FALLETTI FOSSATTI, _Costumi Senesi_ (Siena, 1882), p. 133 _et seq._ PELISSIER, _Le Trousseau d'une Siennoise en 1450_, in _Boll. Senese_, vol. VI., fasc. 1. SANSOVINO, _Venetia città nobilissima e singolare_ (1663), fol. 150 _et seq._ YRIARTE, _La vie d'un Patricien de Venise au 16me siècle_ (Les femmes à Venise) (Paris, 1874), and see rare authorities there quoted. In Venice, the prescribed bridal dress seems to have been that of Titian's Flora--the hair fell free on the shoulders. The _Proveditori alle Pompe_ were established in Venice in 1514. On the whole subject see, for earlier time, HEYWOOD, _The Ensamples of Fra Filippo_ (Siena, 1901), cap. iii.; and for later time, BURCKHARDT, _op. cit._, vol. II., part V., caps., ii., iv., v., vii.] It is unnecessary to follow our author into abstract qualities and common-place graces, but the emphasis with which certain things are decried affords a fair presumption of their prevalence. Thus, excessive luxury of dress, and, above all, painting the face and tinging the hair, are attacked as impious attempts to improve upon God's own handiwork. In like manner, the assiduity with which modesty and purity of mind and person are inculcated confirms what we otherwise know of the unbridled licentiousness then widely diffused over society. Gaming of every sort is scouted; music and dancing are set down as matters of indifference. In regard to marriage, the selection of a husband is left as matter of course to the parents, since a girl is necessarily too ignorant of the world to choose judiciously for herself; a reason resulting from the education and social circumstances of young women in Italy, which sufficiently accounts for this apparent solecism continuing in the present day. A prolix exposition of the principles which ought to guide fathers in their discharge of this delicate duty may be summed up in the very pertinent remark, that few prudent damsels would rather weep in brocaded silks than smile in homely stuffs.