The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1892-04-28

mount very slippery stair before
reaching which the painting was
beautiful. but after crossing the slip
perry stair was harsh and even repul-
sive.
Though the picture was in the arch
dukes gallery, Teniers was not vet
done with it since it had much to
| do with his future life and happiness,
if not with the bliss of the Graf de
Eglentier.
One day the beautiful, gifted and
wealthy Anne Breughel, daughter of
| the noted painter, Velvel Breughel,
was in the ducal gallery accompanied
by Cornille Schut and Van Balen. who
with Rubens had been appointed by
Breughel as the guardians of his
| daughter and her great fortune. Ten
| iers was standing near his picture
when Annie Breughel approached to
view it. Van Balen presented the
painter to his ward. The young
couple stood. according to Schut, ION
this side of the slippery and perilous
step"
Annie giancing at Hymen, Teniers
said:
Lady, would it please you to pass
with my aid this step?"
"Oh, certainly" replied Anne, unre-
fiectingly.
Il take you at your word said Ten
iers, gallantly extending his hand.
The maiden blushingly refused the
protfered aid.
"But Anne, my child" spoke Schut,
"why will YOU not pass this step?"
"Whv should l." answered the maid
en-, "since Oh the other side the lovely
picture loses all its charms?"
Teniers, already struck by Cupid's
darts. with tLrobbing Eeart exclaimed:
1T may indeed change to others; but
for you and me, lady, never" And,
having thus boldly spoken, he grace
fully saluted Annie and left the gallery.
Cupid with unerring skill had hit the
maiden's heart.
Teniers went home and thought all
through the night of Annie's beauty
and accomplishments, to find himself
at last making resolve to win her for
his own.
Entering the next morning the an
tique study Of Schut, he found the old
man ut work.
Master Cornille," said Teniers, "tell
me how a lady's love may be most
readily Won"
by vcrSes-Sweet verses-in which
you will tell your love and your de-
spair and then the maiden will pity
YOU" replied the old man.
"Ah, Master Cornille," said Teniers,
would that might write verses like
yours Then should hope to win the
love of Anne Breughcl."
.Ah, YOU are seeking her?" spoke
Schut, Il do not oppose your suit, but
she has yet two other guardians. Still
| warn YOU, young friend. that our
united wills can never bend the stately
girl. She will have her own way
though it rains thorns."
Teniars then went to Rubens and
asked
MY fpiend and master, how may one
win maiden's loye?"
by painting a portrait setting forth
her charms and hiding her defects, "
replied the master.
"Ah, would that | had your skill"
sighed Teniers. But what skill can
add to Anne Breughel's charms?"
"Oh, ho!' laughed Reubens "Blows
the wind in that quarter? Well well,
a good wife is the best of goods, as
our Flemish proyerb says. and of all
good wives Anne Breughel will make
the best. But 90 and see Van Balen
and he may, with his Platonic wisdom,
help YOU"
Seeking Van Balen the Jealous lover
asked
How may man best win the love of
woman?'
The best way" replied the old
| painter, "is to love her again with al
| your heart and soul. and deem those
foolish who say that he who loves truly
loves at 4 disadvantages.
Then" exclaimed Teniers. "Anne
| Breughel should love me. for | love
her; yet fear that my hasty words in
the ducal gallery have injured me in
| her esteem
The lovers anger but enkindles
love" rejoned the philosophic artist.
Il will see Anne and think the matter
over and help, if possible, to true de-
| cision."
The guardians delberated while
Teniers and Anne spent the days in
| wooing. The two were married and
| dwelt in the ducal palace but Anne and
| he never crossed the slippery stair.
| Hymen was never beautiful ia form
and, seen this side the "perilous step"
with all his charms, rightly represent
ed the happy married life of David
| Teniers and his wife Anne.
Young man and woman. may YOU
never step beyond the slippery stair,
and thus Hymen shall always appear
| beautiful.
| Ari reader mine. whate'er betide,
| wish the same to thee.
H0reyIeB HG1aziHP