The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1891-10-03
HOW RUBENS PAID A BILL.
He Painted q Fortune for His Ungrste-
full Landlord. Who Didn't Like It.

century Peter Paul Rubens, who's
name had not the same sound then a.
now, lived in Paris, at a modest inr
near the palace Of his patroness, Maris
de Medici Sometimes he had his peck
cts full of money and lived like prince
but oftener he was without u pfennig
at any rate he paid his host very irregu
larly, or not at ALL The host did no
consider it an honor to board this grea
painter, and as he had supreme con
tempt for art, he often cast insults a.
Rubens. One day when the innkeepel
was in an especially bad humor h
threatened to throw Rubens out of the
door like a tramp and without further
notice.
Rubens had just had an audience
with Louvre, but did not possess a hel
Ter. What should he do? The tavern
keeper would not reason, but wanted tx
see cash; under any circumstance
money must be procured
The artist took small picture of his
own from the wall and asked in note
written to one of his friends 200 lire
for it. Half an hour later the messenge,
returned. saying that the gentleman
would pay only 800 lire for it.
Rubens was furious, threw the picture
on the ground and stamped upon it,while
the host was still more furious, as his
hopes, through this "daub, to get money
were dispelled. He wanted to put his
guest out on the pavement Immediately,
when Rubens gave his word Of honor
that he would pay his debt within eight
days.
With these words Rubens hurried up
stairs and locked the door, He left the
room very seldom and never without
taking the key with him. A week later
he appeared before his host with little
hand trunk with these words:
~ have kept my promise Upon the
table in my room you will find more
money than owe you. Farewell, sir
host!''
Then he left the inhospitable house
with the mien Of grand seigneur, who
had given rich aims.
The tavern keeper hurried up the
stairs to the artists room The door
stood open and the mass of money which
was spread upon the table met his gaze.
Fourfold Louis double Louis, dollars
and half dollars lay there in gay con-
fusion. Naturally the good man thought
he must quickly put his money in a safe
place. but what establishment and fury
he showed when, upon touching a gold
piece, he found that it was only painted
Tho no hnl fOo1AI
But his anger lessened somewhat when
he saw on the walls the rich clothing
that had been left by the painter. From
the sale of this he could cover great
part of the debt. He reached for cherry
colored velvet mantle-what disappoint-
ment! That, too, like the other gar
ments and the glittering gold, was only
painted!
The unhappy host was pitied by all his
friends who heard it.
The story became further known and
the painters fame grew and spread.
Distinguished people streaned to the
modest tavern to hear Of Rubens' CAV
trick from the host himself and see the
painted clothing-the table had been put
In the garnet as the owner wanted it out
Of sight-and many dollar was spent
in the tavern for the purpose of seeing
these things.
One day rich Englishman who dotted
on art was accidentally told of the de-
ceptive table by the tavern keeper. He
asked to see the table. admired it and
offered to give the host as much cash in
French gold and silver coins as was
painted on the table. Naturally the
host accepted and was rid of this dis
agreeable piece of furniture Philade1-
phia Times.