Page:Hutton, William Holden - Hampton Court (1897).djvu/244

164 Below, in the centre of this piece, is a scroll with the motto in hopeless dog-Latin:—

Two points especially invite attention. The classical and the literary interests are here combined in a manner eminently characteristic of the Renaissance. There is the ostentation of antique learning, the sense of design and unity of composition which is obtained from the study of classic models in literature and art. And besides this there is the curious similarity in idea, and even here and there in detail, to the magnificent "Triumph of Julius Cæsar" by Mantegna, which Charles I. bought and placed so appropriately at Hampton Court.

The third series consists of the three pieces which are now hung on the west side of the room. They are also of old Flemish manufacture. They represent the warfare of the Seven Cardinal Virtues with the Seven Deadly Sins, and the Blessed Trinity in judgment, with Peace, Mercy, Truth, and Justice standing before. Pride, Gluttony, Acedia, Anger, Envy, Luxury, Covetousness, all mounted on strange beasts, are attacked by Elope. Latin legends explain each scene. The ideas are of a piece with those of old moralities, which, it may be, were often played in the hall adjoining the room where these tapestries now hang. These are probably the sets which are mentioned