e floor is paved
with rough tiles set in patterns. The walls are panelled to a height of
about eight feet. The bare space between the top of the panel-work and the
ceiling was probably hung with tapestry. The ceiling is a beautiful
specimen of the most elaborate plaster-work, disposed in octagonal panels.
The decoration of the panel-work begins with a representation of a bench,
on which various objects are lying executed in intarsia work. Above this
bench is a row of small panels, above which again is a row of large
panels, each containing a subject in the finest intarsia, as for example a
portrait of Duke Frederick, figures of Faith, Hope, and other virtues, a
pile of books, musical instruments, armour, a parrot in a cage, etc. In
the cornice above these is the word FEDERICO, and the date 1476.

[Illustration: Fig. 155. A scholar's room in the fifteenth century.

From a MS. in the Royal Library at Brussels.]

Opposite the window there is a small cupboard, and on the opposite side of
the projection containing it there are a few shelves. These are the only
receptacles for books in the room. From its small size it could have
contained but little furniture, and was probably intended for the purpose
traditionally ascribed to it, namely as a place of retirement for the Duke
when he wished to be alone.

Another specimen of a library so arranged as to provide a peaceful retreat
is afforded a century later by that of Montaigne, of which he has
fortunately left a minute description.

[My library is] in the third story of a Tower, of which
the Ground-room is my Chappel, the second story an
Apartment with a withdrawing Room and Closet, where I
often lie to be more retired. Above it is a great
Wardrobe, which formerly was the most useless part of
the House. I there pass away both the most of the Days
of my Life, and most of the Hours of those Days. In the
Night I am never there. There is within it a Cabinet
handsome and neat enough, with a Fire-place very
commodiously contriv'd, and Light very finely fitted.
And was I not more afraid of the Trouble than the
Expence, the Trouble that frights me from all Business,
I could very easily adjoyn on either side, and on the
same Floor, a Gallery of an hundred paces long, and
twelve broad, having found Walls already rais'd for some
other Design, to the requisite height. Every place of
retirement requires a Walk. My Th