e honoured
guest. The bed-hangings, and even the linen, were embroidered,[464]
and the greatest care and the most artistic work were lavished on the
coverlet in firm stitches and twisted threads, while on the curtains
the frailest materials and most delicate stitches were freely
bestowed, as they were safe from friction. We may employ floss-silk
and satin-stitch for such works with safety.

As a rule we should avoid too great a variety of design in the
decoration of a bedroom, and at the same time beware of its becoming
monotonous.

I should say that a change in the design, though not in the style, of
the different parts of the bed is admissible, and gives opportunities
for rich and graceful work. For instance, a parseme pattern may be
varied judiciously on the curtains, the valance, and the heading;
provided there is a connecting link (say a cypher) found throughout.
If the back of the Baldachino is embroidered, it admits of totally
different treatment, and the valance must include a border according
to its outline.

The ingenuity and magnificence of the Elizabethan bedroom furnishings
are proved by the inventories to be found in old houses. Those
describing the property of the Earl of Leicester, in the Library at
Longleat, are so characteristic of a time when each room contained
artistic furniture, that I cannot help making here some extracts, and
pointing out that embroidery was usually employed to individualize
each decoration.

"At Killingworth (Kenilworth) Lord Leicester's Bedsteads." "A fayre,
rich, standing Square Bedstead of carved walnut-tree wood: painted
with silver hearts, ragged staves and roses. The furniture and teste
crimson velvet embroidered with silver roses, and lined throughout
with Buckram." There was apparently a second set of curtains inside
of striped white satin, trimmed and fringed with silver, and the
velvet curtains were also fringed with silver with long "buttons and
loops."

Another bedstead is described, with the pillars painted red, and
varnished. The teste and curtains of red silk edged with gold and
silver bone lace, and embroidered "in a border of hops, roses, and
pomegranates."

Another "Bedstead painted red and gold, and varnished; with crimson
velvet, gold and silver in breadths, embroidered over with red, gold,
and silver,--lined with Milion (Milan) fustian," &c., &c. The
catalogue of the tapestries and embroidered hangings include fifteen
suites at Kenilworth only; and