of
gold, one chair of cloth of gold, two wrought stools, a bedstead gilt,
with a testor and counterpoint, with curtains belonging to the same."

Return we to Katharine of Arragon: her needlework labours have been
celebrated both in Latin and English verse. The following sonnet
refers to specimens in the Tower, which now indeed are swept away,
having left not "a wreck behind."

"I read that in the seventh King Henrie's reigne,
Fair Katharine, daughter to the Castile king,
Came into England with a pompous traine
Of Spanish ladies which shee thence did bring.
She to the eighth King Henry married was,
And afterwards divorc'd, where virtuously
(Although a Queene), yet she her days did pass
In working with the _needle_ curiously,
As in the Tower, and places more beside,
Her excellent memorials may be seen;
Whereby the _needle's_ prayse is dignifide
By her faire ladies, and herselfe, a Queene.
Thus far her paines, here her reward is just,
Her works proclaim her prayse, though she be dust."

The same pen also celebrated her daughter's skill in this feminine
occupation.

Mary was skilled in all sorts of embroidery; and when her mother's
divorce consigned her to a private life, she beguiled the intervals of
those severer studies in which she peaceably and laudably occupied her
time in various branches of needlework. It is not unlikely the Psalter
we have alluded to elsewhere was embroidered by herself; and a
reference to the fashionable occupations of the day will bring to our
minds various trifling articles, the embroidery of which beguiled her
time, though they have long since passed away.

"Her daughter Mary here the sceptre swaid,
And though she were a Queene of mighty power,
Her memory will never be decaid,
Which by her works are likewise in the Tower,
In Windsor Castle, and in Hampton Court,
In that most pompous roome called Paradise;
Who ever pleaseth thither to resort,
May see some workes of hers, of wondrous price.
Her greatness held it no disreputation
To take the needle in her royal hand;
Which was a good example to our nation
To banish idleness from out her land:
And thus this Queene, in wisdom thought it fit,
The needle's worke pleas'd her, and she grac'd it."

We extract the following notice of the gentle and excellent Lady Jane
Grey, from the 'Court Magazine.'

"T