ul specimens of well-blended
colours and designs, that show their Aryan (Persian or
Indian) origin. Lady Layard's residence in
Constantinople was, perhaps, the "happy accident" which
will have preserved the secrets and practice of this
work for future generations, by her active and generous
institution of a working organization for the poor
exiled and starving women, and for the sale of their
work in England.

[455] Semper, "Der Stil," i. p. 30, Sec. 10.

[456] This subject has been ably treated in the
Introduction to "La Tapisserie," by Eug. Muentz; Paris,
1885.

[457] I refer to the chapter on "English Embroideries"
for the _parseme_ patterns of our mediaeval hangings, and
to the section on tapestry in the chapter on "Stitches."

[458] "Renaissance in Italy," J. A. Symonds, p. 4.

[459] But to this rule there are notable exceptions, of
which Charles the Bold's hangings for his tent (now at
Berne) furnish a brilliant example. Here the Order of
the Golden Fleece is repeated on a field of flowers,
exquisitely designed.

[460] "Life of Jeanne d'Albret," by Miss Freer, pp. 68,
123, 330.

CHAPTER VIII.

FURNITURE.

"Jane, I hate aesthetic carpets;
High-art curtains make me swear.
Pray cease hunting for the latest
Queen Anne chair.
I care nothing for improvements,
On the simple style of Snell,
Which will suit both you and me ex-
tremely well."

ROBERT CUST, "Parody of the Last Ode of the
First Book of Horace."

"First, as you know, my house within the city
Is richly furnish'd with plate and gold;
Basons and ewers, to lave her dainty hands;
My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry;
In ivory coffers I have stuff'd my crowns;
In cyprus chests my arras, counterpoints,
Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl,
Costly apparel, tents and canopies,
Valance of Venice gold, in needlework;
Pewter and brass, and all things that belong
To house, or housekeeping."

SHAKESPEARE, "Taming of the Shrew," Act II., Scene I.

The last chapter on hangings, their history and uses, and the
preceding account of tapestries, naturally lead to the consideration
of the furniture which may accompany them.

Homer's description of Penelope's bridal couch is very curious.