nterior of the
temple, or to screen off the statue of the goddess on the days when
she was withdrawn from the gaze of the profane. Such hangings were,
probably, a main cause of the conflagrations by which Greek temples
were from time to time destroyed in spite of the solidity of their
walls.

APPENDIX II., TO PAGE 210.

In the Castle of Moritzburg, built by Augustus the Strong, Elector of
Saxony and King of Poland, is a quaint apartment, on the walls of
which are hung rugs of feather-work, of which the borders are adorned
with set patterns of fruit and flowers, and the colouring is as soft
as a Gobelins tapestry. The feathers are woven tightly into the warp,
in the same manner as the tufts are set in a velvety carpet; forming a
surface as delicate as silk to the touch. There are four high-backed
chairs covered with the same work in smaller patterns. But what is
especially remarkable is an immense canopy, like that of a state bed,
with urn-shaped ornaments of stiff feathers at the corners; and a
pretty bell-shaped fringe of scarlet feathers. The same ornament edged
a large rug like those on the wall, thrown over what at first appeared
to be a bed; but on examination it was found to be a rough wooden
platform, said to be the throne of Montezuma. The story is that
Augustus the Strong went to Spain incognito at the age of eighteen, in
search of adventures, and distinguished himself at a bull-fight. When
the king (Charles II.) heard the name of the young hero, he gave him a
hospitable reception, and afterwards sent these Mexican treasures to
him as a token of friendship.

APPENDIX III., TO PAGE 237.

_Story of Arachne, abridged by Earl Cowper from Ovid's Metamorphoses._

Arachne's tale of grief is full:
Her father was of low degree;
No thought beyond his crimson'd wool,
His daughter and his wife had he.

The wife had fill'd an early tomb,
The daughter lived--and all the land
Of Lydia boasted of her loom,
Her needle, and her dexterous hand.

To watch her task the nymphs repair
From fair Timolus' vine-clad hill;
They deem the work divinely fair,
The maid when working fairer still.

The softness of the fleecy ball,
By skilful fingers taught to flow
In lengthening lines--they watch'd it all--
And round and round the spindle go.

Wondering, they view the rich design:
Ah, luckless gift! ah, foolish pride!
'Twas Palla