OF SIX MEDIEVAL WOMEN 



masks, illuminators of MSS., workers and 

 painters of glass, harness-makers, armourers, 

 tailors, and embroiderers the whole forming a 

 rare and remarkable centre of activity for a 

 woman to have developed and ruled and made 

 into a living force. 



It is a fete-day within the Castle. The 

 horns have sounded. The feast is ready. To 

 the great hall repair the knights and the ladies, 

 the esquires and the damsels, two and two, 

 according to their rank, dipping their hands, 

 as they pass in, into silver basins of rose-water. 

 They are gorgeously apparelled in silken garments 

 and cloth of gold and silver, upon which are 

 embroidered their coats of arms, for by the 

 end of the thirteenth century armorial bearings, 

 which by then had become attached to families, 

 were used as a sign of nobility and rank. 

 Mahaut, as hostess, takes her seat last. Adown 

 the table are specimens of silver-plate, some the 

 work of her own craftsmen, others the offerings 

 of friendship or of courtesy. They are fashioned 

 variously, and used for sweetmeats of all kinds, 

 spices, almonds, and dainties made of orange 

 and pomegranate. A favourite form is that of 

 a ship, such as may be seen in Les Tres Riches 

 Heures of Jean, Due de Berri, at Chantilly, in a 

 representation of a feast given by the Duke. 

 There are, besides, salt-cellars and sauce-boats, 

 flagons and drinking-cups, and a bowl between 

 every two guests, from which they eat, handing 



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