(_For the Mirror_.)
"Among the ornaments," says Mr. Turner, "worn by the ladies, mentioned
in the Anglo-Saxon documents, we read of a golden fly, beautifully
adorned with gems; of golden vermiculated necklaces; of a bulla; of
golden head-bands, and of a neck-cross. The ladies had also gowns; for a
Bishop of Winchester sends us a present, 'a shot gown (_gunna_) sown in
our manner.' Thus we find the mantle, the kirtle, and the gown mentioned
by these names among the Saxons, and even the ornaments of cuffs. In the
drawings of the manuscripts of these times, the women appear with a
long, loose robe, reaching down to the ground, and large loose sleeves.
Upon their head is a hood or veil, which falling down before, was
wrapped round the neck and breast. All the ladies in the drawing having
their necks, from the chin, closely wrapped in this manner, and in none
of them is a fine waist attempted to be displayed, nor have their heads
any other covering than their hoods."