not representing historical or sacred subjects, was a _parseme_
pattern. Armorial bearings were generally reserved for cushions,
chair-backs, and the baldachinos of altars, beds, and thrones.[459]
Richer and more flowing designs were later introduced.

In the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries, splendid
tapestries of Arras, and hangings even of cloth of gold, were common
as palatial decorations. Sometimes we have a glimpse of less ambitious
hangings; for instance, in the London house of Sir Andrew Larkynge,
Knight, in the fifteenth century, the hall was hung with sage-green
panels, bordered with gold "darned work," and the "parler" with
sage-green, bordered with crimson.

French embroidered hangings were very fine in the sixteenth century.
Jeanne d'Albret, the mother of Henri IV., was a great patroness of
such works. Miss Freer tells us that--

"When Jeanne and Antoine took possession of the Castle of Pau, they
found their new abode rich in works of art and splendid decorations.
The refined taste of Marguerite d'Angouleme was visible everywhere.
Jeanne's presence-chamber was adorned with hangings of crimson satin,
embroidered by the hand of Marguerite herself. The embroidery
represented a passage from the history of the Queen's own life."

"During the hours which the Queen allowed herself for relaxation, she
worked tapestry, and discoursed with some one of the learned men whom
she protected."

"The Queen daily attended the afternoon sermon, preached by her
chaplains in rotation. Often, however, weary with the excess of her
mental labours, and lulled by the drowsy intonation of some of these
ministers, the Queen slept during part of the discourse. Jeanne always
felt severe reproach of conscience when she had thus involuntarily
yielded to fatigue; and finding the inclination grow upon her, she
demanded permission from the Synod to work tapestry during the sermon.
This request was granted; and from thenceforth, Queen Jeanne, bending
decorously over her tapestry-frame, and busy with her needle, gave due
attention to the rambling addresses of her preachers."

"Comme elle (Jeanne d'Albret) estoit grandement adonnee aux devises,
elle fit de sa main de belles et grandes tapisseries, entre lesquelles
il y a une tente de douze ou quinze pieces excellente qui s'appelle
_les Prisons brisees_, par lesquelles elle donnoit a connoistre
qu'elle avoit brise les liens et secoue le joug de la captivite du
Pape. Au mil