Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-04-12
ROCKVILLE. MARYLAND FRIDAY MORNING.

criticise. for had he not himself produced
that noble work. the descent from
the Cross p Ay, there was also "The
Last Judgment " Were not Van Dyck,
Jordeans, Van Thulden, Diepenbeck and
Quellyn, pupils of this man So thought
the monk.
The friar had for single moment be-
come quite excited, but his sxultation
soon vanished
"Who is that artist p repeated the
great master
The painter is no longer in the
world"
"Dead" cried Rubens, "and not
known to the world, he who must have
possessed such transcendent genius ?"
''He is no longer in the world" re-
peated the monk, as he crossed his arms
upon his breast.
"Still give me his name, that l may
make it KNOWN" reiterated the famous
artist.
The monk showed signs of an inward
struggle. He put his hands to his head
breathing hard like one who had been
running, then with an effort he calmed
himself as he said with husky voice.
"His name cannot be revealed"
why not ?"
L have said that the painter Of that
picture is not in the world. I have not
said that he is dead" continued the friar
sadly.
''He lives then p said Reubens.
"He does"
why not give me his name p
because he has renowned the world
and lives to-day clustered monk, sworn
to the service of his God"
"Still must know where such an ar
fist is concealed. God has not given
such genius to be hidden"
Il will tell you," said the friar firm
ly.
II will reward you upon your own
terms, said the now enthusiastic mas
ter
"What are earthly rewards to me p
True" said the disappointed Reu-
bens, "but the man is renouncing i'm
mortality"
Hold, my son." said the monk
solemnly 1.-The man who painted that
picture knew all this. He felt that he
was selected for an humble but sublime
mission. What is earthly fame to eter-
nifty? Think you that he who could
produce yonder head upon canvas was
ignorant of the power that was in him
Still he felt that bis mission lay in
another field, and he bowed to the decree
of Heaven. He gave up all, he aban-
doned the world, for he felt that earthly
fame was vanity"
He uttered these words so sadly, Sc
feelingly that Reubens regarded hin
with unfeigned reverence. yet when be
ceased to speak, the artist added:
1.-The light of such genius should no
be permitted to set even in cloister
genius should speak to genius, and thus
by its power glorify God who inspires
it,"
"You speak well, my son, and your
words might tempt one who had not
fathomed the sballowness and misery oil
this world" replied the priest
Reubens turned thoughtfully away
gathering the arm of his youthful bride
within his own, and passed slowly out Of
the gray old monastery already crumb-
ling with age.
The monk watched the retiring step,
Of the famous master, dreamy expires
sion stole over his sunken cheeks and
dwelt in his eye, soft sigh escaped hi
lips, then starting as if from dream h
walked rapidly out of the chapel.
Once in his cell he took from hi
shelf his palette and brushes, gazed up
on them in silence for few moments
then wrapped them all together in I
half finished picture upon canvass, and
tossed them from bis window into the
swift running waters Of the Menzava.