Rings Noted in Fable
.Agramant’s ring. This enchanted ring was given by Agramant to the dwarf Brunello, from whom it was stolen by Bradʹamant and given to Melissa. It passed successively into the hands of Rogeʹro and Angelica (who carried it in her mouth). (Orlando Furioso, bk. v.)
The Doge’s ring. The doge of Venice, on Ascension Day, used to throw a ring into the sea from the ship Bucentaur, to denote that the Adriatic was subject to the republic of Venice as a wife is subject to her husband.
The ring of Edward the Confessor. It is said that Edward the Confessor was once asked for alms by an old man, and gave him his ring. In time some English pilgrims went to the Holy Land, and happened to meet the same old man, who told them he was John the Evangelist, and gave them the identical ring to take to “Saint” Edward. It was preserved in Westminster Abbey.
The ring of Ogier, given him by the Morgue de Fay. It removed all infirmities, and restored the aged to youth again. (See Ogier.)
Polycʹratēsʹ ring was flung into the sea to propitiate Nemʹesis, and was found again by the owner inside a fish. (See Glasgow Arms.)
The ring of Pope Innocent. On May 29th, 1205, Pope Innocent III. sent John, King of England, four gold rings set with precious stones, and in his letter says the gift is emblematical. He thus explains the matter: The rotundity signifies eternity—remember we are passing through time into eternity. The number signifies the four virtues which make up constancy of mind—viz. “justice, fortitude, prudence, and temperance.” The material signifies “wisdom from on high,” which is as gold purified in the fire. The green emerald is emblem of “faith,” the blue sapphire of “hope,” the red garnet of “charity,” and the bright topaz of “good works.” (Rymer: Fœdera, vol. i. 139.)
Reynard’s wonderful ring. This ring, which existed only in the brain of Reynard, had a stone of three colours—red, white, and green. The red made the night as clear as the day; the white cured all manner of diseases; and the green rendered the wearer of the ring invincible. (Reynard the Fox, chap. xii.)
He must have got possession of Reynard’s ring. He bore a charmed life; he was one of Nature’s favourites; all he did prospered. Reynard affirmed that he had sent King Lion a ring with three gems—one red, which gave light in darkness; one white, which cured all pains and wounds, even those arising from indigestion and fever; and one green, which guarded the wearer from every ill both in peace and war. (Alkmar: Reynard the Fox, 1498.)
