alleges,
to the Queen of Candaulus, slew her husband, then married her, and
usurped the Crown of Lydia. What particular Precious Stone this famous
legendary ring held classical lore does not reveal.
The
German Emperor is said to repose some faith in the talismanic
properties of a ring which he always wears, and from which he would not
part. This jewel is a large, dark, rather ugly-looking stone, in a
heavy setting of dull gold ; and the Kaiser wears it on the middle
finger of his left hand. It is stated to be an heirloom in the family
of HohenzoUern, having been at one time the property of the great
Saladin.
Eings
have for hundreds of years played an important part in the life of the
City of Venice. Saint Mark is believed to have saved the city at one
time from destruction by a raging storm ; and, in proof of his
intervention, to have given a ring from his finger to the boatman, whom
he had persuaded to challenge the storm with him. He then bade the said
fisherman direct the authorities of the city to look in the sanctuary
for the Ring of St. Mark, which they would not be able to find. The
fisherman did as he was bid, showing the ring, whilst relating his
story to the City Rulers. A solemn thanksgiving was ordered for the
preservation of the city : and the fisherman was pensioned for life.
With
respect to the Cramp Rings still kept in memory as associated with Good
Friday, the story goes, that on the said day a certain king of England
gave a ring from his finger to a beggar, who was asking alms " for the
love of Saint John, the Evangelist." Many years afterwards this ring
was brought back to the king as a gift from the Holy Land; and was
placed by him in Westminster Abbey, where it remained for several
