[PLATE CXIV., Fig.

3.] Specimens of royal earrings have been already given in an earlier chapter of this volume.

The most ordinary form in the more ancient times was a long drop, which was sometimes delicately chased Another common kind was an incomplete Maltese cross, one arm of the four being left out because it would have interfered with the ear.

[PLATE CXIV., Fig.

2.] In later times there was a good deal of variety in the details; but the drop and the cross were always favorite features.
When the monarch went out to the hunt or to the battle, he laid aside such ornaments as encumbered him, reserving however his earrings, bracelets, and armlets, and then, stripping off his upper dress or chasuble, appeared in the under robe which has been already described.
This robe was confined at the waist by a broad cincture or girdle, outside of which was worn a narrowish belt wherein daggers were often thrust.