As a view of the interior of a cathedral, it is particularly interesting at the present time--the repairs and restoration of the Temple Church having called much attention to the polychromic effects produced by the architects of the middle ages, as it exhibits clearly the general and profuse adoption of positive colours and gilding to heighten architectural splendour. The vaulted ceiling of the nave is painted rich full brown, the groining being gilt; the ceiling of the choir is painted deep blue, equally enriched with gilding. This simple colouring of the illuminator exhibits the general effect of polychromic architecture as well as if he had elaborated the intricate devices by which the effects were more generally varied and enriched, and is a sufficient proof, if any sceptics yet remain to require it, that the architects of the middle ages, as well as their ancient Grecian predecessors, considered _colour_ just as essential as _form_ in a grand architectural whole. The tapestry hung round the lower part of the walls, to the height of ten or twelve feet, is a part of the finish of our cathedral decorations which has, as yet, found no restorer. But it forms an essential feature in their general effect, as planned by their architects; and, ever since it was torn down by our puritanical ancestors, those noble churches have assumed that cold and stony nakedness of aspect which was never intended by their great creators, and which destroys the air of well tended grandeur and richness they were intended to produce; giving, instead, an appearance of desolation and neglect. It is quite apparent that the author of this miniature picture painted from what he saw, and that he was greatly impressed by the leading features of the monumental architecture of his day; for it will be observed that he has cut short the transept, reckless of proportion or perspective, for the express purpose of bringing into his picture the circular windows, with their elaborate tracery, one of the most splendid features of that phase of Gothic art. [Illustration: Sir John Froissart presenting his book of Love Poems to Richard the second] PLATE XVII. SIR JOHN FROISSART PRESENTING HIS BOOK TO RICHARD II.