We have referred in a former chapter to the practice of sending garments as presents, as marks of respect and friendship, or as propitiatory or deprecatory offerings. And the illustrious ladies of the classical times had such a prophetical talent of preparation, that they were ever found possessed, when occasion required, of store of garments richly embroidered by their own fair fingers, or under their auspices. Of this there are numerous examples in Homer. When Priam wishes to redeem the body of Hector, after preparing other propitiatory gifts, "----he open'd wide the sculptur'd lids Of various chests, whence mantles twelve he took Of texture beautiful; twelve single cloaks; As many carpets, with as many robes; To which he added vests an equal store." When Telemachus is about to leave Menelaus-- "The beauteous queen revolv'd with careful eyes Her various textures of unnumber'd dyes, And chose the largest; with no vulgar art Her own fair hands embroider'd every part; Beneath the rest it lay divinely bright, Like radiant Hesper o'er the gems of night." That much of this work was highly beautiful may be inferred from the description of the robe of Ulysses:-- "In the rich woof a hound, Mosaic drawn, Bore on full stretch, and seiz'd a dappled fawn; Deep in the neck his fangs indent their hold; They pant and struggle in the moving gold." And this robe, Penelope says, "In happier hours her artful hand employ'd." To invest a visitor with an embroidered robe was considered the very highest mark of honour and regard. When Telemachus is at the magnificent court of Menelaus-- "----a bright damsel train attend the guests With liquid odours and _embroider'd vests_." * * * * * "Give to the stranger guest a stranger's dues: Bring gold, a pledge of love; a talent bring, A _vest_, a _robe_." * * * * * "--------in order roll'd The robes, the vests are rang'd, and heaps of gold: And adding _a rich dress inwrought with art_, A gift expressive of her bounteous heart, Thus spoke (the queen) to Ithacus."