In the olden time the celestial divinities were supposed to be protectors and favourers of marriage, and the first nuptial crown was attributed to that heavenly framer of all manner of implements who forged the first plough for man. And so, in some of the songs, a prayer is offered up to a mysterious smith, beseeching him to construct a golden nuptial crown, and out of the fragments of it to make a wedding-ring, and a pin with which to fasten the bridal veil. There comes a Smith from the Forge, _Glory!_ The Smith carries three hammers, _Glory!_ Smith, Smith, forge me a crown, _Glory!_ Forge me a crown both golden and new, _Glory!_ Forge from the remnants a golden ring, _Glory!_ And from the chips a pin, _Glory!_ In that crown will I be wedded, _Glory!_ With that ring will I be betrothed, _Glory!_ With that pin will I fasten the nuptial kerchief, _Glory!_ When a lover leaves his mistress for a time, he gives her a golden ring (_pérsten’_, a signet-ring, or one set with gems--from _perst_, a finger) and receives from her a gold ring in exchange (_Kol’ tsë_, a plain circlet like our own wedding-ring, from _Kolo_, a circle). It is not a falcon flying across the sky, It is not a falcon scattering blue feathers, But a brave youth galloping along the road, Forth from his bright eyes pouring bitter tears. He has parted from his own, The Lower River track, through which, In all her beauty, Mother Volga flows. He has parted from the maiden fair, And with her as a token left A costly diamond ring; And from her has he taken in exchange A plighting ring of gold. And while exchanging gifts thus has he spoken: ‘Forget me not, my dear one, Forget me not, my loved companion. Often, often gaze upon my ring; Often, often will I kiss thy circlet, Pressing it to my beating heart, Remembering thee, my own. _If ever I think of another love, The golden circlet will unclasp; Shouldst thou to another suitor yield, From the ring the diamond will fall._’ CHAPTER III. SECULAR INVESTITURE BY THE RING. The investiture of our English sovereigns _per annulum_, or by the ring, is an important part of our present coronation ceremonial. On this august occasion the master of the Jewel-House delivers the ring (which is of plain gold, with a large table ruby, on which the cross of St. George is engraved), to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who places it on the fourth finger of the sovereign’s right hand, saying: ‘Receive this ring, the ensign of kingly dignity and of defence of the catholic faith, that as you are this day consecrated head of the kingdom and people, so, rich in faith, and abounding in good works, you may reign with Him who is King of kings, to whom be glory and honour for ever and ever, Amen.’