The girl smiled and said:
Whatis the secret of this gold ring,the secret of this ring that so tightlyembraces my finger,the secret of this bandthat sparkles and shines so?the man was startled and said:it's the ring of good fortune, the ring of life.
Everyone said:
Congratulations and best wishes!the girl said:
Alasthat I still have doubts about its meaning.
The years passed, and one nighta downhearted woman looked at that gold bandand saw in its gleaming patterndays wasted in hopes of husbandly fidelity,days totally wasted.
The woman grew agitated and cried out:
O my, this ring thatstill sparkles and shinesis the band of slavery and servitude.
