth-days, -to make reciprocal presents of trinkets ornamented with -the natal stones. The stones and their influences, corresponding -with each month, are supposed to be as -follows:</p> - -<table class="autotable fs90" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">January—Garnet.</td> -<td class="tdl">Constancy and Fidelity.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">February—Amethyst.</td> -<td class="tdl">Sincerity.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">March—Bloodstone.</td> -<td class="tdl">Courage, presence of mind.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">April—Diamond.</td> -<td class="tdl">Innocence.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">May—Emerald.</td> -<td class="tdl">Success in love.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">June—Agate.</td> -<td class="tdl">Health and long life.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">July—Cornelian.</td> -<td class="tdl">Contented mind.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">August—Sardonyx.</td> -<td class="tdl">Conjugal felicity.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">September—Chrysolite.</td> -<td class="tdl">Antidote against madness.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">October—Opal.</td> -<td class="tdl">Hope.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">November—Topaz.</td> -<td class="tdl">Fidelity.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">December—Turquoise.</td> -<td class="tdl">Prosperity.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p> - -<p>Modern jewellers are known to palm off imitations of -gems; and so did sellers of trinkets in ancient times. -The moderns only run the chance of a loss of custom; -but the latter were well off if they got no greater fright -than the jeweller who sold to the wife of Gallienus a -ring with a piece of glass in it. Gallienus ordered the -cheat to be placed in the circus, as though he were to be -exposed to the ferocity of a lion. While the miserable -jeweller trembled at the expectation of instant death, -the executioner, by order of the emperor, let loose a -capon upon him. An uncommon laugh was raised at -this; and the emperor observed that he who had deceived -others should expect to be deceived himself.</p> - -<p>A ring often figures in the old English ballads. Thus, -in <em>Child Noryce</em>, the hero of it invites Lady Barnard to -the merry greenwood:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Here is a ring, a ring, he says,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">It’s all gold but the stane;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">You may tell her to come to the merry greenwood,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And ask the leave o’ nane.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span></p> - -<p class="p1h">§ 21. A ring, as an heraldic figure, is found in coats -of arms throughout every kingdom in Europe. In Heraldry, -it is called an <em>annulet</em>. We find the ring “gemmed” -borne in the <em>arms</em> of the Montgomeries, who hold -the Earldom of Eglinton; and one of whom figures in the -ballad of Chevy Chase:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Against Sir Hugh Montgomerie</div> - <div class="verse indent2">So right his shaft he set,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The gray-goose-wing that was therein</div> - <div class="verse indent2">In his heart blood was wet.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>A father and son of this family were opposed to each -other in the battle of Marston Moor. The father, from -his bearing, had the popular appellation of <em>Gray Steel</em>. -We find the amulet borne in the coats of arms of several -of the peers and gentlemen of England.</p> - -<p>Louis IX. of France, St. Louis, took for his device a -marguerite or daisy and fleur-de-lis, in allusion to the -name of Queen Marguerite his wife and the arms of -France, which were also his own.<a id="FNanchor_100" href="#Footnote_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> He had a ring made -with a relief around it in enamel, which represented a -garland of marguerites and fleurs-de-lis. One was -engraven on a sapphire with these words, “<em>This ring -contains all we love.</em>” Thus, it has been said, did this -excellent prince show his people that he loved nothing -but Religion, France and his wife. It is a question, however, -whether the emblem on the escutcheon of the kings -of France is really a fleur-de-lis. Some think it was originally -a toad, which formed the crest of the helmet worn -by Pharamond; and others, the golden bees which were<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -discovered in the tomb of Childeric at Tournay in 1653.<a id="FNanchor_101" href="#Footnote_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> -The story is that Clovis, after baptism, received a fleur-de-lis -from an angel. Since then France has been called -“the empire of lilies.” The coat of arms of Clovis and -his successors was a field of azure, seeded with golden -fleurs-de-lis.</p> - - -<p class="p1h"><ins class="corr" id="tn59" title="Transcriber’s Note—“§ 22.” added before “The story of losing rings”.">§ 22.</ins> The story of losing rings and finding them in fish, is -as old as Pliny, and we shall have to mention Solomon’s -ring, which, it is said, was found in one. We have an -English statement<a id="FNanchor_102" href="#Footnote_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> of a Mrs. Todd, of Deptford, who, in -going in a boat to Whitstable, endeavored to prove that -no person need be poor who was willing to be otherwise; -and, being excited with her argument, she took off her -gold ring and throwing it into the sea, said, “It was as -much impossible for any person to be poor, who had an -inclination to be otherwise, as for her ever to see that -ring again.” The second day after this, and when she -had landed, she bought some mackerel, which the servant -commenced to dress for dinner, whereupon there was -found a gold ring in one. The servant ran to show it to -her mistress, and the ring proved to be that which she -had thrown away.</p> - -<p>We are told in Brand’s “History of Newcastle,” that -a gentleman of that city, in the middle of the seventeenth<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span> -century, dropped a ring from his hand over the bridge -into the river Tyne. Years passed on; he had lost all -hopes of recovering the ring, when one day his wife -bought a fish in the market, and in the stomach of that -fish was the identical jewel which had been lost! From -the pains taken to commemorate this event, it would -appear to be true; it was merely an occurrence possible, -but extremely unlikely to have occurred.</p> - -<p>We are inclined to add in this section a circumstance -connected with a ring as it appeared in a respectable -English periodical. Fact, here, beats fiction:</p> - -<p>“Many years ago a lady sent her servant, a young -man about twenty years of age, and a native of that part -of the country where his mistress resided, to the neighboring -town with a ring, which required some alteration, -to be delivered into the hands of a jeweller. The young -man went the shortest way across the fields; and coming -to a little wooden bridge that crossed a small stream, he -leant against the rail, and took the ring out of its case to -look at it. While doing so, it slipped out of his hand, -and fell into the water. In vain he searched for it, even -till it grew dark. He thought it fell into the hollow -of a stump of a tree under water, but he could not find -it. The time taken in the search was so long, that he -feared to return and tell his story, thinking it incredible, -and that he should be even suspected of having gone -into evil company and gamed it away or sold it. In -this fear he determined never to return—left wages and -clothes, and fairly ran away. This seemingly great misfortune -was the making of him. His intermediate history -I know not; but this, that after many years’ absence, -either in the East or West Indies, he returned with a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span> -very considerable fortune. He now wished to clear -himself with his old mistress; ascertained that she was -living; purchased a diamond ring of considerable value, -which he determined to present in person, and clear his -character, by telling his tale, to which the credit of his -present position might testify. He took the coach to the -town of——, and from thence set out to walk the distance -of a few miles. He found, I should tell you, on -alighting, a gentleman who resided in the neighborhood, -who was bound for the adjacent village. They walked -together, and in conversation, this former servant, now a -gentleman, with graceful manners and agreeable address, -communicated the circumstance that made him leave -the country abruptly many years before. As he was -telling this, they came to the very wooden bridge. -‘There,’ said he; ‘it was just here that I dropped the -ring; and there is the very bit of old tree into a hole of -which it fell—just there.’ At the same time he put -down the point of his umbrella into the hole of the knot -in the tree, and drawing it up, to the astonishment of -both, found the very ring on the ferrule of the umbrella.”</p> - -<p>Here also was an occurrence against which one would -have previously said the chances were as one to infinity. -It was a circumstance which we see to be most unlikely, -yet must acknowledge to be possible, and, when well -authenticated, to be true.</p> - -<p>In the year 1765, a codfish was sold, and in its stomach -was a gold ring. It had remained there so long -that the inscription was worn off, although the scrolls in -which it had been written remained entire.<a id="FNanchor_103" href="#Footnote_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> Codfish, -like sharks, swallow any thing, whether fresh or salted,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> -bits of wood, red cloth, and even a whole book has been -found in one. We are not aware, however, that a cod -has turned “State’s evidence,” as it is said a shark did. -A shark had swallowed a log-book, thrown overboard to -him by a pirate; and afterwards repenting, took the first -hook that offered, and thus turned State’s evidence—so -as to hang the villain by the revelation of the document.<a id="FNanchor_104" href="#Footnote_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 23. Poetical riddles are but a low species of verse, -and yet the best of poets have made them. We find a -neat one on a ring, which, in riddle-phrase, has been -said to “unite two people together and touch only one.” -It runs thus:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Though small of body, it contains</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The extremes of pleasure and of pains;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Has no beginning, nor no end;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">More hollow than the falsest friend.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">If it entraps some headless zany,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Or, in its magic circle, any</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Have entered, from its sorcery</div> - <div class="verse indent0">No power on earth can set them free.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">At least, all human force is vain,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Or less than many hundred men.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Though endless, yet not short, nor long;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And what though it’s so wondrous strong,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The veriest child, that’s pleased to try,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Might carry fifty such as I.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>George Herbert—“Holy Mr. Herbert,” as Isaac Walton -calls him—has an enigma in which a ring appears. -We must confess our inability to solve it, and leave -readers to do so. It is entitled—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> - - -<p class="ptxt">“HOPE.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“I gave to Hope a watch of mine; but he</div> - <div class="verse indent6">An anchor gave to me.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Then an old prayer-book I did present,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">And he an optic sent.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With that, I gave a phial full of tears;</div> - <div class="verse indent6">But he a few green ears.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Ah, loiterer! I’ll no more, no more I’ll bring:</div> - <div class="verse indent6">I did expect a ring.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 24. Rings are sometimes misapplied. In the church -of Loretto is the house in which some Catholics say the -Virgin mother of Jesus was born, it having occupied a -lane in Nazareth where Christ resided, and which, after -a long flight of years, was transported by angels to -Loretto. It must, as it stood in Nazareth, have resembled -a mud cabin. Within it is a miraculous statue of -the Virgin and child, in cedar wood. “The Bambino,” -says an authoress, “holds up his hand, as if to sport -a superb diamond ring on his finger, presented to him -by Cardinal Antonelli; it is a single diamond, and -weighs thirty grains.”<a id="FNanchor_105" href="#Footnote_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 25. The scenes through which many rings are carried -must be as remarkable as those exhibited in “The -Adventures of a Guinea,” or “of a Feather.” “My -Lady Rochford,” writes Horace Walpole, “desired me -t’other day to give her a motto for a ruby ring, which -had been given by a handsome woman of quality to a -fine man; he gave it to his mistress, she to Lord *****, -he to my Lady; who, I think, does not deny that it has -not yet finished its travels. I excused myself for some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span> -time, on the difficulty of reducing such a history to a -poesy—at last I proposed this:</p> - -<p> -‘This was given by woman to man and by man to woman.’”<a id="FNanchor_106" href="#Footnote_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>It may be well for the author to so far take the part of -a jeweller, as to sort his Rings before he exhibits them.</p> - -<p>We propose to speak of:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>1.—<em>Rings connected with power.</em></p> - -<p>2.—<em>Rings having supposed charms and virtues, or connected -with degradation and slavery, or used for sad -and wicked purposes.</em></p> - -<p>3.—<em>Rings coupled with remarkable historical characters -or circumstances.</em></p> - -<p>4.—<em>Rings of love, affection and friendship.</em></p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_TWO">CHAPTER TWO.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="pfs90">RINGS CONNECTED WITH POWER.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hang1">1. The Ring an Emblem of Power; Pharaoh; Quintus Curtius; Antiochus -Epiphanes, Augustus; King of Persia, Egypt under the Ptolemies; Roman -Senators; the Forefinger. 2. Rings used in Coronations; Edward the -Second, Mother of Henry VIII.; Queen Elizabeth; Charles II.; Coronation -Rings, Canute; Sebert; Henry II.; Childeric; Matilda, wife of -William the Conqueror. 3. King withdrawing a Proceeding from the -Council by the use of a Ring. 4. The Doge of Venice marrying the Adriatic. -5. The Ring of Office of the Doge. 6. <em>The Fisherman’s Ring.</em> 7. Papal -Ring of Pius II. 8. Investiture of Archbishops and Bishops, by delivery -of a Ring; Cardinal’s Ring; Extension of the two Forefingers and Thumb. -9. Serjeant’s Ring. 10. Arabian Princesses. 11. Roman Knights. 12. Alderman’s -Thumb Ring.</p></div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 1. <span class="smcap">From</span> the most ancient times, a ring has been an -emblem of power.</p> - -<p>Pharaoh put his ring upon Joseph’s hand, as a mark -of the power he gave him; and the people cried, “Bow -the knee.”<a id="FNanchor_107" href="#Footnote_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></p> - -<p>Quintus Curtius tells us that Alexander the Great -sealed the letters he wrote into Europe with his own -ring seal, and those in Asia with Darius’s ring; and that -when Alexander gave his ring to Perdiccas, it was understood -as nominating him his successor.</p> - -<p>When Antiochus Epiphanes was at the point of death, -he committed to Philip, one of his friends, his diadems, -royal cloak and ring, that he might give them to his -successor, young Antiochus.<a id="FNanchor_108" href="#Footnote_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span></p> - -<p>Augustus, being very ill of a distemper which he -thought mortal, gave his ring to Agrippa, as to a friend -of the greatest integrity.</p> - -<p>The ring given by Pharaoh to Joseph was, undoubtedly, -a signet or seal-ring, and gave authority to the -documents to which it was affixed; and by the delivery -of it, therefore, Pharaoh delegated to Joseph the chief -authority in the state.<a id="FNanchor_109" href="#Footnote_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> The king of Persia, in the -same way, gave his seal-ring to his successive ministers, -Haman and Mordecai; and in the book of Esther,<a id="FNanchor_110" href="#Footnote_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> the -use of such a ring is expressly declared: “The writing -which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the -king’s seal, may no man reverse.”</p> - -<p>That ministers or lords under the king had their rings -of office, is also apparent from what occurred with the -closing of the den of lions: “And a stone was brought -and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed -it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; -that the purpose might not be changed concerning -Daniel.”<a id="FNanchor_111" href="#Footnote_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a></p> - -<p>In Egypt, under the Ptolemies, the king’s ring was the -badge under which the country was governed. It seemed -to answer to the great seal of England.<a id="FNanchor_112" href="#Footnote_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> We read -that Sosibius, minister under Ptolemy Philopater, was -forced, by popular clamor, to give up the king’s signet -ring to another. Here was a going out of a Lord John -Russell, and a coming in of a Lord Palmerston.</p> - -<p>At first, Roman Senators were not allowed to wear -gold rings, unless they had been ambassadors; but, at -length, the Senators and Knights were allowed the use<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -of them; although Acron in Horace observes they could -not do it unless it were given them by the Prætor.<a id="FNanchor_113" href="#Footnote_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> The -people wore silver rings.</p> - -<p>Inhabitants of the eastern world do not sign their -names. They have ring-seals, in which name and title -are engraven, and they make an impression with thick -ink where we make our signature. To give a person, then, -your seal-ring, is to give him the use of an authority and -power which your own signature possesses. This explains -the extraordinary anxiety about seals, as exhibited in the -laws and usages of the East, and to which we have referred -in a former chapter. It also illustrates Judah’s anxiety -about the signet which he had pledged to Tamar.</p> - -<p>In ancient times, the forefinger was emblematical of -power. Among the Hebrews, “the finger of God” -denoted his power; and it was the forefinger among the -gods of Greece and Italy which wore the ring, the emblem -of supremacy.<a id="FNanchor_114" href="#Footnote_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 2. Rings are used in coronations. The English -public records, as now extant in the Tower of London, -contain no mention of any coronation proceedings before -the reign of Edward the Second. The accounts of the -forms observed with reference to that king being crowned, -as also of Richard the Second, are the two most -ancient from which the minutes of those matters can -be collected on official authority.<a id="FNanchor_115" href="#Footnote_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> However, there is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> -enough of Saxon times left to show that the Anglo-Saxon -kings used a ring in their coronation ceremonies.<a id="FNanchor_116" href="#Footnote_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a></p> - -<p>In a curious old manuscript relating to the Ancient -Form of the Coronation of the Kings and Queens of England, -we have this: “After the king is thus arrayed, -then let the crown be placed upon the king’s head by -the Archbishop, and afterwards let a ring be put upon -the king’s hand by the Bishop.”</p> - -<p>In Leland’s <cite>Collectanea</cite> is a circumstantial account of -the coronation of the mother of Henry the Eighth. In -describing the ceremonies made use of by the Archbishop: -“He next blest her ring and sprinkled on it holy -water.”</p> - -<p>In the ceremony of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, she -was wedded to the kingdom with a ring, which she -always wore, till the flesh growing over it, it was filed -off a little before her decease.<a id="FNanchor_117" href="#Footnote_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a></p> - -<p>On the restoration of Charles the Second of England, -measures were adopted to repair, as much as possible, -the loss of the ancient regalia of the crown taken from -their depository, the Jerusalem Chamber, Westminster, -and broken up and sold by the Parliamentarians.<a id="FNanchor_118" href="#Footnote_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> The -new regalia was constructed by Sir Robert Vyner, the -king’s goldsmith. The cost of it was £21,978 9s. 11d.</p> - -<p>In an account of the coronation of Charles II. of England,<a id="FNanchor_119" href="#Footnote_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> -we have the following, which comes after a description -of the robing and crowning: “Then the master -of the jewel house delivered to the Archbishop the ring,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> -who consecrated it after this manner, saying: ‘Bless, O -Lord, and sanctify this ring, that thy servant, wearing -it, may be sealed with the ring of faith and, by the power -of the Highest, be preserved from sin; and let all the -blessings, which are found in Holy Scripture, plentifully -descend upon him, that whatsoever he shall sanctify may -be holy; and whomsoever he blesseth may be blessed. -Amen.’ After which he put it upon the fourth finger -of the king’s right hand, and said: ‘Receive this ring of -kingly dignity, and by it the seal of Catholic Faith, that -as this day thou art adorned the head and prince of this -kingdom and people, so thou mayest persevere as the -author and establisher of Christianity and the Christian -faith; that being rich in faith and happy in works, thou -mayest reign with Him that is King of kings; to whom -be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.’” Think -of this imposing ceremony; and then remember the after -life and the death of that royal libertine. Better for his -country had he never known a British oak for safety. -The living tree was dishonored when its foliage shaded -him. What can be said in favor of one who squandered -on his mistresses seventy thousand pounds sterling, -which had been voted by Parliament for a monument to -his father? And also to think of the joking excuse, that -his father’s grave was unknown!</p> - -<p>In an explanation of what are called the sacred and -royal habits and other ornaments wherewith monarchs -of England are invested on the day of coronation, we -have a description of the king’s and queen’s coronation -rings. The king’s is a plain gold ring, with a large table -ruby violet, wherein a plain cross or cross of St. George -is curiously enchased. The queen’s coronation ring is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span> -likewise gold, with a large table ruby set therein and -sixteen other small rubies round about the ring, whereof -those next to the collet are the largest, the rest diminishing -proportionally.</p> - -<p>In the account of Ancient Regalia which were destroyed -and dissipated in the time of the Commonwealth -in England, there is no mention of a ring.</p> - -<p>In the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-six, -some workmen discovered a monument while repairing -Winchester Cathedral, in England.<a id="FNanchor_120" href="#Footnote_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> It contained the -body of King Canute, and was remarkably fresh. There -was a wreath around the head, several ornaments of gold -and also silver bands; upon a finger was a ring, in which -was set a large and remarkably fine stone; while in one -of the hands was a silver penny. This silver penny was -not for “the ferryman that poets write of,” as was the -piece of money in the mouths of the Roman knights -whose passing-away bodies we have before referred to; -but, although it may have been for Peter and not Charon, -is it not probable that we find here a custom of Christian -times springing out of heathen root? A statue of Jupiter -has been turned into a Christ; and that which the -Roman used for the boatman of Styx, is here meant for -one who had the key of heaven.</p> - -<p>While Henry the Second, of England, was rebuilding -Westminster Abbey, the sepulchre of Sebert, king of the -East Angles, was opened.<a id="FNanchor_121" href="#Footnote_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> The body was dressed in -royal robes, and there was a thumb-ring, in which was -set a ruby of great value.</p> - -<p>Horace Walpole, having reference to the opening of -this monarch’s tomb, complains, like an antiquary, of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -the reburying the king’s regalia. “They might, at least, -have cut out the portraits and removed the tomb [of King -Sebert] to a conspicuous situation; but though this age -is grown so antiquarian, it has not gained a grain more -of sense in that walk—witness, as you instance, in Mr. -Grose’s Legends, and in the dean and chapter reburying -the crown, robes and sceptre of Edward I. There would -surely have been as much piety in preserving them in -their treasury, as in consigning them again to decay. I -did not know that the salvation of robes and crowns depended -on receiving Christian burial. At the same time, -the chapter transgresses that prince’s will, like all their -antecessors, for he ordered his tomb to be opened every -year or two years, and receive a new cere-cloth or pall; -but they boast now of having inclosed him so substantially -that his ashes cannot be violated again.”<a id="FNanchor_122" href="#Footnote_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a></p> - -<p>When the tomb of Henry the Second, of England, was -opened, it appeared that he was buried wearing a crown -and royal robes, with other paraphernalia, while there -was a great ring upon his finger.<a id="FNanchor_123" href="#Footnote_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></p> - -<p>Richard the Second, of England, by his will directed -that he should be buried in velvet or white satin, etc., -and that, according to royal usage, a ring, with a precious -stone in it, should be put upon his finger.</p> - -<p>The body of Childeric, the first king of the Franks,<a id="FNanchor_124" href="#Footnote_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> -was discovered at Tours. It was found in royal robes, -and, with other regalia, a coronation ring.</p> - -<p>In the year one thousand five hundred and sixty-two, -the Calvinists broke open the tomb of Matilda, wife to -William the Conqueror, in the Abbey of Caen; and -discovered her body dressed in robes of state and a gold<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span> -ring, set with a sapphire, upon one of her fingers. The -ring was given to the then abbess, who presented it to -her father, the Baron de Conti, constable of France, when -he attended Charles IX. to Caen in 1563.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 3. In the time of Henry VIII. of England, the king’s -ring was used to withdraw from the Council the power -to adjudge a matter and to place it entirely in the hands -of the monarch. We refer to the complaints against -Cranmer, which are made use of by Shakspeare,<a id="FNanchor_125" href="#Footnote_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> who -has very closely followed Fox, in his Book of Martyrs.<a id="FNanchor_126" href="#Footnote_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> -The king sends for Cranmer, and follows up his discourse -thus: “Do you not consider what an easy thing it is to -procure three or four false knaves to witness against you? -Think you to have better luck that way than your master -Christ had? I see by it you will run headlong to your -undoing, if I would suffer you. Your enemies shall not -so prevail against you, for I have otherwise devised with -myself to keep you out of their hands. Yet, notwithstanding, -to-morrow when the council shall sit and send -for you, resort unto them, and if, in charging you with -this matter, they do commit you to the Tower, require -of them, because you are one of them, a counsellor, that -you may have your accusers brought before them without -any further indurance, and use for yourself as good -persuasions that way as you may devise; and if no entreaty -or reasonable request will serve, then deliver unto -them this my ring, (which, then, the king delivered unto -the Archbishop,) and say unto them, ‘If there be no remedy, -my lords, but that I must needs go to the Tower, -then I revoke my cause from you and appeal to the king’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span> -own person by this token unto you all;’ for, (said the -king then unto the Archbishop,) ‘so soon as they shall see -this my ring, they know it so well that they shall understand -that I have reserved the whole cause into mine own -hands and determination, and that I have discharged -them thereof.’ Anon the Archbishop was called into -the council chamber, to whom was alleged as before is -rehearsed. The Archbishop answered in like sort as the -king had advised him; and in the end, when he perceived -that no manner of persuasion or entreaty could serve, -he delivered them the king’s ring, revoking his cause -into the king’s hands. The whole council being thereat -somewhat amazed, the Earl of Bedford, with a loud voice, -confirming his words with a solemn oath, said, ‘When -you first began the matter, my lords, I told you what -would become of it. Do you think that the king would -suffer this man’s finger to ache? Much more (I warrant -you) will he defend his life against brabbling varlets. -You do but cumber yourselves to hear tales and fables -against him.’ And incontinently upon the receipt of the -king’s token, they all rose and carried to the king his -ring, surrendering that matter, as the order and use was, -into his own hands.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 4. The stranger in Venice is yet shown the richly -gilt galley, called <i>Bucentaur</i>, in which the Doge, from -the year 1311, was accustomed to go out into the sea -annually on Ascension Day, to throw a ring into the -water, and thus to marry, as it were, the Adriatic, as a -sign of the power of Venice over that sea.<a id="FNanchor_127" href="#Footnote_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a> This ceremony -does not go into remote antiquity, yet the origin<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -of it is of considerable date. In the year 1177, when the -Emperor Barbarossa went to humble himself before the -Pope, who had taken refuge in Venice, the Pope, in testimony -of the kindness he had there received, gave to the -Doge a ring, and with it a right for the Venetians to call -the Adriatic sea their own. He bade the Doge cast it -into the sea, to wed it, as a man marries his wife; and -he enjoined the citizens, by renewing this ceremony -every year, to claim a dominion which they had won by -their valor; for they had, with a small squadron, defeated -a large fleet of the Emperor’s and taken his son prisoner; -and it was to regain his son that the Emperor -submitted himself to the Pope.</p> - -<p>The ceremony took place on Ascension Day. The -Doge, the senators, foreign ambassadors and great numbers -of the nobility, in their black robes, walked to the -sea-side, where the magnificent vessel, the Bucentoro, -was waiting to receive them. They then proceeded -about two miles up the Laguna, and when arrived at a -certain place, they all stopped. The Doge then rose -from his chair of state, went to the side of the vessel and -threw a gold ring into the sea, repeating the following -words: “We espouse thee, O sea! as a token of our -perpetual dominion over thee.” At the close of this part -of the ceremony, all the galleys fired their guns; and -the music continued to play. On their voyage back, -they stopped at a small island, where they went to church, -and high mass was there celebrated. They then returned -in the same order they at first set out.<a id="FNanchor_128" href="#Footnote_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span></p> - -<p>This cry of perpetual dominion over the sea, puts us -in mind of the story of Canute; and knowing the present -prostrate and decaying condition of Venice, truly may -we say: “How are the mighty fallen.” One of our -frigates would make the whole maritime power of Venice -tremble like the ring as it went through the waters. -This ceremony was intermitted in the year one thousand -seven hundred and ninety-seven.<a id="FNanchor_129" href="#Footnote_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 5. The Doge of Venice had a ring of office. We -find it figuring in the acts through which the Doge -Foscari had to move. A noble creature was this Foscari. -No Brutus ever behaved with the awful dignity which -was apparent in Foscari at the period of his son’s torture -in his presence.<a id="FNanchor_130" href="#Footnote_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a></p> - -<p>When the Council of Ten demanded of him</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“The resignation of the Ducal ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Which he had worn so long and venerably,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>he laid aside the Ducal bonnet and robes; surrendered -his ring of office, and cried out:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent12">“There’s the Ducal ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And there the Ducal diadem. And so,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The Adriatic’s free to wed another.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span></p> -<p>The ring was broken in his presence, and as nobly as -the old Doge had borne himself, whether when strangers -were before him, or when his son was tortured in his -presence, (as an awful punishment for the yearning of a -young heart for childhood’s home,) so did this great -Venetian still act. He refused to leave the Ducal -palace by a private way. He would descend, he said, -by no other than the same giant stairs which he had -mounted thirty years before. Supported by his brother, -he slowly traversed them. At their foot, leaning upon -his staff, for years of age were upon him, he turned -towards the palace, and accompanied a last look with -these parting words: “My <em>services</em> established me within -your walls; it is <em>the malice of my enemies</em> which -tears me from them.” The bells of the Campanile told -of his successor. He suppressed all outward emotion, but -a blood-vessel was ruptured in the exertion and he died -in a few hours.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 6. A Pope wears a ring of gold with a costly emerald -or other precious gem set in it.</p> - -<p>The decrees of the Romish Court consist of bulls and -briefs. The latter are issued on less important occasions -than the former. Briefs are written upon fine white -parchment, with Latin letters; and the seal is what is -called “The Fisherman’s Ring.” It is a steel seal, made -in the fashion of a Roman signet, (<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">signatorius annulus</i>.) -When a brief is written to any distinguished personage, -or has relation to religious or general important matter, -the impression from the Fisherman’s Ring is said to be -made upon a gold surface; in some other cases it appears -upon lead; and these seals are generally attached by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span> -strings of silk. Impressions of this seal are also made -in ink, direct upon the substance on which the brief is -written. The author has obtained a sight of an impression -of the Fisherman’s Ring, attached to a bull or brief -in the archives of the Catholic bishopric of New-York, -and liberty to copy it for publication.<a id="FNanchor_131" href="#Footnote_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> The impression -is in ink upon vellum or fine parchment, -at the left hand of the extreme -lower corner, balancing the signature -at the other (lower) corner. We are -not aware that a sketch has ever before -been made public.</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip077"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p077.jpg" alt="Fisherman's Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>A “Fisherman’s Ring” was used -at a very early period; and no doubt the original device -has been renewed. The reader will observe the antique -form of the prow of the boat and oar, as well as the singular -flying drapery attached to the head of the figure.</p> - -<p>When a pope dies, the cardinal chamberlain or chancellor -(<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">camerlengo</i>), accompanied by a large number of -the high dignitaries of the Papal Court, comes into the -room where the body lies; and the principal or great -notary makes an attestation of the circumstance. Then -the cardinal chamberlain calls out the name of the deceased -pope three times, striking the body each time -with a gold hammer; and as no response comes, the -chief notary makes another attestation. After this, the -cardinal chancellor demands the Fisherman’s Ring, and -certain ceremonies are performed over it; and then he -strikes the ring with the golden hammer, and an officer -destroys the figure of Peter by the use of a file.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span> -From this moment all the authority and acts of the late -pope pass to the College or Conclave of Cardinals.</p> - -<p>When a new pope is consecrated, it is always the -cardinal chancellor or chamberlain who presents the -renewed Fisherman’s Ring; and this presentation is -accompanied by imposing ceremonies.</p> - -<p>Gavazzi, who tilts at every matter which may appear -mystically Catholic, just as an excited bull runs at a red -mantle, says: “The Fisherman’s Ring now in use is most -valuable, and would hardly square with the simplicity -of Peter;”<a id="FNanchor_132" href="#Footnote_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a> and he remarks, in reference to the present -Pope: “This man has on one of his fingers a splendid -ring, composed of diamonds and pearls of great price, -and this ring of $8,000 is called the Fisherman’s Ring; -it symbolizes the ring of poor St. Peter, which cost, perhaps, -two cents.” Gavazzi must be in error. A ring -like that of the “Fisherman’s,” subject to be destroyed -on the death of a pope, would not be surrounded by -brilliants; and the fact that this ring is used as a signet -to impress a gold or leaden surface, or even vellum, carries -with it the conviction that it would not be encircled -with precious stones and pearls; for, independent of the -chance of injury, they would impede an impression. It -is very possible that the official ring, bearing an emerald, -and which a pope wears as Bishop of Rome, might be -further ornamented. We have been favored with a sight -of a ring used by the present Archbishop of New-York, -which is composed of an extra large oblong emerald of -beautiful color, surrounded by brillants. This ring is -worn on the fourth finger of the right hand.</p> - -<p>Horace Walpole refers to his friend Mr. Chute’s playfully<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> -using an expression which couples -itself with the fisherman’s ring: -“Mr. Chute has received a present -of a diamond mourning ring from a -cousin; he calls it <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">l’annello del Piscatore</i>. -Mr. Chute, who was unmarried, -meant that his cousin was <em>fishing</em> for -his estate.”</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe5" id="ip079-l"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p079-l.jpg" alt="Pope Pius II. Ring Laid Flat" /> -</div> - -<p class="p1h">§7. There is a massive ring extant, -chased with the arms of Pope Pius the -Second.<a id="FNanchor_133" href="#Footnote_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> It is of brass, and has been -thickly gilt. It is set with a topaz, the -surface of which has lost its polish.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> -On the hoop of the ring are chased the arms of Pope -Pius the Second, of the family of Picolomini, the papal -tiara, and this inscription, <em>Papa Pio</em>. The stone is set in a -massive square facet, carried up to a considerable height -above the finger; and on each of the four sides is placed, -in relief, one of the four beasts of the Revelation, which -were used to typify the Evangelists. Pope Pius the -Second is better known by his literary name of Æneas -Sylvius. His works, which include a History of Europe, -a History of Bohemia and a long series of letters, have -passed through several editions. He was elected Pope -in 1418, and died in 1464. This ring is considerably -larger in size than the rings usually found buried with -bishops, and which were probably what they received -on their consecration. It must have been intended to -have been worn over a glove. It seems to have been -a state ring worn on one of those occasions when all -Christendom came to receive his benediction.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp49" id="ip079-r" style="max-width: 15.5625em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p079-r.jpg" alt="Pope Pius II. Ring Two Views" /> -</div> - -<p>The estates and honors which composed the ecclesiastical -temporalities were considered to partake of the nature -of fiefs; and, therefore, to require similar investiture -from the chief lord. Charlemagne is said to have -introduced this practice and to have invested a newly -consecrated bishop by placing a ring and crosier in his -hands.</p> - -<p>By a Concordat at Worms, Henry V. resigned for ever -all pretence to invest bishops by the ring and crosier.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 8. During the times of the early British kings, it -was a rule for the monarch to invest archbishops and -bishops, by delivery of a ring and the pastoral staff. -Anselm was hurried into the presence of William Rufus,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> -in order to be made Archbishop of Canterbury.<a id="FNanchor_134" href="#Footnote_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> He -hesitated, because he was subject to Normandy, and the -way in which the holy men around him acted, savors -very much of a portion of the hurly-burly of a popular -democratic election. When no argument could prevail, -the bishops and others who were present clapped the -pastoral staff into his hands, forced the ring upon his -finger, shouted for his election and bore him by force -into the church, where <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Te Deum</i> was sung. This right -of investiture became a serious matter of dispute in the -time of Anselm.</p> - -<p>Miracles have been attributed to Anselm. A Flemish -nobleman was cured of a leprosy by drinking the water in -which Anselm had washed his hands; and a ship, wherein -he sailed, having a large hole in one of her planks, -nevertheless took in no water so long as the holy man -was on board.<a id="FNanchor_135" href="#Footnote_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a></p> - -<p>From the reign of Charlemagne, sovereign princes -took upon them to give the investiture of the greater -benefices by the ring and pastoral staff.<a id="FNanchor_136" href="#Footnote_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> Gregory VII. -was the first who endeavored to take from them this right, -towards the end of the eleventh century.</p> - -<p>Arnulph, immediately on his consecration as Bishop -of Rochester, gave the attendant monks to understand -how a dream about a ring had foretold this dignity.<a id="FNanchor_137" href="#Footnote_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> -“Arnulph being received by the monks with all marks -of respect, said to us, on the very day of his election: -‘Brethren, I had assurance given me a few days ago -that, unworthy as I am, I should soon be raised to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> -dignity now conferred upon me. For as I slept one night, -Gundulphus’ (who had been Bishop of Rochester) ‘appeared -to me, offering me a ring of great weight; which -being too heavy for me, I refused to accept it; but he, -chiding me for my stupidity in rejecting his present, -obliged me to receive it, and then disappeared.’ This he -related to us; and we were convinced it was no fantastical -illusion which the holy man had seen in his sleep, -since, being made Bishop of Rochester, he received that -very ring, which Bishop Gundulphus, when alive, had -given to Ralph, then an abbot, but afterwards bishop.”</p> - -<p>Symbols of ring, staff, mitre and gloves are not used -at the present day in the consecration of archbishops and -bishops of the Church of England. The delivery of the -<em>pastoral staff</em> in the Roman pontificate was preceded by -its consecration, and followed by the consecration and -putting on of a <em>ring</em> in token of his marriage to the -church; and of a <em>mitre</em>, as an helmet of strength and -salvation, that his face being adorned, and his head (as -it were) armed with the <em>horns</em> of both Testaments, may -appear terrible to the adversaries of the truth, as also in -imitation of the ornaments of Moses and Aaron; and -of <em>gloves</em>, in token of clean hands and breast to be preserved -by him.<a id="FNanchor_138" href="#Footnote_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a></p> - -<p>The episcopal ring, and which is thus esteemed a -pledge of the spiritual marriage between the bishop and -his church, was used at a remote period. The fourth -Council of Toledo, held in 633, appoints that a bishop -condemned by one council and found afterwards innocent -by a second should be restored by giving him the -ring, staff, etc.<a id="FNanchor_139" href="#Footnote_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p> - -<p>From bishops, the custom of the ring has passed to -cardinals, who are to pay a large sum for the right to -use a ring as such. Perhaps this arises from the fact -that cardinals and prelates do not, strictly, belong to the -hierarchy.</p> - -<p>A bishop, like a pope, receives a gold ring, set with -a green gem. Sometimes an abbot of a convent is invested -with a ring, but this is said only to occur when -he possesses a bishop’s powers.</p> - -<p>Solid gold rings are frequently found in tombs of -abbots and bishops.<a id="FNanchor_140" href="#Footnote_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a></p> - -<p>In a description of the finger-ring found in the grave of -the venerable Bede, it is said, that no priest, during the -reign of Catholicity in England, was buried or enshrined -without his ring. This, however, has been questioned.<a id="FNanchor_141" href="#Footnote_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a></p> - -<p>High dignitaries of the Church do not appear to have -restricted themselves to a single ring. On the hands of -the effigy of Cardinal Beaufort in Winchester Cathedral, -there are gloves fringed with gold and having an oval-shaped -jewel on the back; while on the middle and -third fingers of each hand are rings worn over the gloves.</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe5" id="ip083"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p083.jpg" alt="Bishop Bitton Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>In new paving and beautifying of Exeter Cathedral -in England, a leaden coffin was found -of a Bishop Bitton, who died in 1307.<a id="FNanchor_142" href="#Footnote_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> Near -the bones of the finger was discovered a sapphire -ring set in gold, in the centre of which -was engraved a hand with the two forefingers -extended in the attitude of benediction.</p> - -<p>This extension of the two forefingers, in company with -the thumb, must have been often observed in Catholic<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span> -pictures. We see it in the painting of the Virgin and -Child in the Düsseldorf collection now in New-York.</p> - -<p>The thumb and the first two fingers have always been -reserved as symbols of the three persons of the Trinity.<a id="FNanchor_143" href="#Footnote_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a> -When a bishop gives his blessing, he blesses with the -thumb and first two fingers. Sepulchral monuments -bear witness of this fact.</p> - -<p>Both the Greek and Latin Churches agree that the -thumb and first two fingers symbolize the Trinity.<a id="FNanchor_144" href="#Footnote_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a></p> - -<p>It is, however, insisted that the origin of thus using the -thumb and two fingers is not of Christian, but of heathen -derivation; for Apuleius mentions this practice as the -usual one with orators soliciting the attention of an audience.<a id="FNanchor_145" href="#Footnote_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> -Here we see another pagan custom become a -Christian one.</p> - -<p>The hand, with the thumb and two fingers extended, -is sometimes called the “hand of justice.”<a id="FNanchor_146" href="#Footnote_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p> - -<p>Miniature hands, taking in a part of the arm, are found -in Rome, which have the thumb and two forefingers -extended and the remaining fingers closed. Caylus -gives a drawing of one (two inches and nine lines in -length) which has a serpent stretched on the back of -the hand, after having surrounded the wrist, and a lizard, -likewise in relief, placed upon the arm.<a id="FNanchor_147" href="#Footnote_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a> The author -we have referred to cannot account for this peculiar -disposition of the thumb and fingers; but he considers -that the thing itself was an offering, and refers to a hole -in it by which it could be suspended. But we observe that -Addison, in his Remarks on Italy,<a id="FNanchor_148" href="#Footnote_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> says: “The custom<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> -of hanging up limbs of wax, as well as pictures, is certainly -direct from the old heathens, who used, upon their -recovery, to make an offering in wood, metal or clay of -the part that had been afflicted with a distemper, to the -deity that delivered them. I have seen, I believe, every -limb of a human body figured in iron or clay which -were formerly made on this occasion, among the several -collections of antiquities that have been shown in Italy.” -This, however, does not account for the snake and the -lizard, or the peculiarity of closing two fingers and elevating -the others with the thumb; and we are inclined -to raise a question, whether the miniature hand and arm, -figured by Caylus, was not an amulet and worn as such? -The position of the fingers and thumb may here denote -power, or authority and control over noxious creatures. -A Roman soldier going into Egypt might carry such an -one.<a id="FNanchor_149" href="#Footnote_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> (This custom of offering a model of the restored -part, was common with the ancient Egyptians.<a id="FNanchor_150" href="#Footnote_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a>)</p> - -<p>Catholics kiss the bishop’s hand, or, rather, the ring -which he wears in virtue of his episcopal office.</p> - -<p>In the earliest ages bishops sealed with rings; but -from the ninth century they had distinct seals.<a id="FNanchor_151" href="#Footnote_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span></p> - -<p>It is said that formerly bishops wore their rings on the -forefinger of the right hand.<a id="FNanchor_152" href="#Footnote_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a></p> - -<p>When a bishop receives the ring at his consecration, -the words used are: “Receive the ring, the badge of -fidelity, to the end that, adorned with inviolable fidelity, -you may guard, without reproach, the Spouse of God, -that is, the Holy Church.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 9. At the English Law Bar, there is a distinction -among the barristers. Those called Serjeants are of the -highest and most ancient degree, and judges of the Courts -of Westminster are always admitted into this venerable -order before they are advanced to the Bench.</p> - -<p>The ceremony of making a serjeant is or rather was -a very imposing and expensive one. Connected with -this ceremony, the serjeant had to give a great dinner, -“like to the feast of a king’s coronation,” and which -continued seven days, and he had to present gold rings, -bearing some loyal motto, to every prince, duke and -archbishop present, and to every earl and bishop, lord -privy seal, lords chief justices, lord chief baron, every -lord baron of Parliament, abbot and notable prelate, -worshipful knight, master of the rolls, every justice, -baron of exchequer, chamberlain, officer and clerk of the -courts, each receiving a ring, convenient for his degree. -And a similar token was given to friends.</p> - -<p>These rings were delivered by some friend of the new -serjeant’s and who was of the standing of barrister. He -was called his <em>colt</em>. Whitlock says, when the new Serjeants -counted, their <em>colts</em> delivered the rings.<a id="FNanchor_153" href="#Footnote_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> Why<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span> -they are thus called is not very clear: “<em>colt</em>,” according -to Shakspeare, is a young foolish fellow.</p> - -<p>In 1 <cite>Modern Reports, case 30</cite>, we have a hint of “short -weight.” “Seventeen serjeants being made the 14th -day of November, a daye or two after Serjeant Powis, -the junior of them all, coming to the King’s Bench bar, -Lord Chief Justice Kelynge told him that he had something -to say to him, viz.: that the rings which he and -the rest of the serjeants had given weighed but eighteen -shillings apiece; whereas Fortescue, in his book <cite>De -Laudibus Legum Angliæ</cite>, says, ‘The rings given to the -chief justices and to the chief baron ought to weigh -twenty shillings apiece;’ and that he spoke not this expecting -a recompence, but that it might not be drawn -into a precedent, and that the young gentlemen there -might take notice of it.”</p> - -<p>We consider the matter about serjeants’ rings sufficiently -curious and interesting to allow of our adding -extracts from Fortescue and Cooke:</p> - -<p>“But this you must understand,<a id="FNanchor_154" href="#Footnote_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> that when the day -appointed is come, those elect persons, among other solemnities, -must keep a great dinner, like to the feast of -a king’s coronation, which shall continue and last for the -space of seven days, and none of those elect persons -shall defray the charges growing to him about the costs -of this solemnity with less expense than the sum of four -hundred marks; so that the expenses which eight men -so elect shall then bestow, will surmount to the sum of -three thousand and two hundred marks, of which expenses -one parcel shall be this: Every of them shall give -rings of gold to the value of forty pounds sterling at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -least; and your chancellour well remembreth, that at -what time he received this state and degree, the rings -which he then gave stood him in fifty pounds. For every -such serjeant, at the day of his creation, useth to give -unto every prince, duke and archbishop being present -at that solemnity and to the Lord Chancellour and Lord -Treasurer of England a ring of the value of 26<em>s</em>. 8<em>d</em>.</p> - -<p>“And to every earl and bishop, being likewise present, -and also to the lord privy seal, to both the lords chief -justices, and to the lord chief baron of the King’s Exchequer -a ring of the value of 20<em>s</em>.</p> - -<p>“And to every lord baron of the Parliament, and to -every abbot and notable prelate and worshipful knight, -being then present, and also to the master of the rolls -and to every justice a ring of the value of a mark; and -likewise to every baron of the exchequer, to the chamberlains -and to all the officers and notable men serving -in the king’s courts rings of a smaller price but agreeably -to their estates to whom they are given.</p> - -<p>“Insomuch that there shall not be a clerk, especially -in the Court of the Common Bench, but he shall receive -a ring convenient for his degree; and, besides these, they -give divers rings to other of their friends.”</p> - -<p>“And on Tuesday, May 10,<a id="FNanchor_155" href="#Footnote_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> in the second week of -the term, the said Sir John Walter being of the Inner -Temple, Sir Henry Yelverton of Grayes Inne and Sir -Thomas Trevor of the Inner Temple, with the benchers, -readers and others of those Inns of Court whereof they -respectively had been, being attended by the warden of -the Fleet and marshall of the Exchequer, made their appearance -at Serjeants Inne in Fleet street, before the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> -two chief justices and all the justices of both benches. -And Sir Randolph Crew, chief justice, made a short -speech unto them, and (because it was intended they -should not continue serjeants to practise) he acquainted -them with the king’s purpose of advancing them to seats -of judicature, and exhorted them to demeane themselves -well in their several places. Then every one in his order -made his count, (and defences were made by the ancient -serjeants,) and their several writs being read, their coyfs -and scarlet hoods were put on them, and being arrayed -in their brown-blew gownes, went into their chambers, -and all the judges to their several places at Westminster, -and afterward the said three serjeants, attyred in their -party-coloured robes, attended with the marshall and -warden of the Fleete, the servants of the said serjeants -going before them, and accompanied with the benchers -and others of the several Inns of Court of whose society -they had been, walked unto Westminster and there -placed themselves in the hall over against the Common -Pleas bar.</p> - -<p>“And the hall being full, a lane was made for them -to the barre; (the justices of the Common Bench being -in court) they recited three several counts, (and several -defences made to several counts,) and had their writs -read. The first and third by Brownlow the chief prothonotary, -and the second by Goulton the second prothonotary. -And Sir John Walter and Thomas Trevor -gave rings to the judges with this inscription, ‘<em>Regi -Legi servire libertas.</em>’ And Sir Henry Yelverton gave -rings whereof the inscription was, ‘<em>Stat Lege Corona</em>,’ and -presently after (they all standing together) returned to -Serjeants Inn, where was a great feast, at which Sir<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span> -James Lee, Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Manchester, -Lord President of the Council, were present.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 10. Arabian princesses wear golden rings on their -fingers, to which little bells are suspended, so that their -superior rank may be known, and they, themselves, receive -in passing, the homage due to them.<a id="FNanchor_156" href="#Footnote_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 11. The insignia of honor peculiar to the Roman -knights were a charger, furnished at the public expense, -a golden ring and a certain place in the theatre.<a id="FNanchor_157" href="#Footnote_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a> The -senators also wore golden rings.<a id="FNanchor_158" href="#Footnote_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 12. We read of:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent8">“—— an agate stone</div> - <div class="verse indent0">On the forefinger of an alderman;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>but cannot discover whether an alderman in Shakspeare’s -time wore a ring in connection with his office. We however -find this: “Grave persons, such as aldermen, used -a plain broad gold ring upon the thumb.” It may be -that Shakspeare was not thinking of an alderman whose -duties were attached to a mere city, but of the earl or -<em>alderman</em> of a whole shire, to whom the government of -it was intrusted. Such a person, from the authority he -possessed, might have worn a ring of power in former -times. The word had the same signification in general -as senator. By Spelman’s Glossary it appears there -was anciently in England a title of <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">aldermannus totius -Angliæ</i>; and that this officer was in the nature of Lord -Chief Justice of England.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span></p> - -<p>It will be seen that there is an incorrectness in Mercutio, -a Veronese and in Verona, referring to an alderman. -Knight, in his edition of Shakspeare, sees this and proposes -that we read, instead of alderman, <em>burgomaster</em>. -It has been observed that in whatever country Shakspeare -lays the scenes of his drama, he follows the costume -of his own.<a id="FNanchor_159" href="#Footnote_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a></p> - -<p>In a portrait of Lady Ann Clifford, the celebrated -Countess of Pembroke, she wears a ring upon the thumb -of her right hand.</p> - -<p>The mention of this lady will, at once, call up Ben -Jonson’s epitaph of the “wise, fair and good,” and -excuse us for quoting:</p> - -<p>“That is a touching pillar planted on the road between -Penrith and Appleby, in the year 1656, by Anne, -Countess Dowager of Pembroke, to commemorate her -final parting with her mother on this spot, on the second -of April, 1616. The inscription declares that Anne of -Pembroke gave four pounds to be annually distributed -‘upon the stone hereby’ amongst the poor within the -parish of Brougham. Well, after forty years of troubles—and -troubles that must have cost the ‘pious Pembroke’ -many a bitter hour—it is pleasant to think of the daughter -returning to consecrate it. Four pounds a year could -not do much good, you may say, to the people of -Brougham: but it may consecrate the spot in years of -scarcity by the thanks of people sorely pressed; and the -spirit of tenderness which dictated the bounty is something -to think of every year.”<a id="FNanchor_160" href="#Footnote_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a></p> - -<p>In a polyglot dictionary published in 1625, by John<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span> -Minshew, under the article <em>Ring Finger</em>, it is said that -rings were worn on the thumb by soldiers and doctors.</p> - -<p>A thumb-ring would not seem to be always connected -with a dignity, if it is to be judged of through its inscription -or bearing. A massive thumb-ring of brass, -strongly gilt, was formerly in the collection of the late -Marquis of Donegal. Its motto, within side, was in -quaint Latin, (<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Cauda piera meleor cera</i>,) which may be -rendered in this jingle:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">When God does send,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The times shall mend.<a id="FNanchor_161" href="#Footnote_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_THREE">CHAPTER THREE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="pfs90">RINGS HAVING SUPPOSED CHARMS OR VIRTUES, AND -CONNECTED WITH DEGRADATION AND SLAVERY, OR USED FOR SAD OR WICKED -PURPOSES.</p></div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hang1">1. Antiquity of Amulets and Enchanted and Magical Rings; Samothracian -Rings; Double Object in Amulets; Substance and Form of them. 2. Precious -Stones and their Healing or Protective Powers; Jasper; Diamond; -Ruby; Carbuncle; Jacinth; Amethyst; Emerald; Topaz; Agate; Sapphire; -Opal; Cornelian; Chalcedony; Turquoise; Coral; Loadstone; Sweating -Stones. 3. Enchanted Rings; those possessed by Execustus; Solomon’s -Ring; Ballads of Lambert Linkin and Hynd Horn. 4. Talismanic Ring; -Elizabeth of Poland; Ring against Poison offered to Mary of Scotland; -Rings from the Palace at Eltham and from Coventry; Sir Edmund Shaw; -Shell Ring. 5. Medicinal Rings. 6. Magical Rings; Ariosto; Ring of -Gyges; Sir Tristram; Cramp Rings; Rings to cure Convulsions, Warts, -Wounds, Fits, Falling Sickness, etc.; Galvanic Rings; Headache and -Plague Rings; Amulet against Storms. 7. Ordeal. 8. Punishment in -time of Alfred. 9. Founding of Aix-la-Chapelle. 10. Ring on a Statue. -11. Bloody Baker. 12. The Borgia Ring. 13. Rings held in the Mouth. -14. Rings used by Thieves, Gamblers and Cheats. 15. Roman Slave.</p></div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 1. <span class="smcap">Rings</span> were made use of by way of charm and -talisman in remote ages.</p> - -<p>Their potency was directed against fascination of every -kind, but more particularly the evil eye, against demons -and witches, to excite debility, against the power of -flames, against wounds in battle and, indeed, every -danger and most diseases. Nor was it the ring alone, -for the supposed virtue existed also in the material or in -some device or magical letter engraved upon its circumference.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span></p> - -<p>Shakspeare is thinking of the fascination of the eye in -“Titus Andronicus,” when he makes Aaron say:<a id="FNanchor_162" href="#Footnote_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a></p> - -<p> -“And faster bound to Aaron’s <em>charming</em> eyes.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>It has been observed that even Solomon was not exempt -from the dread of the fascination of the evil eye, -and reference is made to Proverbs xxiii. 6: “Eat thou -not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, nor desire -thou his dainty meats.” A writer, however, remarks -how the context clearly shows that nothing more is intended -than to express the disquiet with which a niggardly -person regards what another consumes at his -table.<a id="FNanchor_163" href="#Footnote_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> This dreaded fascination still perplexes the -minds of Orientals; and is not banished from Spanish -and Neapolitan superstitions. Naples is the headquarters -for charms and amulets. All the learning has been -collected by the Canon Jorio and the Marques Arditi.<a id="FNanchor_164" href="#Footnote_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></p> - -<p>We read of the Samothracian talismanic iron ring, -engraved with magical characters, inclosing an herb cut -at a certain time or small stones found under particular -constellations.<a id="FNanchor_165" href="#Footnote_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a> Samothrace is an island of the Ægean -sea, opposite the Trojan territory, and celebrated for its -mysteries. An initiation into those mysteries was supposed -to have efficiency in preserving persons from dangers -by sea.<a id="FNanchor_166" href="#Footnote_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p> - -<p>It has been observed that inscribed rings, commonly -called talismanic or cabalistic rings, are improperly so -designated. The mixed term is much more appropriate, -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">annuli virtuosi</i>. Perhaps <em>mystical</em> might be a suitable -name.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span></p> - -<p>Although true “Abraxas” stones have that word engraved -upon them, and most of these are as old as the -third century, yet this term is now applied to gems -which bear supposed talismanic emblems, although it -would be most proper to call them Abraxoids.</p> - -<p>According to Caylus, amulets were always made with -a double object: to flatter the superstition of the people -and serve for seals; thus holding on to the charm itself, -while they were able to spread a supposed effect through -impression; and this idea, he observes, is strengthened -by the fact that the subjects cut upon them never appear -in relief.</p> - -<p>Philostratus says: “The Indian Brahmins carry a -staff and a ring, by means of which they are able to do -almost any thing.” Here may be the origin of similar -articles received by Christian kings and ecclesiastics as -emblems of power?</p> - -<p>Stones and conglomerated earth were mostly used for -amulets.</p> - -<p>Wherever the living man turns up the remains of past -ages, superstition is shown to belong to them through -the appearance of amulets; and no matter whether the -subjects be Pagan or Christian—for still we find this -proof of weakness. Even in our own day, men will -carry these things under some creed that allows or custom -which defends their use. It is a pity such persons -do not feel, as they must know, that he is nearest heaven -whose conduct is his talisman.</p> - -<p>Many of the ancient amulets are in other shapes than -rings; often in the form of perforated cylinders, worn -round the neck; and we presume they were set in rings -for convenience.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span></p> - -<p>Werenfels, in his Dissertation on Superstition,<a id="FNanchor_167" href="#Footnote_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> where -he speaks of a superstitious man, says: “He will make -use of no herbs but such as are gathered in the planetary -hour. Against any sort of misfortune he will arm himself -with a <em>ring</em>, to which he has fixed the benevolent -aspect of the stars and the lucky hour that was just at -the instant flying away, but which, by a wonderful nimbleness, -he has seized and detained.”</p> - -<p>A ring, being a circle, was given to the initiated in -the Eleusinian mysteries as an amulet possessed of the -power to avert danger.<a id="FNanchor_168" href="#Footnote_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></p> - -<p>We find amulets referred to in Isaiah: “In that day -will the Lord take from them the ornaments of the feet-rings -and the net works and the crescents, the pendents -and the bracelets and the thin veils, the tires and the -fetters and the zones and the perfume boxes and the -<em>amulets</em>.”</p> - -<p>Fosbroke<a id="FNanchor_169" href="#Footnote_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> says that the makers of talismanic rings -generally used to have the sealing part made of a square -shape; we, however, find many of an oval form.</p> - -<p>“Amulet” with us, is <em>talisman</em> with the Arabians. -The Jews were extremely superstitious in the use of them -to drive away diseases; and the Mishna forbids them, -unless received from an approved man who had cured at -least three persons by the same means.</p> - -<p>The use of charms and amulets to cure diseases or -avert danger and mischiefs, both from the body and the -fruits of the earth, was even common among ignorant -and superstitious Christians: for Constantine had allowed -the heathen, in the beginning of his reformation, for -some time, not only to consult their augurs in public,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span> -but also to use charms by way of remedy for bodily distempers, -and to prevent storms of rain and hail from -injuring the ripe fruits, as appears from the very law -where he condemns the other sorts of magic (that tended -to do mischief) to be punished with death. St. Chrysostom -thundered against the use of amulets and charms, -as did St. Basil and Epiphanius, which shows that this -piece of superstition, of <em>trying to cure diseases without -physic</em>, was deeply rooted in the hearts of many Christians.<a id="FNanchor_170" href="#Footnote_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a></p> - -<p>We here give an enlarged specimen of one of these<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> -complicated amulets—an amulet against evil, to act favorably -and fortunately.<a id="FNanchor_171" href="#Footnote_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp54" id="ip097" style="max-width: 18.0625em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p097.jpg" alt="Amulet of Protection" /> -</div> - -<p>The emblems are thus made out. The hare, rustic -head and head of a goat are to be considered as representing -the god Pan, and to be a guard against fear and -certain sudden terrors called <em>panics</em>, which were thought -to be occasioned by this god.<a id="FNanchor_172" href="#Footnote_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> The cornucopia (erect) -is to confirm abundance and happiness. In Memphis a -white cock was held to be a sacred animal. He was -consecrated to the sun: according to the Egyptians, to -Osiris. It was made an emblem of the soul. When -Socrates hoped to be able to unite the divinity of his soul -with the divinity of the greater world, he ordered a -cock to be sacrificed to Æsculapius, as to the physician of -souls. This animal was sacrificed to Annubis, who was -the sailor’s Mercury. The dolphin, fed from food thrown -away by sailors, is to represent those seeming friends -who swim with and follow our fortunes until they get -depth of water sufficient for themselves. Here the cock, -by treading upon a dolphin, with a palm branch over -him, represents the power of wisdom in the soul over a -feigned or evil friend.</p> - -<p>We are inclined to present the reader with another of -these remarkable combinations, which is said to be an -amulet of health.<a id="FNanchor_173" href="#Footnote_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip099" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p099.jpg" alt="Amulet of Health" /> -</div> - -<p>The bird Ibis appears here as it is seen in the hieroglyphics -upon obelisks. It was dedicated to Osiris and -Isis, good and salutary genii. This creature treads upon -the crocodile, emblematical of Typhon, who was reckoned -among the Egyptians as the cause of every evil. -The two-headed Janus may signify the power of the sun -and of Osiris from east to west in the day and in the -night (although it has been questioned whether the faces -are not those of Pythagoras and the magician Apollonius). -The goat’s head, which also appeared in the last -gem, is said to be an amulet of health and intended to -have power to defend against evils which malice might -work, and such its power is marked by holding in its -mouth a monstrous crested dragon allied to hatred and -coupled with poisonous qualities and carrying a terrible -appearance.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 2. Jasper, set in rings, took the lead of all other -precious stones in its supposed healing power; and this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> -power was supposed to be strengthened when combined -with silver in preference to gold.</p> - -<p>Even Galen has recommended a ring with jasper set -in it and engraved with the figure of a man wearing a -bunch of herbs round the neck. Many of the Gnostic -or Basilidian gems, evidently used for magical and talismanic -purposes, were of jasper. Rings of this material, -and to be used as marriage tokens, are said to be made -at Wesingburg, the materials being supplied from the -shores of Lake Wetter.<a id="FNanchor_174" href="#Footnote_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a></p> - -<p>Pierre de Boniface, a great alchemist and much versed -in magic, who died in 1323, is the reputed author of a -manuscript poem on the virtues of gems, of which the -celebrated Nostradamus gives the following pretended -extract:</p> - -<p>“The diamond renders a man invincible; the agate -of India or Crete, eloquent and prudent, amiable and -agreeable; the amethyst resists intoxication; the cornelian -appeases anger; the hyacinth provokes sleep.”<a id="FNanchor_175" href="#Footnote_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a></p> - -<p>In a scarce poem, by T. Cutwode, entitled <cite>Calthæ Poetarum</cite>, -or the Humble Bee, (1599,) the goddess Diana is -introduced, modestly clothing and attiring the heroine:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“And with an emerald hangs she on a ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That keeps just reckoning of our chastitie.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<hr class="r20a" /> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">And therefore, ladies, it behoves you well</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To walk full warily when stones will tell.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The ancients have had a very high esteem of the diamond, -“champion of the precious stones,” insomuch as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> -they have thought it to be endued with divine virtues, -and that if it were but worn in a ring or carried about a -person near his heart, it would assuage the fury of his -enemies and expel vain fears, preserve from swooning, -drive away the vanity of dreams and terrors of the -night and frustrate all the malign contagious power of -poisons.</p> - -<p>According to Josephus, the high-priest of the Israelites -wore a ring on his finger of inestimable value and -celestial virtue; and Aaron had one whereof the diamond, -by its virtues, operated prodigious things, for -it changed its vivid lustre into a dark color when the -Hebrews were to be punished by death for their sins, -when they were to fall by the sword it appeared of a -blood-red color, while, if they were innocent, it sparkled -as usual.</p> - -<p>It is reported of the diamond that it is endued with -such a faculty as that if it be in place with a loadstone, -it bindeth up all its power and hindereth all its attractive -virtue. Also, that if a diamond be put upon the -head of a woman without her knowledge, it will make -her, in her sleep, if she be faithful to her husband, to -cast herself into his embraces; but if she be an adulteress, -to turn away from him.</p> - -<p>We take the above from a quaint work, by Thomas -Nicols.<a id="FNanchor_176" href="#Footnote_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> He goes on to say: “It hath been by the -ancients esteemed powerfull for the driving away of -<em>Lemures</em>, <em>Incubos</em> and <em>Succubos</em>; and for the hindring -of contentions and to beget in men courage, magnanimitie -and stout-heartednesse.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span></p> - -<p>A species of ruby, called <em>Balassius</em>, or <em>Palatius</em>,<a id="FNanchor_177" href="#Footnote_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> is -said to restrain fury and wrath. There is a story of -this stone by Ælian.<a id="FNanchor_178" href="#Footnote_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> Heraclis had cured the fractured -thigh of a stork. The creature flying in a dark night -by a palace where one of these stones lay flaming like a -lamp, took it up and brought it to Heraclis and cast it -into her bosom, as a token of the acknowledgment of the -favor which it had received from her in the cure of its -harm. Andreas Baccius, speaking of a rubine of his -inclosed in a ring, says that on the fifth of December, -1600, he was travelling with his wife Catharina Adelmania -to Studgard, and, in his travel, he observed his -rubine to change its glory into obscurity, whereupon he -told his wife and prognosticated that evil thereupon -would ensue either to himself or her, which accordingly -did; for, not many days after, his wife was taken ill -with a mortal disease and died. After which, he saith, -his rubine, of its own accord, did again recover its -former lustre, glory, beauty and splendor. A perfectly -pure deep carmine-red ruby often exceeds in price a -diamond of the same size<a id="FNanchor_179" href="#Footnote_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a> It has been written, that, -if the carbuncle be worn in an amulet (or drunk) it will -be good against poison and the plague, and will drive -away sadness, evil thoughts, terrible dreams and evil -spirits; also that it cleareth the mind and keepeth the -body in safety, and that if any danger be towards it the -stone will grow black and obscure, and that being past, -returns to its former color again.<a id="FNanchor_180" href="#Footnote_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></p> - -<p>The jacinth or hyacinth is said to have the faculty to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span> -procure sleep when worn in a ring on the finger. Cardanus -says he was wont to wear one to the intent to procure -sleep, to which purpose “it seemed somewhat to -confer, but not much.” The amethyst is said, by Aristotle, -to hinder the ascension of vapors; and that this is -done by the stone drawing the vapors to itself and then -discussing them. Andreas Baccius says that it sharpens -the wit, diminishes sleep and resists poison.</p> - -<p>The emerald is said to be at enmity with all impurity; -and will break if it do but touch the skin of an adulterer. -We cannot forego Nicols’ description of this stone: “The -emerald is a pretious stone or gemine of so excellent a -viridity or spring-colour as that if a man shall look -upon an emerald by a pleasant green meadow, it will -be more amiable than the meadow, and overcome the -meadow’s glorie by the glorie of that spring of viriditie -which it hath in itself. The largeness of the meadow it -will overcome with the amplitude of its glory, wherewith -farre above its greatnesse it doth feed the eie; and -the virescencie of the meadow it will overcome with the -brightnesse of its glory, which in itself seemeth to embrace -the glorious viridity of many springs.” It is reported -of Nero that he was wont to behold the fencers -and sword players through an emerald as by a <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">speculum</i> -or optic glass and that for this cause the jewel is -called <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">gemina Neronis</i>. According to Pausanias,<a id="FNanchor_181" href="#Footnote_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a> the -favorite ring of Polycrates, a tyrant of Samos, contained -an emerald. He was advised by Amasis, king of Egypt, -to chequer his continued prosperity and enjoyments by -relinquishing some of his most favorite pleasures; and -he complied by throwing into the sea this most beautiful<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span> -of his jewels. The voluntary loss of so precious a ring -affected him for some time; but a few days after, he received, -as a present, a large fish, in whose belly the jewel -was found.<a id="FNanchor_182" href="#Footnote_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a></p> - -<p>Albertus Magnus observes: “If you would sharpen -the understanding, increase riches and foresee the future, -take an emerald. For prophesying, it must be placed -beneath the tongue.”</p> - -<p>The topaz is said to free men from passions and sadness -of mind; and that, if it be cast into boiling water, -it will suddenly “astonish it into coldness.”</p> - -<p>The agate is stated to be good against poisons. It is -reported of the eagle that it doth carry this gem into -her nest to secure her young from the bitings of venomous -creatures. “If,” says Albertus Magnus, “you would -avoid all dangers and overcome all earthly things and -possess a stout heart, take an agate. It causes danger -and opposition to vanish and makes a man strong, agreeable -and of good cheer.”</p> - -<p>The sapphire, according to St. Jerome, will procure -the wearer the favor with princes and all others, pacify -enemies, free him from enchantments, bonds and imprisonments -and it looseth men out of prison and assuageth -the wrath of God. It is reported of it that it -is of so contrary a nature to poisons that if it be put into -a glass with a spider or laid upon the mouth of the glass -where it is, the spider will quickly die.<a id="FNanchor_183" href="#Footnote_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> It is said to keep -men pure and, therefore, is worn by priests.<a id="FNanchor_184" href="#Footnote_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> The Gentiles -consecrated this gem to Apollo, because, in their inquiries<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -at his oracle, if they had the presence of this gem with -them, they imagined they had their answer the sooner.</p> - -<p>The opal is said to sharpen the sight of its possessor -and cloud the eyes of those who stand about him, so -that they can neither see nor mind what is done before -them; for this cause it is asserted to be a safe patron of -thieves and thefts. Albertus Magnus says, “If you wish -to become invisible, take an opal and wrap it in a bay-leaf, -and it is of such virtue that it will make the bystanders -blind, hence it has been called the patron of -thieves.” Nicols gives a glowing description of this -stone.<a id="FNanchor_185" href="#Footnote_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a> “The <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">opalus</i> is a pretious stone which hath in -it the bright fiery flame of a carbuncle, the pure refulgent -purple of an amethyst, and a whole of the emerauld’s -spring glory or virescency, and every one of them -shining with an incredible mixture and very much pleasure.” -It is reported of Nonius, a Roman senator, that -he had rather been deprived of his country and senatorship -than part with an opal which he had from Antonius.</p> - -<p>It is asserted of the cornelian that it causeth him that -weareth it to be of a cheerful heart, free from fear and -nobly audacious and is a good protection against witchcraft -and fascination.</p> - -<p>“Chalcedony procureth victory to him that is the possessor -of it and carrieth it about him. It is much used -for signets, for it sealeth freely without any devouring -of the wax.”<a id="FNanchor_186" href="#Footnote_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a></p> - -<p>The report on jaspers is that they preserve men from -drowning; and “divers do very superstitiously attribute -much power and virtue to them if figures, images and -characters be engraven upon them. The effects which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span> -by this means are wrought in or for any, Andreas Baccius -doth attribute to the devil.”<a id="FNanchor_187" href="#Footnote_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a></p> - -<p>We might presume that the ring of Gyges held the -opal or the stone known as the Heliotrope or Oriental -jasper; for Pliny gives the report of magicians that -if this gem be anointed with the juice of the marigold, -it will cause him that carrieth it to walk invisible.</p> - -<p>The forget-me-not stone, turquoise or Turkey stone, -“ceruleous like unto a serene heaven,” if worn in a ring -of gold will, it is said, preserve men from falls and from -the bruises proceeding of them by receiving that harm -into itself which otherwise would fall upon the man; -yet these virtues are said not to be in the gem except it -has been received as a gift. “The Turkeys,” says Fenton, -in his Secrete Wonders of Nature,<a id="FNanchor_188" href="#Footnote_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a> “doth move when -there is any peril prepared to him that weareth it.” Ben -Jonson and Drayton refer to the same superstition. -Rueus says, that he saw a <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Turchoys</i>, which, upon the -death of its master, lost all its beauty and contracted a -cleft, which, a certain man afterwards buying at an under -price, returned again to its former glory and beauty, -as if, observes he, by a certain sense, it had perceived -itself to have found a new master. The same author -says of it that it doth change, grow pale and destitute -of its native color if he that weareth it do, at any time, -grow infirm or weak; and again, upon the recovery of -its master, that it doth recover its own lovely beauty, -which ariseth of the temperament of its own natural -heat and becometh ceruleous like unto a serene heaven. -According to the ancients, the wearing of the turquoise -had a most excellent quality: it destroyed animosity<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span> -and, in particular, appeased discord between man and -wife.</p> - -<p>It is possible that Shakspeare had in his mind the seeming -influence of the turquoise (as well as its value):</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<em>Tubal.</em> One of them showed me a ring, that he had of your daughter -for a monkey.</p> - -<p>“<em>Shylock.</em> Out upon her! Thou torturest me, Tubal; it was my -turquoise; I had it of Leah, when I was a bachelor: I would not have -given it for a wilderness of monkeys.”</p></div> - -<p>The Arabs value the turquoise chiefly for its reputed -talismanic qualities; and they seek for large pieces, -without particular reference to purity of color. The -stones intended for amulets are usually set in small rings -of plated tin.</p> - -<p>The wearing of coral in a ring has been thought of -power to “hinder the delusions of the devil, and to secure -men from <em>Incubus</em> and <em>Succubus</em>.”<a id="FNanchor_189" href="#Footnote_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a></p> - -<p>All remember Shakspeare’s beautiful exposition of -adversity:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.”<a id="FNanchor_190" href="#Footnote_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Fenton, writing in 1569, says: “There is found in -heads of old and great toads a stone which they call -borax or stelon: it is most commonly found in the head -of a he-toad.” They were not only considered specifics -against poison when taken internally, but “being used -in rings, gave forewarning against venom.” This stone -has often been sought for, but nothing has been found -except accidental or perhaps morbid indurations of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span> -skull. Lupton says,<a id="FNanchor_191" href="#Footnote_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> “You shall know whether the -<em>tode-stone</em> be the right and perfect stone or not. Hold -the stone before a tode, so that he may see it, and if it -be a right and true stone, the tode will leap toward it -and make as though he would snatch it. He envieth so -much that man should have that stone.” Nicols, in his -Lapidary, observes:<a id="FNanchor_192" href="#Footnote_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> “Some say this stone is found in the -head of an old toad; others say that the old toad must -be laid upon the cloth that is red, and it will belch it up, -or otherwise not; you may give a like credit to both -these reports, for as little truth is to be found in them as -may possibly be. Witnesse Anselmus Boetius in <em>Lib.</em> 2, -in the chapter of this stone; who saith that to try this experiment -in his youth, he took an old toad and laid it upon -a red cloth, and watched it a whole night to see it belch -up its stone, but after his long and tedious watchful -expectation, he found the old toad in the same posture to -gratifie the great pangs of his whole night’s restlessness.</p> - -<p>“Some of the toads that carry this precious jewel -must be very large, for Boetius says the stone is found -of the bigness of an egg, sometimes brownish, sometimes -reddish, sometimes yellowish, sometimes greenish.” It is -reported that if poison be present, the alleged stone will -go into a perspiration. In connection with this sensitiveness, -it may be observed that precious stones are said to -sweat at the presence of poison. We are told that the -jewels which King John wore did so in his last sickness. -There is no doubt, however, although Shakspeare makes -him cry out, “Poison’d—ill fare,” that John got his death -from unripe pears and new cider. His living about three<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span> -days from his attack, is a reasonable proof of not dying -by poison.<a id="FNanchor_193" href="#Footnote_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> - -<p>In a strange old book, and from which an interesting -article appears in “Household Words,” it is said, the -use of a ring, that has lain for a certain time in a sparrow’s -nest, will procure love.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 3. That kind of fortune-telling, called Divination, -has held an empire over the mind of man from the earliest -period. It was practised by the Jews, Egyptians, -Chaldeans, Persians, Greeks and Romans, and is known -to all modern nations.<a id="FNanchor_194" href="#Footnote_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a></p> - -<p>The species of divination by rings is called Dactylomancy.<a id="FNanchor_195" href="#Footnote_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span></p> - -<p>Scott, in his work on Demonology,<a id="FNanchor_196" href="#Footnote_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> observes, that in -the now dishonored science of astrology, its professors -pretended to have correspondence with the various spirits -of the elements on the principles of the Rosicrusian -philosophy. They affirmed they could bind to their -service and imprison in a ring some fairy, sylph, or -salamander and compel it to appear when called and -render answers to such questions as the viewer should -propose. It is remarkable that the sage himself did not -pretend to see the spirit; but the task of reviewer or -reader was intrusted to a third party, a boy or girl usually -under the years of puberty.</p> - -<p>As to divination by means of a ring, in the first place -the ring was to be consecrated with a great deal of mystery: -“the person holding it was clad in linen garments -to the very shoes, his head shaven all round, and he held -the vervein plant in his hand,” while, before he proceeded -on any thing, the gods were first to be appeased -by a formulary of prayers, etc. The divination was performed -by holding the ring suspended by a fine thread -over a round table, on the edge of which were made a -number of marks, with the twenty-four letters of the -alphabet. The ring, in shaking or vibrating over the -table, stops over certain of the letters, which, being joined -together, compose the required answer.<a id="FNanchor_197" href="#Footnote_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a></p> - -<p>Clemente Alexandrino speaks of enchanted rings -which predicted future events—such were two possessed -by Execustus, the tyrant of Phocis, who was able, by -striking them together, to know, by the sound, what he -ought to do and what was to happen to him. He was,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span> -however, killed through treason. The magnificent rings -had been able to tell the time of his death, but they -could not point out the means of avoiding it.</p> - -<p>Arabian writers make much mention of the magic -ring of Solomon.<a id="FNanchor_198" href="#Footnote_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a> It is said to have been found in the -belly of a fish; and many fictions have been created -about it. The Arabians have a book called <cite>Scalcuthal</cite> -expressly on the subject of magic rings; and they trace -this ring of Solomon’s, in a regular succession, from -Jared the father of Enoch to Solomon.<a id="FNanchor_199" href="#Footnote_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a> Josephus,<a id="FNanchor_200" href="#Footnote_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a> -after extolling the wisdom and acquirements of Solomon, -and assuring us that God had enabled him to expel -demons by a method remaining of great force to the days -of the historian, says:</p> - -<p>“I have seen a certain man of my own country whose -name was Eleazar, releasing people that were demoniacal, -in the presence of Vespasian, his sons and his captains -and the whole multitude of his soldiers. The manner -of the case was this: he put a <em>ring</em>, that had a part -of one of those roots mentioned by Solomon, to the nostrils -of the demoniac; after which, he drew out the -demon through his nostrils; and when the man fell -down, immediately he adjured him to return unto him -no more, making still mention of Solomon and reciting -the incantations which he composed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span></p> - -<p>“And when Eleazar would persuade and demonstrate -to the spectators that he had such a power, he set a little -way off a cup or basin full of water, and commanded -the demon, as he went out of the man, to overturn it, -and thereby to let the spectators know that he had left -the man; and when this was done, the skill and wisdom -of Solomon was shown very manifestly.”</p> - -<p>In the popular old ballad of <cite>Lambert Linkin</cite>,<a id="FNanchor_201" href="#Footnote_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a> rings -give proof of a terrible coming event by bursting upon -the fingers:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -</div> -</div> -<hr class="r20a" /> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“The Lord sat in England</div> - <div class="verse indent2">A drinking the wine.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“I wish a’ may be weel</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Wi’ my lady at hame;</div> - <div class="verse indent0"><em>For the rings o’ my fingers</em></div> - <div class="verse indent2"><em>They’re now burst in twain</em>.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“He saddled his horse,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And he came riding down;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But as soon as he viewed,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Belinkin came in.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“He had na weel stepped</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Twa steps up the stair,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Till he saw his pretty young son</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Lying dead on the floor.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“He had na weel stepped</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Other twa up the stair,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Till he saw his pretty lady</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Lying dead in despair.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“He hanged Belinkin</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Out over the gate;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And he burnt the fause nurice,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Being under the grate.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> -<p>We would refer our reader to a beautiful Syrian legend -in the “Household Words,”<a id="FNanchor_202" href="#Footnote_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> in which a ring is -made to play an interesting part upon the fingers of a -maiden, who is able to know of the good or ill fortune -and faith of her absent lover through its changes. He, -in giving it, had informed her: “If good fortune is with -me, it will retain its brightness; if evil, dim. If I cease -to love, and the grave opens for me, it will become -black.” Fitful changes then come and go upon the -ring, as the light and shadow of life accompany the -roving lover.</p> - -<p>There is a like notion in the ancient Scotch ballad of -<cite>Hynd Horn</cite>:<a id="FNanchor_203" href="#Footnote_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“And she gave to me a gay gold ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With three shining diamonds set therein,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<hr class="r20a" /> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“What if these diamonds lose their hue,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Just when my love begins for to rew,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“For when your ring turns pale and wan,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Then I’m in love with another man,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<hr class="r20a" /> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Seven long years he has been on the sea,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And Hynd Horn has looked how his ring may be,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“But when he looked this ring upon,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The shining diamonds were both pale and wan,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Oh! the ring it was both black and blue,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With a hey lillelu and a how lo lan;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And she’s either dead or she’s married,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And the birk and the brume blooms bonnie.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“He’s left the seas and he’s come to the land,” etc.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span></p> -<p>John Sterling, whose life has been written by the Rev. -Julius Charles Hare, composed a fiction which is worked -up through a supposed talismanic Onyx Ring. The hero -had been reading an old book on necromancy; it caused -him to long to change his lot; he appears to be able to -do this, through the appearance or apparition of an old -man. “Would you,” says this figure, in a sweet but -melancholy voice, “in truth accept the power of exchanging -your own personal existence at pleasure for -that of other men?” After a moment’s pause, he answered -boldly, “Yes.” “I can bestow the power, but -only on these conditions. You will be able to assume a -new part in life once in each week. For the one hour -after midnight on each Saturday, that is, for the first -hour of the new week, you will remember all you have -been and whatever characters you may have chosen for -yourself. At the end of the hour you may make a new -choice; but, if then deferred, it will again be a week -before the opportunity will recur. You will also be incapable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> -of revealing to any one the power you are gifted -with. And if you once resume your present being, you -will never again be able to cast it off. If, on these -terms, you agree to my proposal, take this ring and wear -it on the forefinger of your right hand. It bears the -head of the famous Apollonius of Tyana. If you breathe -on it at the appointed hour, you will immediately become -any person you may desire to be,” etc. The hero -hesitates and says, “Before I assent to your offer, tell -me whether you would think me wise to do so.” -“Young man, were I to choose again, my choice would -be to fill the station where nature brought me forth and -where God, therefore, doubtless, designed me to work.” -The ring is taken; it is supposed to be at a time when -this same hero is in a suspense of love, and he appears -successively to take the form of those who are around -the maiden of his affections. All this, in fact, is imagined -by him while in sickness. He secures his lady -love; and sees upon her finger an onyx ring like the -one which had appeared to have allowed of his visionary -changes. She held up her hand before his face, -which his first impulse was to kiss; but he saw that on -one of the fingers was an onyx ring. “How on earth -did you come by that? It has haunted me as if a magic -Ariel were fused amid the gold or imprisoned in the -stone.” “I will tell you.” And then the lady, somewhat -lamely for the story, informs him how she came into -possession of it. The author acted cleverly in coupling -Apollonius with this ring: for he is reputed to have -been a most potent magician; not only miracles have -been imputed to him, but one writer dares to rank him -above Jesus in superhuman powers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§4. Crowned heads have believed in amulets.</p> - -<p>When Elizabeth of Poland could not induce her son -Andrea to leave his lustful wife of sixteen, Joan of -Naples, and he was determined to be and act the King -of Sicily and Jerusalem, she drew from her finger a -richly chased ring, took Andrea aside, placed it upon -his finger, and, clasping him in her arms, “My son,” -she said, in a trembling voice, “since you refuse to accompany -me, here is a talisman which I never make -use of but in the last extremity. While you retain this -ring upon your finger, neither steel nor poison can injure -you.” “You see, then, my mother,” answered the -prince, smiling, “thus protected, you have no reason to -fear for my life.” “There are other deaths besides those -by poison or steel,” replied the queen, sighing. When -the course pursued by Andrea had determined Joan -that he should be killed, her paramour Bertrand d’Artois -told her of the talisman. “Nevertheless, he dies,” -cried Joan. The next day, and in the castle of Aversa, -this Queen of Naples was working, with her delicate -hands, <em>a rope of silk and gold</em>.</p> - -<p>When conspirators flew upon him, they attempted to -strangle him with their hands, for it was supposed he -could not be slain by steel or poison, owing to the amulet -which his mother had given him. Struggles and terror -were about to allow of his escape, when Bertrand -d’Artois seized the prince round the body and, after a -desperate resistance, felled him to the ground; then -dragging him by the hair of the head to a balcony which -looked out upon the gardens and placing his knee upon -his victim’s breast, “This way, barons!” he cried; “I -have got something to strangle him with!” and, after<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span> -a desperate struggle, he succeeded in passing <em>a rope -of silk and gold</em> round the unfortunate man’s neck. -When strangled, his body was cast over the balcony. -Charles of Duras was the mainspring of this tragedy; -and he afterwards died on the same spot, and was -thrown over the same balcony. Years after and while -Joan was a prisoner in the castle of Aversa, two Hungarian -barons, in complete armor, presented themselves -before her, making a sign that she should follow them. -She rose and obeyed in silence; but a dismal cry -burst from her when she recognized the place where -Andrea and Charles of Duras had each died a violent -death. Recovering herself, however, she inquired, in a -calm voice, why they had brought her to that place. -One of the barons showed her <em>a rope of silk and gold</em>. -“Let God’s justice be accomplished!” cried Joan, falling -on her knees. And in a few minutes she had ceased -to suffer. This was the third corse that was thrown over -the balcony of Aversa.<a id="FNanchor_204" href="#Footnote_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip119"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p119.jpg" alt="Amulet Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Patrick, Lord Ruthven, a man suspected of occult -practices and who had been appointed of the privy -council of Mary, Queen of Scots, offered her a ring to -preserve her from the effects of poison.<a id="FNanchor_205" href="#Footnote_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a></p> - -<p>Amulet rings have been used by -persons calling themselves Christians -even in, comparatively, late -times. Caylus gives one covered -with letters of the twelfth century. -The body of the ring is simple and -square; each of its surfaces is completely -filled with characters, skilfully engraved.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span></p> - -<p>The words are barbarous and the whole is senseless—the -name of Jesus Christ abbreviated with the words -Alpha, Adonai and Agla and the cross repeated appear -here as they frequently do upon amulets. At the end -of the lines, two Arabic characters are distinctly marked -7. I. These sort of characters did not pass, according -to common opinion, from Africa to Spain until the tenth -century; and it was through Spain that they were communicated -to other parts of Europe. Rings of the shape -of this one and for similar use often inclosed sprigs of -some herb or hair or other light substance. The present -one, however, is said to be solid and does not contain -any foreign matter.</p> - -<p>A gold ring has been found in the palace at Eltham -in Kent, England.<a id="FNanchor_206" href="#Footnote_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> It is set with an oriental ruby and -five diamonds, placed at equal distances round the exterior. -The interior is plain, but on the sides is this inscription:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Qui me portera exploitera</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Et a grand joye revendra.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>or,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Who wears me shall perform exploits;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And with great joy shall return.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>From these lines it is evident that the ring has been -worn as an amulet; and there is a very probable conjecture -that it may have been presented to some distinguished -personage when he was on the point of setting -out for the Holy Land, in the time of the Crusades. -The inscription is in small Gothic letters, but remarkably -well formed and legible. The shape of the ruby, which -is the principal stone, is an irregular oval, while the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span> -diamonds are all of a triangular form and in their native -or crystallized state.</p> - -<p>A ring of gold was found at Coventry in England. -It is evidently an amulet. The centre device represents -Christ rising from the sepulchre, and in the background -are shown the hammer, sponge and other emblems of -his passion. On the left is figured the <em>wound of the side</em>, -with the following legend: “<em>The well of everlasting -lyffe.</em>” In the next compartment two small wounds, with -“<em>The well of comfort</em>,” “<em>The well of grace</em>;” and afterwards, -two other wounds, with the legends of “<em>The well -of pity</em>,” “<em>The well of merci</em>.” On the inside is an inscription -in Latin which embraces the amulet, having -reference to the three kings of Cologne.<a id="FNanchor_207" href="#Footnote_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a></p> - -<p>Sir Edmund Shaw, goldsmith and alderman of London, -directed by his will <em>circa</em> 1487, to be made “16 -Rings of fyne Gold, to be graven with the well of pitie, -the well of mercie and the well of everlasting life.”</p> - -<p>Benvenuto Cellini mentions that, about the time of his -writing, certain vases were discovered, which appeared -to be antique urns filled with ashes. Amongst them -were iron rings inlaid with gold, in each of which was -set a diminutive shell. Learned antiquaries, upon investigating -the nature of these rings, declared their opinion -that they were worn as charms by those who desired to -behave with steadiness and resolution either in prosperous -or adverse fortune.<a id="FNanchor_208" href="#Footnote_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a> (By way of parenthesis: This -dare-devil man of fine taste, Cellini, having finished a -beautiful medal for the Duke of Ferrara, the patron of -Tasso, the magnificent Alfonso sent him a diamond ring,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -with an elegant compliment. But the ring was really -not a valuable one. The Duke threw the mistake -upon his treasurer, whom he affected to punish, and sent -Cellini another ring; but even this was not worth one -quarter of the sum he owed him. He accompanied it -with a significant letter, in which he ordered him not to -leave Ferrara. The artist, however, ran away as fast as -his legs would carry him, and was soon delighted to find -he was beyond the fury of the “Magnifico Alfonso.”)</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 5. Ancient physicians carried signets or rings, frequently -wearing them upon the thumb, upon which were -engraved their own names, sometimes written backwards, -or the denominations of the nostrums they vended. With -regard to one of these seals, we find the word <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">aromatica</i> -from <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">aromaticum</i>, on another <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">melina</i>, abbreviation of -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">melinum</i>, a collyrium prepared with the alum of the -island of Melos.<a id="FNanchor_209" href="#Footnote_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a> A seal of this kind is described by -Tochon d’Annecy bearing the words <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">psoricum crocodem</i>, -an inscription that has puzzled medical antiquaries.</p> - -<p>It has been suggested that the use of talismanic rings -as charms against diseases may have originated in the -phylacteries or preservative scrolls of the Jews, although -it is easy to imagine that, in the earliest days of medicine, -the operator, after binding up a wound, would -mutter “thrilling words” in incantation over it, which, -in process of time, might be, as it were, <em>embodied</em> and -perpetuated in the form of an inscription, the ring, in -some degree, representing a bandage.<a id="FNanchor_210" href="#Footnote_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a> It appears to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span> -us this is much further from fact than that a barber’s -pole represents an arm with a bandage.</p> - -<p>Amulet rings for medicinal purposes were greatly in -fashion with empyrics and ancient physicians.<a id="FNanchor_211" href="#Footnote_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a></p> - -<p>In Lucian’s Philopseudes, one of the interlocutors in -a dialogue says that since an Arabian had presented -him with a ring of iron taken from the gallows, together -with a charm constructed of certain hard words, he had -ceased to be afraid of the demoniacs who had been -healed by a Syrian in Palestine.</p> - -<p>In another dialogue, a man desires that Mercury should -bestow a ring on him to insure perpetual health and preservation -from all danger.</p> - -<p>These rings were to be worn upon the fourth or medical -finger.</p> - -<p>Marcellus, a physician who lived in the reign of -Marcus Aurelius, directs the patient who is afflicted -with a pain in the side to wear a ring of pure gold inscribed -with some Greek letters on a Thursday at the -decrease of the moon. It is to be worn on the right -side, if the pain be on the left; and <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">vice versâ</i>.</p> - -<p>Trallian, another physician who lived in the fourth -century, cured the colic and all bilious complaints by -means of an octangular ring of iron, upon which eight -words were to be engraven, commanding the bile to take -possession of a lark. A magic diagram was to be added, -which he has not failed to preserve for the certain advantage -of his readers. He tells us that he had had -great experience in this remedy and considered it as extremely -foolish to omit recording so valuable a treasure; -but he particularly enjoins the keeping it a secret from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span> -the profane vulgar, according to an admonition of Hippocrates -that sacred things are for sacred purposes only. -The same physician, in order to cure the stone, directs -the wearing a copper ring, with the figure of a lion, a -crescent and a star to be placed on the fourth finger; -and for the colic, in general, a ring with Hercules -strangling the Nemean lion.</p> - -<p>In the Plutus of Aristophanes, to a threat on the part -of the sycophant, the just man replies that he cares -nothing for him, as he has got a ring which he bought -of a person, whom the scholiast conceives to have been -an apothecary, who sold medicated rings against the influence -of demons, serpents, etc. Carion, the servant, -sarcastically observes that this ring will not prevail -against the bite of a sycophant.<a id="FNanchor_212" href="#Footnote_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a></p> - -<p>As to medicinal rings, Joannes Nicolaus, a German -professor, has most unceremoniously ascribed the power -of all these medical charms to the influence of the devil, -who, he says, by these means, has attracted many thousands -of human beings into his dominions.<a id="FNanchor_213" href="#Footnote_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a></p> - -<p>Lucati has attributed the modern want of virtue in -medicated rings to their comparative smallness, contending -that the larger the ring or the gem contained in it, -the greater the medium power, especially with those -persons whose flesh is of a tender and penetrable nature.</p> - -<p>Lord Chancellor Hatton sent to Queen Elizabeth a -ring against infectious air, “to be worn,” as the old courtier -expresses it, “betwixt the sweet dugs” of her bosom.</p> - -<p>Ennemoser, in his History of Magic, a work made -more visionary by the unsatisfactory additions of the -Howitts, gravely speaks of coming events manifested<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> -in diseases. We have a betrothal ring in the following -extract:<a id="FNanchor_214" href="#Footnote_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a></p> - -<p>“In the St. Vitus’s dance, patients often experience -divinatory visions of a fugitive nature, either referring -to themselves or to others and occasionally in symbolic -words. In the ‘Leaves from Prevorst,’ such symbolic -somnambulism is related, and I myself have observed a -very similar case: Miss v. Brand, during a violent paroxysm -of St. Vitus’s dance, suddenly saw a black evil-boding -crow fly into the room, from which, she said, she -was unable to protect herself, as it unceasingly flew round -her as if it wished to make some communication. This -appearance was of daily occurrence with the paroxysm -for eight days afterwards. On the ninth, when the attacks -had become less violent, the vision commenced -with the appearance of a white dove, which carried a -letter containing a betrothal ring in its beak; shortly -afterwards the crow flew in with a black-sealed letter. -The next morning the post brought a letter with betrothal -cards from a cousin; and a few hours after, the -news was received of the death of her aunt in Lohburg, -of whose illness she was ignorant. Of both these letters, -which two different posts brought in on the same day, -Miss v. Brand could not possibly have known any -thing. The change of birds and their colors, during -her recovery and before the announcement of agreeable -or sorrowful news, the symbols of the ring and the black -seal, exhibit, in this vision, a particularly pure expression -of the soul as well as a correct view into the future.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§6. Some of the finest scenes in Ariosto are brought<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span> -out through a magic ring. When it was worn on the -finger, it preserved from spell; and carried in the mouth, -concealed the possessor from view. Thus, in the Orlando -Furioso, where Ruggiero had Angelica in the lone forest -and secure from sight, she discovers the magic ring upon -her finger which her father had given her when she first -entered Christendom and which had delivered her from -many dangers.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Now that she this upon her hand surveys,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She is so full of pleasure and surprise,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She doubts it is a dream and, in amaze,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Hardly believes her very hand and eyes.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Then softly to her mouth the hoop conveys,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And, quicker than the flash which cleaves the skies,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">From bold Rogero’s sight her beauty shrouds,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">As disappears the sun concealed in clouds.”<a id="FNanchor_215" href="#Footnote_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The ring of Gyges is taken notice of both by Plato -and Tully. This Gyges was the master shepherd to -King Candaules. As he was wandering over the plains -of Lydia, he saw a great chasm in the earth and had -the curiosity to enter it. After having descended pretty -far into it, he found the statue of a horse in brass, with -doors in the sides of it. Upon opening of them, he -found the body of a dead man, bigger than ordinary, -with a ring upon his finger, which he took off and put -it upon his own. The virtues of it were much greater -than he at first imagined; for, upon his going into the -assembly of the shepherds, he observed that he was invisible -when he turned the stone of the ring within the -palm of his hand and visible when he turned it towards<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span> -his company. By means of this ring he gained admission -into the most retired parts of the court; and made -such use of those opportunities that he at length became -King of Lydia. The gigantic dead body to whom this -ring belonged was said to have been an ancient Brahmin, -who, in his time, was chief of that sect.</p> - -<p>Addison, in one of his Tatlers,<a id="FNanchor_216" href="#Footnote_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a> playfully declares he -is in possession of this ring and leads his reader through -different scenes, commencing thus: “About a week ago, -not being able to sleep, I got up and put on my magical -ring and, with a thought, transported myself into a -chamber where I saw a light. I found it inhabited by -a celebrated beauty, though she is of that species of -women which we call a slattern. Her head-dress and -one of her shoes lay upon a chair, her petticoat in one -corner of the room and her girdle, that had a copy of -verses made upon it but the day before, with her thread -stocking, in the middle of the floor. I was so foolishly -officious that I could not forbear gathering up her clothes -together to lay them upon the chair that stood by her -bedside, when, to my great surprise, after a little muttering, -she cried out, “What do you want? Let my petticoat -alone.”</p> - -<p>To have the ring of Gyges is used proverbially sometimes -of wicked, sometimes of fickle, sometimes of prosperous -people who obtain all they want. It is alluded -to in Beaumont and Fletcher’s Fair Maid of the Inn:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“—— Have you Gyges’ ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Or the herb that gives invisibility?”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The Welsh Sir Tristram is described as having had, -from his mother, a mystical ring, the insignia of a Druid.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span></p> - -<p>Let us now look particularly at the subject of cramp -rings.</p> - -<p>St. Edward, who died on the fifth of January, 1066, -gave a ring which he wore to the Bishop of Westminster. -The origin of it is surrounded with much mystery. -A pilgrim is said to have brought it to the king and to -have informed him that St. John the Evangelist had -made known to the donor that the king’s decease was at -hand.<a id="FNanchor_217" href="#Footnote_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> This “<em>St. Edward’s Ring</em>,” as it was called, -was kept for some time at Westminster Abbey as a relic -of the saint, and was applied for the cure of the falling -sickness or epilepsy and for the cramp. From this arose -the custom of the English kings, who were believed to -have inherited St. Edward’s powers of cure, solemnly -blessing every year rings for distribution.</p> - -<p>Good Friday was the day appointed for the blessing -of rings. They were often called “medycinable rings,” -and were made both of gold and silver, and the metal -was composed of what formed the king’s offering to the -Cross on Good Friday.</p> - -<p>The prayers used at the ceremony of blessing the rings -on Good Friday are published in Waldron’s Literary -Museum; and also in Pegge’s <cite>Curiatia Miscellanea</cite>, Appendix, -No. iv. p. 164.</p> - -<p>Cardinal Wiseman is in possession of a MS. containing -the ceremony of blessing cramp rings. It belonged -to the English Queen Mary. At the commencement of -the MS. are emblazoned the arms of Philip and Mary, -around which are the badges of York and Lancaster and -the whole is inclosed within a frame of fruit and flowers.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span> -The first ceremony is headed: “Certain Prayers to be -used by the Queen’s Leigues in the Consecration of the -Crampe Rynges.” Accompanying it is an illumination -representing the queen kneeling, with a dish—containing -the rings to be blessed—on each side of her; and -another exhibits her touching for the evil a boy on his -knees before her, introduced by the clerk of the closet; -his right shoulder is bared and the queen appears to be -rubbing it with her hand. The author of the present -work caused an application to be made for leave to take -a copy of this illumination, so that his readers might -have the benefit of it: the secretary of the Cardinal -refused.</p> - -<p>In a medical treatise, written in the fourteenth century,<a id="FNanchor_218" href="#Footnote_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a> -there is what is called the <em>medicine</em> against the -cramp; and modernizing the language, it runs thus: -“For the Cramp. Take and cause to be gathered on -Good Friday, at 5 Parish Churches, 5 of the first pennies -that is offered at the cross, of each Church the first -penny; then take them all and go before the cross and -say 5 paternosters to the worship of the 5 wounds and -bear them on the 5 days, and say each day all much in -the same way; and then cause to be made <ins class="corr" id="tn129" title="Transcriber’s Note—“a ring thereof without allou” changed to “a ring thereof without alloy”.">a ring thereof without alloy</ins> -of other metal and write within -it Jasper, Batasar, Altrapa” (these are blundered forms of the three -kings of Cologne) “and write without Jh’es Nazarenus; and then take -it from the goldsmith upon a Friday and say 5 paternosters as thou -did before and use it always afterward.”</p> - -<p>Lord Berners, the translator of Froissart, when at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> -court of the Emperor Charles the Fifth as ambassador -from Henry the Eighth, in a letter dated 21st June, 1518, -writes to Cardinal Wolsey: “If your Grace remember -me with some crampe rynges, ye shall do a thing much -looked for and I trust to bestow thaym well, with Godd’s -grace.”<a id="FNanchor_219" href="#Footnote_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a></p> - -<p>A letter from Dr. Magnus to Cardinal Wolsey, written -in 1526,<a id="FNanchor_220" href="#Footnote_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a> contains the following: “Pleas it your -Grace to wete that M. Wiat of his goodness sent unto -me for a present certaine cramp ringges, which I distributed -and gave to sondery myne acquaintaunce at -Edinburghe, amonges other to Mr. Adame Otterbourne, -who, with oone of thayme, releved a mann lying in the -falling sekeness, in the sight of myche people; sethenne -whiche tyme many requestes have been made unto me -for cramp Ringges at my departing there and also -sethenne my comyng from thennes. May it pleas your -Grace, therefore, to show your gracious pleasure to the -said M. Wyat that some Ringges may be kept and sent -into Scottelande; which, after my poore oppynyoun, -shulde be a good dede, remembering the power and -operacion of thaym is knowne and proved in Edinburgh -and that they be greatly required for the same cause by -grete personnages and others.”</p> - -<p>The mode of hallowing rings to cure the cramp is -found in what is entitled an “Auncient Ordre for the -hallowing of Cramp Rings,” etc. It is amusing to read -of the degrading course which king, queen, ladies and -gentlemen had to take, each one creeping along a carpet -to a cross. The account runs thus: “Firste, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span> -King to come to the Chappell or clossett, with the lords -and noblemen wayting upon him, without any sword -borne before hime of that day, and ther to tarrie in -his travers until the Bishope and the Deane have -brought in the Crucifixe out of the vestrie and laid -it upon the cushion before the highe alter. And then -the usher to lay a carpet for the Kinge to creepe to -the crosse upon. And that done, there shall be a -forme set upon the carpett before the crucifix and a -cushion laid upon it for the Kinge to kneel upon. And -the Master of the Jewell house ther to be ready with -the crampe rings in a bason of silver and the Kinge to -kneel upon the cushion before the forme. And then the -Clerke of the Closett be readie with the booke concerninge -the halowinge of the crampe rings, and the aumer -must kneele on the right hand of the Kinge, holdinge -the sayd booke. When that is done, the Kinge shall rise -and go to the alter, weare a Gent. Usher shall be redie -with a cushion for the Kinge to kneele upon; and then -the greatest Lords that shall be ther to take the bason -with the rings and beare them after the King to offer. -And thus done, the Queene shall come down out of her -closett or traverss into the Chappell with ladyes and -gentlewomen waiting upon her and creepe to crosse, and -then go agayne to her clossett or traverse. And then -the ladyes to creepe to the crosse likewise, and the Lords -and Noblemen likewise.”</p> - -<p>In 1536, when the convocation under Henry the -Eighth abolished some of the old superstitious practices, -this of creeping to the cross on Good Friday, etc., was ordered -to be retained as a laudable and edifying custom.<a id="FNanchor_221" href="#Footnote_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span></p> - -<p>Even in the dark ages of superstition, the ancient -British kings do not seem to have affected to cure the -king’s evil or <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">scrofula</i>. This gift was left to be claimed -by the Stuarts. The Plantagenets were content to cure -the cramp.</p> - -<p>In our own time we find three young men in England -subscribing sixpence each to be moulded into a ring for -a young woman afflicted with the cramp.</p> - -<p>In Berkshire, England, there is a popular superstition -that a ring made from a piece of silver collected at the -Communion is a cure for convulsions and fits of every -kind.<a id="FNanchor_222" href="#Footnote_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a> Another curious British superstition, by way of -charm, is recorded: that a silver ring will cure fits if it -be made of five sixpences, collected from five different -bachelors, to be conveyed by the hand of a bachelor to -a smith that is a bachelor. None of the persons who -give the sixpences are to know for what purpose or to -whom they gave them. While, in Devonshire, there is a -notion that the king’s evil can be cured by wearing a -ring made of three nails or screws which have been -used to fasten a coffin that has been dug out of the -churchyard.</p> - -<p>There is a medical charm in Ireland to cure warts. A -wedding-ring is procured and the wart touched or pricked -with a gooseberry thorn through the ring.<a id="FNanchor_223" href="#Footnote_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a></p> - -<p>A wedding-ring rubbed upon that little abscess called -a sty, which is frequently seen on the tarsi of the eyes, -is said to remove it.<a id="FNanchor_224" href="#Footnote_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a> In Somersetshire, England, there -is a superstition that the ring-finger, stroked along any<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span> -sore or wound, will soon heal it. All the other fingers -are said to be poisonous, especially the forefinger.<a id="FNanchor_225" href="#Footnote_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a> In -Suffolk, England, nine young men of a parish subscribed -a crooked sixpence each to be moulded into a ring for a -young woman afflicted with fits. The clergy in that -country are not unfrequently asked for sacramental silver -to make rings of, to cure falling sickness; and it is -thought cruel to refuse.<a id="FNanchor_226" href="#Footnote_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a> There is a singular custom -prevailing in some parts of Northamptonshire and probably -there are other places where a similar practice -exists. If a female is afflicted with fits, nine pieces of -silver money and nine three-halfpennies are collected -from nine bachelors. The silver money is converted into -a ring to be worn by the afflicted person and the three-halfpennies -(<em>i. e.</em> 13½d.) are paid to the maker of the ring, -an inadequate remuneration for his labor but which he -good-naturedly accepts. If the afflicted person be a male, -the contributions are levied upon females.<a id="FNanchor_227" href="#Footnote_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a> In Norfolk -a ring was made from nine sixpences freely given by -persons of the opposite sex and it was considered a charm -against epilepsy. “I have seen,” says a correspondent -in <em>Notes and Queries</em>,<a id="FNanchor_228" href="#Footnote_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a> “nine sixpences brought to a silversmith, -with a request that he would make them into -a ring; but 13½d. was not tendered to him for making -nor do I think that any three-halfpennies are collected -for payment. After the patient had left the shop, the -silversmith informed me that such requests were of frequent -occurrence and that he supplied the patients with -thick silver rings, but never took the trouble to manufacture -them from the sixpences.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span></p> - -<p>Brande, in his <cite>Popular Antiquities</cite>,<a id="FNanchor_229" href="#Footnote_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a> says: “A boy, -diseased, was recommended by some village crone to -have recourse to an alleged remedy, which has actually, -in the enlightened days of the nineteenth century, been -put in force. He was to obtain thirty pennies from -thirty different persons, without telling them why or -wherefore the sum was asked; after receiving them, to -get them exchanged for a half-crown of sacrament money, -which was to be fashioned into a ring and worn by the -patient. The pennies were obtained, but the half-crown -was wanting—the rector of the place, very properly, -declined taking any part in such a gross superstition. -However, another reverend gentleman was more pliable; -and a ring was formed (or professed to be so) from the -half-crown and worn by the boy.” A similar instance, which -occurred about fourteen years since, has been furnished -to the same work by Mr. R. Bond of Gloucester: “The -epilepsy had enervated the mental faculties of an individual -moving in a respectable sphere in such a degree -as to partially incapacitate him from directing his own -affairs; and numerous were the recipes, the gratuitous -offering of friends, that were ineffectually resorted to by -him. At length, however, he was told of what would -certainly be an infallible cure, for in no instance had it -failed; it was, to personally collect thirty pence, from -as many respectable matrons, and to deliver them into -the hands of a silversmith, who, in consideration thereof, -would supply him with a ring, wrought out of half a -crown, which he was to wear on one of his fingers—and -the complaint would immediately forsake him. This -advice he followed; and for three or four years the ring<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span> -ornamented (if we may so express it) his fifth or little -finger, notwithstanding the frequent relapses he experienced -during that time were sufficient to convince a less -ardent mind than his that the fits were proof against its -influence. Finally, whilst suffering from a last visitation -of that distressing malady, he expired, though wearing -the ring—thus exemplifying a striking memento of the -absurdity of the means he had had recourse to.”<a id="FNanchor_230" href="#Footnote_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a></p> - -<p>Quite recently, a new means has been contrived for -deluding the public in the form of rings, which are to -be worn upon the fingers and are said to prevent the -occurrence of and cure various diseases. They are called -galvanic rings. Although by the contact of the two -metals of which they are composed an infinitesimally -minute current of electricity (hence, also, of magnetism) -is generated, still, from the absurd manner in which the -pieces of metal composing the ring are arranged and -which displays the most profound ignorance of the laws -of electricity and magnetism, no trace of the minute current -traverses the finger upon which the ring is worn; so -that a wooden ring or none at all would have exactly the -same effect as regards the magnetism or galvanism.<a id="FNanchor_231" href="#Footnote_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a></p> - -<p>Epilepsy was to be cured by wearing a ring in which -a portion of an elk’s horn was to be inclosed; while the -hoof of an ass, worn in the same way, had the reputation -of preventing conjugal debility.<a id="FNanchor_232" href="#Footnote_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span></p> - -<p>Michaelis, a physician at Leipsic, had a ring made of -the tooth of a sea-horse, by which he pretended to cure -diseases of every kind.<a id="FNanchor_233" href="#Footnote_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a> Rings of lead, mixed with -quicksilver, were used against headache; and even the -chains of criminals and iron used in the construction of -gibbets were applied to the removal of complaints.</p> - -<p>Rings simply made of gold were supposed to cure St. -Anthony’s fire; but, if inscribed with magic words, their -power was irresistible.</p> - -<p>With regard to rings supposed to possess magical properties, -there is one with an inscription in the Runic character, -on jasper, being a Dano-Saxon amulet against the -plague. The translation is thus given:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Raise us from dust we pray thee,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">From Pestilence, O set us free,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Although the Grave unwilling be.”<a id="FNanchor_234" href="#Footnote_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>On another ring, inscribed with similar characters, -and evidently intended for the same purpose, the legend -is as follows:</p> - -<p>“<em>Whether in fever or leprosy, let the patient be happy -and confident in the hope of recovery.</em>”<a id="FNanchor_235" href="#Footnote_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a></p> - -<p>Rings against the plague were often inscribed Jesus—Maria—Joseph -or I. H. S. <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Nazarenus</i>—<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Rex</i>—<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Judæorum</i>.</p> - -<p>A ring was dug up in England, with the figure of St. -Barbara upon it. She is the patroness against storms; -and it was most likely an intended amulet against them.<a id="FNanchor_236" href="#Footnote_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a> -However, St. Barbara was not solely here depended -upon, for it has around it Jesu et Maria.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 7. The ordeal of touch, by a person accused of murder, -remarkably appears in an English trial.<a id="FNanchor_237" href="#Footnote_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> There, the -murdered woman, at the touch of the accused, “thrust -out the ring or marriage finger three times and pulled it -in again and the finger dropped blood upon the grass.” -The report goes on to say, that “Sir Nicholas Hyde, -seeming to doubt the evidence, asked the witness, ‘Who -saw this besides you?’ <em>Witness.</em> ‘I cannot swear what -others saw; but, my lord, I do believe the whole company -saw it; and if it had been thought a doubt, proof -would have been made of it, and many would have -attested with me.’ The witness observing some admiration -in the auditors, spake further: ‘My lord, I am minister -of the parish and have long known all the parties, -but never had any occasion of displeasure against any of -them, nor had to do with them or they with me, but as -I was minister, the thing was wonderful to me; but I -have no interest in the matter, but as called upon to testify -the truth, that I have done. My lord, my brother -here present is minister of the next parish adjoining, and, -I am assured, saw all done that I have affirmed.’” The -clergyman so appealed to confirmed the statement; and -the accused were convicted and hanged.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 8. Amongst the dooms or punishments which Æthelbirht, -King of Kent, established in the days of Augustine, -the amount of what was called <em>bot</em> or damages to be -paid for every description of injury to the person is fully -detailed.<a id="FNanchor_238" href="#Footnote_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> The laws of King Alfred comprise, likewise, -numerous clauses respecting compensation for wounds<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> -inflicted; and the term “<i lang="osx" xml:lang="osx">dolzbote</i>” occurs in c. 23, relating -to tearing by a dog. A silver ring was found -in Essex, England, inscribed with the Anglo-Saxon word -<i lang="osx" xml:lang="osx">dolzbot</i>, the exact meaning of which is compensation -made for giving a man a wound either by a stab or -blow.<a id="FNanchor_239" href="#Footnote_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 9. We find a romantic story coupled with the founding -of Aix-la-Chapelle. Petrarch relates<a id="FNanchor_240" href="#Footnote_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> of Charles -the Great of France, that this monarch was so fondly -attached to a fair lady that, after her death, he carried -about her embalmed body in a superb coffin and that -he could not indeed forsake it, because, under the tongue, -was a gem “enchassée” in a very small ring.</p> - -<p>A venerable and learned bishop, who thought a living -beauty was preferable to the remains of a departed one, -rebuked his sovereign for his irreligious and strange -passion and revealed to him the important secret that -his love arose from a charm that lay under the woman’s -tongue. Whereupon the bishop went to the woman’s -corse and drew from her mouth the ring; which the -emperor had scarcely looked upon when he abhorred -the former object of his attachment and felt such an -extraordinary regard for the bishop that he could not -dispense with his presence for a single moment, until -the good prelate was so troubled with royal favor that -he cast the ring into a lake or marsh. The emperor -happened to be attracted to the site of the submerged -ring; and, in consequence, founded upon it a palace and -church, which gave birth to Aix-la-Chapelle.</p> - -<p>The Germans have a legend which they connect with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> -what must have been this ring. It runs thus: Charlemagne, -although near his dissolution, lingered in ceaseless -agony, until the archbishop who attended him caused -the lake to be dragged and, silently placing the talisman -on the person of the dying monarch, his struggling soul -parted quietly away. This talisman is said to be in the -possession of Louis Napoleon; but it is described as a -small nut, in a gold filagree envelopment, found round -the neck of Charlemagne on the opening of his tomb and -given by the town of Aix-la-Chapelle to Bonaparte and -by him to his favorite Hortense, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ci-devant</i> Queen of Holland, -at whose death it descended to her son. In the -German legend it is said to have been framed by some -of the magi in the train of the ambassadors of Aaroun-al-Raschid -to the mighty Emperor of the West, at the -instance of his spouse Fastrada, with the virtue that her -husband should be always fascinated towards the person -or thing on which it was.<a id="FNanchor_241" href="#Footnote_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 10. Some of our readers are lovers of operatic music, -and have heard <cite>Zampa</cite>. The placing of a ring on -the finger of a statue and its consequences must have -been gathered from a story by Floriguus. He mentions -the case of a young gentleman of Rome, who, on his -wedding day, went out walking with his bride and -some friend after dinner; towards evening, he got to a -tennis-court and while he played he took off his ring -and placed it upon the finger of a brass statue of Venus. -The game finished, he went to fetch his ring; but Venus -had bent her finger upon it and he could not get it off. -Whereupon, loth to make his companions tarry, he there<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -left it, intending to fetch it the next day, went then to -supper and, so, to bed; but, in the night, the truly brazen -Venus had slipped between him and his bride, and thus -troubled him for several successive nights. Not knowing -how to help himself, he made his moan to one Palumbus, -a learned magician, who gave him a letter and -bade him, at such a time of the night, in such a crossway, -where old Saturn would pass by with his associates, -to deliver to him the epistle. The young man, of -a bold spirit, accordingly did so; and when Saturn had -read it, he called Venus, who was riding before him, and -commanded her to deliver the ring, which forthwith she -did.</p> - -<p>Moore has even made use of this tale. He calls it -“The Ring,” and uses upwards of sixty stanzas on it. -He seems here to have laid aside, as much as it was -possible for him, his usual polish and tried to imitate -Monk Lewis. The scene is laid in Christian times; his -hero is one Rupert; and the deliverer a Father Austin. -Moore says he met with the story in a German work, -“Fromman upon Fascination;” while Fromman quotes -it from Belaucensis.</p> - -<p>It is remarkable how often we find stories, which have -originated in heathen times, made a vehicle for Catholic -tales. The above has found its way into monkish legend.</p> - -<p>In <cite>The Miracles of the Virgin Mary</cite>, compiled in the -twelfth century, by a French monk,<a id="FNanchor_242" href="#Footnote_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> there is a tale of a -young man, who, falling in love with an image of the -Virgin, inadvertently placed on one of its fingers a ring, -which he had received from his mistress, accompanying -the gift with the most tender language of respect and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> -affection. A miracle instantly took place and the ring -remained immovable. The young man, greatly alarmed -for the consequences of his rashness, consulted his friends, -who advised him, by all means, to devote himself entirely -to the service of the Madonna. His love for his -former mistress prevailed over their remonstrances and -he married her; but on the wedding-night, the newly betrothed -lady appeared to him and urged her claim, with -so many dreadful menaces that the poor man felt himself -compelled to abandon his bride and, that very night, -to retire privately to a hermitage, where he became a -monk for the rest of his life. This story has been translated -by Mons. Le Grand, in his entertaining collection -of <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fabliaux</i>, where the ring is called a marriage-ring.</p> - -<p>Perhaps this last story grew out of the legend of St. -Agnes. A priest, who officiated in a church dedicated -to St. Agnes, was very desirous of being married. He -prayed the Pope’s license, who gave it him, together -with an emerald ring; and commanded him to pay his -addresses to the image of St. Agnes in his own church. -Then the priest did so and the image put forth her -finger and he put the ring thereon; whereupon the -image drew her finger in again and kept the ring fast—and -the priest was contented to remain a bachelor; “and -yet, as it is sayd, the rynge is on the fynger of the ymage.”<a id="FNanchor_243" href="#Footnote_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 11. There is a legend of a Sir Richard Baker, who -was surnamed <em>Bloody Baker</em>, wherein a ring bears its -part.<a id="FNanchor_244" href="#Footnote_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a> This Sir Richard Baker was buried in Cranbrook -church, Kent, England, and his gauntlet, gloves, helmet<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span> -and spurs are suspended over his tomb. The gloves are -red. The Baker family had formerly large possessions -in Cranbrook; but in the reign of Edward VI. great -misfortunes fell on them; by extravagance and dissipation -they gradually lost all their lands, until an old house -in the village (now used as the poor-house) was all that -remained to them. The sole representative of the family -remaining at the accession of Queen Mary was Sir Richard -Baker. He had spent some years abroad in consequence -of a duel; but when Mary reigned he thought -he might safely return, as he was a papist; when he came -to Cranbrook, he took up his abode in his old house; he -brought one foreign servant with him; and only these two -lived there. Very soon strange stories began to be whispered -respecting unearthly shrieks having been heard -frequently to issue at nightfall from his house. Many -people of importance were stopped and robbed in the -Glastonbury woods and many unfortunate travellers were -missed and never heard of more. Richard Baker still continued -to live in seclusion, but he gradually repurchased -his alienated property, although he was known to have -spent all he possessed before he left England. But wickedness -was not always to prosper. He formed an apparent -attachment to a young lady in the neighborhood, -remarkable for always wearing a great many jewels. He -often pressed her to come and see his old house, telling -her he had many curious things he wished to show her. -She had always resisted fixing a day for her visit, but -happening to walk within a short distance of his house, she -determined to surprise him with a visit; her companion, -a lady older than herself, endeavored to dissuade her -from doing so, but she would not be turned from her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -purpose. They knocked at the door, but no one answered -them; they, however, discovered it was not locked and -determined to enter. At the head of the stairs hung a -parrot which, on their passing, cried out:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Peepoh, pretty lady, be not too bold,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Or your red blood will soon run cold.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>And cold did run the blood of the adventurous damsel -when, on opening one of the room doors, she found it -filled with the dead bodies of murdered persons, chiefly -women. Just then they heard a noise and on looking -out of the window saw Bloody Baker and his servant -bringing in the murdered body of a lady. Nearly -dead with fear, they concealed themselves in a recess -under the staircase. As the murderers, with their -dead burthen, passed by them, the hand of the unfortunate -murdered lady hung in the baluster of the -stairs; with an oath, Bloody Baker chopped it off and -it fell into the lap of one of the concealed ladies. As -soon as the murderers had passed by, the ladies ran -away, having the presence of mind to carry with them -the dead hand, on one of the fingers of which was a -ring. On reaching home, they told their story; and, in -confirmation of it, displayed the ring. All the families -who had lost relatives mysteriously were then told of -what had been found out; and they determined to ask -Baker to a large party, apparently in a friendly manner, -but to have officers concealed. He came, suspecting -nothing; and then the lady told him all she had seen, -pretending it was a dream. “Fair lady,” said he, -“dreams are nothing; they are but fables.” “They -may be fables,” said she, “but is this a fable?” and she<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span> -produced the hand and ring. Upon this the officers -rushed in and took him; and the tradition further says, -he was burnt, notwithstanding Queen Mary tried to save -him on account of the religion he professed.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 12. Dumas has it<a id="FNanchor_245" href="#Footnote_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a> that Cæsar Borgia wore a ring, composed -of two lion’s heads, the stone of which he turned -inward when he wished to press the hand of “a friend.” -It was then the lion’s teeth became those of a viper -charged with poison. (His infamous father, the old poisoner -Alexander VI., kept a poisoned key by him, and -when his “holiness” wished to rid himself of some one -of his familiars, he desired him to open a certain wardrobe, -but as the lock of this was difficult to turn, force -was required before the bolt yielded, by which a small -point in the handle of the key left a slight scratch upon -the hand, which proved mortal.)</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 13. Liceto, as referred to by Maffei, gives an example -of a ring forming part of the Barberini collection, -which has engraved upon the stone a Cupid with butterflies; -and, on the hoop of it, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Mei Amores</i>, <em>i. e.</em> My Loves. -This shows a freedom of subject that may have reference -to pretty plain flirting or wantonness. A fragment of -Ennius, which runs thus: <em>Others give a ring to be viewed -from the lips</em>, is coupled with a wanton custom (in full -vigor in the time of Plautus) for loose characters to take -the hoop of the ring with the teeth and, leaving the stone -out of the mouth, thus invite young persons to see either -the figure or minute characters and who had to approach -very close to do it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 14. We have heard of rings with delicate spring-lancets -or cutting-hooks, used by thieves to cut pockets before -they pick them.</p> - -<p>It is said that gamblers have rings with movable parts, -which will show a diminutive heart, spade, club or diamond -according as a partner desires a particular suit or -card to be led.</p> - -<p>Thieves in America will often wear a ring with the -head of a dog projecting and its ear sharpened and still -further extended, so that a blow with it would cut like -any sharply pointed instrument. The present Chief of -Police in New-York is in the habit of clipping off these -sharp ears whenever he has a rogue in custody who possesses -such a ring. And characters of the like class wear -one bearing a triangular pyramid of metal, with which -they can give a terrible blow.</p> - -<p>The crime of ring-dropping consists, generally, in a -rogue’s stooping down and seeming to pick up a purse -containing a ring and a paper, which is made in the form -of a receipt from a jeweller, descriptive of the ring and -making it a “rich, brilliant, diamond ring;” and in the -fellow’s proposing, for a specified payment, to share its -value with you.</p> - -<p>When Charles VIII. of France crossed the Alps, he -descended into Piedmont and the Montferrat, which -was governed by two Regents, Princes Charles Jean -Aimé and Guillaume Jean. They advanced to meet -Charles, each at the head of a numerous and brilliant -court and shining with jewels. Charles, aware that, notwithstanding -their friendly indications, they had, nevertheless, -signed a treaty with his enemy, received them -with the greatest courtesy; and as they were profuse in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span> -their professions of amity, he suddenly required of them -a proof: it was, to lend him the diamonds they then wore. -The two regents could but obey a request which possessed -all the characteristics of a command. They took -off their rings and other trinkets, for which Charles gave -them a detailed receipt and, then, pledged them for -twenty-four thousand ducats.<a id="FNanchor_246" href="#Footnote_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 15. When the Roman slave was allowed his liberty, -he received, with a cap and white vest, a ring. The ring -was of iron.<a id="FNanchor_247" href="#Footnote_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a> We have not heard the origin of this stated, -but it appears to us it was gathered from the fable of -Prometheus. The slave had been fastened, as it were, to -the Caucasus of bondage; and when freed from that, he -had, still, as Prometheus had, to wear an iron ring, by -way of remembrance. He was not permitted to have -one of gold, for that was a badge of citizenship.<a id="FNanchor_248" href="#Footnote_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a> However, -vanity is inherent in bond and free; and slaves -began to cover their iron rings with gold, while others -presumed to wear the precious metals alone.<a id="FNanchor_249" href="#Footnote_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> The iron -rings of slaves were alluded to by Statius, who died about -thirty years later than Pliny.<a id="FNanchor_250" href="#Footnote_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a> Apuleius introduces a -slave, with an iron ring, bearing a device.</p> - -<p>We all remember Moore’s lines, beginning with:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Rich and rare were the gems she wore,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>This was rather an Irish way of wearing a ring, on the -top of a snow-white wand, instead of upon a lily-white<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span> -finger. The poet works out and polishes and varnishes -these verses from the following story in Warren’s History -of Ireland:<a id="FNanchor_251" href="#Footnote_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> A young lady, of great beauty, adorned -with jewels and a costly dress, undertook a journey -alone, from one end of the kingdom to the other, with a -wand only in her hand, at the top of which was a ring -of exceeding great value; and such an impression had -the laws and government of the then monarch, Brian -Borholme, made on the minds of all the people that no -attempt was made upon her honor, nor was she robbed -of her clothes or jewels. Ireland may or not be changed -since that time; yet the monarch Brian does not seem -to have worked through moral suasion, if we may believe -an Irish verse-maker, who certainly uses neither the -delicacy of sentiment nor the polish of Moore:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Oh, brave King Brian! he knew the way</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To keep the peace and to make them pay;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For those who were bad, he knocked off their head;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And those who were worse, he kilt them dead.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_FOUR">CHAPTER FOUR.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="pfs90">RINGS COUPLED WITH REMARKABLE HISTORICAL CHARACTERS -OR CIRCUMSTANCES.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hang1">1. Ring of Suphis; Pharaoh’s Ring given to Joseph. 2. Rings of Hannibal; -Mithridates; Pompey; Cæsar; Augustus and Nero. 3. Cameo. 4. Ethelwoulf; -Madoc; Edward the Confessor; King John; Lord L’Isle; Richard -Bertie and his Son Lord Willoughby; Great Earl of Cork; Shakspeare’s -Signet-Ring; The Ring Queen Elizabeth gave to Essex; Ring of Mary of -Scotland and one sent by her to Elizabeth; Darnley; The Blue Ring; Duke -of Dorset; Ring in the Isle of Wight supposed to have belonged to Charles -the First, and Memorial Rings of this Monarch; Earl of Derby; Charles -the Second; Jeffrey’s Blood-Stone; The great Dundee; Nelson; Scotch -Coronation Ring; The Admirable Crichton; Sir Isaac Newton; Kean; -Wedding Ring of Byron’s Mother. 5. Matrons of Warsaw. 6. The Prussian -Maiden.</p></div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 1. <span class="smcap">When</span> Egypt is mentioned, the Pyramids rise in -their sublimity—a sublimity made perfect by their vastness -and mysterious age. We can fancy Abraham beholding -them with awe, as, in the moonlight, they seemed -to be awful and gigantic reflexes of his own tents looming -into the heavens. We can imagine Alexander, rushing -triumphantly on as the sun warmed and brightened -their points; and Cambyses, within their shadow, horrifying -the Egyptians by the destruction of their god Apis. -We can hear, too, the modern destroyer, with the bombastic -cry to his soldiers that, from the summits of those -monuments, forty centuries looked down upon them: -they must indeed have looked down upon those who<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -came as locusts and were swept away like them! And -as our minds enter, from the outward heat, into the cold -chamber of the Pyramids, we observe Champollion, Wilkinson, -Vyse and Lepsius unrolling ages with the unwinding -of papyrus and illuminated bandage.</p> - -<p>Let us, however, attempt to sink these mighty mountains -of man’s labor below the desert—upon which they -now heavily press as though they were sealing the earth—and -bring up, amid the vast desert and in their place, -a single figure, bearing a signet-ring upon its finger. It -is Suphis or Cheops, King of Memphis, who caused the -Great Pyramid to be made for his monument. What a -speck, for such a tomb! The monuments of man take -up much space. Here was a whole nation employed to -make one man’s mausoleum. We fear that the virtues -which live after men could often go within the compass -of their finger-ring.</p> - -<p>To every kingly order or decree connected with the -foundation of the Great Pyramid or with the thousands -of men who had to work or with the prodigious material -employed, an impression of the signet-ring of Suphis -had to be attached. Rings have been used for higher -and holier things; but never for so vast a human purpose.</p> - -<p>Now, bring up, once more, (through the mind’s enchantment,) -the Pyramids, built upwards of two thousand -years before the time of Christ, with all the busy -centuries which have encircled them; and looking back, -we can hardly think that this ring of Suphis, a circle -which an inch square might hold—is undestroyed! And -even if it be, we can scarcely believe that it is to be -seen within the sweep of our own observation. The city<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span> -of New-York holds the ring of Suphis. In the Egyptian -collection formed by Dr. Abbott is this ring. And if -exquisite work can add to its value, it has it in a high -degree. Beautiful in execution;—there is something -wonderful in its preservation; while a species of awe, -seldom attaching to a small substance, seems to chill -our nature and we are dumb while we look upon it.</p> - -<p>Here is the most valuable antique ring in the world. -This ring alone ought to be sufficient to secure the collection -to New-York for ever.<a id="FNanchor_252" href="#Footnote_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip150" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p150.jpg" alt="Hieroglyphics Ring and Oval" /> -</div> - -<p>It may be well to copy a description of this relic as it -appears in Dr. Abbott’s Catalogue:</p> - -<p>“This remarkable piece of antiquity is in the highest -state of preservation, and was found at Ghizeh, in a -tomb near that excavation of Colonel Vyse’s called Campbell’s -tomb. It is of fine gold; and weighs nearly three -sovereigns. The style of the hieroglyphics is in perfect -accordance with those in the tombs about the Great -Pyramid, and the hieroglyphics within the oval make<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span> -the name of that Pharaoh of whom the pyramid was the -tomb. The details are minutely accurate and beautifully -executed. The heaven is engraved with stars: the -fox or jackal has significant lines within its contour: -the hatchets have their handles bound with thongs, as is -usual in the sculptures; the volumes have the string -which binds them hanging below the roll, differing in -this respect from any example in sculptured or painted -hieroglyphics. The determinative for country is studded -with dots, representing the sand of the mountains at the -margin of the valley of Egypt. The instrument, as in -the larger hieroglyphics, has the tongue and semi-lunar -mark of the sculptured examples; as is the case also -with the heart-shaped vase. The name is surmounted -with the globe and feathers, decorated in the usual manner; -and the ring of the cartouch is engraved with -marks representing a rope, never seen in the sculptures: -and the only instance of a royal name similarly encircled -is a porcelain example in this collection, inclosing the -name of the father of Sesostris. The O in the name is -placed as in the examples sculptured in the tombs, not -in the axis of the cartouch. The chickens have their -unfledged wings; the cerastes its horns, now only to be -seen with the magnifying glass.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp72" id="ip152-t" style="max-width: 15em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p152-t.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="captionx">Signet of the actual size.</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip152-b" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100 p2" src="images/i_p152-b.jpg" alt="Signet Top and Bottom Seal" /> -</div> - -<p>Probably the next most important ring is one believed -to have been that which was given by Pharaoh to the -patriarch Joseph. Upon opening, in the winter of 1824, -a tomb in the necropolis of Sakkara near Memphis, -Arab workmen discovered a mummy, every limb of -which was cased in solid gold; each finger had its particular -envelope, inscribed with hieroglyphics: “So -Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old; and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span> -they embalmed him and he was put in a coffin in -Egypt.”<a id="FNanchor_253" href="#Footnote_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a> A golden scarabæus or beetle was attached -to the neck by a chain of the same metal; <em>a signet-ring</em> -was also found, a pair of golden bracelets and other -relics of value.<a id="FNanchor_254" href="#Footnote_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a> The excavation had been made at the -charge of the Swedish Consul; but the articles discovered -became the prize of the laborers. By a liberal -application of the cudgel, the scarabæus with its chain, a -fragment of the gold envelope and the bracelets were -recovered. The bracelets are now in the Leyden Museum, -and bear the same name as the ring.<a id="FNanchor_255" href="#Footnote_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a> This signet-ring, -however, which was not given up at the time,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span> -found its way to Cairo and was there purchased by the -Earl of Ashburnham. That nobleman having put his -collection of relics, with his baggage, on board a brig -chartered in Alexandria for Smyrna, the vessel was -plundered by Greek pirates, who sold their booty in the -island of Syra. The signet in question fell thus into the -hands of a Greek merchant, who kept it till about three -years ago, when it was sold in Constantinople and purchased -and brought finally to England. It is again in -the possession of the Earl of Ashburnham. This signet -has been assigned to the age of Thothmes III. The quantity -and nature of the golden decorations existing in the -tomb referred to indicate it as the sepulchre of one of -the Pharaohs or of some highly distinguished officer of -the royal household; and a calculation places the death -of the patriarch Joseph in about the twentieth year of -the reign of Thothmes III. The signet would be an excellent -specimen of the antique of a kind called Tabat, -still common in the country and which resemble, in all -but the engraved name upon this signet, the ring placed -by Pharaoh on Joseph’s hand. The seal turns on a -swivel, (and, so, has two tablets,) and, with the ring or -circle of the signet, is of very pure and massive gold. -The carving is very superior and also bold and sharp, -which may be accounted for from the difficult oxydization -of gold above all metals. In connection with this -ring, it is necessary to remember what occurred when -“Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand and put it -upon Joseph’s hand.”—“And he made him to ride in -the second chariot which he had; and they cried before -him, Bow the knee; and he made him ruler over all the -land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span> -Pharaoh and without thee shall no man lift up his hand -or foot in all the land of Egypt. <em>And Pharaoh called -Joseph’s name</em> <span class="smcap">Zaphnath-paaneah</span>.” The seal has the -cartouch of Pharaoh. And one line upon it has been -construed into <i lang="egx" xml:lang="egx">Paaneah</i>, the name bestowed by Pharaoh -on Joseph. This signifies, in combination with “<i lang="egx" xml:lang="egx">Zaphnath</i>,” -either, <em>the Revealer of Secrets</em>, or, <em>the Preserver of -the World</em>.</p> - -<p>A discovery of the ring of Suphis and that which -Pharaoh gave to Joseph appears to border on the marvellous; -and, yet, such things were and gentleness of -climate may allow us to suppose that they still exist,—while -modern energy, science and learning are so laying -bare the world’s sepulchre of the past that we ought not -to disbelieve at the suggested resurrection of any thing. -In excavations recently made in Persia, the palace of -Shushan and the tomb of Daniel have probably been -found; and also the very pavement described in Esther, -i. 6, “of red and blue and white and green marble.”<a id="FNanchor_256" href="#Footnote_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 2. Hannibal carried his death in his ring, which was -a singular one. When the Roman ambassadors required -the king of Bythinia to give Hannibal up, the latter, on -the point of the king’s doing so, swallowed poison, which -he always carried about in his ring. In the late war -between America and Mexico, rings were found upon -the fingers of dead officers of the latter country. These -opened and, it is said, a poisonous substance was discovered;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span> -and there is a notion that the owners of these rings -were ready to act the part of Hannibal: poison themselves -rather than become prisoners.</p> - -<p>The Romans were very curious in collecting cases of -rings, (<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">dactylothecæ</i>,) many of which are mentioned as -being at Rome; among these was that which Pompey -the Great took from Mithridates and dedicated to Jupiter -in the Capitol.<a id="FNanchor_257" href="#Footnote_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a></p> - -<p>And Pompey’s ring is known. Upon it were engraved -three trophies, as emblems of his three triumphs over the -three parts of the world Europe, Asia and Africa.<a id="FNanchor_258" href="#Footnote_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a> A -ring with a trophy cut upon it has helped to victory: -When Timoleon was laying siege to Calauria, Icetes took -the opportunity to make an inroad into the territories of -Syracuse, where he met with considerable booty; and -having made great havoc, he marched back by Calauria -itself, in contempt of Timoleon and the slender force -he had with him. Timoleon suffered him to pass; and -then followed him with his cavalry and light-armed foot. -When Icetes saw he was pursued, he crossed the Damyrias -and stood in a posture to receive the enemy, on the -other side. What emboldened him to do this was the -difficulty of the passage and the steepness of the banks -on both sides. But a strange dispute and jealousy of -honor which arose among the officers of Timoleon awhile -delayed the combat: for there was not one that was -willing to go after another, but every man wanted to be -foremost in the attack; so that their fording was likely -to be very tumultuous and disorderly by their jostling -each other and pressing to get before. To remedy this,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> -Timoleon ordered them to decide the matter by lot; and -that each, for this purpose, should give him his ring. -He took the rings and shook them in the skirt of his -robe; and the first that came up happening to have a -trophy for the seal, the young officers received it with -joy and, crying out that they would not wait for any -other lot, made their way as fast as possible through the -river and fell upon the enemy, who, unable to sustain -the shock, soon took to flight, throwing away their arms -and leaving a thousand of their men dead upon the spot.<a id="FNanchor_259" href="#Footnote_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a></p> - -<p>Cæsar’s ring bore an armed Venus. On that of Augustus -there was, first, a sphinx; afterwards, the image -of Alexander the Great; and at last, his own, which the -succeeding emperors continued to use. Dr. Clarke says, -the introduction of sculptured animals upon the signets -of the Romans was derived from the sacred symbols of -the Egyptians and hence the origin of the sphinx for the -signet of Augustus.</p> - -<p>Nero’s signet-ring bore Apollo, flaying Marsyas. This -emperor’s musical vanity led him to adopt it.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 3. When the practice of deifying princes and venerating -heroes became general, portraits of men supplied -the place of more ancient types. This custom gave birth -to the cameo; not, perhaps, introduced before the Roman -power and rarely found in Greece.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 4. In the British Museum is an enamelled gold ring -of Ethelwoulf, King of Wessex, second King of England, -A. D. 836, 838. It bears his name.<a id="FNanchor_260" href="#Footnote_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span></p> - -<p>The tradition of Madoc, one of the last princes of -Powis, is kept up by the discovery of a gold signet-ring, -with the impress of a monogram placed under a crown. -It is supposed to be the ring of Madoc.</p> - -<p>The ring of Edward the Confessor has been discovered; -and is said to be in the possession of Charles Kean the -actor and that he wears it whenever he plays the character -of King Lear. This performer is a collector of -antiquities. He purchased the red hat of Cardinal Wolsey -at the sale of the Strawberry Hill collection. This -hat was found by Bishop Burnet, when Clerk of the -Closet, in the great wardrobe and was given by his son, -the Judge, to the Countess Dowager of Albemarle, who -presented it to Horace Walpole.</p> - -<p>King John of England is reputed to have secured a -ring to aid his designs upon the beautiful wife of the -brave Eustace de Vesci, one of the twenty-five barons -appointed to enforce the observance of Magna Charta.<a id="FNanchor_261" href="#Footnote_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a> -The tyrant, hearing that Eustace de Vesci had a very -beautiful wife, but far distant from court and studying -how to accomplish his licentious designs towards her, -sitting at table with her husband and seeing a ring on -his finger, he laid hold on it and told him that he had -such another stone, which he resolved to set in gold in -that very form. And having thus got the ring, presently -sent it to her, in her husband’s name; by that token conjuring -her, if ever she expected to see him alive, to come -speedily to him. She, therefore, upon sight of the ring, -gave credit to the messenger and came with all expedition. -But so it happened that her husband, casually -riding out, met her on the road and marvelling much to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span> -see her there, asked what the matter was? and when he -understood how they were both deluded, resolved to find -a wanton and put her in apparel to personate his lady. -The king afterwards boasting to the injured husband -himself, Eustace had the pleasure to undeceive him. We -may imagine the cheated monarch’s rage and how freely -he used his favorite oath of, “by the teeth of God!”</p> - -<p>Lord L’Isle, of the time of Henry VIII. of England, -had been committed to the Tower of London on suspicion -of being privy to a plot to deliver up the garrison of -Calais to the French. But his innocence appearing -manifest on investigation, the monarch released and sent -him a diamond ring with a most gracious message. -Whether it was his liberty or the ring or the message, -the fact is that he died the night following “of excessive -joy.”<a id="FNanchor_262" href="#Footnote_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a></p> - -<p>The turquoise was valuable enough for princely gift. -Anne of Brittany, young and beautiful, Queen of Louis -the Twelfth of France, sent a turquoise ring to James the -Fourth of Scotland, who fell at Flodden. Scott refers -to it:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent2h">“For the fair Queen of France</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Sent him a turquoise ring and glove;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And charged him, as her knight and love,</div> - <div class="verse indent4">For her to break a lance.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>And, in a note, he says that a turquoise ring, “probably -this fatal gift,” is (with James’s sword and dagger) preserved -in the College of Heralds, London; and gives the -following quotation from Pittscottie: “Also, the Queen -of France wrote a love-letter to the King of Scotland, -calling him her love, showing him that she had suffered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span> -much rebuke in France for the defending of her honor. -She believed surely that he would recompense her again -with some of his kingly support in her necessity, that is -to say, that he would raise her an army and come three -foot of ground, on English ground, for her sake. To that -effect she sent him a ring off her finger, with fourteen -hundred French crowns to pay his expenses.”</p> - -<p>Some of the trials of life which Richard Bertie and his -wife Catharine, Duchess of Suffolk, underwent,<a id="FNanchor_263" href="#Footnote_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a> are matters -of history. They arose from the zeal of the Duchess -for the Reformation in the reign of Edward VI. and -through the malice of Bishop Gardiner. The lady had in -her “progress” caused a dog in a rochet (part of a bishop’s -dress) to be carried and called by Gardiner’s name. They -had an only son Peregrine Bertie, who claimed and obtained -the Barony of Willoughby of Eresby. He was -sent as general of auxiliaries into France; and did good -service at the siege of Paris and by the reduction of -many towns. His troops were disbanded with great -commendation; and Lord Willoughby received a present -of a diamond ring from the King of France.<a id="FNanchor_264" href="#Footnote_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a> This -ring he, at his death, left his son, with a charge, upon -his blessing, to transmit it to his heirs. Queen Elizabeth -wrote a free letter inviting him back to England, beginning -it, “Good Peregrine.” His will is a remarkable -one. It begins thus: “In the name of the blessed divine -Trynitie in persons and of Omnipotent Unitye in Godhead, -who created, redeemed and sanctified me, whom -I steadfastlye beleeve will glorifye this sinfull, corruptyble -and fleshely bodie, with eternal happiness by a joyeful -resurrection at the general Judgment, when by his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> -incomprehensible justice and mercye, having satisfied for -my sinfull soule, and stored it uppe in his heavenlye treasure, -his almightye voyce shall call all fleshe to be joyned -together with the soule to everlasting comforte or discomforte. -In that holye name I Pergrin Bertye,” etc., etc., -etc. He was once confined to his bed with the gout -and had an insulting challenge sent him, to which he -answered, “That although he was lame of his hands and -feet, yet he would meet his adversary with a piece of a -rapier in his teeth.” His idea of a “carpet knight” is -observable in his saying, that “a court became a soldier -of good skill and great spirit as a bed of down would one -of the Tower lions.”</p> - -<p>Richard Boyle, who, by personal merit, obtained a -high position and is known as the “great Earl of Cork,” -did not forget his early life. When he was in the -height of his prosperity, he committed the most memorable -circumstances of his life to writing, under the title of -“True Remembrances;” and we find the mention of a -ring which his mother had given him: “When first I -arrived in Ireland, the 23d of June, 1588, all my wealth -then was twenty-seven pounds three shillings in money -and two tokens which my mother had given me, viz. a -diamond ring, which I have ever since and still do -wear, and a bracelet of gold worth about ten pounds; a -taffety doublet cut with and upon taffety; a pair of black -silk breeches laced; a new Milan fustian suit laced and -cut upon taffety, two cloaks, competent linen and necessaries, -with my rapier and dagger; and, since, the blessing -of God, whose heavenly providence guided me -hither, hath enriched my weak estate in the beginning -with such a fortune as I need not envy any of my neighbors,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span> -and added no care or burthen to my conscience -thereunto.”<a id="FNanchor_265" href="#Footnote_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a></p> - -<p>We have mentioned Shakspeare’s signet-ring. It is -of gold and was found on the sixteenth day of March -in the year one thousand eight hundred and ten, by a -laborer’s wife upon the surface of the mill-close, adjoining -Stratford churchyard. The weight is twelve penny-weights; -it bears the initials W. S.; and was purchased -by Mr. R. B. Wheeler (who has published a Guide to -Stratford-upon-Avon<a id="FNanchor_266" href="#Footnote_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a>) for thirty-six shillings, the current -value of the gold. It is evidently a gentleman’s ring -of the time of Elizabeth; and the crossing of the central -lines of the W. with the oblique direction of the lines of -the S. exactly agree with the character of that day. -There is a connection or union of the letters by an ornamental -string and tassels, known commonly as a “true -lover’s knot”—the upper bow or flourish of which forms -the resemblance of a heart. On the porch of Charlcote -House near Stratford, erected in the early part of Elizabeth’s -reign by the very Sir Thomas Lucy said to have -persecuted Shakspeare for deer stealing, the letters T. L. -are surrounded in a manner precisely similar. Allowing -that this was Shakspeare’s ring, it is the only existing -article which originally belonged to him.</p> - -<p>Singularly enough, a man named William Shakspeare -was at work near the spot when this ring was -picked up.<a id="FNanchor_267" href="#Footnote_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a> Little doubt can be entertained that it -belonged to the poet and is probably the one he lost -before his death and was not to be found when his will<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span> -was executed, the word <em>hand</em> being substituted for <em>seale</em> -in the original copy of that document. The only other -person at Stratford having the same initials and likely -to possess such a seal was William Smith, but he used -one having a different device, as may be seen from -several indentures preserved amongst the records of the -corporation. Halliwell believes in the authenticity of -this relic. Mr. Wheeler, its owner, says: “Though I -purchased it upon the same day for 36s. (the current -value of the gold) the woman had sufficient time to destroy -the precious <em>ærugo</em>, by having it unnecessarily immersed -in <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">aquafortis</i>, to ascertain and prove the metal, -at a silversmith’s shop, which consequently restored its -original color.”</p> - -<p>In the Life of Haydon the painter,<a id="FNanchor_268" href="#Footnote_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a> we have the following -letter from him to Keats, (March 1, 1818:) “My -dear Keats, I shall go mad! In a field at Stratford-upon-Avon, -that belonged to Shakspeare, they have found a -gold ring and seal, with the initials W. S. and a true -lover’s knot between. If this is not Shakspeare’s, whose -is it?—a true lover’s knot! I saw an impression to-day, -and am to have one as soon as possible: as sure as you -breathe and that he was the first of beings, the seal -belonged to him.</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="padr20pc">“O Lord!</span> <span class="smcap">B. R. Haydon.</span>”</p> - -<p>Let us now turn to the ring that Queen Elizabeth gave -to the handsome, brave and open-hearted Devereux, Earl -of Essex; and which was probably worn by him, when, -on his trial, he was desired to hold up his right hand, -and he said that he had, before that time, done it often -at her majesty’s command for a better purpose. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span> -story of this ring has been discarded by some authors; -but we see no reason to doubt it. We take our account -from Francis Osborn’s Traditional Memoirs on the Reign -of Queen Elizabeth.<a id="FNanchor_269" href="#Footnote_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> “Upon this,” says he, “with a -great deal of familiarity, she presented a ring to him, -which after she had, by oaths, endued with a power of -freeing him from any danger or distress, his future miscarriage, -her anger or enemies’ malice could cast him -into, she gave it him, with a promise that, at the first -sight of it, all this and more, if possible, should be -granted. After his commitment to the Tower, he sent -this jewel to her majesty by the then Countess of Nottingham, -whom Sir Robert Cecill kept from delivering -it. But the Lady of Nottingham, coming to her death-bed -and finding by the daily sorrow the Queen expressed -for the loss of Essex, herself a principal agent -in his destruction, could not be at rest till she had discovered -all and humbly implored mercy from God and -forgiveness from her earthly sovereign; who did not -only refuse to give it, but having shook her as she lay -in bed, sent her, accompanied with most fearful curses, -to a higher tribunal.” This reads like truth; and what -a picture it presents! Mark the fury of such an overbearing, -half-masculine Queen; and, the repentant passiveness -of the dying Countess!</p> - -<p>Dr. Birch, in his Memoirs, says: the Queen observed, -“God may forgive you, but I never can.”</p> - -<p>We are inclined to believe that Elizabeth swore pretty -roundly on this occasion, as it is known she could; and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span> -that there was a violence on the occasion is even shown -by Dr. Birch: he says—“The Countess of Nottingham, -affected by the near approach of death, obtained a visit -from the Queen, to whom she revealed the secret; that -the Queen shook the dying lady in her bed, and thenceforth -resigned herself to the deepest melancholy.”</p> - -<p>The melancholy continued; and this haughty woman -was soon smitten; refusing to rest on a bed, from a superstition -that it would be her death couch, she became -almost a silent lunatic, and crouched upon the floor. There -sat she, as did another queen, who cried—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Here I and sorrow sit,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Here is my throne;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>neither rising nor lying down, her finger almost always -in her mouth, her eyes open and fixed on the ground.<a id="FNanchor_270" href="#Footnote_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a> -But her indomitable will did not leave her in her death -hour. She had declared she would have no rascal to -succeed her; and when she was too far gone to speak, -Secretary Cecil besought her, if she would have the -King of Scots to reign after her, to show some sign unto -them. Whereat, suddenly heaving herself up, she held -both her hands joined together, over her head, in manner -of a crown. Then, she sank down, and dozed into another -world.</p> - -<p>The Chevalier Louis Aubery de Maurier, who was -many years the French Minister in Holland, and said -to have been a man of great parts and unsuspected veracity, -gives the following story of the Essex ring:<a id="FNanchor_271" href="#Footnote_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span></p> - -<p>“It will not, I believe, be thought either impertinent -or disagreeable to add here what Prince Maurice had -from the mouth of Mr. Carleton, Ambassador from England -in Holland, who died Secretary of State, so well -known under the name of my Lord Dorchester and who -was a man of great merit. He said that Queen Elizabeth -gave the Earl of Essex a ring in the height of her -passion for him, ordering him to keep it, and that whatever -he should commit she would pardon him when he -should return that pledge. Since that time, the Earl’s -enemies having prevailed with the Queen, who besides -was exasperated against him for the contempt he showed -for her beauty, which, through age, began to decay, she -caused him to be impeached. When he was condemned, -she expected that he should send her the ring; and -would have granted him his pardon according to her -promise. The Earl finding himself in the last extremity, -applied to Admiral Howard’s lady, who was his relation, -and desired her, by a person whom she could trust, to -return the ring into the Queen’s own hands. But her -husband, who was one of the Earl’s greatest enemies and -to whom she told this imprudently, would not suffer her -to acquit herself of the commission; so that the Queen -consented to the Earl’s death, being full of indignation -against such a proud and haughty spirit who chose rather -to die than to implore her mercy. Some time after, the -Admiral’s lady fell sick and being given over by her -physicians, she sent word to the Queen that she had -something of great consequence to tell her before she -died. The Queen came to her bedside, and having ordered -all the attendants to withdraw, the Admiral’s lady -returned her, but too late, that ring from the Earl of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span> -Essex, desiring to be excused that she did not return it -sooner, having been prevented doing it by her husband. -The Queen retired immediately, being overwhelmed -with the utmost grief; she sighed continually for a fortnight -following, without taking any nourishment; lying -abed entirely dressed and getting up an hundred times -a night. At last she died with hunger and with grief, -because she had consented to the death of a lover who -had applied to her for mercy. This melancholy adventure -shows that there are frequent transitions from one -passion to another and that as love often changes to hate, -so hate, giving place sometimes to pity, brings the mind -back again into its first state.” Sir Dudley Carleton, who -is made the author of this story, was a man who deserved -the character that is given of him and could not but be -well informed of what had passed at court. The Countess -of Nottingham was the daughter of the Lord Viscount -Hunsdon, related to the Queen and also, by his -mother, to the Earl of Essex.</p> - -<p>The story of the ring and the relations of the Queen’s -passion for the Earl of Essex were long regarded by -many writers as romantic circumstances. But these facts -are now more generally believed. Hume, Birch and other -judicious historians give credit to them. Dr. Birch has -confirmed Maurice’s account by the following narrative, -which was often related by the Lady Elizabeth Spelman, -a descendant of Sir Robert Cary, Earl of Monmouth, -whose acquaintance with the most secret transactions of -Queen Elizabeth’s court is well known:<a id="FNanchor_272" href="#Footnote_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a></p> - -<p>“When Catharine, Countess of Nottingham, wife of -the Lord High Admiral and sister of the Earl of Monmouth,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span> -was dying, (as she did, according to his Lordship’s -own account, about a fortnight before the Queen,) -she sent to her majesty, to desire that she might see her -in order to reveal something to her majesty, without the -discovery of which she could not die in peace. Upon -the Queen’s coming, Lady Nottingham told her that, -while the Earl of Essex lay under sentence of death, he -was desirous of asking her majesty’s mercy, in the manner -prescribed by herself, during the height of his favor: -the Queen having given him a ring which, being sent to -her as a token of his distress, might entitle him to her -protection. But the Earl, jealous of those about him -and not caring to trust any one with it, as he was looking -out of the window one morning, saw a boy, with -whose appearance he was pleased, and, engaging him, -by money and promises, directed him to carry the ring, -which he took from his finger and threw down, to Lady -Scroope, a sister of the Countess of Nottingham and a -friend of his lordship, who attended upon the Queen -and to beg of her that she would present it to her majesty. -The boy, by mistake, carried it to Lady Nottingham, -who showed it to her husband, the Admiral, an -enemy of Lord Essex, in order to take his advice. The -Admiral forbid her to carry it or return any answer to -the message; but insisted upon her keeping the ring.</p> - -<p>“The Countess of Nottingham having made the discovery, -begged the Queen’s forgiveness, but her majesty -answered, ‘God may forgive you, but I never can;’ -and left the room with great emotion. Her mind was -so struck with this story that she never went to bed, nor -took any subsistence, from that instant: for Camden is -of opinion that her chief reason for suffering the Earl<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> -to be executed was his supposed obstinancy in not applying -to her for mercy.”</p> - -<p>Miss Strickland considers that the story of this ring -should not be lightly rejected.</p> - -<p>There are two rings extant claiming to be the identical -one so fatally retained by Lady Nottingham. The first -is preserved at Hawnes, Bedfordshire, England and is -the property of the Reverend Lord John Thynne. The -ring is gold, the sides are engraved and the inside set -with blue enamel; the stone is a sardonyx, on which is -cut, in relief, a head of Elizabeth, the execution being -of a high order. The second is the property of a Mr. -Warner, and was given by Charles the First to Sir -Thomas Warner, the settler of Antigua, Nevis, etc. It -is a diamond set in gold, inlaid with black enamel at -the back and sides.<a id="FNanchor_273" href="#Footnote_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a></p> - -<p>And now let us turn to one of Elizabeth’s victims, who -had her talent and was her contrast: for Mary of Scotland -was womanly and beautiful. So charming was she in -the mind of the French poet Ronsard that he tells us -France without her was as “a ring bereft of its precious -pearl.”<a id="FNanchor_274" href="#Footnote_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a> The nuptial ring of Mary, Queen of Scots, on -her marriage with Lord Darnley, is extant.<a id="FNanchor_275" href="#Footnote_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a> It is, in -general design, a copy of her great seal, the banners -only being different, for, in the great seal they each bear -a saltier surmounted by a crown. (In her great seal -made when Dowager of France, after the death of Francis -the Second, the dexter banner is St. Andrew’s Cross,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span> -the sinister the Royal Arms of the Lion.) The ring part -is enamelled. It is of most beautiful and minute workmanship. -An impression is not larger than a small -wafer. It has the initials M. R.; and on the interior is -a monogram of the letters M. and A., <em>Mary</em> and <em>Albany</em>: -Darnley was created Duke of Albany.</p> - -<p>A use of the arms of England by Mary came to the -knowledge of and gave great offence to Elizabeth and -Burghley; and the latter obtained a copy of them so -used, which copy is now in the British Museum. It is -endorsed by Burghley, “False Armes of Scotl. Fr. Engl. -Julii, 1559.” The following doggrel lines are underneath -the arms:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“The armes of Marie Quene Dolphines of France</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The nobillist Ladie in earth for till aduance,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Off Scotland Quene, and of England also,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Off Ireland als God haith providit so.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>A letter has been discovered in the handwriting of -Mary herself which presents the monogram of M. and -A. that is upon the ring. This epistle is in French; and -the following is a translation:</p> - -<p>“Madam, my good sister, the wish that I have to omit -nothing that could testify to you how much I desire not -to be distant from your good favor, or to give you occasion -to suspect me from my actions to be less attached -to you than, my good sister, I am, does not permit me -to defer longer the sending to you the bearer, Master of -my Requests, to inform you further of my good will to -embrace all means which are reasonable, not to give -you occasion to be to me other than you have been -hitherto; and relying on the sufficiency of the bearer, I -will kiss your hands, praying God that he will keep you,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span> -Madam my good sister, in health and a happy and long -life. From St. John’s Town, this 15th of June.</p> - -<p class="right">“Your very affectionate and faithful<br /> -“Good Sister and Cousin,<br /> -“<span class="smcap">Marie R.</span>”</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -“To the Queen of England,<br /> -<span class="pad1">“Madam my good Sister</span><br /> -<span class="pad2">“and Cousin.”</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>The history of the ring bearing the arms of England, -Scotland and Ireland, (and which is said to have been -produced in evidence at the trial of the unfortunate -Mary as a proof of her pretensions to the crown of England,) -is curious. It descended from Mary to her grandson -Charles the First, who gave it on the scaffold to -Archbishop Juxon for his son Charles the Second, who, -in his troubles, pawned it in Holland for three hundred -pounds, where it was bought by Governor Yale; and -sold at his sale for three hundred and twenty dollars, -supposed to the Pretender. Afterwards it came into the -possession of the Earl of Ilay, Duke of Argyll. It was -ultimately purchased by George the Fourth of England, -when he was Prince Regent.<a id="FNanchor_276" href="#Footnote_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> This is sometimes called -the Juxon ring.</p> - -<p>It appears by Andrews’s continuation of Henry’s History -of Great Britain,<a id="FNanchor_277" href="#Footnote_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a> that Mary had three wedding -rings on her marriage with Darnley: “She had on her -back the great mourning gown of black, with the great -mourning hood,” (fit robes for such a wedding!) “The -rings, which were three, the middle a rich diamond, were -put on her finger. They kneel together and many prayers<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span> -are said over them,” etc., etc. Rings of Mary of Modena -have been mistaken for those of Mary of Scotland.</p> - -<p>There is a ring at Bolsover Castle containing a portrait -of Mary.<a id="FNanchor_278" href="#Footnote_278" class="fnanchor">[278]</a></p> - -<p>A word more of Elizabeth and Mary. Aubrey says,<a id="FNanchor_279" href="#Footnote_279" class="fnanchor">[279]</a> -“I have seen some rings made for sweethearts, with a -heart enamelled held between two right hands. See an -epigram of George Buchanan on two rings that were -made by Elizabeth’s appointment, being layd one upon -the other showed the like figure. The heart was two -diamonds, which joyned, made the heart. Queen Elizabeth -kept one moietie, and sent the other as a token of -her constant friendship to Mary, Queen of Scots; but -she cut off her head for all that.” Aubrey, who also -quotes an old verse as to the wearers of rings: <em>Miles, -mercator, stultus, maritus, amator</em>,—here alludes, it is -presumed, to a diamond ring originally given by Elizabeth -to Mary as a pledge of affection and support and -which Mary commissioned Beatoun to take back to her -when she determined to seek an asylum in England. -The following is one of Buchanan’s epigrams on the -subject of the ring, described by Aubrey:</p> - -<p>“<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Loquitur adamas in cordis effigiem sculptus, quem -Maria Elizabethæ Angl. misit:</i>” (The diamond sculptured -into the form of a heart and which Mary sent to the -English Elizabeth, says:)</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Quod te jampridem videt, ac amat absens,</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Hæc pignus cordis gemma, et imago mei est,</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Non est candidior non est hæc purior illo</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Quamvis dura magis non image firma tamen.</i>”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span></p> -<p>These lines we thus render in verse:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“This gem is pledge and image of my heart:</div> - <div class="verse indent2">A heart that looks and loves, though not in view.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The jewel has no clearer, purer part—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">It may be harder, but is not more true.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The sentiment in this epigram must have been gathered -from expressions made by Mary herself: for, at a -time when she was at Dumferline and desired and hoped -for an interview with Elizabeth, she received, through -the hands of Randolph, a letter from the English Queen, -“which first she did read and after put into her bosom -next unto her <em>schyve</em>.” Mary entered into a long private -conversation with Randolph on the subject of their proposed -interview; and asked him, in confidence, to tell -her frankly whether it were ever likely to take effect. -“Above any thing,” said she, “I desire to see my good -sister; and next, that we may live like good sisters -together, as your mistress hath written unto me that -we shall. I have here,” continued she, “a ring with a -diamond fashioned like a heart: I know nothing that -can resemble my good will unto my good sister better -than that. My meaning shall be expressed by writing -in a few verses, which you shall see before you depart; -and whatsomever lacketh therein, let it be reported by -your writing. I will witness the same with my own -hand, and call God to record that I speak as I think with -my heart, that I do as much rejoice of that continuance -of friendship that I trust shall be between the queen my -sister and me and the people of both realms, as ever I -did in any thing in my life.” “With these words,” continues -Randolph, “she taketh out of her bosom the -Queen’s Majesty’s letter; and after that she had read a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> -line or two thereof, putteth it again in the same place, -and saith, ‘If I could put it nearer my heart I would.’”<a id="FNanchor_280" href="#Footnote_280" class="fnanchor">[280]</a></p> - -<p>Mary’s sad going to England, makes us remember -Wordsworth’s sonnet:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">“——; but Time, the old Saturnian seer,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Sighed on the wing as her foot pressed the strand,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With step prelusive to a long array</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Of woes and degradations, hand in hand,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Weeping Captivity and shuddering Fear,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Stilled by the ensanguined block of Fotheringay!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip173" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100 p1" src="images/i_p173.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption">Original size.</div> -</div> - -<p>In the British Museum is a ring which belonged to -one whose life had been a tissue of cowardice, cruelty, -falsehood and weakness, Lord Darnley. If this was -a ring he ordinarily wore, it probably was upon his -finger when he led the way to the murder of Riccio and -pointed him out to the slayers. However this may be, -the story goes that when Darnley was reconciled to -Mary and was in the house called Kirk of Field, she, -one evening, on taking leave in order to attend a marriage -of a servant, embraced him tenderly; took a ring -from her finger and placed it upon his. It was on this -night that a terrific explosion was heard, which shook -the city of Edinburgh. Then it was that the Kirk of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span> -Field was blown up; and at a little distance, in the garden, -were the dead bodies of Darnley and his page. We -are not of those who believe that Mary’s hand or heart -were in this murder, notwithstanding we read of the -vote of the Scotch Parliament and peruse Buchanan’s -suggested letters from the Queen to Bothwell—especially -as these epistles are not forthcoming. It has been -said that Buchanan expressed sorrow on his death-bed -for what he had written against Mary. But he certainly -was not a repentant. We have a proof of his indomitable -disposition in the fact that when, at his dying -hour, he was informed that the King was highly incensed -against him for writing his books <cite>De Jure Regni</cite> and -History of Scotland, he replied, “he was not much concerned -about that, for he was shortly going to a place -where there were few kings.”<a id="FNanchor_281" href="#Footnote_281" class="fnanchor">[281]</a> Writers who show no -esteem for Buchanan give him the character of an inveterate -drinker even up to his death hour; he, “continuing -his debauches of the belly, made shift to get the -dropsy by immoderate drinking,” and it was said of -him, by way of jest, that he was troubled <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">vino inter cute</i> -and not <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">aquâ inter cute</i> (by <em>wine between the skin</em> and -not <em>water between the skin</em>).<a id="FNanchor_282" href="#Footnote_282" class="fnanchor">[282]</a></p> - -<p>There is a ring known in English history as the <em>Blue -Ring</em>.<a id="FNanchor_283" href="#Footnote_283" class="fnanchor">[283]</a> King James the First kept a constant correspondence -with several persons of the English court for -many years prior to Queen Elizabeth’s decease; among -others with Lady Scroope, sister of Robert Carey, afterwards -Earl of Monmouth, to which lady his majesty -sent, by Sir James Fullerton, a sapphire ring, with positive<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span> -orders to return it to him, by a special messenger, -as soon as the Queen actually expired. Lady Scroope -had no opportunity of delivering it to her brother Robert -while he was in the palace of Richmond; but waiting -at the window till she saw him at the outside of the -gate, she threw it out to him and he well knew to what -purpose he received it. Indeed, he was the first person -to announce to James his accession to the crown of England; -and the monarch said to him: “I know you have -lost a near kinswoman and a mistress, but take here my -hand, I will be a good master to you and will requite -this service with honor and reward.” This Robert Carey -wrote his own memoirs; and therein says: “I only relied -on God and the King. The one never left me; the -other, shortly after his coming to London, deceived my -expectations and adhered to those who sought my ruin.”</p> - -<p>Thomas Sackvil, Duke of Dorset, who was Lord High -Treasurer of England in the times of Elizabeth and -James I., has left a remarkably long and curious will, -which shows exceeding wealth and a mixture of seeming -humility, obsequious loyalty and pride of position. -His riches appear to have mainly come from his father, -who was called by the people <em>Fill-Sack</em>, on account of -his vast property. A great number of personal ornaments -are bequeathed; and among them many rings, which are -particularly described. He often and especially notices<a id="FNanchor_284" href="#Footnote_284" class="fnanchor">[284]</a> -“one ring of gold and enamelled black and set round -with diamonds, to the number of 20., whereof 5. being -placed in the upper part of the said ring do represent -the fashion of a cross.” This ring is coupled with “one -picture of the late famous Queen Elizabeth, being cut<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span> -out of an agate, with excellent similitude, oval fashion -and set in gold, with 20. rubies about the circle of it and -one orient pearl pendant to the same; one ring of gold, -enamelled black, wherein is set a great table diamonde, -beying perfect and pure and of much worth; and one -cheyne of gold, Spanish work, containing in it 48. several -pieces of gold, of divers sorts, enamelled white and of -46. oval links of gold, likewise enamelled white, wherein -are 144. diamonds.” These rings, chain and picture are -to remain as heirlooms; while particular directions are -given to place them in the custody of the warden and -a senior fellow of New College at Oxford during minority -of his descendants, to be kept within the said college -“in a strong chest of iron, under two several keys,” etc. -The testator states how the “said rynge of gould, with the -great table diamonde sett therein togeather with the said -cheyne of goulde, were given to him by the Kinge of -Spayne;” while the way in which he obtained the ring -set round with twenty diamonds is thus elaborated in -the will: “And to the intent that they may knowe howe -just and great cause bothe they and I have to hould the -sayed Rynge, with twentie Diamonds, in so heighe esteeme, -yt is most requisite that I do here set downe the -whole course and circumstance howe and from whome -the same rynge did come to my possession, which was -thus: In the Begynning of the monethe of June one -thousand sixe hundred and seaven, this rynge thus sett -with twenty Diamondes, as is aforesayed, was sent unto -me from my most gracious soveraigne King James, by -that honorable personage the Lord Haye, one of the -gentlemen of his Highnes Bedchamber, the Courte then -beying at Whitehall in London and I at that tyme remayning<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span> -at Horsley House in Surrey, twentie myles -from London, where I laye in suche extremitye of sickness -as yt was a common and a constant reporte all over -London that I was dead and the same confidentlie affirmed -even unto the Kinge’s Highnes hymselfe; upon which occasion -it pleased his most excellent majestie, in token of -his gracious goodness and great favour towards me, to -send the saied Lord Hay with the saied Ringe, and this -Royal message unto me, namelie, that his Highness -wished a speedie and a perfect recoverye of my healthe, -with all happie and good successe unto me and that I -might live as longe as the diamonds of that Rynge -(which therewithall he delivered unto me) did indure, -and, in token thereof, required me to weare yt and keep -yt for his sake. This most gracious and comfortable message -restored a new Life unto me, as coming from so renowned -and benigne a soveraigne,”—but enough of this -fulsome praise of the coward King of Holyrood. It -makes us think of Sir Richie Moniplie’s scene: “But -my certie, lad, times are changed since ye came fleeing -down the back stairs of auld Holyrood House, in grit -fear, having your breeks in your hand, without time to -put them on, and Frank Stewart, the wild Earl of Bothwell, -hard at your haunches; and if auld Lord Glenwarloch -hadna cast his mantle about his arm and taken -bluidy wounds mair than ane in your behalf, you wald -not have crawed sae crouse this day.”</p> - -<p>There is a ring in the Isle of Wight, shown as having -belonged to Charles the First of England; and the following -story is told of it.<a id="FNanchor_285" href="#Footnote_285" class="fnanchor">[285]</a> When Charles was confined<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span> -in Carisbrook Castle, a man named Howe was its master -gunner. He had a son, a little boy, who was a great -favorite of Charles. One day, seeing him with a child’s -sword by his side, the King asked him what he intended -doing with it? “To defend your Majesty from your -Majesty’s enemies,” was the reply; an answer which so -pleased the King that he gave the child the signet-ring -he was in the habit of wearing upon his finger.</p> - -<p>An engraving of the ring has been published. The -article itself is in the possession of a descendant of Howe’s. -It is marked inside with the letters A and T conjoined -followed by E. The author cannot trace or couple these -letters with Charles the First; and he is otherwise inclined -to doubt the story. It is a tale to please loyal -readers. Charles was an intelligent man; and he was not -likely, especially under his then circumstances, to have -given his signet-ring to a child. There is a very pretty -incident connected with his passing to prison, where he -might beautifully have left a ring with a true-hearted -lady. As he passed through Newport, on the way to -the Castle of Carisbrook, the autumn weather was most -bitter. A gentlewoman, touched by his misfortunes and -his sorrows, presented him with a damask rose, which -grew in her garden at that cold season of the year and -prayed for him. The mournful monarch received the -lady’s gift, heartily thanked her and passed on to his -dungeon.</p> - -<p>It is true that Charles, when in the Isle of Wight, -gave a ring from his finger. But the receiver of it was -Sir Philip Warwick. This ring bore a figure cut in an -onyx; and was handed to Sir Philip in order to seal the -letters written for the King by that knight at the time<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span> -of the treaty. This ring was left by Sir Philip to Sir -Charles Cotterell, Master of the Ceremonies, who, in -his will, (16th April, 1701,) bequeathed it to Sir Stephen -Fox. It came into the possession of the latter’s descendant, -the late Earl of Ilchester and was stolen from his -house in old Burlington street, London, about seventy -years ago.<a id="FNanchor_286" href="#Footnote_286" class="fnanchor">[286]</a></p> - -<p>Just before his execution, the same monarch caused a -limited number of mourning rings to be prepared. -Burke, in his Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, -mentions the family of <em>Rogers in Lota</em>. This family -was early remarkable for its loyalty and attachment to -the crown. A ring is still preserved as an heirloom, -which was presented to its ancestor by King Charles -the First during his misfortunes. Robert Rogers of Lota -received extensive grants from Charles the Second. In -the body of his will is the following: “And I also bequeathe -to Noblett Rogers the miniature portrait ring -of the martyr Charles I. given by that monarch to my -ancestor previous to his execution; and I particularly -desire that it may be preserved in the name and family.” -The miniature is said to be by Vandyke.</p> - -<p>The present possessor of this ring says that when it was -shown in Rome, it was much admired; the artists when -questioned, “Whose style?” frequently answered, “Vandyke’s.”<a id="FNanchor_287" href="#Footnote_287" class="fnanchor">[287]</a> -Although many doubt whether Vandyke ever -submitted to paint miniatures, yet portraits in enamel -by him are known to be in existence.</p> - -<p>A ring, said to be one of the seven given after the -King’s death, was possessed by Horace Walpole and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span> -sold with the Strawberry Hill collection. It has the -King’s head in miniature and behind, a skull; while -between the letters C. R. is this motto:</p> - -<p class="center">“<em>Prepared be to follow me.</em>”</p> - -<p>There is another of these rings (all of which may be -considered as “stamped with an eternal grief”) in the possession -of a clergyman. The shank of the ring is of fine -gold, enamelled black, but the greater part of the enamel -has been worn away by use. On the inner side of the -shank an inscription has been engraved, the first letter -of which still remains, but the rest of this also has been -worn away by much use. In the shank is set a small -miniature in enamel of the King, inclosed in a box of -crystal which opens with a spring. At the back of the -box, containing the miniature, is a piece of white enamel, -having a death’s head surmounted by a crown with the -date January 30 represented upon it in black. A memorial -ring of Charles the First, which has a portrait -of the King in enamel and an inscription at the back, -recording the day of his execution, was exhibited before -the members of the London Antiquarian Society in -March, 1854.<a id="FNanchor_288" href="#Footnote_288" class="fnanchor">[288]</a></p> - -<p>Rings, with portraits of Charles the First on ivory, are -not uncommon.</p> - -<p>When the body of Charles the First was discovered -in 1813, (in the royal burial place at Windsor,) the hair -at the back of the head appeared close cut; whereas, at -the time of the decollation, the executioner twice adjusted -the King’s hair under his cap. No doubt the -piety of friends had severed the hair after death, in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span> -order to furnish rings and other memorials of the unhappy -monarch.</p> - -<p>A noble character was James Stanley, seventh Earl of -Derby, who was beheaded for his loyalty to Charles the -First.</p> - -<p>As a proof of his bravery, with six hundred horse he -maintained fight against three thousand foot and horse, -receiving seven shots in his breast-plate, thirteen cuts in -his beaver, five or six wounds on his arms and shoulders, -and had two horses killed under him.</p> - -<p>His manliness shows well in his answer to Cromwell’s -demand that he should deliver up the Isle of Wight: “I -scorn your proffers; I disdain your favors; I abhor -your treasons; and am so far from delivering this island -to your advantage, that I will keep it to the utmost of -my power to your destruction. Take this final answer -and forbear any further solicitations; for if you trouble -me with any more messages upon this occasion, I will -burn the paper and hang the bearer.”<a id="FNanchor_289" href="#Footnote_289" class="fnanchor">[289]</a></p> - -<p>He was executed contrary to the promise of quarter -for life, “an ancient and honorable plea not violated -until this time.”</p> - -<p>There is a deeply interesting account of his acts and -deportment written by a Mr. Bagaley who attended on -him. The Earl wrote letters to his wife, daughter and -sons; a servant went and purchased all the rings he -could get and lapped them up in several papers and -writ within them and the Earl made Bagaley subscribe -them to all his children and servants. This coupling his -servants with his children in connection with these death -tokens is charming. The Earl handed the letters with the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span> -rings to Bagaley and, in relation to delivering them, he -used this beautiful and perfect expression—“As to them, -I can say nothing: <em>silence and your own looks will best -tell your message</em>.”</p> - -<p>On quitting his prison, others confined there kissed -his hand and wept; but as to himself, he told them: -“You shall hear that I die like a Christian, a man and a -soldier.”</p> - -<p>He was to be beheaded at Bolton. On his way thither, -Bagaley says: “His lordship, as we rode along, called -me to him and bid me, when I should come into the -Isle of Man, to commend him to the Archbishop there -and tell him he well remembered the several discourses -that had passed between them there concerning death -and the manner of it; that he had often said the thoughts -of death could not trouble him in fight or with a sword -in hand, <em>but he feared it would something startle him -tamely to submit to a blow on the scaffold</em>. But,” said -his lordship, “tell the archdeacon from me that I do -now find in myself an absolute change as to that opinion.”</p> - -<p>At night when he laid him down upon the right side, -with his hand under his face, he said: “Methinks I lie -like a monument in a church; and to-morrow I shall -really be so.”</p> - -<p>There was a delay in his execution, for the people of -Bolton refused to strike a nail in the scaffold or to give -any assistance. He asked for the axe and kissed it. He -forgave the headsman before he asked him. To the -spectators, he said: “Good people, I thank you for your -prayers and for your tears; I have heard the one and -seen the other and our God sees and hears both.” He -caused the block to be turned towards the church. “I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span> -will look,” cried he, “towards the sanctuary which is -above for ever.” There were other interesting circumstances -attending his execution. With outstretched -arms he laid himself down to the block, exclaiming, -“Blessed be God’s name for ever and ever. Let the -whole earth be filled with his glory.” Then the executioner -did his work—“<em>and no manner of noise was -then heard but sighs and sobs</em>.”</p> - -<p>We are left without any account of the way in which -Bagaley delivered the rings; but, imagination can make -a picture of a darkened and dismantled mansion, suffering -widow and children, with terrified retainers, and -Bagaley standing in the midst, weary, heart-sick, tearfully -presenting the melancholy remembrances and -realizing the truthfulness of the words of his brave, good -and gentle master: “<em>Silence and your own looks will -best tell your message</em>.”</p> - -<p>The French woman Kerouaille, favorite mistress of -Charles the Second, and created Duchess of Portsmouth, -is said to have secured two valuable diamond rings from -the King’s finger while the throes of death were on him. -The following graphic description is worth reading:</p> - -<p>“I should have told you, in his fits his feet were as -cold as ice, and were kept rubbed with hot cloths, -which were difficult to get. Some say the Queen rubbed -one and washed it in tears. Pillows were brought -from the Duchess of Portsmouth’s by Mrs. Roche. His -Highness, the Duke of York, was the first there, and -then I think the Queen, (he sent for her;) the Duchess -of Portsmouth swooned in the chamber, and was carried -out for air; Nelly Gwynne roared to a disturbance and -was led out and lay roaring behind the door; the Duchess<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span> -wept and returned; the Princess (afterwards Queen -Anne) was not admitted, he was so ghastly a sight, (his -eye-balls were turned that none of the blacks were seen, -and his mouth drawn up to one eye,) so they feared it -might affect the child she goes with. None came in at -the common door, but by an odd side-door to prevent a -crowd, but enough at convenient times to satisfy all. -The grief of the Duchess of Portsmouth did not hinder -her packing and sending many strong boxes to the French -ambassador’s; and the second day of the King’s sickness, -the chamber being kept dark—one who comes from the -light does not see very soon, and much less one who is -between them and the light there is—so she went to the -side of the bed, and sat down to and taking the king’s -hand in hers, felt his two great diamond rings; thinking -herself alone, and asking him what he did with them on, -said she would take them off, and did it at the same time, -and looking up saw the Duke at the other side, steadfastly -looking on her, at which she blushed much, and -held them towards him, and said, ‘Here, sire, will you -take them?’ ‘No, madam,’ he said, ‘they are as safe -in your hands as mine. I will not touch them till I see -how things will go.’ But since the King’s death she has -forgot to restore them, though he has not that she took -them, for he told the story.” This extract is taken from -a letter written by a lady who was the wife of a person -about the court at Whitehall and forms part of a curious -collection of papers lately discovered at Draycot -House near Chippenham, Wiltshire, England.<a id="FNanchor_290" href="#Footnote_290" class="fnanchor">[290]</a></p> - -<p>Jeffreys, the bloody Jeffreys, whose greatest honor -was to make a martyr of Sidney, while rising in royal<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span> -favor and when about to depart for the circuit to give -the provinces “a lick with the rough side of his tongue,” -(a favorite expression of his,) experienced a mark of -regard from Charles the Second. The King took a ring -from his own finger and gave it to this besotted wretch -of a chief justice. At the same time the monarch bestowed -on him a curious piece of advice to be given by -a king to a judge: it was, that, as the weather would be -hot, Jeffreys should beware of drinking too much.<a id="FNanchor_291" href="#Footnote_291" class="fnanchor">[291]</a> -The people called the ring “<em>Jeffrey’s blood-stone</em>,” as he -got it just after the execution of Sir Thomas Armstrong. -Roger North says: “The king was persuaded to present -him with a ring, publicly taken from his own finger, in -token of his majesty’s acceptance of his most eminent -services; and this by way of precursor being blazoned -in the Gazette, his lordship went down into the country, -as from the king <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">legatus a latere</i>.” The Lord Keeper -North, who, it has been said, hated Jeffreys worse than -popery,<a id="FNanchor_292" href="#Footnote_292" class="fnanchor">[292]</a> speaks of the terror to others of the face and -voice of the chief justice: “as if the thunder of the day -of judgment broke over their heads;” and shows how -Jeffreys, who, by this time, had reached the position of -Lord Chancellor, was discovered by a lawyer that had -been under the storm of his countenance:<a id="FNanchor_293" href="#Footnote_293" class="fnanchor">[293]</a> “There was -a scrivener of Wapping brought to hearing for relief -against a bummery bond; the contingency of losing all -being showed, the bill was going to be dismissed. But -one of the plaintiff’s counsel said that he was a strange -fellow and sometimes went to church, sometimes to conventicles -and none could tell what to make of him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span> -and it was thought he was a trimmer. At that the -Chancellor fired; and ‘A trimmer,’ said he, ‘I have -heard much of that monster, but never saw one. Come -forth, Mr. Trimmer, turn you round, and let us see your -shape;’ and at that rate talked so long that the poor -fellow was ready to drop under him; but, at last, the -bill was dismissed with costs and he went his way. In -the hall, one of his friends asked him how he came off? -‘Came off!’ said he, ‘I am escaped from the terrors of -that man’s face, which I would scarce undergo again -to save my life; and I shall certainly have the frightful -impression of it as long as I live.’ Afterwards, when -the Prince of Orange came and all was in confusion, this -Lord Chancellor, being very obnoxious, disguised himself -in order to go beyond sea. He was in a seaman’s garb -and drinking a pot in a cellar. This scrivener came into -the cellar after some of his clients; and his eye <em>caught -that face</em>, which made him start; and the Chancellor, -seeing himself eyed, feigned a cough and turned to the -wall with his pot in his hand. But <em>Mr. Trimmer</em> went -out and gave notice that he was there; whereupon the -mob flowed in and he was in extreme hazard of his life,” -etc., etc. This term “Trimmer” seemed to be very obnoxious -to Jeffreys. Once at the council and when the -king was present, Jeffreys “being flaming drunk, came -up to the other end of the board and (as in that condition -his way was) fell to talking and staring like a madman, -and, at length, bitterly inveighed against Trimmers -and told the king that he had Trimmers in his court and -he would never be easy so long as the Trimmers were -there.”<a id="FNanchor_294" href="#Footnote_294" class="fnanchor">[294]</a> North gives the interpretation of the word<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span> -“Trimmer,” which was taken up to subdivide the Tory -party, of whom all (however loyal and of the established -church professed) who did not go into all the lengths of -the new-flown party at court, were so termed.<a id="FNanchor_295" href="#Footnote_295" class="fnanchor">[295]</a></p> - -<p>The name of the great Dundee instantly brings to mind -one of the most spirited and characteristic ballads ever -written:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“The Gordon demands of him which way he goes—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Where’er shall direct me the shade of Montrose!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Your Grace, in short space, shall hear tidings of me:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Or that low lies the bonnet of Bonny Dundee.</div> - <div class="verse indent4">Come, fill up my cup; come, fill up my can;</div> - <div class="verse indent4">Come, saddle the horses and call up the men;</div> - <div class="verse indent4">Come, open your gates and let me gae free,</div> - <div class="verse indent4">For it’s up with the bonnets of Bonny Dundee.”<a id="FNanchor_296" href="#Footnote_296" class="fnanchor">[296]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>All of this is gone; low lies Bonny Dundee; and the -untruth of what is called history is all we have of -him. There was a ring of which a description and an -engraving remain containing some of Lord Dundee’s -hair, with the letters V. D. surmounted by a coronet -worked upon it in gold; and on the inside of the ring -are engraved a skull and this poesy:</p> - -<p class="center">“<em>Great Dundee, for God and me. J. Rex.</em>”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span></p> - -<p>This ring, which belonged to the family of Graham of -Duntrune, (representative of Viscount Dundee,) has, for -several years, been lost or mislaid.<a id="FNanchor_297" href="#Footnote_297" class="fnanchor">[297]</a></p> - -<p>A memorial of Nelson is left in some half-dozen of -rings. In the place of a stone, each ring has a metal -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">basso relievo</i> representation of Nelson, half bust. The -metal, blackish in appearance, forming the relief, being, -in reality, portions of the ball which gave the Admiral -his fatal wound at Trafalgar.</p> - -<p>Cardinal York, the last of the Stuart family, left as a -legacy to the Prince of Wales, afterwards George the -Fourth, a valuable ring which was worn by the kings -of Scotland on the day of their coronation.<a id="FNanchor_298" href="#Footnote_298" class="fnanchor">[298]</a></p> - -<p>We have met with but one case where, in a college -disputation, the successful contestant was rewarded with -a ring. James Crichton, who obtained the appellation -of the “Admirable Crichton,” had volunteered—it was -at a time when he was only twenty years of age—to -dispute with any one in Hebrew, Syriac, Arabic, Greek, -Latin, Spanish, French, Italian, English, Dutch, Flemish -and Sclavonian; and this, either in verse or prose. He -did not seem to prepare himself, but occupied his time -in hunting, hawking, tilting, vaulting, tossing a pike, -handling a musket and other military feats. Crichton -duly appeared in the College of Navarre and acquitted -himself beyond expression in the disputation, which -lasted from nine o’clock in the morning until six at -night. At length, the President, after extolling him -highly for the many rare and excellent endowments -which God and nature had bestowed upon him, rose -from his chair and, accompanied by four of the most<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span> -eminent professors of the University, gave him a diamond -ring (with a purse full of money) as a testimony of regard -and favor.<a id="FNanchor_299" href="#Footnote_299" class="fnanchor">[299]</a></p> - -<p>In England, during the year 1815, a tooth of Sir Isaac -Newton was sold for seven hundred and twenty pounds -to a nobleman who had it set in a ring.</p> - -<p>The elder Kean used to wear, to the hour of his death, -a gold snake ring, with ruby head and emerald eyes. At -the sale of his effects, it fetched four guineas and an -half.<a id="FNanchor_300" href="#Footnote_300" class="fnanchor">[300]</a></p> - -<p>On the day of the arrival of Miss Milbankes’ answer -to Lord Byron’s offer of marriage, he was sitting at -dinner in Newstead Abbey, when his gardener came -and presented him with his mother’s ring, which she -had lost and which the gardener had just found in -digging up the mould under her window. Almost at -the same moment, the letter from Miss Milbankes arrived; -and Lord Byron exclaimed, “If it contains a consent, -I will be married with this very ring.”<a id="FNanchor_301" href="#Footnote_301" class="fnanchor">[301]</a> It does -not appear whether it was really used. Strange, if it -were! and singular that his lordship, so full of powerful -superstition, should have suggested it. His mother’s -temper had been, in part, his bane; her marriage was a -most unhappy one; the poet’s father notoriously wedded -for money and was separated from his wife—while, the -poet’s offer, at a time when he was greatly embarrassed, -coupled with his own mysterious after-separation, would -make this ring appear a fatal talisman if it were really -placed upon Miss Milbankes’ finger. It was in his after-bitterness,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span> -in his desolate state and dissoluteness that -Byron called the wedding-ring “the damn’dest part of -matrimony.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 5. In the last Polish struggle, the matrons of Warsaw -sent their marriage rings to coin into ducats.<a id="FNanchor_302" href="#Footnote_302" class="fnanchor">[302]</a></p> - -<p>A few years ago the signet-ring of the famous Turlough -Lynnoch was found at Charlemont in the county of Armagh, -Ireland. It bears the bloody hand of the O’Neils -and initials T. O. The signet part of the ring is circular -and the whole of it silver. O’Neils had been kings of -Ireland and were also Earls of Ulster. The symbol of the -province of Ulster was a bloody hand. Fergus, the first -King of Scotland, was descended from the O’Neils. -King James the First made this bloody hand the distinguishing -badge of a new order of baronets and they -were created to aid by service or money for forces in -subduing the O’Neils.<a id="FNanchor_303" href="#Footnote_303" class="fnanchor">[303]</a></p> - -<p>During the years 1813, 1814 and 1815, when Prussia -had collected all her resources, in the hope of freeing -herself from the yoke which France had laid upon her, -the most extraordinary feelings of patriotism burst forth. -Every thought was centred in the struggle; every coffer -was drained; all gave willingly. In town and village -altars were erected, on which ornaments of gold, silver -and precious stones were offered up. Massive plate was -replaced in palaces by dishes, platters and spoons of -wood. Ladies wore no other ornaments than those made -of iron, upon which was engraved: “<em>We gave gold for -the freedom of our country; and, like her, wear an iron<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> -yoke.</em>” One evening, a party had assembled in the house -of an inhabitant of Breslau. Among them, was a beautiful -though poor maiden. Her companions were boasting -what each had contributed towards the freedom of -their country. Alas! she had no offering to proclaim—none -to give. With a heavy heart she took her leave. -While unrobing for the night, she thought she could dispose -of her hair and, so, add to the public fund. With -the dawn, she went to a hairdresser’s; related her simple -tale; and parted with her tresses for a trifling sum, which -she instantly deposited on an altar and returned to her -quiet home. This reached the ears of the officers appointed -each day to collect the various offerings; and -the President received a confirmation from the hairdresser, -who proposed to resign the beautiful hair, provided -it was resold for the benefit of fatherland. The -offer was accepted; iron rings were made, each containing -a portion of hair; and these produced far more than -their weight in gold.<a id="FNanchor_304" href="#Footnote_304" class="fnanchor">[304]</a></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_FIVE">CHAPTER FIVE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="pfs90">RINGS OF LOVE, AFFECTION AND FRIENDSHIP.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hang1">1. The Gimmal or Gimmow Ring. 2. Sonnet by Davison. 3. Church Marriage -ordained by Innocent III.; and, Marriage-Ring. 4. Rings used in -different countries on Marriages and in Betrothment: Esthonia; the Copts; -Persia; Spain; Ackmetchet in Russia. 5. Betrothal Rings. 6. Signets of -the first Christians. 7. Laws of Marriage. 8. Wedding Finger; Artery to -the Heart; Lady who had lost the Ring Finger. 9. Roman Catholic Marriages. -10. Marriage-Ring during the Commonwealth. 11. Ring in Jewish -Marriages. 12. Superstitions. 13. Rings of twisted Gold-wire given -away at Weddings. 14. Cupid and Psyche. 15. St. Anne and St. Joachim. -16. Rush Rings. 17. Rings with the Orpine Plant. 18. Ancient Marriage-Rings -had Mottoes and Seals. 19. The Sessa Ring. 20. Rings bequeathed -or kept in Memory of the Dead: Washington; Shakspeare; Pope; Dr. -Johnson; Lord Eldon; Tom Moore’s Mother. 21. The Ship <i>Powhattan</i>. -22. Ring of Affection illustrated by a Pelican and Young. 23. Bran of -Brittany. 24. Rings used by Writers of Fiction; Shakspeare’s Cymbeline. -25. Small Rings for the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Penates</i>. 26. Story from the “Gesta Romanorum.”</p></div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 1. <span class="smcap">One</span> of the prettiest tokens of friendship and -affection is what is termed a <em>Gimmal</em> or <em>Gimmow</em> Ring. It is -of French origin. This ring is constructed, as the name imports, -of twin or double hoops, which play within one another, like the -links of a chain. Each hoop has one of its sides flat and the other -convex; and each is twisted once round and surmounted with an -emblem or motto. The course of the twist, in each hoop, is made to -correspond with that of its counterpart,<span class="pagenum"><a -id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span> so that, on bringing together the flat -surfaces of the hoops, these immediately unite in one ring.<a id="FNanchor_305" href="#Footnote_305" class="fnanchor">[305]</a></p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip192"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p192.jpg" alt="Friendship Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>This form of ring is connected with the purest and -highest acts of friendship; it became a simple love token; -and was, at length, converted into the more serious -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">sponsalium annulus</i>, or ring of affiance.</p> - -<p>The lover putting his finger through one of the hoops -and his mistress hers through the other, were thus symbolically -yoked together; a yoke which neither could -be said wholly to wear, one half being allotted to the -other; and making, as it has been quaintly said, a joint -tenancy.</p> - -<p>Dryden describes a gimmal ring in his play of <cite>Don -Sebastian</cite>:<a id="FNanchor_306" href="#Footnote_306" class="fnanchor">[306]</a></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent12">“A curious artist wrought ’em—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With joints so close as not to be perceived;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Yet are they both each other’s counterparts!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">(Her part had Juan inscribed; and his had Laydor;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">You know those names were theirs;) and in the midst</div> - <div class="verse indent0">A heart divided in two-halfs was placed.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Now if the rivets of those rings, inclosed,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Fit not each other, I have forged this lie,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But if they join, you must for ever part.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Gimmal rings, though originally double, were, by a -further refinement, made triple and even more complicated, -yet the name remained unchanged.</p> - -<p>Herrick, in his “Hesperides,” has the following lines:</p> - -<p class="ptxt">“THE JIMMAL RING OR TRUE-LOVE KNOT.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Thou sent’st to me a true-love knot; but I</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Return’d a ring of jimmals, to imply</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Thy love had one knot, mine a triple-tye.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span></p> -<p>A singular silver gimmal ring was found in Dorset, -England; the legend <cite>Ave Maria</cite> is partly inscribed on -each moiety and legible only when they are united.<a id="FNanchor_307" href="#Footnote_307" class="fnanchor">[307]</a></p> - -<p>A beautiful enamelled ring of this kind which belonged -to Sir Thomas Gresham, is extant.<a id="FNanchor_308" href="#Footnote_308" class="fnanchor">[308]</a> It opens horizontally, -thus forming two rings, which are, nevertheless, -linked together and respectively inscribed on the inner -side with a Scripture posy: <span class="allsmcap">QUOD. DEVS. CONJVNXIT</span> (<em>what -God did join</em>) is engraved on one half and <span class="allsmcap">HOMO NON -SEPARAT</span>, (<em>let not man separate</em>), on the other. The ring -is beautifully enamelled. One of the portions is set with -a diamond and the other with a ruby; and corresponding -with them, in a cavity inside the ring, are or rather were -within the last twenty years two minute figures or genii. -The workmanship is admirable and probably Italian.</p> - -<p>The reader who may be curious to know more about -the gimmal ring, and the probable derivation of the -word <em>Gimmal</em>, is referred to a learned and interesting -article by Robert Smith, Esq., in the London Archæologia, -vol. xii. p. 7.</p> - -<p>It is possible that Shakspeare was thinking of gimmal -rings, some of which had engraven on them a hand -with a heart in it, when (in the <cite>Tempest</cite>) he makes Ferdinand -say to Miranda “Here’s my hand” and she answers -“And mine, with my heart in it.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 2. Coupled with the love of youth for maiden, we -have one of the most simple and perfect of old English -sonnets (by Davison):<a id="FNanchor_309" href="#Footnote_309" class="fnanchor">[309]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span></p> - -<p class="ptxt">“PURE AND ENDLESS.”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“If you would <em>know</em> the love which you I bear,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Compare it to the ring which your fair hand</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Shall make <span class="allsmcap">MORE</span> precious, when <em>you</em> shall it wear:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So <em>my love’s</em> nature you shall understand.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Is it of metal <em>pure</em>? So endless is <em>my</em> love,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Unless you it destroy with your disdain.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Doth it the purer grow the more ’tis tried?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So doth my love; yet herein they dissent:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That whereas gold, the more ’tis purified,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">By growing less, doth show some part is spent;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">My love doth grow more pure by your more trying,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And yet increaseth in the purifying.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>As far back as the fifteenth century a lover wore his -ring on the last or little finger.<a id="FNanchor_310" href="#Footnote_310" class="fnanchor">[310]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 3. It is said that Pope Innocent the Third was the -first who ordained the celebration of marriage in the -church; before which, it was totally a civil contract; -hence arose dispensations, licenses, faculties and other -remnants of papal benefit.<a id="FNanchor_311" href="#Footnote_311" class="fnanchor">[311]</a> Shelford<a id="FNanchor_312" href="#Footnote_312" class="fnanchor">[312]</a> observes it came -with the Council of Trent. The Council sat within the -Bishopric of Trent, Germany, from the year 1545 to -1563.</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip196-t"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p196-t.jpg" alt="Roman Key Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>But the ring was used in connection with marriage -before Catholic times. The Greeks had it. We find -from Juvenal<a id="FNanchor_313" href="#Footnote_313" class="fnanchor">[313]</a> that the Romans employed the ring. -There was commonly a feast on the signing of the marriage -contract; and the man gave the woman a ring -(<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">annulus pronubus</i>) by way of pledge, which she put -upon her left hand, on the finger next the least: because<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span> -of the suggested nerve running to the heart.<a id="FNanchor_314" href="#Footnote_314" class="fnanchor">[314]</a> The ring -was generally of iron, though sometimes of copper and -brass, with little knobs in the form of a key, to represent -that the wife had possession of the husband’s keys.<a id="FNanchor_315" href="#Footnote_315" class="fnanchor">[315]</a> -Roman keys attached to a ring for the finger are not -uncommon.<a id="FNanchor_316" href="#Footnote_316" class="fnanchor">[316]</a> The ring is at right angles -to the axle and, therefore, it could only -be used for a lock which required very -little strength to turn it or as a latch-key. -It may be a question, whether these -were not rings used on marriages?</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip196-b"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p196-b.jpg" alt="Double Gold Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>Maffei gives a gem, upon which is engraved only the -two Greek words ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙ ΠΙΣΤΙΣ, in English, <em>Faith -immortal</em>, which he considers as intended to be set in a -betrothal ring—in some one of those rings which lovers -gave to their beloved, with protestations of eternal constancy, -as a tacit promise of matrimony. Some Roman -nuptial rings had inscriptions, as <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Ama me</i>; <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Amo te</i>; <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Bonam -vitam</i>, etc. Among other rings found at Pompeii -were some which are considered to have been wedding-rings.<a id="FNanchor_317" href="#Footnote_317" class="fnanchor">[317]</a> -One, of gold, picked up in Diomed’s house, had -a device representing a man and woman joining hands. -Another, was a double gold ring, in -which two small green stones were set.</p> - -<p>There is no evidence that the ring -was used by the Egyptians at a marriage.<a id="FNanchor_318" href="#Footnote_318" class="fnanchor">[318]</a></p> - -<p>On the authority of a text in Exodus, -wedding-rings are attempted to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> -be carried as far back as the Hebrews.<a id="FNanchor_319" href="#Footnote_319" class="fnanchor">[319]</a> Leo of Modena, -however, maintains that they did not use any nuptial -ring.<a id="FNanchor_320" href="#Footnote_320" class="fnanchor">[320]</a> Selden owns that they gave a ring in marriage, -but that it was only in lieu of a piece of money -of the same value which had before been presented. It -probably was ring-money or money in the shape of a ring, -(of which we have before spoken.)</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 4. The common use of the ring in different countries, -when betrothment or marriage takes place, is remarkable.</p> - -<p>In Esthonia, a province of the Russian empire, where -the girls consider marriage the one great object to be -coveted, attained and prepared for from the earliest dawn -of their susceptibilities, they spin and weave at their -outfit, frequently for ten years before their helpmate is -forthcoming: this outfit extends to a whole wardrobe -full of kerchiefs, gloves, stockings, etc. When they have -formed an acquaintance to their liking, the occasion having -been usually of their own creating, they look forward -with impatience to the moment of the proposal being -made. But there is one season only, the period of the -new moon, when an offer can be tendered; nor is any -time so much preferred for a marriage as the period of -the full moon. The plenipos in the business of an offer -are generally a couple of the suitors’ friends or else his -parents, who enter the maid’s homestead with mead and -brandy in their hands. On their approach the gentle -maiden conceals herself, warning having been given her in -due form by some ancient dame; the plenipos never make -a direct announcement of the purpose of their mission, -but in most cases tell the girl’s parents some story about<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span> -a lamb or an ewe which has got astray and they desire to -bring home again. The parents immediately invite them -to drink, vowing that they know nothing of the stray -creature; if they decline to drink with them, it is a sign -either that they have no inclination for the match or that -their daughter has whispered them “her heart has no -room for the youth in question.” But if all are of one -mind, the parents set merrily to work on the mead and -brandy and give the suitor’s envoys free license to hunt -out the stray lambkin. When caught, she is also expected -to taste of the cup; and from that moment the bridegroom -becomes at liberty to visit his bride. He makes -his appearance, therefore, a few days afterwards, bringing -presents of all kinds with him, together with a ring, -which he places on the maiden’s finger as his betrothed.<a id="FNanchor_321" href="#Footnote_321" class="fnanchor">[321]</a></p> - -<p>The Copts have a custom of betrothing girls at six or -seven years of age, which is done by putting a ring upon -their finger; but permission is afterwards obtained for -her friends to educate her until she arrives at years of -discretion.<a id="FNanchor_322" href="#Footnote_322" class="fnanchor">[322]</a></p> - -<p>In Persia, a ring is among the usual marriage presents -on the part of the bridegroom.<a id="FNanchor_323" href="#Footnote_323" class="fnanchor">[323]</a></p> - -<p>It is said that in Spain every girl who has attained -the age of twelve may compel a young man to marry -her, provided he has reached his fourteenth year and she -can prove, for instance, that he has promised her his hand -and given her to understand that he wished her to become -his wife. These proofs are adduced before an ecclesiastical -vicar. A present of a ring is considered sufficient -proof to enable the girl to claim her husband. If the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span> -vicar pronounces the marriage ought to take place, the -youth, who has been previously sent to prison, cannot be -liberated until after the celebration.<a id="FNanchor_324" href="#Footnote_324" class="fnanchor">[324]</a></p> - -<p>Dr. Clark, in his Travels in Russia, describes the marriage, -at Ackmetchet, of Professor Pallas’s daughter with -an Hungarian General according to the rites of the Greek -Church. After ascertaining as to ties of blood between -them and voluntary consent, a Bible and crucifix were -placed before them and large lighted wax tapers, decorated -with ribbons, put into their hands.</p> - -<p>After certain prayers had been read and the ring put -upon the bride’s finger, the floor was covered by a piece -of scarlet satin and a table was placed before them with -the communion vessels. The priest having tied their -hands together with bands of the same colored satin -and placed a chaplet of flowers upon their heads, administered -the sacrament and afterwards led them, thus -bound together, three times round the communion table -followed by the bride’s father and the bridesmaids. -During this ceremony, the choristers chanted a hymn; -and after it was concluded, a scene of general kissing -took place among all present, etc.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 5. The betrothal of a young couple was formerly attended -with considerable ceremony, a portion of which -was the exchange of rings. Shakspeare alludes to this -in the play of “<cite>Twelfth Night</cite>:”</p> - -<p class="center">“Strengthened by the interchangement of your rings.”</p> - -<p>We have a similar thing in “<cite>Two Gentlemen of -Verona</cite>:”<a id="FNanchor_325" href="#Footnote_325" class="fnanchor">[325]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquoty"> -<p class="noindent"><em>Julia.</em> “Keep this remembrance for thy Julia’s sake.”<br /> -<em>Proteus.</em> “Why then we’ll make exchange; here, take you this.”</p> - -<p class="right">[<em>Giving a ring.</em></p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>Julia.</em> “And seal the bargain with a holy kiss.”</p> -</div> - -<p>This betrothing, affiancing, espousal or plighting troth -between lovers was sometimes done in church with great -solemnity; and the service on this occasion is preserved -in some of the old rituals.<a id="FNanchor_326" href="#Footnote_326" class="fnanchor">[326]</a></p> - -<p>The virgin and martyr, Agnes, in Ambrose, says: -“My Lord Jesus Christ hath espoused me with his ring.”</p> - -<p>This interchangement of rings appears in Chaucer’s -“Troilus and Cresseide:”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Soon after this they spake of sondry things</div> - <div class="verse indent0">As fitt to purpose of this aventure,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And playing <em>enterchangeden of rings</em></div> - <div class="verse indent0">Of whom I can not tellen no scripture.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But well I wot, a broche of gold and assure</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In which a rubie set was like an herte,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Creseide him gave, and stacke it on his sherte.”<a id="FNanchor_327" href="#Footnote_327" class="fnanchor">[327]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>In Germany, a loving couple start on the principle of -reciprocity and exchange rings. This is not done at the -time of the marriage ceremony, but previously when -the formal betrothment takes place, which is generally -made the occasion of a family festival. The ring thus -used is not called a wedding ring, but <em>Trau</em> ring, which -means <em>ring of betrothal</em>. A particular ring does not -form part of the ceremony of marriage. Royalty, however, -appears to go beyond the common custom of the -country, even in a marriage. At the late marriage of -the Emperor of Austria, the Prince Archbishop of -Vienna, who performed the ceremony, took rings from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> -a golden cup and presented them to the august couple, -who, reciprocally, placed them on each other’s finger; -and, while either held the hand of the other, they received -the episcopal benediction.</p> - -<p>In the early Christian Church a ring of troth, the -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">annulus pronubus</i>, was given by the man to the woman -as a token and proof of her betrothment.</p> - -<p>Pope Nicholas, A. D. 860, in the account which he -gives of the ceremonies used in the Roman Church, -says: “In the espousals, the man first presents the -woman whom he betroths with the arræ or espousal -gifts; and among these, he puts a ring on her finger.”<a id="FNanchor_328" href="#Footnote_328" class="fnanchor">[328]</a> -This ring, which may be traced back to the time of -Tertullian, appears to have come into the Christian -Church from Roman usage; although the Oriental ring -of betrothment may have been the origin of both.</p> - -<p>According to the ritual of the Greek Church, the -priest first placed the rings on the fingers of the parties, -who afterwards exchanged them. In the life of St. -Leobard, who is said to have flourished about the year -580, written by Gregory of Tours, he appears to have given -a ring, a kiss and a pair of shoes to his affianced. The ring -and shoes were a symbol of securing the lady’s hands and -feet in the trammels of conjugal obedience; but the ring, -of itself, was sufficient to confirm the contract.<a id="FNanchor_329" href="#Footnote_329" class="fnanchor">[329]</a></p> - -<p>It would seem that, on the ceremony of betrothal, the -ring was placed on the third finger of the right hand; -and it may be a question, whether the beautiful picture -by Raffaelle, called <cite>Lo Sposalizio</cite>, should not be considered -as an illustration of espousal or betrothing and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span> -not a marriage of the Virgin. Mary and Joseph stand -opposite to each other in the centre; the high priest, -between them, is bringing their right hands towards -each other; Joseph, with his right hand, (guided by the -priest,) is placing the ring on the third finger of the -right hand of the Virgin; beside Mary is a group of the -virgins of the Temple; near Joseph are the suitors, who -break their barren wands—that which Joseph holds in -his hand has blossomed into a lily, which, according to -the legend, was the sign that he was the chosen one.<a id="FNanchor_330" href="#Footnote_330" class="fnanchor">[330]</a></p> - -<p>The same circumstance, of placing the ring on the third -finger of the right hand, is observable in Ghirlandais’s -fresco of the “Espousals” in the church of the Santa -Croce at Florence.</p> - -<p>There is certainly some confusion as to the hand on -which the marriage-ring was placed. However, in religious -symbols of espousal, the distinction of the right -hand was certainly kept. In an ancient pontifical was -an order that the bridegroom should place the ring -successively on three fingers of the right hand and leave -it on the fourth finger of the left, in order to mark the -difference between the marriage-ring, the symbol of a -love which is mixed with carnal affection and the episcopal -ring, the symbol of entire chastity.<a id="FNanchor_331" href="#Footnote_331" class="fnanchor">[331]</a></p> - -<p>The espousal became the marriage-ring. The esponsais<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span> -consisted in a mutual promise of marriage, which -was made by the man and woman before the bishop or -presbyter and several witnesses; after which, the articles -of agreement of marriage (called <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">tabulæ matrimoniales</i>) -which are mentioned by Augustin, were signed by both -persons. After this, the man delivered to the woman -the ring and other gifts: an action which was termed -<em>subarrhation</em>. In the latter ages the espousals have always -been performed at the same time as the office of -matrimony, both in the western and eastern churches; -and it has long been customary for the ring to be delivered -to the woman after the contract has been made, -which has always been in the actual office of matrimony.<a id="FNanchor_332" href="#Footnote_332" class="fnanchor">[332]</a></p> - -<p>According to Clemens Alexandrinus, the ring was -given, not as an ornament but as a seal to signify the -woman’s duty in preserving the goods of her husband, -because the care of the house belongs to her. This idea, -by the by, is very reasonable, as we shall hereafter show, -when speaking of the ritual of the Church of England. -The symbolical import of the “wedding ring,” under -the spiritual influence of Christianity, came to comprise -the general idea of wedded fidelity in all the width and -importance of its application.<a id="FNanchor_333" href="#Footnote_333" class="fnanchor">[333]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 6. The first Christians engraved upon their seals symbolical -figures, such as a dove, fish, anchor or lyre.<a id="FNanchor_334" href="#Footnote_334" class="fnanchor">[334]</a> The -rings used in their fyancels represented pigeons, fish, -or, more often, two hands joined together. Clemens of -Alexandria, who permitted these symbols, condemns not -only the representation of idols, but also of the instruments<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span> -of war, vases for the table and every thing repugnant -to the strictness of the Gospel.</p> - -<p>A ring, when used by the church, signifies, to use the -words of liturgical writers, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">integritatem fidei</i>, the perfection -of fidelity and is <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">fidei sacramentum</i>, the badge of -fidelity.<a id="FNanchor_335" href="#Footnote_335" class="fnanchor">[335]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 7. The canon law is the basis of marriage throughout -Europe, except so far as it has been altered by the -municipal laws of particular States.<a id="FNanchor_336" href="#Footnote_336" class="fnanchor">[336]</a> An important alteration -was made in the law of marriage in many countries -by the decrees of the Council of Trent, held for the -reformation of marriage. These decrees are the standing -judgments of the Romish Church; but they were -never received as authority in Great Britain. Still the -ecclesiastical law of marriage in England is derived from -the Roman pontiffs. It has been traced as far back as -605, soon after the establishment of Christianity there.<a id="FNanchor_337" href="#Footnote_337" class="fnanchor">[337]</a></p> - -<p>Marriages in the Episcopal Church are governed by -the <em>Rubric</em>. This term signifies a title or article in -certain ancient common-law books.</p> - -<p>Rubrics also denote the rules and directions given at -the beginning and in the course of the liturgy, for the -order and manner in which the several parts of the office -are to be performed.</p> - -<p>Statutes of the English Parliament have confirmed -the use of the rubric inserted in the part of the Common -Prayer Book relating to the marriage ceremony. -But prior to the British marriage acts, a case arose where -no ring was used according to the Common Prayer Book.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span> -A then Chief Justice (<em>C. J.</em> Pemberton) was inclined -to think it a good contract, there being words of a present -contract repeated after a person in orders.<a id="FNanchor_338" href="#Footnote_338" class="fnanchor">[338]</a></p> - -<p>The rubric directs that the man shall give unto the -woman a ring, laying the same upon the book; and the -priest, taking the ring, shall deliver it unto the man to -put it on the fourth finger of the woman’s left hand. -And he says, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body -I thee worship and with all my worldly gifts I thee -endow.” These words are best explained by the rubric -of the 2d of Edward VI., which ran thus:<a id="FNanchor_339" href="#Footnote_339" class="fnanchor">[339]</a> “The man -shall give unto the woman a ring and other tokens of -spousage, as gold or silver, laying the same upon the -book; and the man, taught by the priest, shall say, -‘With this ring I thee wed, this gold and silver I thee -give;’” and then these words, “With all my worldly -goods I thee endow,” were delivered with a more peculiar -significancy. Here the proper distinction is made, -the endowment of all his goods means granting the custody -or key and care of them. It will be seen that the -word “endow” is kept apart from the positive gift of -pieces of gold and silver. It has been said that the ancient -pledge was a piece of silver worn in the pocket; -but marriage being held sacred, it was thought more -prudent to have the pledge exposed to view by making -it into a ring worn upon the hand.<a id="FNanchor_340" href="#Footnote_340" class="fnanchor">[340]</a></p> - -<p>The Christian marriage-ring appears, in its substance, -to have been copied from the Roman nuptial ring. It -was, according to Swinburn, of iron, adorned with an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span> -adamant; the metal hard and durable, signifying the -durance and perpetuity of the contract. Howbeit, he -says, it skilleth not at this day what metal the ring be -of, the form of it being round and without end doth -import that their love should circulate and flow continually.</p> - -<p>In the Roman ritual there is a benediction of the ring -and a prayer that she who wears it may continue in perfect -love and fidelity to her husband and in fear of God -all her days.<a id="FNanchor_341" href="#Footnote_341" class="fnanchor">[341]</a></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 8. We have remarked on the vulgar error of a vein -going from the fourth finger of the left hand to the -heart. It is said by Swinburn and others that therefore -it became the wedding finger. The priesthood kept up -this idea by still keeping it as the wedding finger; but -it was got at through the use of the Trinity: for, in the -ancient ritual of English marriages, the ring was placed -by the husband on the top of the thumb of the left hand, -with the words, “In the name of the Father;” he then -removed it to the forefinger, saying: “In the name of -the Son;” then to the middle finger, adding: “And of -the Holy Ghost;” finally, he left it, as now, on the fourth -finger, with the closing word “Amen.”<a id="FNanchor_342" href="#Footnote_342" class="fnanchor">[342]</a></p> - -<p>As to the supposed artery to the heart. Levinus Lemnius -quaintly says:—“A small branch of the artery and -not of the nerves, as Gellius thought, is stretched forth -from the heart unto this finger, the motion whereof you -may perceive evidently in all that affects the heart of -woman, by the touch of your forefinger. I used to raise<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span> -such as are fallen in a swoon by pinching this joint and -by rubbing the ring of gold with a little saffron: for, by -this, a restoring force that is in it passeth to the heart -and refresheth the fountain of life unto which this finger -is joined. Wherefore antiquity thought fit to encompass -it about with gold.”<a id="FNanchor_343" href="#Footnote_343" class="fnanchor">[343]</a></p> - -<p>By the way, a correspondent, in a British periodical, -suggests: that a lady of his acquaintance has had the -misfortune to lose the ring finger, and the question is -raised whether she can be married in the Church of -England!?<a id="FNanchor_344" href="#Footnote_344" class="fnanchor">[344]</a></p> - -<p>In the “British Apollo” it is said that, during the -time of George the First, the wedding-ring, though placed -<ins class="corr" id="tn207" title="Transcriber’s Note—“in the ceremony of the mariage” changed to “in the ceremony of the marriage”.">in the ceremony of the marriage</ins> -upon the fourth finger, was worn upon the thumb.<a id="FNanchor_345" href="#Footnote_345" class="fnanchor">[345]</a></p> - -<p>The use of the ring has become so common in England -that poor people will not believe the marriage to be -good without one; and the notion also is that it must -be of gold. At Worcester (England) on one occasion, -the parties were so poor that they used a brass ring. -The bride’s friends indignantly protested that the ring -ought to have been of gold; and the acting officer was -threatened with indictment for permitting the use of such -base metal.</p> - -<p>In another case of humble marriage, the bridegroom -announced that a ring was not necessary. The woman -entreated to have one. The superintendent of the poor -took part with the woman and represented how the absence -of it would expose her to insult; and he, kindly, -hesitated to proceed with the marriage until a ring was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span> -produced. The man yielded at last and obtained one. -The woman’s gratitude brought tears into her eyes.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 9. In Roman Catholic marriages, with the priest in -pontificals, go two clerks in surplices. The latter carry -the holy-water pot, the sprinkler, the ritual and a little -basin to put the ring in when it is to be blessed.<a id="FNanchor_346" href="#Footnote_346" class="fnanchor">[346]</a> After -the pair have clasped hands and the priest has by words -joined them together, he makes the sign of the cross -upon them; sprinkles them with holy water; blesses the -wedding-ring and sprinkles it also with holy water in -the form of a cross, after which he gives it to the man, -who puts it on the wedding-finger of the woman’s left -hand.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 10. The supposed heathen origin of our marriage-ring -had well nigh caused the abolition of it during the -time of the Commonwealth in England. The facetious -author of Hudibras gives us the following chief reasons -why the Puritans wished it to be set aside:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Others were for abolishing</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That tool of matrimony, a ring;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With which th’ unsanctify’d bridegroom</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Is marry’d only to a thumb,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">(As wise as ringing of a pig</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That us’d to break up ground and dig,)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The bride to nothing but the will,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That nulls the after-marriage still.”<a id="FNanchor_347" href="#Footnote_347" class="fnanchor">[347]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 11. The author of the present essay found a difficulty -in getting a correct account of the use of the ring -in Jewish marriages;<a id="FNanchor_348" href="#Footnote_348" class="fnanchor">[348]</a> although there is an exceedingly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span> -learned and interesting decision in relation to one in the -English Ecclesiastical Reports.<a id="FNanchor_349" href="#Footnote_349" class="fnanchor">[349]</a> He applied to a professional -friend of the Jewish persuasion, who obtained -the following interesting particulars from one of our best -Hebrew scholars:<a id="FNanchor_350" href="#Footnote_350" class="fnanchor">[350]</a> The nuptial rite among the Jews consists -of three distinct acts which together form the regular -marriage ceremony.</p> - -<p>1st. The religious act <i lang="he" xml:lang="he">Kidushin</i>, consecration, by which -the husband that is to be <i lang="he" xml:lang="he">mekadesh</i> consecrates—that -is to say, sets apart from all other women and inhibits -to all other men the woman who, by that act, becomes -his wife.</p> - -<p>The ceremony is performed in manner following. A -canopy is raised under which the bridegroom takes his -stand. The bride is brought in and placed either at his -right hand or opposite to him. The officiating minister -pronounces the initiatory nuptial benediction, after which -he receives from the bridegroom a ring that must be -of a certain value and the absolute property of the -bridegroom, purchased and paid for by him and not -received as a present or bought on credit. After due -inquiry on these points, the minister returns the ring -to the bridegroom, who places it on the forefinger of the -bride’s right hand, while at the same time he says to her -in Hebrew: “Behold! thou art <i lang="he" xml:lang="he">mekudesheth</i> consecrated -unto me by means of this ring, according to the law of -Moses and of Israel.” The bride joins in and expresses -her consent to this act of consecration by holding out her -right hand and accepting the ring; which—after her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span> -husband has pronounced the formula—constitutes her -his lawful wife; so that, even though the marriage should -not be consummated, neither party is thenceforth at -liberty to contract another marriage, unless they have -previously been divorced according to law: and if the -woman were to submit to the embraces of another man, -she would be guilty of adultery.</p> - -<p>The law which enjoins “consecration” requires that -the symbol of the act should be an object made of one -of the precious metals—gold or silver—and of a certain -value. But though the law does not insist on or even -mention a ring, yet the custom of using a ring has, during -very many centuries, so generally prevailed—to the -exclusion of all other symbols—that the words “by means -of this ring” have been incorporated in the formula of -consecration. In the greater part of Europe and in -America the ring is usually of gold; but in Russia, -Poland and the East the poorer classes use rings of -silver.</p> - -<p>2d. The civil act <i lang="he" xml:lang="he">Ketubah</i>, written contract: As soon -as bridegroom and bride have completed the act of consecration, -the officiating minister proceeds to read the -marriage contract, a document in Hebrew characters, -signed by the bridegroom in the presence of two competent -witnesses—by which the husband engages to protect, -cherish and maintain his wife; to provide her with -food, raiment, lodging and all other necessaries; and -secure to her a dowry for the payment of which the -whole of his estate—real and personal—stands pledged.</p> - -<p>When this document has been read, the minister pronounces -the closing nuptial benediction, and a glass is -broken in memory of Jerusalem destroyed, (see Psalm<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span> -cxxxvii.,) which completes the ceremony. The psalm -here referred to is that most beautiful one, beginning, -“By the rivers of Babylon,” and ending with what has -immediate reference to the destruction: “Happy shall -he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the -stones.”<a id="FNanchor_351" href="#Footnote_351" class="fnanchor">[351]</a></p> - -<p>3d. But all the time these religious and civil acts are -being performed, the young couple have likewise before -their eyes and above their heads the emblem of the -moral act <i lang="he" xml:lang="he">Hhupah</i>, cohabitation or living together by -themselves under one roof. This is the purpose for which -the canopy is raised over them; beneath which they -ought, by right, to stand quite alone—though generally -the minister and parents or nearest friends also find room -under it.</p> - -<p>These three distinct acts—religious, civil and domestic—to -constitute marriage according to the regular form -<i lang="he" xml:lang="he">Hhupa ve kidushin</i>, require ten adult male witnesses. -But so binding is the act of consecration, that if it were -performed privately, without the knowledge of parents -or assistance of minister and solely in the presence of -two competent witnesses who hear the man pronounce -the formula “Behold thou art consecrated unto me,” etc., -and see the woman accept the ring, this proceeding, however -irregular and reprehensible, constitutes a marriage -perfectly valid in the eyes of the law.</p> - -<p>Larpent, writing from France, but imbued with an ordinary -English prejudice, which is apt to ridicule unfamiliar -things and lose sight of reasons for customs, blurts -out this: “I have been to the Jew’s wedding. The ceremony -consists principally of singing and drinking and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span> -blessing in Hebrew. There must be something Jewish, -however, as usual, and that is concerning the ring, which, -as soon as produced, is shown round to all the rabbis -near and some elders, etc., and to the sponsors, to be -sure it is really gold or otherwise the marriage is void; -and the true old clothesman-like way in which they all -spied at the ring was very amusing. Nearly the last -ceremony is the bridegroom’s smashing a wine-glass in -a plate on the floor, with an idea that he and his spouse -are then as difficult to separate as it would be to re-unite -the glass. The gentleman showed gallantry by exerting -all his force and looking most fiercely as he broke the -glass.”<a id="FNanchor_352" href="#Footnote_352" class="fnanchor">[352]</a></p> - -<p>The handing of the ring from the minister to some one -of the persons present has a reason broader than that -which Larpent is pleased to assign, as we consider we -have shown. We confirm it by saying, that the Jewish -law requires, at the time of marriage, that a valuable -consideration should pass from the bridegroom to the -bride. This consideration is represented by the ring, -which, therefore, must not be of less value than the -<em>minimum</em> fixed by the law. And as this value has to -be ascertained and attested, which cannot be done by -less than two witnesses, the officiating minister or Rabbi, -after making the inquiries required by law, examines -the ring and hands it to the presiding officer of the synagogue, -(a layman, who is supposed to know more about -the value of gold or silver than a Rabbi,) who also examines -and hands it back to the minister; and these two, -the minister and the officer of the synagogue, then witness -that the article is of that value which the law requires.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span> -We say this advisedly; and can add as positively -that the ring is never handed round to third persons.</p> - -<p>At a marriage to which the author was invited—a -marriage between a Jewish merchant and the amiable -daughter of a learned Rabbi in New-York—the usual -course was not departed from. The father of the bride, -who officiated, received the ring from the bridegroom, -ascertained that it was the young man’s own property -lawfully acquired, examined and then delivered it to the -president of the synagogue. He, also, examined and -handed the ring back to the minister, who, finally, performed -the ceremony.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 12. Some married women are so rigidly superstitious -or firm that they will not draw off their wedding-ring -to wash or at any other time: extending the expression -“till death do us part” even to the ring.<a id="FNanchor_353" href="#Footnote_353" class="fnanchor">[353]</a></p> - -<p>And there is a superstition connected with the wear -of the ring, worked into this proverb:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“As your wedding-ring wears,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Your cares will wear away.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 13. Gold-wire rings of three twisted wires were -given away at weddings; and Anthony Wood relates of -Edward Kelly, a “famous philosopher” in Queen Elizabeth’s -days, that “Kelly, who was openly profuse beyond -the modest limits of a sober philosopher, did give away -in gold-wire rings (or rings twisted with three gold wires) -at the marriage of one of his maid servants, to the value -of £4,000.”<a id="FNanchor_354" href="#Footnote_354" class="fnanchor">[354]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp55" id="ip214" style="max-width: 18.4375em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p214.jpg" alt="Cupid and Psyche Ring" /> -</div> - -<p class="p1h">§ 14. A gold ring has been discovered in Rome, which -has the subject of Cupid and Psyche cut into the metal.<a id="FNanchor_355" href="#Footnote_355" class="fnanchor">[355]</a> -We give an enlarged illustration of it. Psyche is figured -more ethereally than she generally appears upon gems. -The lower portion of this emanation seems to partake of -the delicate plumage of the butterfly; and the whole -prettily illustrates the soul. There is a strong contrast -between these figures; and we are inclined to think the -designer intended it. While Psyche is all that we have -said, the other form comes up to Colman’s theatrical -Cupid:</p> - -<p class="center">“Fat, chubby-cheeked and stupid.”</p> - -<p>Byron observes that the story of Cupid and Psyche is -one uniform piece of loveliness.</p> - -<p class="p1h">§ 15. The meeting of St. Anne and St. Joachim at -the Golden Gate is a favorite subject.<a id="FNanchor_356" href="#Footnote_356" class="fnanchor">[356]</a> The Nuns of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span> -St. Anne at Rome show a rude silver ring as the wedding-ring -of Anne and Joachim.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 16. A wicked trick upon weak and confiding women -used to be played by forcing upon their finger a rush -ring: as thereby they fancied themselves married.<a id="FNanchor_357" href="#Footnote_357" class="fnanchor">[357]</a> -Richard, Bishop of Salisbury, in his Constitutions, Anno -1217, forbids the putting of rush rings or any of like -matter on women’s fingers.</p> - -<p>De Breveil says,<a id="FNanchor_358" href="#Footnote_358" class="fnanchor">[358]</a> it was an ancient custom to use a -rush ring where the necessity for marriage was apparent.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 17. Rings occur in the fifteenth century, with the -orpine plant (<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Telephium</i>) as a device. It was used because -the bending of the leaves was presumed to prognosticate -whether love was true or false. The common name for -orpine plants was that of <em>midsummer men</em>. In a tract said -to be written by Hannah More, among other superstitions -of one of the heroines, “she would never go to bed on -Midsummer Eve without sticking up in her room the -well-known plant called midsummer men, as the bending -of the leaves to the right or to the left would never -fail to tell her whether her lover was true or false.” The -orpine plant occurs among the love divinations on Midsummer -Eve in the Connoisseur:<a id="FNanchor_359" href="#Footnote_359" class="fnanchor">[359]</a> “I likewise stuck up -two midsummer men, one for myself and one for him. -Now if this had died away, we should never have come -together; but, I assure you, his blowed and turned to -mine.”</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 18. Marriage-rings, in the olden time, were not, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span> -now, plain in form and without words.<a id="FNanchor_360" href="#Footnote_360" class="fnanchor">[360]</a> Some had a -seal part for impression.<a id="FNanchor_361" href="#Footnote_361" class="fnanchor">[361]</a> A ring of this kind was -ploughed up in the year 1783 on Flodden Field. It was -of gold and an inscription upon it ran thus: “Where -are the constant lovers who can keep themselves from -evil speakers?” This would have been a relic for Abbotsford; -but Dryburgh Abbey has the wizard; and a stranger -is in his halls.</p> - -<p>A Roman bronze ring has been discovered of singular -shape and fine workmanship, which appears to have been -intended as a token of love or affection.<a id="FNanchor_362" href="#Footnote_362" class="fnanchor">[362]</a></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip216" style="max-width: 25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p216.jpg" alt="Token Ring of Love Two Views" /> -</div> - -<p>The parts nearest the collet are flat and resemble a -triangle from which the summit has been cut. Its -greatest singularity is an intaglio ploughed out of the -material itself, representing the head of a young person. -The two triangular portions which start from the table -of the ring are filled with ornaments, also engraved hollow. -Upon it is the word VIVAS or <em>Mayest thou live</em>.</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip217"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p217.jpg" alt="Ring Found at Sessa" /> -</div> - -<p class="p1h">§ 19. In the year 1845, an interesting ring was found at -Sessa, (the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Suessa Auruncorum</i> of the ancients,) situate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span> -in the Terra de Livaro, Kingdom of Naples. We here -give the original signet. A drawing of the same with its -outer edge, which, as it will be seen, contained the name -of an after owner and the outer ring, with its religious -maxims along its edge, appears in the Archæological -Journal.<a id="FNanchor_363" href="#Footnote_363" class="fnanchor">[363]</a> The stone which forms the signet is of a deep-red -color and, apparently, a species of agate. In the -centre are engraved two right hands joined together, -with the following letters above and below, C. C. P. S., -I. P. D. Our cut is somewhat larger than the original. -Judging from the workmanship -of the signet, it is believed -to have been executed -in the period between the -reigns of Severus and Constantine -or, in other words, -about the middle of the third -century. The interpretation -of these letters must be left to conjecture. It would -appear, however, to have been regarded as an object of -value or interest at a later period, when it was set in -gold for the person whose name appears round the stone -in capital letters, which are to be thus read:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>✠ SIGILLV· THOMASII· DE· ROGERIIS· DE· SUESSA·<br /> -<span class="pad3"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Sigillum Thomasii de Rogeriis de Suessa.</i></span></p></div> - -<p>On the outer side of the hoop of the ring are two -other inscriptions, also in capital letters. The first -reads:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>✠ XPS· VINCIT· XPS· REGNAT· XPS· IMPERA·<br /> -<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.</i></p></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span></p> - -<p>And the second:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>✠ ET· VERBU: CARO: FACTU: E: ET ABITAUIT: INOB·<br /> -<span class="pad3"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Et verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis.</i></span></p></div> - -<p>The workmanship of these inscriptions is exceedingly -good and the letters well formed and sharply cut. It -will be remarked that in the first legend on the hoop the -letter T. in the word <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Imperat</i> is omitted for want of space; -and in the second, for the same reason, not only the final -<em>m</em>, as usual, is twice suppressed, but the word <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">est</i> is given -in the abbreviated form of <em>e</em>; several letters are joined -together; the aspirate is omitted in<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">habitavit</i>; and the -letter <em>n</em> is made to serve for the final of <em>in</em> and the -initial of <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">nobis</i>. As to the date of this ring, it may, -very probably, be ascribed to the thirteenth century. -There can be no doubt that the owner, Thomasius de -Rogeriis, must have been a member of the Neapolitan -family of Roggieri. The legend upon the ring, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Christus -vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat</i>, is found, also, -in the series of Anglo-Gothic gold coins from the reign -of Edward III. of England to that of Henry VI.</p> - -<p>We have been favored with the perusal of a presentation -copy of the article (in the Archæological Journal) and -from it have taken the above explanation. This copy -was sent by the possessor of the ring, George Borrett, -of Southampton, England, Esquire, to Isaac E. Cotheal, -of New-York, Esquire; and it has, interleaved, (with the -addition of a wax impression,) the following MS. note: -“The Abbé Farrari, a priest attached to the Church of -Sta. Maria in Comedia, (also called the Bocci della -Venite,) submitted it to some members of the Propaganda -at Rome, 12th April, 1845, who described it as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span> -follows: <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat, -et verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis. -Sigillum Thomasii de Rogeriis de Suessa</i>: Christ conquers, -Christ reigns, Christ commands and the Word -was made flesh and dwelt in us. The seal of Thomas -de Rogeriis de Suessa.</p> - -<p>“The veritable signet of Cicero (<em>i. e.</em>) the coral in the -centre of the ring only. There were members of the -Propaganda who thought it resembled some impressions -attached to documents in the Vatican of the Roman -Governor in Judea, ‘<em>Pontius Pilate</em>.’ The gold setting -is supposed to be about the eighth or ninth century by -some dignitary in triumph over the pagan philosopher -or governor.”</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding what is thus said, we are strongly -under the impression that it was a mystical ring or one -worn in remembrance of a marriage. Upon marbles -and gems which illustrate the marriage ceremony, the -bride and bridegroom are represented with their respective -right hands joined. In Montfaucon<a id="FNanchor_364" href="#Footnote_364" class="fnanchor">[364]</a> (and figured also -in Maffei) is a gem which has marital symbols and among -them a ring and the clasped right hands; and, in the -same work, (Montfaucon,)<a id="FNanchor_365" href="#Footnote_365" class="fnanchor">[365]</a> we find a ring precisely in the -form and of the size of the Sessa ring, with right hands -disposed in exactly the same manner and also letters -above and below the emblem. The words there are:</p> - -<p class="center">PROTEROS<br /> -<span class="padr1">VGIAE</span></p> - -<p><em>Proteros</em> and <em>Hygie</em>; and Montfaucon says, “Cela -marque peut être le mariage contracté entre les deux.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span></p> - -<p>Addison, in his Dialogue on Medals, says: “The two -hands that join one another are emblems of Fidelity;” -and he quotes (Ovid’s Met. lib. iv.):</p> - -<p class="center">“—— <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Inde Fides dextræque data.</i>”</p> - -<p>(Thence faith and the right hand joined.) And also -Seneca (Hurc. Fur. lib. iv.):</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Sociemus animos, pignus hoc fidei cape,</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Continge dextram.</i>”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>(Let us unite souls, receive this pledge of faith, grasp -the right hand.)</p> - -<p>We can hardly imagine a more perfect token of love, -affection or friendship than this of right hands clasped -and the names of giver and receiver. We commend it -to loving friends and jewellers.</p> - -<p>This joining of right hands appears upon ancient -English marriage-rings. Here is one, with its motto, -<em>The Nazarene</em>:</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="ip220" style="max-width: 31.25em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p220.jpg" alt="The Nazarene Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>A silver wedding-ring, dug up at Somerton Castle, -Lincolnshire, has a poesy very common in former times:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“I love you, my sweet dear heart.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Go I pray you please my love.”<a id="FNanchor_366" href="#Footnote_366" class="fnanchor">[366]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>There is a marriage gold ring of the time of Richard the -Second of England, having a French motto, translated, -<em>Be of good heart</em>, and bearing the figure of St. Catharine -with her wheel, emblematical of good fortune, and St. -Margaret, to whom Catholics address their devotions for -safe delivery in childbirth.<a id="FNanchor_367" href="#Footnote_367" class="fnanchor">[367]</a> The author has seen an old<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span> -American ring, in the possession of a young man, whose -grandfather presented it on his wedding day to his wife. -It has a piece of jet set in it and is cut into raised angular -facets. On the inside is engraved:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“<em>First love Christ, that died for thee,</em></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><em>Next to him, love none but me.</em>”</div> - <div class="verse indent10"><em>T. A. G.</em></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>John Dunton, a London bookseller and who is mentioned -in the <cite>Dunciad</cite>, describes, in his autobiography, -his wedding-ring: as having two hearts united upon it -and this poesy:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“<em>God saw thee</em></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><em>Most fit for me.</em>”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>This would not seem to have attached to his second -wife; for she left him and wrote in one of her letters, -“I and all good people think you never married me for -love, but for my money.”</p> - -<p>Dr. John Thomas, who was Bishop of Lincoln in 1753, -married four times. The motto or poesy on the wedding-ring -at his fourth marriage was:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“If I survive,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I’ll make them five.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>This Rev. Dr. John Thomas was a man of genial -humor. He used to tell a story of his burying a body; -and a woman came “and pulled me,” said he, “by the -sleeve in the middle of the service. ‘Sir, sir, I want to -speak to you.’ ‘Prythee,’ says I, ‘woman, wait till I -have done.’ ‘No, sir, I must speak to you immediately.’ -‘Why then, what is the matter?’ ‘Why sir,’ says she, -‘you are burying a man who died of the small-pox next -to my poor husband, who never had it.’”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span></p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 20. Heroes, philosophers, poets—indeed, men of all -classes leave remembrances in the shape of rings. The -will of Washington contains this: “To my sisters-in-law -Hannah Washington and Mildred Washington, to my -friends Eleanor Stuart, Hannah Washington of Fairfield -and Elizabeth Washington of Hayfield, I give each a -mourning ring of the value of one hundred dollars. -These bequests are not made for the intrinsic value of -them, but as mementoes of my esteem and regard.” -Shakspeare bequeathes such tokens to several friends—among -them, to his brother players, whom he calls “my -poor fellows”—“twenty shillings eight pence apiece to -buy them rings.” Pope bequeathed sums of five pounds -to friends, who were to lay them out in rings. This great -poet was no admirer of funerals that blackened all the -way or of gorgeous tombs: “As to my body, my will is -that it be buried near the monument of my dear parents -at Twickenham, with the addition after the words <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">filius -fecit</i> of these only, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">et sibi</i>: <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Qui obiit anno 17</i>—, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ætatis</i>—: -and that it be carried to the grave by six of the poorest -men of the parish, to each of whom I order a suit of -gray coarse cloth as mourning.”</p> - -<p>The affection which Dr. Johnson bore to the memory -of his wife was a pretty point in his heavy character: -“March 28, 1753. I kept this day as the anniversary of -my Letty’s death, with prayer and tears in the morning. -In the evening I prayed for her conditionally, if it were -lawful.” Her wedding-ring, when she became his wife, -was, after her death, preserved by him as long as he -lived with an affectionate care in a little round wooden -box and in the inside of which he pasted a slip of paper -thus inscribed by him in fair characters:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="padr1">“<em>Eheu!</em></span><br /> -<em>Eliz. Johnson</em><br /> -<em>Nupta Jul. 9<sup>o</sup>, 1736,</em><br /> -<em>Mortua, eheu!</em><br /> -<em>Mart. 17<sup>o</sup>, 1752.</em>”<a id="FNanchor_368" href="#Footnote_368" class="fnanchor">[368]</a></p> - -<p>Husbands can love, where friends may see nothing to -admire: Mrs. Johnson has been summed up as “perpetual -illness and perpetual opium.”<a id="FNanchor_369" href="#Footnote_369" class="fnanchor">[369]</a></p> - -<p>Lord Eldon wore a mourning ring for his wife. In -his will we find this: “And I direct that I may be -buried in the same tomb at Kingston in which my most -beloved wife is buried and as near to her remains as possible; -and I desire that the ring which I wear on my finger -may be put with my body into my coffin and be buried -with me.”<a id="FNanchor_370" href="#Footnote_370" class="fnanchor">[370]</a></p> - -<p>The last gift of Tom Moore’s mother to him was her -wedding-ring: “Have been preparing my dear mother -for my leaving her, now that I see her so much better. -She is quite reconciled to my going; and said this morning, -‘Now, my dear Tom, don’t let yourself be again -alarmed about me in this manner, nor hurried away from -your house and business.’ She then said she must, before -I left her this morning, give me her wedding-ring -as her last gift; and, accordingly sending for the little -trinket-box in which she kept it, she, herself, put the -ring on my finger.”<a id="FNanchor_371" href="#Footnote_371" class="fnanchor">[371]</a></p> - -<p>The poet Gray was the possessor of trinkets; and, -perhaps, we may refer these to the “effeminacy” and -“visible fastidiousness” mentioned in Temple’s Life, -(adopted by Mason.) In his will, the poet gives an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span> -amount of stock to Richard Stonehewer, and adds: -“and I beg his acceptance of one of my diamond -rings,” while to Dr. Thomas Wharton he bequeaths -£500—and, “I desire him also to accept of one of my -diamond rings.” He bequeaths his watches, <em>rings</em>, etc., -to his cousins Mary Antrobus and Dorothy Comyns, to -be equally and amicably shared between them.</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 21. On the 1st of March, 1854, the ship <i>Powhattan</i> -sailed from Havre for New-York, with two hundred and -fifty passengers. Not far from Barnegat Inlet she became -a wreck, so complete that not a vestige of her reached -land. The passengers were seen to cling to the bulwarks -and, then, drop off by fifties; her captain, through his -trumpet, could be heard to implore attention to them; -while the sea crushed and dashed all to death on the -fretted beach. The clothing of one of the victims, who -was not more than twenty years of age, showed her to -have belonged to the wealthy class of Germans. She -was beautiful even as she lay in death dabbled with -sea-weed and scum. Upon her fingers were two rings; -one, plain and the other had a heart attached to it. -They were marked P. S. and B. S. 1854. This we -gather from a fleeting newspaper. While the mind -sighs as it leaves the corpse to its shallow, seaside, foreign -and premature grave, a curiosity is awakened by -the rings and the attendant emblem. The date shows -them to be very late gifts. Were these tokens of affection -from brother and sister—for one heart might well -do for both—and who placed them upon that now cold -hand, then glowing with an affection that throbbed from -under those rings? Or, was this young creature on her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span> -way to her youthful husband, who had come before and -built up a home and whose betrothal was shown in the -<em>heart</em>, while the plain ring had made them one before God -and the church and who was watching for her and, in -fancy, had, through day dreams and in night watching, -fancied the vessel sweep into port and the hand, that -lovingly wore his gifts, wave a recognition? It may be -that father and mother were the donors, with a blessing -and a prayer and the added almost certainty of thought -that she who received with a last kiss, would long survive -parents to reverence the tokens, hallow their memory -and think of Fatherland! Oh, how much of fact, -of poetry, of sadness may crowd around a little ring!!</p> - -<div class="figleft illowe5" id="ip225"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p225.jpg" alt="The Pelican Mother Ring" /> -</div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 22. We can hardly meet with a prettier token and illustration -of affection than is to be found upon an ancient -silver ring. It has a pelican feeding three young ones -from the life-current oozing out of her breast; with the -words: <em>Their Mother</em>. There is but little doubt that -this was one of three rings given by a mother -to her three children. The pelican is made an -emblem of charity; and Hackluyt, in his -Voyages, speaks of the “<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Pellicane</i>”—“which -is fain to be the lovingst bird that is, which -rather than her young should want, will spare her heart-blood.” -In no form or fashion could a mother’s love -have been more beautifully and permanently displayed—pure -as the metal, perfect as the emblem. It makes -us feel that love <em>is</em> indestructible; that it came from -Heaven and returns thither. No matter what may have -been the sorrows, the cares and the long-suffering of that -mother; no matter though her heart dances no longer to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span> -the music of her children’s voices; no matter what were -the earthly trials of those loved children; no matter -though their home-nest has been torn down or that the -snow of the world covers where the wings of the parent -bird were spread; no matter though the grave has taken -all, save this illustration of a divine emanation:—we feel -that such love could not die and the throbbing from the -poet’s soul comes upon our memory:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“Oh when the mother meets on high</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The babe she lost——</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Hath she not then, for pains and fears,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The day of woe, the watchful night,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For all her sorrows, all her tears,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">An overpayment of delight!”<a id="FNanchor_372" href="#Footnote_372" class="fnanchor">[372]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 23. This love between mother and child, from its undying -purity, is always a pleasant thing to trace and to follow. -In the <cite>Household Words</cite>,<a id="FNanchor_373" href="#Footnote_373" class="fnanchor">[373]</a> a work in which there is -more of usefulness, pleasure and beauty than in any other -modern book, a ring plays a pretty part in a ballad of the -youthful knight, Bran of Brittany. He was “wounded -sore,” and “in a dungeon tower, helpless he wept in the -foeman’s power.”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“O find a messenger true to me,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To bear me a letter across the sea.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">A messenger true they brought him there,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And the young knight warned him thus with care:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Lay now that dress of thine aside,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And in beggar’s weeds thy service hide,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And take my ring, my ring of gold,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And wrap it safe in some secret fold,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But, once at my mother’s castle gate,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That ring will gain admittance straight.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And O! if she comes to ransom me,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Then high let the white flag hoisted be;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But if she comes not—ah, well-a-day!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The night-black flag at the mast display.<a id="FNanchor_374" href="#Footnote_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a></div> - <div class="verse indent0">When the messenger true to Leon came,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">At supper sat the high-born dame:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With cups of gold and royal fare,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And the harpers merrily harping there.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I kneel to thee, right noble dame;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">This ring will show from whom I came.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And he who gave me that same ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Bade me in haste this letter bring.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Oh! harpers, harpers, cease your song;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The grief at my heart is sharp and strong.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Why did they this from his mother hide?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In a dungeon lies my only pride!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">O quick make ready a ship for me,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">This night I’ll cross the stormy sea.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span></p> -<p>The ballad goes on to show how young Bran, from -his bed, at morn, at noon, at vesper, asked the warder -whether he saw a ship; and when, at last, the warder -says he observes one, he couples it with the falsehood -that the color of its flag is black.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“When the downcast knight that answer heard,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He asked no more, he spake no word.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He turned to the wall his face so wan,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And shook in the breath of the Mighty One!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span></p> -<p>The mother touches the strand; hears a death-bell; -asks of a gray-haired man; speeds wildly to the tower:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“At the foot of the tower, to the gaoler grim,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She sobbed aloud and she called to him:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">O! open the gates (my son! my son!)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">O open the gates (my only son!)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">They opened the gates; no word they said:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Before her there her son lay dead.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In her arms she took him so tenderly,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And laid her down—never more rose she!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The ballad then describes an oak, with lofty head, -whereon the birds gather at night:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“And amidst them comes ever croaking low,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With a young dark raven, an aged crow.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Wearily onward they flap their way</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With drooping wings, soaked through with spray,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">As they had come from a far countrye;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">As they had flown o’er a stormy sea.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And the birds they sing so sweet and clear</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That the waves keep very still to hear.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">They all sing out in a merry tone,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">They all sing together—save two alone.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With mournful voice ever croaking low,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Sing, happy birds! says the aged crow,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Blest little birds! sing, for you may,</div> - <div class="verse indent0"><em>You did not die from home far away</em>!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>How this noble ballad would have stirred the hearts -of the authors of “The Lay of the Last Minstrel” and -of “Christabel”!</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 24. Authors of fiction, from early times, have made<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span> -use of rings for their scenes. Shakspeare not unfrequently -introduces them; indeed the most interesting -portion of <cite>Cymbeline</cite> is worked up through the wager -of a ring as to the honor of the heroine. Imogen, in -taking leave of Posthumus, says:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent14">“——— Look here, love;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">This diamond was my mother’s; take it, heart;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But keep it till you woo another wife,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">When Imogen is dead.</div> - <div class="verse indent2"><em>Posthumus</em>. How! how! another?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">You gentle gods, give me but this I have,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And sear up my embracements from a next</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With bonds of death! Remain thou here,</div> - <div class="verse indent18">(<em>Putting on the ring</em>,)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">While sense can keep it on.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="figleft illowe10" id="ip229"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p229.jpg" alt="Roman Child's Iron Ring" /> -</div> - -<p>And he, then, exchanges for it, “a manacle of love,” a -bracelet, placing it upon her arm, that “fairest prisoner.” -Iachimo induced Posthumus to wager this ring, -which he esteemed “more than the world enjoys”—but -it is unnecessary to go further: for who has not read -Shakspeare?</p> - - -<p class="p1h">§ 25. Roman iron rings, wrought with much care and -having precious stones, but minute enough for a child, -have been found. One or two of them are mentioned and -illustrated in Caylus,<a id="FNanchor_375" href="#Footnote_375" class="fnanchor">[375]</a> who, no doubt rightly, -considers they were intended for the finger of a -domestic deity or household god.</p> - -<p>The Romans clung to their home deities; and this -is the best part of their character. One of the most -beautiful of the antique draped figures, cut upon a -signet, represents a woman contemplating a household<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span> -god,<a id="FNanchor_376" href="#Footnote_376" class="fnanchor">[376]</a> “a symbol of that domestic affection which the -ancients, exalted almost blamelessly, into an object of -divine homage.”<a id="FNanchor_377" href="#Footnote_377" class="fnanchor">[377]</a></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp57" id="ip230" style="max-width: 19.125em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_p230.jpg" alt="Woman Contemplating Household Gods" /> -</div> - -<p>It was on this particular gem that Croly wrote these -charming lines:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent2q">“Domestic love! not in proud palace halls</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Is often seen thy beauty to abide;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Thy dwelling is in lowly cottage walls,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">That in the thickets of the woodbine hide;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With hum of bees around, and from the spring,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Shining along thro’ banks with harebells dyed;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And many a bird to warble on the wing,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">When morn her saffron robe o’er heaven and earth doth fling.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent2">O! love of loves!—to thy white hand is given</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Of earthly happiness the golden key!</div> - <div class="verse indent2q">“Thine are the joyous hours of winter’s even,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">When the babes cling around their father’s knee;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And thine the voice that, on the midnight sea,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Melts the rude mariner with thoughts of home,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Peopling the gloom with all he longs to see.</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Spirit! I’ve built a shrine; and thou hast come;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And on its altar closed—for ever closed thy plume!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[231]</span></p> -<p>Gifts of rings by lovers have always been common; -but the intimate relation between husband and wife -brings toils, duties and sacrifices which generally charm -off ordinary love tokens. It is comforting, however, -when the husband can look to the past, to the present, to -the future with sentiments like those embraced in the following -beautiful lines in connection with the gift of a ring:</p> - -<p class="ptxt">“TO MRS. ——, WITH A RING. -</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indentq">“‘Thee, Mary, with this ring I wed,’—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So, sixteen years ago, I said—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Behold another ring—for what?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To wed thee o’er again? Why not?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With that first ring I married youth,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Grace, beauty, innocence and truth,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Taste long admir’d, sense long rever’d</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And all my Mary then appeared.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">If she, by merit since disclosed,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Prove twice the woman I supposed:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I plead that double merit now</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To justify a double vow.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Here then to-day (with faith as sure,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With ardor as intense and pure,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">As when amidst the rites divine</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I took thy troth and plighted mine)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To thee, sweet girl, my second ring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">A token and a pledge I bring,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With this I wed till death us part</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Thy riper virtues to my heart;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Those virtues which, before untried,</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[232]</span></p> - <div class="verse indent0">The wife has added to the bride;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Those virtues, whose progressive claim,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Endearing wedlock’s very name,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">My soul enjoys, my song approves,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For conscience’ sake, as well as love’s.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For why?—They show me hour by hour</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Honor’s high thought, affection’s power,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Discretion’s deed, sound judgment’s sentence,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And teach me all things—but repentance.”<a id="FNanchor_378" href="#Footnote_378" class="fnanchor">[378]</a></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>And there is a charm and gentleness about the following -lines which Dr. Drennan addressed to his wife, -with a gift of a ring:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Emblem of happiness! not bought nor sold;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Accept this modest ring of virgin gold.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Love, in this small, but perfect, circle trace;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And duty, in its soft but strict embrace.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Plain, precious, pure, as best becomes the wife;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Yet firm to bear the frequent rubs of life.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Connubial life disdains a fragile toy,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Which rust can tarnish and a touch destroy;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Nor much admires what courts the general gaze,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The dazzling diamond’s meretricious blaze,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That hides, with glare, the anguish of a heart,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">By nature hard, but polished bright by art.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">More to thy taste the ornament that shows</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Domestic bliss and, without glaring, glows,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Whose gentle pressure serves to keep the mind</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To <em>all</em> correct; to <em>one</em> discreetly kind—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Of simple elegance the unconscious charm;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The holy amulet to keep from harm.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To guard, at once and consecrate, the shrine—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Take this dear pledge:—it makes and keeps thee mine.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[233]</span></p> - -<p class="p1h">§ 26. There is an interesting story in the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Gesta Romanorum</i><a id="FNanchor_379" href="#Footnote_379" class="fnanchor">[379]</a> -(indeed the whole work is full of pleasing matter) -entitled the judgment of Solomon. It is often -represented in that illumination which in the ancient -manuscripts of the French translation of the Bible by -Guiars des Moulins is prefixed to the Proverbs of Solomon, -although the story itself does not occur in that -Bible. It appears to have been a great favorite in the -middle ages; and was often related from the pulpit. A -king, in some domestic difference with his wife, had been -told by her that one only of her three sons was a true -offspring, but which of them was so she refused to discover. -This gave him much uneasiness; and his death -soon afterwards approaching, he called his children together; -and declared, in the presence of witnesses, that -he left a ring, which had very singular properties, to -him that should be found to be his lawful son. On his -death a dispute arose about the ring between the youths—and -it was at length agreed to refer its decision to -the King of Jerusalem. He immediately ordered that -the dead body of the father should be taken up and tied -to a tree; that each of the sons should shoot an arrow -at it and that he who penetrated the deepest should have -the ring. The eldest shot first and the arrow went far -into the body; the second shot also and deeper than the -other. The youngest son stood at a distance and wept -bitterly; but the king said to him: “Young man, take -your arrow and shoot as your brothers have done.” He<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[234]</span> -answered, “Far be it from me to commit so great a crime. -I would not for the whole world disfigure the body of -my own father.” The king said: “Without doubt you -are his son, and the others are changelings: to you, -therefore, I adjudge the ring.”</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p>Here the author closes his “Dactylotheca” or casket -of rings.</p> - -<p>Metaphorically speaking, he fears it has been discovered -that he does not wear a <em>ring of power</em>; and that no <em>talismanic -ring</em> is in his possession. And it may be that -some constrained position in which the writer has kept -his readers, will allow them to desire the use of <em>cramp -rings</em> for relief. If so, he would willingly “creep to -cross” to succor them: provided the ending of this essay -did not answer that purpose.</p> - -<p>One thing the author will hope; and it is this: that his -readers and he have fashioned the interesting token of -friendship a <em>gimmal ring</em>; and if it be so, then they will -pass from this work with the idea that they have one part -of such ring, while the writer may proudly hold to the -other, until some future essay shall bring author and -friends and the twin hoops of the <em>gimmal</em> together again. -With such a token upon his hand, he can waive a farewell.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[235]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">INDEX.</h2> -<hr class="r5" /> -</div> - -<p class="itxt"> -<a href="#A">A</a>, -<a href="#B">B</a>, -<a href="#C">C</a>, -<a href="#D">D</a>, -<a href="#E">E</a>, -<a href="#F">F</a>, -<a href="#G">G</a>, -<a href="#H">H</a>, -<a href="#I">I</a>, -<a href="#J">J</a>, -<a href="#K">K</a>, -<a href="#L">L</a>, -<a href="#M">M</a>, -<a href="#N">N</a>, -<a href="#O">O</a>, -<a href="#P">P</a>, -<a href="#R">R</a>, -<a href="#S">S</a>, -<a href="#T">T</a>, -<a href="#U">U</a>, -<a href="#V">V</a>, -<a href="#W">W</a>, -<a href="#Y">Y</a></p> - - -<ul class="index"> -<li class="ifrst"><a name="A"></a><span class="bold pad4">A.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Abraxas stones, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ackmetchet, marriage at, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Agate, its supposed magical and medical powers, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Agnes, St., priest placing ring on finger of statue, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ahlstan, ring of, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Aix-la-Chapelle, ring connected with the founding of, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Alderman’s thumb-ring, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Alexander’s ring, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Amethyst, its supposed magical and medical powers, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Amulet-rings found at Eltham, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">at Coventry, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">in antique urns, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">worn by physicians, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">Dano-Saxon amulet, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">amulet against storms, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Andrea of Sicily and Jerusalem, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Anglo-Saxon rings and workmen, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Anne, Countess Dowager of Pembroke, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Anne of Brittany sends ring to James IV. of Scotland, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Annulus pronubus</i>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Anselm, investiture by ring, <a href="#Page_81"><ins class="corr" id="tn235" title="Transcriber’s Note—“4” changed to “81”.">81</ins></a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">and his miracles, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Antiochus Epiphanes, ring of, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Apis, sacred Egyptian bull, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Arabian princesses, wearing rings with little bells attached, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Archbishop’s investiture by ring, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Arnulph’s dream about a ring, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Artery, supposed, in the fourth finger, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Augustus, ring of, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="B"></a><span class="bold pad4">B.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Bagaley’s account of Stanley, seventh Earl of Derby, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Baker, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Balassius, (Ruby,) <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Belt, ring in the form of, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bertie, Richard, receives diamond ring from King of France, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Betrothal rings: Grecian, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">in Esthonia, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">among the Copts, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">ceremony attendant on betrothal, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">betrothal rings in Germany, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bishops, investiture by ring, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">sealed with rings in early times, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Blood-stone” of Jeffreys, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bloody Baker, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Blue Ring,” <a href="#Page_174">174</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Borgia, Cæsar, his poisoned ring. <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Bot,” <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Boyle, Richard, (Great Earl of Cork,) <a href="#Page_160">160</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Brand, Miss v., her vision, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bran of Brittany, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Brian Borholme, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Britons, rings worn by, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">British Museum, rings in, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bronze rings, seldom used by Egyptians, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bronze ring, widening by pressure, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bucentaur, the galley used on the Doge marrying the sea, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Bull (Apis) on a ring, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Byron, his mothers wedding-ring, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="C"></a><span class="bold pad4">C.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Cæsar’s ring, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Caius Marius, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">California ring presented to President Pierce, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cameo, its origin, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Canute, King, discovery of his tomb, body and ring, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Carbuncle, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cardinal’s ring, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Carey, Robert, Earl of Monmouth, takes the “Blue Ring” to James on Queen Elizabeth’s decease, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Catacombs of Rome, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cats cut upon Egyptian rings, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[236]</span>Cecil, Earl of Salisbury. <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Chains of criminals made into rings to cure diseases, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Chalcedony, its supposed magical power, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Charlemagne, story connected with founding Aix-la-Chapelle, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Charles I., supposed ring of this monarch given to a boy, <a href="#Page_177">177</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">his ring used by Sir Philip Warwick, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">mourning rings of this king, <a href="#Page_179">179</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">his hair used for rings, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Charles II., Duchess of Portsmouth takes diamond rings from his hand when on his death-bed, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Charles VIII. of France, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Charm rings, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cheops, ring of, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Childeric, his tomb, body, ring, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Christians, rings of early Christians, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Christians wearing talismanic rings, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">symbolical figures on the rings of early Christians, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">Christian marriage-ring copied from Romans, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Coffin-nails or screws made into rings to cure king’s evil, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Collar, pliable ring in the form of, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">College of Navarre, gives ring to Crichton, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Commonwealth of England, inclined to abolish the ring in marriages, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Convulsions cured by silver rings, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Copts, betrothal ring used by them, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Coral, its supposed magical power, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cork, Earl of, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cornelian rings found near the Pyramids, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cornelian, its magical and medical powers, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Coronation rings, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Council of Trent, in relation to marriage, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cramp rings, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cranmer using the ring of Henry VIII. before the Council, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Creeping to cross, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Crichton (the Admirable), ring given to him by the College of Navarre, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Criminals, chains of, made into rings to cure diseases, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Croly’s lines on a gem representing a woman contemplating a household god, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cupid and Psyche, on a Roman signet, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Cupid with butterflies, on a ring, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="D"></a><span class="bold pad4">D.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Dactylomancy, or divination by rings, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Dactylotheca, Roman name for cases containing rings, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Dano-Saxon amulet, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Darnley’s ring, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Death’s-head rings, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Devereux, Earl of, ring given by Queen Elizabeth to, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">De Vesci, King John’s bad conduct towards the wife of, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Diamond, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">on swivel in ring, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">its magical and medical powers, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Divination by rings, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Doge marrying the sea, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>; his ring of office, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Dolzbote;” <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Domestic deities of the Romans, small iron rings used for, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Drennan, Dr., his lines to his wife with a ring, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Dschemid, said to have introduced the ring, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Dundee, ring in memory of the great Dundee, <a href="#Page_187">187</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="E"></a><span class="bold pad4">E.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Edward, St., ring of, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Edward the Confessor’s ring, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Egyptians, their rings, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">on what fingers worn, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">no evidence that they used a marriage-ring, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Eldon, Lord, desired his ring to be buried with him, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Eleusinian mysteries, rings given to the initiated, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Elizabeth of Poland, talismanic ring given by her to her son Andrea, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Elizabeth, Queen, medicinal ring sent to her by Lord Chancellor Hatton, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">ring given by her to Essex, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">her death, <a href="#Page_164">164</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">ring given by her to Mary of Scotland, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Elk’s horn, piece of, worn in ring to cure epilepsy, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Emerald, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Epilepsy cured by wearing ring, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Essex-ring, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">et seq.</i></li> - -<li class="indx">Esthonia, betrothal rings in, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Eternity, ring an emblem of, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ethelwoulf, ring of, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Etruscan rings, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Evil eye, charm-rings to act against it, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[237]</span>Execustus, his two enchanted rings, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="F"></a><span class="bold pad4">F.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Fingers on which rings are worn, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">finger for betrothal ring, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">finger for wedding ring, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Fish, rings found in, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Fisherman’s Ring,” <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Fits, cured by ring, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="G"></a><span class="bold pad4">G.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Gallienus frightening a dishonest jeweller, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Galvanic rings, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gambler’s rings, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gauls, rings used by, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">German betrothal ring, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Gesta Romanorum</i>, story from, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gibbet, iron from it made into rings to cure diseases, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gimmal ring, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gimmow (or Gimmal) ring, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Godwin, Earl, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gold rings, generally used by the Egyptians, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">Roman gold rings, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gray bequeaths his rings, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Greeks, inscriptions on their rings, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">had the wedding and betrothal ring, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Greek urns, rings in, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gresham, Sir Thomas, his gimmal ring, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Gyges, ring of, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="H"></a><span class="bold pad4">H.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Hand, on which hand rings are worn, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">with thumb and two forefingers extended, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Hannibal’s ring, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Hathaway, Anne, lines to, (note,) <a href="#Page_11">11</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Hatton, Chancellor, sending medicinal ring to Queen Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Hebrews, wore a number of rings, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">as to their using a marriage-ring, <a href="#Page_196">196-7</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Heliogabalus, never wore the same ring twice, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Henry II. of England, his tomb, body, ring, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Heraldry, ring in, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Herbert’s enigma, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Household gods of the Romans, small iron rings for, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">Croly’s lines on a gem representing a woman contemplating a household deity, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Hyacinth, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Hynd Horn, ballad of, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="I"></a><a name="J"></a><span class="bold pad4">I. J.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Indian Brahmins, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Innocent III. ordered the celebration of marriage through the church, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Inscriptions on Greek and Roman rings, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Investiture by ring and staff, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ireland, diamond found in, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Iron, rings of, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">iron from gibbets made into rings to cure diseases, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">iron rings containing the Prussian maiden’s hair, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ivory rings worn by the Egyptians, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Jacinth, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">James IV. of Scotland, receiving a turquoise ring from Anne of Brittany, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Jasper, its supposed superior healing and magical powers, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Jeffreys and his “Blood-stone,” <a href="#Page_184">184</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Jewish marriage, and use of ring at it, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Joan of Naples, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">John, King of England, his bad conduct in relation to the wife of De Vesci, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Johnson, Dr., his care of his wife’s wedding-ring, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Joseph, ring given by Pharaoh to, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Judah and Tamar, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="K"></a><span class="bold pad4">K.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Kean the elder, his ring, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Kerouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth, takes two diamond rings from the hand of Charles II. when in his death-throes, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Key, ring with a key attached, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">King’s evil cured by ring made from coffin-nails or screws, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Kings of Scotland, ring used at their coronation, bequeathed by Cardinal York to Prince Regent, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="L"></a><span class="bold pad4">L.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Lacedemonians, as to their inventing seal-rings, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Lambert Linkin, ballad of, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Law of rings, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Lawyers in Rome, clients presenting them with rings, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Lines with a ring, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">L’Isle, Lord, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Lituus, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Louis IX. of France, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Love’s Telegraph, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[238]</span><a name="M"></a><span class="bold pad4">M.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Mad-stone, (note,) <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Madoc’s ring, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Magnet in a ring, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Marriage, its ceremony through the Church, ordained by Innocent III., <a href="#Page_195">195</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">marriage at Ackmetchet, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Marriage-ring, Grecian and Roman, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">used at Ackmetchet, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">marriage-rings had inscriptions, others a sealing part, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">ancient one of silver with inscription, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Mary, Queen of Scots, talismanic ring offered to her by Lord Ruthven, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">her nuptial ring, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">portrait of Mary in a ring at Bolsover Castle, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">a ring (one portion) sent to her by Queen Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Matilda, wife of the Conqueror, her tomb, body, ring, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Matrons of Warsaw, part with their rings to coin into ducats for Polish struggle, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Medicinal rings, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Mei Amores</i>, upon a ring, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Mexican officers’ rings, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Michaelis, (physician,) had medical ring made of tooth of sea-horse, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Mithridates, ring of, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Money in the form of rings, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Months, Polish idea of their being under the influence of precious stones, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Moore, his mother’s gift of her wedding-ring, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="N"></a><span class="bold pad4">N.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Name-rings, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Navarre, College of, gives ring to Crichton, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Nelson, memorial rings of, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Nero’s ring, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Nottingham, Countess of, and her connection with the Essex ring, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Newton, Sir Isaac, his magnet-ring, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">his tooth set in a ring, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="O"></a><span class="bold pad4">O.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">O’Neils of Ulster, and Turlough Lynnoch, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Opal, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ordeal of touch, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Order of the Ring, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Orpine plant, inserted in rings, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="P"></a><span class="bold pad4">P.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Palatius, (Ruby,) <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pallas, freed-man of Claudius, ring of, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Papal ring, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pearls, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pelican and young upon a ring, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pembroke, Anne, Countess Dowager of, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Persians, their seal-rings, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">bridegroom makes a present of a ring, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pharaoh’s ring given to Joseph, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Physicians’ rings, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pierce, Franklin, ring from California presented to, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pio, Albert, anecdote of, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pius II., ring of, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Plague-rings, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Poison carried in rings, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pompeii, marriage-ring found at, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pompey’s ring, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pope’s ring, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Pope the poet, bequeathed rings, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Porcelain rings worn by the Egyptians, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Portsmouth, Duchess of, her taking diamond rings from the hand of Charles II. in the death throes, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Power, rings connected with, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Powhattan, (ship,) <a href="#Page_224">224</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Prometheus, and his wearing the first ring, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Prussian maiden and the sacrifice of her hair, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Puritans set against the wedding-ring, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="R"></a><span class="bold pad4">R.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Richard II., directions in his will, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Riddle on a ring, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ring-dropping, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ring-money, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman Catholic marriages, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman flute players, rings worn by, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman lawyers, rings given to, by clients, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman urns, rings in, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman rings, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">marriage-rings, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman senators and their rings, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman slave, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Roman knights, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ruby, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Rubric, marriage in the Episcopal Church governed by, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Ruthven, Lord, offers talismanic ring to Mary, Queen of Scots, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Rush-rings, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[239]</span><a name="S"></a><span class="bold pad4">S.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Sackvil, Duke of Dorset, ring given to him by King James, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">St. Anne, ring of, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Samothracian talismanic ring, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sapphire; its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Scarabæus, form of seal, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sea-horse’s tooth, Michaelis’s medical ring made of, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Seal-rings, when first used by ladies, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sebert, his tomb, body, ring, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Serjeants at law, their rings and the ceremony relating to their presentation, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sessa, ring found at, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Shakspeare’s signet-ring, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">bequeathed rings to his brother players, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Shoes, rings with shape of soles of shoes, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Signets with Sanscrit inscriptions, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">importance given to signets in England, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Size of rings, Egyptian, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Slave, Roman, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Solomon’s magic ring, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sonnet, by Davison, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sore cured by touch of ring-finger, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Spain, the power of a girl to compel marriage when a ring has been given, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Stanley, seventh Earl of Derby, his character and last gift of rings, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Statues, rings on, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Sterling’s story of the “Onyx Ring,” <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Storms, amulet against, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Sty” on the eye cured by rubbing with wedding-ring, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Subarrhation</i>, the delivering of ring and other gifts, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Substances from which rings are formed, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Suphis, ring of, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Suffolk, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Symbolum</i>, a term used for a ring, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Syrian legend, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="T"></a><span class="bold pad4">T.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Talismanic rings, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">their form, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">“Thee, Mary, with this ring I wed,” <a href="#Page_231">231</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Theseus, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Thieves’ rings, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Thumb-rings, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Toad-stone. <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Topaz, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="de" xml:lang="de">Trau</i> (betrothal) ring in Germany, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Trent, Council of, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Tristram, had a mystical ring, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Trophy, emblem on rings, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Turlough Lynnoch, his ring, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Turquoise, its supposed medical and magical powers, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">turquoise ring sent by the Queen of Louis XII. to James IV. of Scotland, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="U"></a><a name="V"></a><span class="bold pad4">U. V.</span></li> - -<li class="indx"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Ungulus</i>, Oscan word for ring, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Urns, rings in Greek urns, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Urns, rings in Roman urns, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Value of some ring, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Venus, story of placing ring on brazen, statue of this goddess, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Virgin, the, story of placing ring on finger of statue, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="W"></a><span class="bold pad4">W.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">Walpole’s poesy upon a ring, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Warsaw, matrons of, give their wedding-rings to be coined in aid of the Polish struggle, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Warts, taken away by ring touching them, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Warwick, Sir Philip, intrusted with use of the ring of Charles I., <a href="#Page_178">178</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Washington bequeathed rings, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Wedding-ring touching wart to take it away, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">rubbing on “sty” to cure it, <em>ib.</em>;</li> -<li class="isub1">Grecian and Roman wedding-rings, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">gold-wire rings given away at weddings, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>;</li> -<li class="isub1">ancient silver ring, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Whistle connected with a ring, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Wire rings of gold given away at weddings, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.</li> - -<li class="indx">Wound cured by touch of ring, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.</li> - - -<li class="ifrst"><a name="Y"></a><span class="bold pad4">Y.</span></li> - -<li class="indx">York, Cardinal, his bequest of the ring used by kings of Scotland on their coronation, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>.</li> -</ul> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES:</h2> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> The poem from which this stanza is taken has now become so scarce, -and is so pleasing, that we are induced to insert it in this note:</p> - - -<p class="ptxt">TO THE IDOL OF MINE EYES AND THE DELIGHT OF MINE HEART,<br /> -ANNE HATHAWAY.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Would ye be taught, ye feathered throng,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With love’s sweet notes to grace your song,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To pierce the heart with thrilling lay,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Listen to mine Anne Hathaway!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She <em>hath a way</em> to sing so clear,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Phœbus might wond’ring stop to hear;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To melt the sad, make blithe the gay,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And nature charm, Anne <em>hath a way</em>:</div> - <div class="verse indent6">She <em>hath a way</em>,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Anne Hathaway,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To breathe delight Anne <em>hath a way</em>.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">When envy’s breath and rancorous tooth</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Do soil and bite fair worth and truth,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And merit to distress betray,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To soothe the heart Anne <em>hath a way</em>;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She <em>hath a way</em> to chase despair,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To heal all grief, to cure all care,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Turn foulest night to fairest day:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Thou know’st, fond heart, Anne <em>hath a way</em>,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">She <em>hath a way</em>,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Anne Hathaway,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To make grief bliss Anne <em>hath a way</em>.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Talk not of gems, the orient list,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The diamond, topaz, amethyst,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The emerald mild, the ruby gay:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Talk of my gem, Anne Hathaway!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">She <em>hath a way</em>, with her bright eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Their various lustre to defy,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The jewel she and the foil they,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So sweet to look Anne <em>hath a way</em>.</div> - <div class="verse indent6">She <em>hath a way</em>,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Anne Hathaway,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To shame bright gems, Anne <em>hath a way</em>.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">But were it to my fancy given</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To rate her charms, I’d call them Heaven;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For though a mortal made of clay,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Angels must love Anne Hathaway.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">She <em>hath a way</em> so to control</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To rapture the imprisoned soul,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And sweetest Heaven on earth display,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That to be Heaven Anne <em>hath a way</em>!</div> - <div class="verse indent6">She <em>hath a way</em>,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Anne Hathaway,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To be Heaven’s self Anne <em>hath a way</em>.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Chambers’s Miscellany, vol. xv., No. 132.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> Layard’s Nineveh, ii. 318.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> Papers read before the Irish Academy, 1836.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> Babylon and Nineveh, 513.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> Pliny, lib. ix.; Pausanias in Attic. Poet., c. vi.; Ovid. Fast., 1. v. -Bannier, ii. 497.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> Lib. i. c. 1.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> Plin. lib. xiii.; Montfaucon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> Book of Costume, by a Lady of Rank, 21.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> Archæologia Biblica.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> P. 246.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> Fuss’s Roman Antiquities.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> Pictorial Bible, (Knight’s Ed.,) Note to 1 Kings, ch. xxi.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> Curiosities of Burial, (Chambers’s Repository.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> Dagley’s Gems, <em>Preface</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> Hottzappfel’s Turning and Mechanical Manipulations, p. 1362.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Chambers’s Repository, (Curiosities of Burial.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> Gemma Antiche, iii. 182.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> Genesis, ch. xli. <em>et seq.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> Goldsmith.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> Caylus, vol. iii. p. 157.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> And see Layard’s Nineveh, 339, 340.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> Montfaucon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. xx., N. S., 55.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> Fuss’s Roman Antiquities, sec. 435.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> Juvenal, Sat. VII.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> Adams’s Roman Antiquities, 366, (Boyd’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> Montfaucon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> Plutarch’s Numa.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> Fuss, § 318.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> Fosbroke, 247; Fuss, § 150.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. xviii., N. S., 527.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> 4. vol. i. pl. lxxxix.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 247.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> Dugdale’s History of St. Paul’s; and Archæologla, xvii. 316.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> Eccleston’s Introduction to English Antiquities, 60,61; and see Manufactures -of Metal, 376; Hone’s Every-Day Book, 671; Archæologia, iv. 54.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">[37]</a> Ingoldsby Legends, 223.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">[38]</a> Fosbroke, 251.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">[39]</a> Montfaucon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">[40]</a> Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 246.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">[41]</a> Wilkinson’s Manners of the Ancient Egyptians, 371.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">[42]</a> Rees’s Encyclopædia—Title, <em>Rings</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">[43]</a> Lib. i. i. cap. 5.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">[44]</a> Life of Caius Marius.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">[45]</a> Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 246.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">[46]</a> Wilson’s Archæological Dictionary, Art. <em>Rings</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">[47]</a> Chambers’s Miscellany.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">[48]</a> Cardanus, lib. vii. <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">de Lapidibus</i>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">[49]</a> Dumas’ Celebrated Crimes—<em>The Borgias</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">[50]</a> Notes to Tallis’s Edit. of Shakspeare.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_51" href="#FNanchor_51" class="label">[51]</a> Act IV. Scene 2.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_52" href="#FNanchor_52" class="label">[52]</a> Nichols’s Lapidary, 54, 57; Kobell, 274.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_53" href="#FNanchor_53" class="label">[53]</a> Hill’s Theophrastus, p. 75, notes <em>n. y.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_54" href="#FNanchor_54" class="label">[54]</a> Chances, Act 1, Sc. 3.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_55" href="#FNanchor_55" class="label">[55]</a> Collins’s Peerage.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_56" href="#FNanchor_56" class="label">[56]</a> Harris’s Rudimentary Magnetism, 6.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_57" href="#FNanchor_57" class="label">[57]</a> Recueil d’Antiquités.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_58" href="#FNanchor_58" class="label">[58]</a> Remarks on Italy.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_59" href="#FNanchor_59" class="label">[59]</a> Curiosities of Burial—Chambers’s Repository.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_60" href="#FNanchor_60" class="label">[60]</a> Recueil d’Antiquités, Tom. ii. p. 310.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_61" href="#FNanchor_61" class="label">[61]</a> Lib. iv., p. 172, Pl. LVII.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_62" href="#FNanchor_62" class="label">[62]</a> Lib. v. p. 161.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_63" href="#FNanchor_63" class="label">[63]</a> Caylus, ii. 311.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_64" href="#FNanchor_64" class="label">[64]</a> Gentleman’s Magazine, Vol. xviii., N. S., 527.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_65" href="#FNanchor_65" class="label">[65]</a> Archæologia, v. 71.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_66" href="#FNanchor_66" class="label">[66]</a> Ib. viii. 430.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_67" href="#FNanchor_67" class="label">[67]</a> Heb. xi. 37, 38.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_68" href="#FNanchor_68" class="label">[68]</a> Fosbroke, 247; Archæologia, iv. 54.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_69" href="#FNanchor_69" class="label">[69]</a> Vol. iv. N. S., p. 224.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_70" href="#FNanchor_70" class="label">[70]</a> (Published by Redfield,) p. 110.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_71" href="#FNanchor_71" class="label">[71]</a> Lond. Gent.’s Mag., Vol. xxiv. p. 285.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_72" href="#FNanchor_72" class="label">[72]</a> Archæologia, (London,) ii. 35.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_73" href="#FNanchor_73" class="label">[73]</a> Memorials of Affairs of State, iii. 368.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_74" href="#FNanchor_74" class="label">[74]</a> Nugæ Antiquæ, ii. 263.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_75" href="#FNanchor_75" class="label">[75]</a> Jer, xxii. 24.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_76" href="#FNanchor_76" class="label">[76]</a> Moutfaucon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_77" href="#FNanchor_77" class="label">[77]</a> Lib. x.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_78" href="#FNanchor_78" class="label">[78]</a> Martial, Lib. xi., epiq. 60.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_79" href="#FNanchor_79" class="label">[79]</a> Aristophanes, <em>in Nub.</em>, &c.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_80" href="#FNanchor_80" class="label">[80]</a> Wilkinson.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_81" href="#FNanchor_81" class="label">[81]</a> P. 185, Edit. of 1646.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_82" href="#FNanchor_82" class="label">[82]</a> P. 185.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_83" href="#FNanchor_83" class="label">[83]</a> Chap. ii., v. 2.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_84" href="#FNanchor_84" class="label">[84]</a> Archæologia Biblica, § 128-9; Wilkinson.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_85" href="#FNanchor_85" class="label">[85]</a> Godolphin’s Orphan’s Leg., 413.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_86" href="#FNanchor_86" class="label">[86]</a> Williams on Executors, 739.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_87" href="#FNanchor_87" class="label">[87]</a> <em>Apreece</em> v. <em>Apreece</em>, 1 V. and B. 364.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_88" href="#FNanchor_88" class="label">[88]</a> <em>Vowles</em> v. <em>Young</em>, 13 Ves. J. 144.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_89" href="#FNanchor_89" class="label">[89]</a> Montfaucon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_90" href="#FNanchor_90" class="label">[90]</a> London, for 1760, p. 243.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_91" href="#FNanchor_91" class="label">[91]</a> Roscoe’s Leo X., i. 338, (8vo.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_92" href="#FNanchor_92" class="label">[92]</a> Library of Entertaining Knowledge, Pompeii, vol. ii. p. 324.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_93" href="#FNanchor_93" class="label">[93]</a> And see Layard’s Nineveh and Babylon, (Putnam’s Edit.,) 529.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_94" href="#FNanchor_94" class="label">[94]</a> Vol. i. p. 345, 4to.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_95" href="#FNanchor_95" class="label">[95]</a> Adam’s Roman Antiquities, 366, (Boyd’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_96" href="#FNanchor_96" class="label">[96]</a> Household Words, ix. 462.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_97" href="#FNanchor_97" class="label">[97]</a> Family Friend, vol. ii. p. 132.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_98" href="#FNanchor_98" class="label">[98]</a> Furnished to the author through the attention of Messrs. Marchand Aé. -Gaime, Guillemot & Co., Jewellers, of New-York.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_99" href="#FNanchor_99" class="label">[99]</a> Mineral Kingdom, p. 269.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_100" href="#FNanchor_100" class="label">[100]</a> New-York Albion newspaper, 8th October, 1853.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_101" href="#FNanchor_101" class="label">[101]</a> When the tomb of Childeric, father of Clovis, was opened, there were -found, besides the skeletons of his horse and page, his arms, a crystal orb and -more than three hundred little ornaments resembling bees of the purest gold, -their wing part being inlaid with a red stone like cornelian. It has, however, -been asserted that they were what are called <em>fleurons</em>, supposed to have been -attached to the harness of the monarch’s war-horse. Napoleon, wishing to -have some regal emblem more ancient than the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fleur-de-lis</i>, adopted the <em>fleurons</em> -or bees, and the green ground as the original Merovingian color, -(Notes and Queries, viii. 30.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_102" href="#FNanchor_102" class="label">[102]</a> London Gent.’s Mag. for January, 1765, p. 210.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_103" href="#FNanchor_103" class="label">[103]</a> Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. xxxv. old series, p. 141.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_104" href="#FNanchor_104" class="label">[104]</a> Article in the N. Y. Albion for 31st Dec. 1853, on Cod and Cod Fishing, -627.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_105" href="#FNanchor_105" class="label">[105]</a> Lady Morgan’s Italy, vol. ii. p. 419.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_106" href="#FNanchor_106" class="label">[106]</a> Correspondence, vol. iii. p. 107.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_107" href="#FNanchor_107" class="label">[107]</a> Genesis, chap. lxi. <em>et seq.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_108" href="#FNanchor_108" class="label">[108]</a> 1 Mac. vi. 15.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_109" href="#FNanchor_109" class="label">[109]</a> Encyc. Brit., Article <em>Ring</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_110" href="#FNanchor_110" class="label">[110]</a> Chap. viii. 8.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_111" href="#FNanchor_111" class="label">[111]</a> Daniel vi. 17.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_112" href="#FNanchor_112" class="label">[112]</a> Egypt under the Ptolemies, by Sharp, 118.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_113" href="#FNanchor_113" class="label">[113]</a> Lib. ii. Sat. 7.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_114" href="#FNanchor_114" class="label">[114]</a> Notes and Queries, iv. 261.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_115" href="#FNanchor_115" class="label">[115]</a> An Historical and Critical Enquiry into the nature of the Kingly Offices, -etc., by T. C. Banks, p. 7. See also a complete account of the Ceremonies -observed in the Coronation of the Kings and Queens of England, 4th edition, -published by J. Roberts. Also, the entire Ceremonies of the Coronation of -King Charles II., and of Queen Mary, consort of James II., as published by -the Learned Heralds, Ashmole and Sandford.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_116" href="#FNanchor_116" class="label">[116]</a> Archæologia, (London,) iii. 390.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_117" href="#FNanchor_117" class="label">[117]</a> Biographia Britannica, Art. <em>Devereux</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_118" href="#FNanchor_118" class="label">[118]</a> Archæologia, vol. xxvi. (London.) Account of the Jerusalem Chamber, -by A. J. Kempe, Esquire.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_119" href="#FNanchor_119" class="label">[119]</a> Ib. vol. xxix. pl. 2. Particulars of the Regalia of England, made for the -Coronation of Charles II., by Robert Cole, Esquire.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_120" href="#FNanchor_120" class="label">[120]</a> Archæologia, iii. 390.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_121" href="#FNanchor_121" class="label">[121]</a> Ib. 385.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_122" href="#FNanchor_122" class="label">[122]</a> Correspondence, vol. vi. p. 67.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_123" href="#FNanchor_123" class="label">[123]</a> Archæologia, iii. 392.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_124" href="#FNanchor_124" class="label">[124]</a> Ib. 389.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_125" href="#FNanchor_125" class="label">[125]</a> King Henry VIII., Act 5, Scenes 1, 2.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_126" href="#FNanchor_126" class="label">[126]</a> See also Antiquitat. Britannicæ, 334, 336; Burnet, 327, <em>et seq.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_127" href="#FNanchor_127" class="label">[127]</a> Encyc. Am., Art. <em>Venice</em>. And see Scott’s Discovery of Witchcraft -(1665,) p. 152.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_128" href="#FNanchor_128" class="label">[128]</a> In the Gentleman’s Magazine for March, 1798, p. 184, is a minute account -of this ceremony, which somewhat varies from the above: “On Ascension -Day, the Doge, in a splendid barge, attended by a thousand barks and gondolas, -proceeds to a particular place in the Adriatic. In order to compose -the angry gulf and procure a calm, the patriarch pours into her bosom a -quantity of holy water. As soon as this charm has had its effect, the Doge, -with great solemnity, through an aperture near his seat, drops into her lap a -gold ring, repeating these words, ‘<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Desponsamus te, Mare, in signum veri perpetuique -dominii.</i>’ ‘We espouse thee, O sea! in token of real and perpetual -dominion over thee.’”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_129" href="#FNanchor_129" class="label">[129]</a> Dictionary of Dates, Adriatic.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_130" href="#FNanchor_130" class="label">[130]</a> See Smedley’s Sketches of Venetian History, referred to in note [A] to -Byron’s Works.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_131" href="#FNanchor_131" class="label">[131]</a> He is under obligations to the Reverend Thomas S. Preston for this.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_132" href="#FNanchor_132" class="label">[132]</a> Gavazzi’s Lectures, (New-York ed.,) 185.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_133" href="#FNanchor_133" class="label">[133]</a> London Gent.’s Mag. for 1848, p. 599.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_134" href="#FNanchor_134" class="label">[134]</a> Eadmer, Histor. Nov., l. i. p. 16.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_135" href="#FNanchor_135" class="label">[135]</a> John of Salisbury’s Life of Anselm.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_136" href="#FNanchor_136" class="label">[136]</a> Rapin.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_137" href="#FNanchor_137" class="label">[137]</a> William of Malmesbury.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_138" href="#FNanchor_138" class="label">[138]</a> Burn’s Ecclesiastical Law, 209.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_139" href="#FNanchor_139" class="label">[139]</a> Encyc. Brit., Title, <em>Ring</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_140" href="#FNanchor_140" class="label">[140]</a> London Gent’s Mag., vol. lxxi. p. 1082.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_141" href="#FNanchor_141" class="label">[141]</a> Notes and Queries, viii. 387.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_142" href="#FNanchor_142" class="label">[142]</a> Ib. 2d vol. 4th S., 300.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_143" href="#FNanchor_143" class="label">[143]</a> Notes and Queries, v. 114.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_144" href="#FNanchor_144" class="label">[144]</a> Ib. 492.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_145" href="#FNanchor_145" class="label">[145]</a> Metamorph. ii. 34.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_146" href="#FNanchor_146" class="label">[146]</a> Ennemoser, i. 258, <em>et seq.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_147" href="#FNanchor_147" class="label">[147]</a> Caylus, vi. 295, Pl. xciii.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_148" href="#FNanchor_148" class="label">[148]</a> Addison, (Tickell’s edit.,) v. 178.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_149" href="#FNanchor_149" class="label">[149]</a> Since writing the above, we have come across <cite>Ennemoser’s History of -Magic</cite>, who refers to these hands; and while he takes up with the notion of -their being votive offerings, he refers to the extended fingers to show that -a cure had been effected by magnetic manipulation. In reference to one particular -specimen, the author considers the hand itself to be an appropriate -emblem from having performed the cure. (Vol. i. p. 255.) This, then, does -away with the idea that a cure in the hand itself was effected; and if we -take away the hand, the remarkable figures with which it was studded do not -seem to be connected with or emblematical of any kind of disease. All this -brings us nearer to our notion, that these hands were used as amulets.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_150" href="#FNanchor_150" class="label">[150]</a> Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, ii. 354.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_151" href="#FNanchor_151" class="label">[151]</a> Fosbroke’s Encyc. of Antiquities, 246.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_152" href="#FNanchor_152" class="label">[152]</a> Notes and Queries, v. 492.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_153" href="#FNanchor_153" class="label">[153]</a> Whitlock’s Memoirs, p. 356.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_154" href="#FNanchor_154" class="label">[154]</a> Fortescue de Laud. Legum Angl., cap. 50.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_155" href="#FNanchor_155" class="label">[155]</a> 3 Cooke’s Reports, 3.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_156" href="#FNanchor_156" class="label">[156]</a> Calmet’s Dictionary, Art. <em>Bells</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_157" href="#FNanchor_157" class="label">[157]</a> Roman Antiquities, by Foss, § 62.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_158" href="#FNanchor_158" class="label">[158]</a> Ib. § 456.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_159" href="#FNanchor_159" class="label">[159]</a> Brande’s Popular Antiquities, (by Ellis,) 264.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_160" href="#FNanchor_160" class="label">[160]</a> Household Words: <em>I Give and Bequeath</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_161" href="#FNanchor_161" class="label">[161]</a> London Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. lxxxiii. p. 17.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_162" href="#FNanchor_162" class="label">[162]</a> Act 2, scene 1; and see Douce’s Illustrations, 383.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_163" href="#FNanchor_163" class="label">[163]</a> Knight’s Bible.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_164" href="#FNanchor_164" class="label">[164]</a> Spaniards and their Country, 66.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_165" href="#FNanchor_165" class="label">[165]</a> Fosbroke’s Ency. of Antiquities, 247-8.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_166" href="#FNanchor_166" class="label">[166]</a> Ency. Brit., Ency. Amer.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_167" href="#FNanchor_167" class="label">[167]</a> P. 6.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_168" href="#FNanchor_168" class="label">[168]</a> Oliver on Masonry, 168.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_169" href="#FNanchor_169" class="label">[169]</a> P. 249.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_170" href="#FNanchor_170" class="label">[170]</a> Bingham’s Origines Ecclesiasticæ, p. 943, (Bohn’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_171" href="#FNanchor_171" class="label">[171]</a> Maffei, vol. ii. pl. 20, p. 42.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_172" href="#FNanchor_172" class="label">[172]</a> “The first author of it (<em>general shout</em>) was Pan, Bacchus’s Lieutenant-General -in his Indian expedition, where, being encompassed in a valley with -an army of enemies, far superior to them in number, he advised the god to -order his men in the night to give a general shout, which so surprised the -opposite army that they immediately fled from their camp; whence it came -to pass that all sudden fears impressed upon men’s spirits without any just -reason were called by the Greeks and Romans pannick terrors.”—<em>Potter’s -Greece</em>, iii. c. 8.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_173" href="#FNanchor_173" class="label">[173]</a> Maffei, vol. ii. pl. 21, p. 45.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_174" href="#FNanchor_174" class="label">[174]</a> Archæologia, xxi. 127.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_175" href="#FNanchor_175" class="label">[175]</a> Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, p. 246.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_176" href="#FNanchor_176" class="label">[176]</a> A Lapidary, or the History of Pretious Stones, with cautions for the undeceiving -of all those that deal with pretious stones, (1652,) p. 51.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_177" href="#FNanchor_177" class="label">[177]</a> This name occurs among the ancients, because it is the mother-dwelling -or the <em>palace</em>, as it was said, in which the carbuncle or true ruby is produced -and dwells.—<em>Kobell</em>, 274.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_178" href="#FNanchor_178" class="label">[178]</a> Lib. viii. <em>de Hist. Animal</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_179" href="#FNanchor_179" class="label">[179]</a> Kobell.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_180" href="#FNanchor_180" class="label">[180]</a> Nicols’ Lapidary, 56-7.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_181" href="#FNanchor_181" class="label">[181]</a> Paus. viii, c. 14.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_182" href="#FNanchor_182" class="label">[182]</a> The Imperial Treasury at Vienna possesses an emerald valued at -£50,000.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_183" href="#FNanchor_183" class="label">[183]</a> Nicols’ Lapidary, 85.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_184" href="#FNanchor_184" class="label">[184]</a> And see Kobell’s Mineral Kingdom, 274.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_185" href="#FNanchor_185" class="label">[185]</a> P. 86.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_186" href="#FNanchor_186" class="label">[186]</a> Nicols.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_187" href="#FNanchor_187" class="label">[187]</a> Nicols, 130.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_188" href="#FNanchor_188" class="label">[188]</a> 1569, p. 51.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_189" href="#FNanchor_189" class="label">[189]</a> Ib. 164.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_190" href="#FNanchor_190" class="label">[190]</a> <cite>As You Like It</cite>, Act 2, Sc. 1.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_191" href="#FNanchor_191" class="label">[191]</a> First Book of Notable Things, 4to, vol. i.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_192" href="#FNanchor_192" class="label">[192]</a> P. 158.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_193" href="#FNanchor_193" class="label">[193]</a> This subject may allow us to mention what is called the “mad-stone,” a -supposed antidote to hydrophobia. The following is from the New-York -Tribune newspaper for July 4, 1854:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><span class="smcap">The Mad-Stone.</span>—The reference of <cite>The Washington Union</cite> to the mad-stone -(one of which is now in the possession of the family of the late Mr. -John King Churchill, in Richmond, Va.) has drawn articles upon the subject -from several of our cotemporaries. <cite>The Petersburg Intelligencer</cite> has been -shown one, in the possession of Mr. Oliver, who resides in Petersburg, and, -it is said, has several certificates of cases in which it has been successfully used -for the bite of a mad dog. It is rectangular in shape, with parallel sides -and polished surfaces, traversed by dark-gray and brown streaks, and about -a size larger than half a Tonquay bean, except that it is not near so thick. -Upon being applied to the wound of the patient, says <cite>The Intelligencer</cite>, it -soon extracts the virus, which, it is said, may be distinctly seen in the water, -into which it is repeatedly dipped during the operation. <cite>The Portsmouth -Globe</cite> says: “We were raised—‘brought up’ is, perhaps, the word—in Petersburg, -Va., and among our very earliest recollections is one concerning a cure -from hydrophobia, made through the agency of a mad-stone. The person, -whoever it was that was bit by a rabid dog, went to Williamsburg, in this -State, where it was said that a mad-stone was located, and came back well, -and was never troubled either with madness or its symptoms. Our next notice -of the subject was when two individuals in Petersburg were bitten by -mad dogs. One, we think, lived in Halifax street, and his father believing the -mad-stone a humbug, refused to let his son go and try it. He was seized -with the fits, after the usual medicinal agents had failed, and died in great -agony. The other visited the mad-stone—still then at Williamsburg—and -entirely recovered. The next case was this: We were travelling from Paineville, -Amelia County, to Farmville, Prince Edward County, Va., and stopped -at a blacksmith’s house to get dinner. In the course of conversation, he -said he had been bit by a mad dog, that had destroyed by its bite a number -of cattle, sheep and hogs, and that he hastened at once to Williamsburg; -that, on the way, he had suffered much from the bite, but after the -application of the stone, he had got relief and suffered none since. ‘That -bite,’ said he, laying much emphasis on the cost, ‘<em>cost</em> me nearly a <em>hundred</em> -dollars.’</p> - -<p>“Such is all that we remember concerning the mad-stone.”</p></div> - -<p>As a pendant, we give a “slip” from the Richmond (Virginia) <cite>Penny Post</cite> -for August 12, 1854. The description, if it may be so called, of the stone -referred to is remarkable: “as large as a piece of chalk,” and “almost indescribable:”</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“An article which we inserted in the <cite>Penny Post</cite> some two months ago, -has elicited remarks from the press in every quarter. We know from facts in -our possession, that we were ‘<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">rectus in curia</i>.’ Mr. W. Bradly, who resides -some half mile from the city, has left at our office the genuine Simon Pure -mad-stone, which can be examined by the curious. We understand from Mr. -Bradly that this stone has been in the Bradly family for more than one hundred -years; and we are informed by gentlemen of intelligence from the counties -of Orange, Green, Culpepper and Madison that they are cognizant of -more than fifty cures of mad-dog bites, snake and spider bites. This is a -most valuable discovery, and one which ought to be generally known. We -mentioned facts some time since, with regard to Sale’s mad-stone, located in -Caroline County, which excited only a sneer from the press; none are so blind -as those who will not see. We who write this happen to know facts connected -with this matter, and we have faithfully given them. This stone is -rather a curious-looking affair; it is about as large as a piece of chalk, perfectly -porous, and truth to say, almost indescribable. When applied to the -wound either of a snake or mad-dog bite, it will draw until all its pores are -saturated, then drop off, and if placed in warm water will soon disgorge and -then be ready for action again. We shall keep this stone in our office for -several days for the inspection of the curious. It ought to be purchased by -the city for the use of the public. We understand that Mr. Bradly will sell -it for $5,000; if it saves one valuable life, it will be cheap at double that -price.”</p></div> - -<p>In connection with this, we add a letter from the <cite>Macon Journal and Messenger</cite>, -(August, 1854:)</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><span class="smcap">A Tale for the Curious.</span>—We received the following communication from -Major J. D. Wilkes, of Dooly County. He is a highly respectable citizen, -well known to us, and we feel no hesitation in assuring the public that he -would make no statements which were not fully reliable.</p></div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<em>Editors of the Journal and Messenger</em>:</p> - -<p>“Permit me to lay before your readers a few facts which may furnish matter -of speculation for the curious, but may be doubted by some or ridiculed by -others. They are, nevertheless, strictly true. Some twelve years ago I went -out with a party on a deer hunt, and shot down a fine buck. While dressing -him, I cut up the haslet for my hounds, and in doing so, I cut out a stone of -dark greenish color, about where the windpipe joins the lights. It was from -an inch and a half to two inches long, and quite heavy for its size, although -it appears to be porous. I have heard of such stones from old hunters, and -that they possessed the faculty of extracting poison, and other medical virtues, -but they were seldom found. They were called beasle or bezoar stones. -I have been a frontier man and killed many a deer, but have never found -another of the same kind. I laid it by more as a matter of curiosity than -having any faith in its virtues.</p> - -<p>“On the 12th ult. I had a favorite dog bitten on the nose by a large rattlesnake. -The dog at once commenced reeling and fell down. I was within a -few feet of him, and immediately (as the only remedy at hand) forced a chew -of tobacco down his throat. I got him home very soon and dissolved some -alum, but found his jaws nearly set. I forced open his mouth, and poured it -down his throat. I then recollected seeing in your paper of the 5th ult. the -description of a stone and its virtue in extracting poison, in possession of some -family in Virginia, which stone, I presume, was similar to the one I had taken -from the deer. I got a bowl of warm water and applied the stone to the place -bitten, and then dropped it into the water, when I could see a dirty, dark -green substance shooting out of it. This I repeated three times with a similar -result. The fourth time it seemed to show that all the poison had been -extracted. In less than a minute the dog got up, vomited up the tobacco, -and the swelling subsided immediately. In less than two hours he was perfectly -well, and eating any thing that was offered him.</p> - -<p>“Now I will not decide which of the three remedies—the tobacco, the alum -or the stone—cured the dog; but from the fact that he was immediately -cured on the application of the stone, should reasonably weigh in favor of -that remedy. In the article published in your paper it is remarked that ‘We -are not aware that the existence of such is known to the scientific world at -all,’ and it is spoken of as its origin being a mystery, and wholly unknown. -Now, will not the above facts reveal the mystery of their origin? I have now -several highly respectable neighbors who were with me when I obtained the -stone. I live about nine miles east of Montezuma, in Dooly County, where -it may be seen or the use of it obtained, by any one who may need it.</p> - -<p class="right">“<span class="smcap">J. D. Wilkes.</span>”</p></div> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_194" href="#FNanchor_194" class="label">[194]</a> Popular Delusions, ii. 298, 301; Harwood.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_195" href="#FNanchor_195" class="label">[195]</a> Brande, iii. 329.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_196" href="#FNanchor_196" class="label">[196]</a> P. 295.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_197" href="#FNanchor_197" class="label">[197]</a> Ennemoser’s History of Magic, ii. 456, referring to the 29th book of Ammianus -Marcellinus.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_198" href="#FNanchor_198" class="label">[198]</a> Archæologia, xxi. 124.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_199" href="#FNanchor_199" class="label">[199]</a> Solomon’s wisdom and happiness have become proverbial; and the fable -of the rabbins and the heroic and erotic poems of the Persians and Arabians -speak of him, as the romantic traditions of the Normans and Britons do of -King Arthur, as a fabulous monarch, whose natural science, (mentioned even -in the Bible,) whose wise sayings and dark riddles, whose power and magnificence -are attributed to magic. According to these fictions Solomon’s -ring was the talisman of his wisdom and power.—Ency. Amer., Art. <em>Solomon</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_200" href="#FNanchor_200" class="label">[200]</a> Johnston’s Josephus, Book viii. ch. 2.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_201" href="#FNanchor_201" class="label">[201]</a> Motherwell’s Minstrelsy, vol. ii. p. 164, (Ticknor’s edit.) In Chambers’s -Collection of Scotch Ballads, this story goes under the name of <em>Lammilsin</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_202" href="#FNanchor_202" class="label">[202]</a> Vol. ix. p. 233.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_203" href="#FNanchor_203" class="label">[203]</a> Motherwell’s Minstrelsy, vol. i. p. 187.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_204" href="#FNanchor_204" class="label">[204]</a> <em>Causes Célèbres</em> (Dumas).</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_205" href="#FNanchor_205" class="label">[205]</a> Strickland’s Queens of Scotland, iii, 319.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_206" href="#FNanchor_206" class="label">[206]</a> Archæologia, xix. 411.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_207" href="#FNanchor_207" class="label">[207]</a> Archæologia, xviii. 306.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_208" href="#FNanchor_208" class="label">[208]</a> Egyptian rings in the form of a shell are not uncommon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_209" href="#FNanchor_209" class="label">[209]</a> Milligen’s Curiosities of Medical Experience, ii. 137.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_210" href="#FNanchor_210" class="label">[210]</a> Archæologia, xxi. 25.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_211" href="#FNanchor_211" class="label">[211]</a> Archæologla, xxi. 121.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_212" href="#FNanchor_212" class="label">[212]</a> Plut., Act 4, § 3.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_213" href="#FNanchor_213" class="label">[213]</a> Archæologia, xxi. 122.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_214" href="#FNanchor_214" class="label">[214]</a> Vol. i. p. 76.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_215" href="#FNanchor_215" class="label">[215]</a> Canto xi. v. 6, (Rose’s translation;) and see Hunt’s Stories from the -Italian Poets.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_216" href="#FNanchor_216" class="label">[216]</a> No. 243.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_217" href="#FNanchor_217" class="label">[217]</a> See, however, Hospinian, referred to by Brande, vol. i. p. 151. As to -Edward the Confessor’s curing the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">struma</i>, see Archæologia, i. 162.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_218" href="#FNanchor_218" class="label">[218]</a> London Gent.’s Magazine, vol. i., N. S., p. 49, referring to MS. Arundel, -275, fol. 23 <em>b</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_219" href="#FNanchor_219" class="label">[219]</a> Ib. 50, referring to MS. Harl. 295, fol. 119 <em>b</em>, cited by Ellis, i. 129.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_220" href="#FNanchor_220" class="label">[220]</a> Ib. referring to MS. Cott. Calig. B. II. fol. 112.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_221" href="#FNanchor_221" class="label">[221]</a> London Gent.’s Magazine.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_222" href="#FNanchor_222" class="label">[222]</a> Brande’s Pop. Ant. iii. 300, referring to Gent. Mag. for 1794, p. 433, 648. -Ib. 598, 889.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_223" href="#FNanchor_223" class="label">[223]</a> Notes and Queries, i. 349.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_224" href="#FNanchor_224" class="label">[224]</a> Ennemoser’s History of Magic, ii. 488.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_225" href="#FNanchor_225" class="label">[225]</a> Notes and Queries, vii. 153.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_226" href="#FNanchor_226" class="label">[226]</a> Archæologia, xxi. 25.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_227" href="#FNanchor_227" class="label">[227]</a> Notes and Queries, vii. 146.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_228" href="#FNanchor_228" class="label">[228]</a> Ib. 216.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_229" href="#FNanchor_229" class="label">[229]</a> Vol. iii. p. 280, (Ellis’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_230" href="#FNanchor_230" class="label">[230]</a> Lupton, quoted by Brande, says: “A piece of a child’s navell string, -borne in a ring, is good against the falling sickness, the pain of the head and -the collick.”</p> - -<p>“<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Annulus frigatorius.</i> A ring made of glass (<em>salt</em>) of antimony, formerly -supposed to have the power of purging.” Gardiner’s Medical Dictionary.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_231" href="#FNanchor_231" class="label">[231]</a> Beckmann’s History of Inventions, i. 46, (Bohn’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_232" href="#FNanchor_232" class="label">[232]</a> See also Burton’s Anat. of Melancholy, (1621,) p. 476; Browne, ch. xviii.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_233" href="#FNanchor_233" class="label">[233]</a> Archæologia, xxi. 122; Illustrated Magazine of Art, i. 11.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_234" href="#FNanchor_234" class="label">[234]</a> Archæologia, (London,) xxi. 25.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_235" href="#FNanchor_235" class="label">[235]</a> Ib. 117.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_236" href="#FNanchor_236" class="label">[236]</a> London Gent.’s Mag. vol. lxxv. p. 801.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_237" href="#FNanchor_237" class="label">[237]</a> Vol. xiv. of State Trials, case of Mary Norkott and John Okeman.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_238" href="#FNanchor_238" class="label">[238]</a> Ancient Laws and Institutes of England, 8vo. vol. i. p. 13.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_239" href="#FNanchor_239" class="label">[239]</a> Ib. p. 79.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_240" href="#FNanchor_240" class="label">[240]</a> Mem. de Petrarque, i. 210.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_241" href="#FNanchor_241" class="label">[241]</a> Notes and Queries, i. 140.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_242" href="#FNanchor_242" class="label">[242]</a> See Douce’s Illust. of Shakspeare, p. 69.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_243" href="#FNanchor_243" class="label">[243]</a> Hone’s Every Day Book, i. 141.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_244" href="#FNanchor_244" class="label">[244]</a> Notes and Queries, vol. ii. p. 67.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_245" href="#FNanchor_245" class="label">[245]</a> Crimes Célèbres.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_246" href="#FNanchor_246" class="label">[246]</a> Crimes Célèbres, (Dumas.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_247" href="#FNanchor_247" class="label">[247]</a> Roman Antiquities, by Fuss, § 62.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_248" href="#FNanchor_248" class="label">[248]</a> Blair’s Roman Slavery, 97; and see note 50, p. 241.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_249" href="#FNanchor_249" class="label">[249]</a> Pliny, xxxiii.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_250" href="#FNanchor_250" class="label">[250]</a> Lacrim. Etrus., (Sylv. iii. 3,) “<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">lævæque ignobile ferrum</i>.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_251" href="#FNanchor_251" class="label">[251]</a> Vol. i. book x.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_252" href="#FNanchor_252" class="label">[252]</a> We write at a time when a subscription is going among the inhabitants -of New-York for the purchase of this collection; and already have private -citizens subscribed to the amount of $25,000. This tells well for republican -individual enterprise and taste.</p> - -<p>The author has to acknowledge the prompt kindness of Dr. Abbott, in -allowing him to take impressions as well from the Suphis-ring as from many -others in the Doctor’s collection.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_253" href="#FNanchor_253" class="label">[253]</a> Genesis, ch. 1. v. 26.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_254" href="#FNanchor_254" class="label">[254]</a> Pote’s Inquiry into the Phonetic Reading of the Ashburnham Signet. -(Pickering, 1841.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_255" href="#FNanchor_255" class="label">[255]</a> See Wilkinson’s Manners of the Egyptians, iii. 374.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_256" href="#FNanchor_256" class="label">[256]</a> On the tomb is the sculptured figure of a man bound hand and foot, with -a huge lion in the act of springing upon him to devour him. No history -could speak more graphically the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den.—<cite>The -(American) Family Christian Almanac for 1855.</cite></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_257" href="#FNanchor_257" class="label">[257]</a> Fuss’s Roman Antiquities, § 435.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_258" href="#FNanchor_258" class="label">[258]</a> Adams’ Roman Antiquities, 366, (Boyd’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_259" href="#FNanchor_259" class="label">[259]</a> Plutarch’s <cite>Timoleon</cite>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_260" href="#FNanchor_260" class="label">[260]</a> Introduction to English Antiquities, by Eccleston, 60, 61.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_261" href="#FNanchor_261" class="label">[261]</a> Dugdale.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_262" href="#FNanchor_262" class="label">[262]</a> Burke’s Extinct Peerage, “Plantagenet Viscount L’Isle,” 432.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_263" href="#FNanchor_263" class="label">[263]</a> Hollingshed; Dugdale.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_264" href="#FNanchor_264" class="label">[264]</a> Echard, 363.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_265" href="#FNanchor_265" class="label">[265]</a> Biographia Britannica, art. Boyle.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_266" href="#FNanchor_266" class="label">[266]</a> 1814; and see Notes and Queries, v. 589.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_267" href="#FNanchor_267" class="label">[267]</a> Halliwell’s Life of Shakspeare, 334.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_268" href="#FNanchor_268" class="label">[268]</a> Part i. p. 346, (Harper’s edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_269" href="#FNanchor_269" class="label">[269]</a> P. 92. And see Johnson’s Life of Coke, p. 147; Hume, Horace Walpole. -The ring is said to be retained in the family of the Countess of Nottingham.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_270" href="#FNanchor_270" class="label">[270]</a> Pictorial History of England, ii. 693.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_271" href="#FNanchor_271" class="label">[271]</a> Histoire de Hollande, 215, 216; and also see the Biographia Britannica, -vol. 5, art. Devereux.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_272" href="#FNanchor_272" class="label">[272]</a> Biographia Britannica, art. Devereux.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_273" href="#FNanchor_273" class="label">[273]</a> Lives and Letters of the Devereux Earls of Essex, by the Honorable W. -B. Devereux.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_274" href="#FNanchor_274" class="label">[274]</a> Strickland’s Queens of Scotland, vol. iii. p. 181.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_275" href="#FNanchor_275" class="label">[275]</a> Gent’s Mag. vol. xxxv. p. 390; Archæologia, vol. xxxiii.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_276" href="#FNanchor_276" class="label">[276]</a> Willis’s Current Notes for February and March, 1852.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_277" href="#FNanchor_277" class="label">[277]</a> P. 184, (note.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_278" href="#FNanchor_278" class="label">[278]</a> Gent.’s Mag. for 1852, p. 407.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_279" href="#FNanchor_279" class="label">[279]</a> Anecdotes and Traditions, published by the Camden Society, (London, -1839.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_280" href="#FNanchor_280" class="label">[280]</a> Strickland’s Queens of Scotland, iii. 279.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_281" href="#FNanchor_281" class="label">[281]</a> Mackenzie’s Lives and Characters.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_282" href="#FNanchor_282" class="label">[282]</a> Father Garvasse.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_283" href="#FNanchor_283" class="label">[283]</a> Burke’s Extinct Peerages, “Carey,” 111.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_284" href="#FNanchor_284" class="label">[284]</a> Collins’s Baronage, 421, (4to.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_285" href="#FNanchor_285" class="label">[285]</a> Hillier’s Narrative of the attempted escape of Charles the First, etc., p. -79. And see Gentleman’s Magazine, N. S., p. 28.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_286" href="#FNanchor_286" class="label">[286]</a> Gent.’s Mag., vol. xli. p. 450, and ib. for June.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_287" href="#FNanchor_287" class="label">[287]</a> Notes and Queries, vii. 184.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_288" href="#FNanchor_288" class="label">[288]</a> See Gent.’s Mag., vol. xli. p. 512.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_289" href="#FNanchor_289" class="label">[289]</a> Collins’s Peerage, v. 68, 5th edit.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_290" href="#FNanchor_290" class="label">[290]</a> Household Words, ix. 277.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_291" href="#FNanchor_291" class="label">[291]</a> Burnet; and see note to Life of Lord Keeper North, vol. ii. p. 13.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_292" href="#FNanchor_292" class="label">[292]</a> Knight.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_293" href="#FNanchor_293" class="label">[293]</a> P. 33, <em>et seq.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_294" href="#FNanchor_294" class="label">[294]</a> North, 100.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_295" href="#FNanchor_295" class="label">[295]</a> Lord Halifax, who is described by Dryden under the character of “Jotham” -in <cite>Absalom and Achitophel</cite>, was at the head of the party called Trimmers; -and in his “Preface to the <cite>Character of a Trimmer</cite>,” thus explains the -term: “This innocent word <em>Trimmer</em> signifies no more than this: that if -men are together in a boat and one part of the company would weigh it -down on one side, another would make it lean as much to the contrary, it -happens that there is a third opinion, of those who conceive it would be as -well if the boat went even, without endangering the passengers. Now, ’tis -hard to imagine by what figure in language or by what rule in sense this -comes to be a fault; and it is much more a wonder it should be thought a -heresy.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_296" href="#FNanchor_296" class="label">[296]</a> Miss Mitford’s Recollections, 425, (Am. edit.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_297" href="#FNanchor_297" class="label">[297]</a> Notes and Queries, ii. 70.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_298" href="#FNanchor_298" class="label">[298]</a> Hone’s Year Book, 1022.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_299" href="#FNanchor_299" class="label">[299]</a> Biographia Britannica, Art. <em>Crichton</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_300" href="#FNanchor_300" class="label">[300]</a> London Gent.’s Mag., N. S., ii. p. 195.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_301" href="#FNanchor_301" class="label">[301]</a> Moore’s Life of Byron, vol. i. p. 458.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_302" href="#FNanchor_302" class="label">[302]</a> Beattie’s Life of Campbell, ii. 287.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_303" href="#FNanchor_303" class="label">[303]</a> Dublin Penny Journal, 208.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_304" href="#FNanchor_304" class="label">[304]</a> The Death Warrant, or Guide to Life, 1844. (London.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_305" href="#FNanchor_305" class="label">[305]</a> Hone’s Every Day Book.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_306" href="#FNanchor_306" class="label">[306]</a> 1690, p. 122.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_307" href="#FNanchor_307" class="label">[307]</a> Gent.’s Mag. for 1852, p. 640.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_308" href="#FNanchor_308" class="label">[308]</a> Ib. vol. xxxv. N. S. 390; <ins class="corr" id="tn194" title="Transcriber’s Note—“Burgou’s Life and Times” changed to “Burgon’s Life and Times”.">Burgon’s Life and Times</ins> of Sir Thomas Gresham, i. 51.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_309" href="#FNanchor_309" class="label">[309]</a> Poetical Rhapsody.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_310" href="#FNanchor_310" class="label">[310]</a> Polyglot Dictionary, by John Minshew, (1625,) art. <em>Ring-Finger</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_311" href="#FNanchor_311" class="label">[311]</a> Reflections on the Causes of Unhappy Marriages, etc., by Lewis, p. 84.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_312" href="#FNanchor_312" class="label">[312]</a> Shelford on Marriage, 17, 31.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_313" href="#FNanchor_313" class="label">[313]</a> Sat. VI. verse 27.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_314" href="#FNanchor_314" class="label">[314]</a> Macrob. Sat. VII. 15.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_315" href="#FNanchor_315" class="label">[315]</a> Wilson’s Archæological Dictionary, art. <em>Ring</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_316" href="#FNanchor_316" class="label">[316]</a> Archæological Album, by Wright, p. 138.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_317" href="#FNanchor_317" class="label">[317]</a> Illustrations of Ancient Art, by Trollope, p. 49.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_318" href="#FNanchor_318" class="label">[318]</a> Wilkinson.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_319" href="#FNanchor_319" class="label">[319]</a> Ch. 35, v. 22.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_320" href="#FNanchor_320" class="label">[320]</a> Uxor Ebraica, Lib. ii. ch. 14.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_321" href="#FNanchor_321" class="label">[321]</a> Kohl’s Reminiscences.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_322" href="#FNanchor_322" class="label">[322]</a> Hamilton’s Marriage Rites, p. 188.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_323" href="#FNanchor_323" class="label">[323]</a> Ib. 194.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_324" href="#FNanchor_324" class="label">[324]</a> Bourgoing’s Travels through Spain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_325" href="#FNanchor_325" class="label">[325]</a> Act 2d, sc. 2d.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_326" href="#FNanchor_326" class="label">[326]</a> Douce, 24.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_327" href="#FNanchor_327" class="label">[327]</a> Book iii.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_328" href="#FNanchor_328" class="label">[328]</a> The People’s Dictionary of the Bible, art. <em>Rings</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_329" href="#FNanchor_329" class="label">[329]</a> Douce’s Illustrations of Shakspeare, p. 69.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_330" href="#FNanchor_330" class="label">[330]</a> The beautiful architectural design in this picture is said to be copied, but -very much improved, from a picture by Perugino, the master of Raffaelle. As -the latter had a genius beyond copying and as Perugino made use of the talents -of his pupil, it is fair to suppose that Raffaelle composed the building and -afterwards claimed its outline by inserting it, with improvament from reflection, -in his own painting, <cite>Lo Sposalizio</cite>. The general form and proportions -are to be found in Brunelleschi’s design for the octagon chapel of the Scholari -annexed to the church Degl’ Angeli at Florence. See Kugler’s Hand -Book of Painting, by Eastlake, p. 332.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_331" href="#FNanchor_331" class="label">[331]</a> Martense, ii. 128.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_332" href="#FNanchor_332" class="label">[332]</a> Palmer’s <cite>Origines Liturgicæ</cite>, vol. ii. p. 214.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_333" href="#FNanchor_333" class="label">[333]</a> Bishop Jeremy Taylor’s “<cite>Wedding Ring</cite>.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_334" href="#FNanchor_334" class="label">[334]</a> Fosbroke’s Encyc. of Antiquities, p. 250.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_335" href="#FNanchor_335" class="label">[335]</a> Notes and Queries, ii. 611.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_336" href="#FNanchor_336" class="label">[336]</a> 1 Dow, 181; 2 Hagg. C. R. 70, 81.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_337" href="#FNanchor_337" class="label">[337]</a> Hallam’s Middle Ages, ii. 286, <em>et seq.</em>; Shelford on Marriage, 19, 20.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_338" href="#FNanchor_338" class="label">[338]</a> <em>Poulter</em> v. <em>Cornwall</em>, Salk. 9.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_339" href="#FNanchor_339" class="label">[339]</a> Burns’ Eccl. Law—<em>Marriage</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_340" href="#FNanchor_340" class="label">[340]</a> Athenian Oracle, No. xxvi.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_341" href="#FNanchor_341" class="label">[341]</a> Burns’ Eccl. Law, art. <em>Marriage</em>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_342" href="#FNanchor_342" class="label">[342]</a> Notes and Queries, iv. 199.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_343" href="#FNanchor_343" class="label">[343]</a> Hone’s Table Book.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_344" href="#FNanchor_344" class="label">[344]</a> Notes and Queries, v. 371.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_345" href="#FNanchor_345" class="label">[345]</a> Vol. i. p. 270.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_346" href="#FNanchor_346" class="label">[346]</a> Hamilton’s Marriage Rites, etc., 125.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_347" href="#FNanchor_347" class="label">[347]</a> III. ii. 309.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_348" href="#FNanchor_348" class="label">[348]</a> See Hamilton’s Marriage Rites, etc., 178.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_349" href="#FNanchor_349" class="label">[349]</a> <em>Lindo</em> v. <em>Belisario</em>, 1 Haggard’s Consist. Reps. 217.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_350" href="#FNanchor_350" class="label">[350]</a> And see Morgan’s Doctrine and Law of Marriage, Adultery and Divorce, -i. 97, <em>et seq.</em>, and particularly note x. at p. 103.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_351" href="#FNanchor_351" class="label">[351]</a> Verse 9.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_352" href="#FNanchor_352" class="label">[352]</a> Larpent’s Private Journal, 563.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_353" href="#FNanchor_353" class="label">[353]</a> Hone’s Table Book.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_354" href="#FNanchor_354" class="label">[354]</a> Fosbroke, 249; Hone’s Table Book.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_355" href="#FNanchor_355" class="label">[355]</a> Caylus, iii. 313, Pl. lxxxv.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_356" href="#FNanchor_356" class="label">[356]</a> Hone’s Every Day Book.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_357" href="#FNanchor_357" class="label">[357]</a> See Douce’s Illust. of Shakspeare, 194.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_358" href="#FNanchor_358" class="label">[358]</a> Antiquities of Paris.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_359" href="#FNanchor_359" class="label">[359]</a> No. 56.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_360" href="#FNanchor_360" class="label">[360]</a> Herrick, in his Hesperides, speaks of “posies for our wedding-ring.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_361" href="#FNanchor_361" class="label">[361]</a> London Gent.’s Mag. vol. lv. O. S. p. 89.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_362" href="#FNanchor_362" class="label">[362]</a> Caylus, ii, 312, Pl. lxxxix.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_363" href="#FNanchor_363" class="label">[363]</a> No. 32.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_364" href="#FNanchor_364" class="label">[364]</a> Tom. III. P. II. Pl. cxxciv.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_365" href="#FNanchor_365" class="label">[365]</a> Supplement, Tom. III. Pl. LXV. p. 174.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_366" href="#FNanchor_366" class="label">[366]</a> Gent.’s Mag. vol. lxxv. p. 801, 927.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_367" href="#FNanchor_367" class="label">[367]</a> Ib. vol. lx. O. S. 798, 1001.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_368" href="#FNanchor_368" class="label">[368]</a> Boswell’s Johnson, 280, (Murray’s ed.)</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_369" href="#FNanchor_369" class="label">[369]</a> Piozzi.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_370" href="#FNanchor_370" class="label">[370]</a> Twiss’s Life of Eldon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_371" href="#FNanchor_371" class="label">[371]</a> Moore’s Diary, 173.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_372" href="#FNanchor_372" class="label">[372]</a> A gold ring, bearing a pelican feeding her young, was found at Bury St. -Edmunds, England. (Gent.’s Mag. xxxix. 532, N. S.) The crest of the house -of Lumley, Earls of Scarborough, is a pelican in her nest feeding her young.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_373" href="#FNanchor_373" class="label">[373]</a> Vol. viii. p. 179.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_374" href="#FNanchor_374" class="label">[374]</a> Has not the idea of this <em>black flag</em> been taken from the black sail referred -to by Plutarch in his life of Theseus? When the latter was to go with the -Athenian youths to attempt the destruction of the Minotaur, a ship was prepared -with a black sail, us carrying them to certain ruin. But when Theseus -encouraged his father Ægeus by his confidence of success against the Minotaur, -he gave another sail, a white one, to the pilot, ordering him, if he brought -Theseus safe back, to hoist the white; but if not, to sail with the black one -in token of his misfortune. When Theseus returned, the pilot forgot to hoist -the white sail and Ægeus destroyed himself.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_375" href="#FNanchor_375" class="label">[375]</a> Vol. ii. 310, 314.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_376" href="#FNanchor_376" class="label">[376]</a> It has been called Calphurnia consulting the Penates on the fate of Cæsar.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_377" href="#FNanchor_377" class="label">[377]</a> Dagley’s Gems, p. 6.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_378" href="#FNanchor_378" class="label">[378]</a> We do not know who is the author of these lines. They appeared -anonymously in the Gentlemen’s Magazine (London) for 1780, vol. 1. Old -Series, 337, and it is merely said that they are by the “writer of lines on -presenting a knife and verses on a former wedding day.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_379" href="#FNanchor_379" class="label">[379]</a> Douce’s Illustrations of Shakspeare, 549.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="center bold">Transcriber’s Notes</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>Obvious printer and scanning errors have been silently corrected.</p> - -<p>Other errors made by the author such as listing T. Cutwode’s poem as -as “Calthæ Poetarum, or the Humble Bee” have been maintained.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation such as -“high-priest/high priest” and “wedding-ring/wedding ring” have been -maintained.</p> -</div> - -<ol> - -<li><a href="#tn59">Page 59</a>: “§ 22.” added before “The story of losing rings”.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn129">Page 129</a>: “a ring thereof without allou” changed to “a ring thereof without alloy”.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn207">Page 207</a>: “in the ceremony of the mariage” changed to “in the ceremony of the marriage”.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn235">Page 235</a>: “4” changed to “81” in Index entry for <em>Anselm</em>.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn194">Footnote 308</a>: “Burgou’s Life and Times” changed to “Burgon’s Life and Times”.</li> - -</ol> -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History and Poetry of Finger-rings, by -Charles Edwards - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY, POETRY OF FINGER-RINGS *** - -***** This file should be named 63969-h.htm or 63969-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/9/6/63969/ - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Susan Carr and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1e81629..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p014.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p014.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e098b58..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p014.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p020.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p020.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cdadb7e..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p020.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p021.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p021.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 16d8bf2..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p021.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p024.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p024.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3a18165..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p024.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p032.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p032.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9fcdc23..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p032.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p033.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p033.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 797336c..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p033.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p034.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p034.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 645ac89..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p034.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p035-t.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p035-t.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ac75cbb..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p035-t.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p035.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p035.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0cff527..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p035.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p036.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p036.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bd41b38..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p036.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-1.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-1.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 821e041..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-1.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-2.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-2.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 629f7c1..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-2.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-3.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-3.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 49bd80d..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-3.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-4.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-4.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index dd54f4e..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p037-4.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p040.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p040.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d10d5d0..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p040.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p041.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p041.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c730793..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p041.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p043-b.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p043-b.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7f7f309..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p043-b.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p043-t.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p043-t.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 545a9d9..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p043-t.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p077.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p077.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ec9915d..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p077.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p079-l.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p079-l.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8ad3b48..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p079-l.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p079-r.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p079-r.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b58ea65..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p079-r.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p083.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p083.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a541f57..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p083.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p097.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p097.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4291229..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p097.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p099.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p099.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 31c2f39..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p099.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p119.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p119.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 87a1f40..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p119.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p150.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p150.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 2eb573b..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p150.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p152-b.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p152-b.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1674542..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p152-b.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p152-t.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p152-t.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 2d4493c..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p152-t.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p173.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p173.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7a05de6..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p173.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p192.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p192.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6c45190..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p192.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p196-b.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p196-b.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b366004..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p196-b.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p196-t.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p196-t.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d760870..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p196-t.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p214.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p214.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bca1f9f..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p214.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p216.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p216.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index df2109c..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p216.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p217.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p217.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 40d4284..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p217.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p220.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p220.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c83e8b8..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p220.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p225.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p225.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 91a2f57..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p225.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p229.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p229.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fdc486f..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p229.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63969-h/images/i_p230.jpg b/old/63969-h/images/i_p230.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d825fcf..0000000 --- a/old/63969-h/images/i_p230.jpg +++ /dev/null |
