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_ 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.):
(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_:
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._