Page:Hutton, William Holden - Hampton Court (1897).djvu/238

160 Behind, on a raised dais, are seated three queens with sceptres, and behind them is an open gallery, through the windows of which numerous persons are surveying the scene. Below, to the right and left, are many others, some in conversation or dalliance, and some playing on lutes and other instruments."

Many suggestions rise to the mind, but none gives a wholly satisfactory explanation. Yet, like "what song the sirens sung, or the name that Achilles bore when he was among the women," we may hope, with Sir Thomas Browne, that the secret is not past all reasonable hope of discovery. Perhaps it is but a variety of the story of the choice of Hercules; the young lady offers pleasure, the elder wisdom, and the Fates look on to decide the young man's career. Next stand three delightful examples of old Flemish work, dated circa 1470; three designs they are, out of a set of six, it is said, illustrating Petrarch's triumph of Love, Chastity, Death, Fame, Time, and Divinity. Death, Fame, and Time stand here in triumph; they have been here since Wolsey's day, nor is there trace in the inventories of 1568 and 1649 of any other of the series. The official description of these three extremely interesting pieces is the best that can be obtained.

1. This piece (which hangs to the left of the round bay window) portrays the Triumph over Sensuality of Chastity, who in her turn is assailed by the Fates, and ultimately subdued by them.