Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1892 — Kings. [ARTICLE]

Kings.

Rings, which are the most antique of all ornaments, were used in abundance by the ancients. We are t/fld how three rings were worn on the little finger, and sometimes the fingers were so covered as to appear like gold throughout their length, while gems of much beauty were added. Sometimes these latter were used uncut, while the fashion at times prevailed of not wearing gems, and nobles loaded themselves with gold rings only. These rings were sometimes of enormous size. It is related of Julius Caasar that while he harrangued his troops the immense ring on his finger could be seen at a distance which his voice could not reach. So formidable were some of these rings that if of iron they served as weapons of assault, and Aristotle discus-es the question whether an injury inflicted by the blow of such a ring was contemplated as a misdemeanor by the law prohibiting assault. Rings were also made which were supposed to possess the power of arresting evil influences, fascination and malevolent agencies. These peculiar influences were regarded as emanations from the eyes in a large degree, and the sudden presentation of these strange rings, with their strange devices, arrested the attention and gaze of the evil-minded, and diverted their minds with amusement, so that the “turbulent humours” were allayed and the “rabid temper” soothed. At Rome the patricians wore golden rings, which distinguished them from the slaves, plebeians and common soldiers, who were, however, permitted to wear rings of iron. When, at a later date, golden rings were permitted to the slaves and people, the nobles discarded the use of their golden rings, which were no longer an emblem of rank. A peculiar use of rings is instanced where in a certain city a rivalry for the entertainment of visitors arose among its citizens This .generous emulation became so fierce 'as to lead to open brawls and struggles. To avert these, iron rings were placed about a column in the center of the town, and those reaching this i hospitable community took up a ring /and sought his home at the house of i the family whose ring he had picked I up.