quatrefoils on each side of the stone (in
this instance a small irregularly-shaped sapphire), which is embedded in
a somewhat solid setting projecting from the ring.

[Illustration: Fig. 126.]

[Illustration: Fig. 127.]

In the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for 1848 is engraved a massive ring, also
of brass, thickly gilt, the hoop chased with the arms of Pope Pius
II.[108-*] (the famed AEneas Sylvius), and his name, _Papa Pio_, between
the tiara and the cross-keys. On each of the four sides of this ring
appears one of the four beasts of the Revelation, typifying the
Evangelists: they are executed in high relief. It is set with a large
topaz. This ring has since passed into Mr. Waterton's fine collection,
who is the fortunate possessor of others of the same class. One in the
Londesborough collection is here engraved, Fig. 128, as a good specimen
of the general design adopted for such rings. The crossed-keys surmount
a coat of arms on one side of the ring; the keys alone appear on the
opposite side; foliated ornament fills the space above the circlet on
either side. This ring is set with a large crystal.

[Illustration: Fig. 128.]

[Illustration: Fig. 129.]

[Illustration: Fig. 130.]

We close our series of episcopal rings with one found in the cathedral
at Hereford during the repairs of the choir in 1843, which rendered the
removal of the beautifully carved alabaster monument of Bishop Stanbery
unavoidable. This bishop held the See from 1452 until his death in May,
1474. Upon opening the tomb a few fragments of bone were discovered,
very small portions of the mere remains of the silk of the robes in
which the body of the bishop was enveloped, and this beautiful ring, of
which views are given in Figs. 129 and 130. It is of gold, set with a
sapphire; the sides of the ring are decorated with sprays and flowers on
a ground of dark enamel; and inside is the motto "=en bon an=."

[Illustration: Fig. 131.]

[Illustration: Fig. 132.]

A very large ring, bearing great general resemblance to the episcopal
ring, was occasionally worn as a thumb-ring by the laity. A specimen of
such a one is selected from the Londesborough collection in Fig. 131. It
is somewhat roughly formed of mixed metal, and has upon the circular
face a conventional representation of a monkey looking at himself in a
hand-mirror. This is surrounded by a cable moulding, and on each side is
set two large stones. The outer edge of this ring is also decorated w