Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-12-11
A STORY OF RUBENS.
his Great Ability Made Known by His
Trick on "a Landlord.


In the beginning of the seventeenth
century Peter Paul Rubens, whose
name had not the same sound then as
now, lived in Paris. at a modest inn.
near the palace OF his patroness. Maria
de Medici. Sometimes he had his
pockets full of money and lived like a
prince, but oftener he was without a
pfenning; at any rate, he paid his host
very irregularly, or not at all. The
host did not consider it an honor to
board this great painter, and as he had
q supreme contempt for art, he often
cast insults at Rubens. One day when
the innkeeper was in an especially bad
humor he threatened to throw Rubens
out of the door like a tramp and with
out further notice.
Rubens had just had an audience
with Louvre but did not possess a
heller What should he do? The
tavern-keeper would not reason, but
wanted to see cash; under any circum-
stances money must be procured.
The artist took small picture Of
his own from the wall ana asked in a
note written TO one of his friends L.
200 lire for it, Half an hour later the
messenger returned, saying that the
gentleman would pay only 800 lire for
it.
Rubens was furious threw the pict-
ure 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 his door. He left the
room very seldom and never without
taking the key with him. A week
later he appeared before his host with
a little hand-trunk with these words.
Il have kept my promise; upon the
table in my room you will find more
money than l owe you. Farewell, sir
host"
Then he left the inhospitable house
with the mien Of grand seigneur, wno
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. Fuurlo.d Louis, double Lou
is, dollars and half dollars lay there
in gay confusion. Naturally, the good
man thought he must quickly put his
money in safe place; but what aston
ishment and fury he showed when
upon touching gold piece, he found
that it was only painted! That miser,
the tramp had fooled him.
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 disappointment, That,
too, like the other garments and the
glittering gold was only painted!
The unhappy host was pitied by all
his friends who heard OF it. The story
became further known and the painters
fame grew and spread. Distinguished
people streamed to the modest tavern
to hear Of Ruben's gay trick from the
host himself and see the painted cloth
ing-the table had been put in the gar
ret as the owner wanted it out of his
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 deceptive table by the tavern
keeper. He asked to see the table,
admired 1t 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 "disagreeable" piece Of
furniture. From the German.