62 



Ancient and Modem Finger-rings. 



in Lelpsic as late as 1817, and is doubtless still preserved with 

 the greatest care as a national relic of great 

 interest, is composed of an intricate device of 

 gold-work set with a ruby — the emblem of 

 exalted love. The gold devices represent all 

 the symbols of the " Passion." In the centre is 

 the crucified Saviour; on one side the spear, 

 with which the side was pierced, and the rod of 

 reeds of the flagellation. On the other is a leaf 

 of hyssop. Beneath are the dies with which the soldiers cast 

 lots for the garment without seam, and below are the three 

 nails. At the back may be distinguished the inside of the 

 ladder and other symbols connected with the last act of the 

 Atonement ; the whole so grouped as to make a large cross, 

 surmounted by the ruby, the most salient feature of the device. 

 On the inside of the ring the inscriptions are still perfect. 

 They contain the names of the betrothed pair, and the date of 

 the wedding-day, in German, "Der 13 Junij, 1525." This was 

 the ring presented to the wife at the betrothal, and worn by 

 her after the marriage. 



The marriage-ring, worn by Luther after his marriage, is 

 still more intricate in its structure. It is an ingeniously con- 

 trived double ring, every intricacy of structure having its point 

 and meaning. In the first place, though the double ring can 

 be divided, so as to form two complete rings, yet they cannot 

 be separated from each other, as the one passing through the 

 other causes them to remain permanently interlaced, as an 

 emblem of the marriage vow, though still forming two perfect 

 rings -, illustrating also the motto engraved within them, Was 

 Got zusammen fiiget soil kein Mensch scheiden — What God doth 

 join no man shall part. On the one hoop is a diamond, the 

 emblem of power, duration, and fidelity ; and on the inside of 

 its raised mounting, which, when joined to the other hoop, 

 will be concealed, are the initials of Martin Luther, followed 

 by a D, denoting his academic title. On the corresponding 

 surface of the mounting of the gem of the other hoop are the 



