Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-04-29

do with his future lite ana 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 CHANGING at Hymen. Teniers
said:
Lady would it please you to pass
with my aid this step?"
"Oh. certainly" replied Anne, unre-
fectingly.
Il take YOU at your word. said Ten
iers, calamity extending his hand.
The maiden blushingly refused the
proifered aid.
"But Anne, my child" spoke Schut.
"whv will you not pass this step?"
why should l." answered the maid
ell, since on the other side the lovely
picture loses all its charms?"
Teniers, already struck by Cupid's
darts, with throbbing heart exclaimed;
1T may indeed change to others; but
for you and me, lady, neverw And
having thus boldly spoken, he grace
fully Saluted Annie aud 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 a resolve to win her for
his own.
Entering the next morning the an
tique study of Schut, he found the old
man at work.
Master Cornille," said Toniers, tell
me how lady's love may be most
readily Won"
"By verses-sweet verses in which
you will tell your love aud your dc
spair and then the maiden will pity
vow, replied the old man.
All Master Cornillc." said Tenicrs.
"would that [ might write verses like
yours. Then should hope to win the
love of Anne Breughcl"
"Ah, you are seeking herr" spoke
Schut, Il do not oppose your suit, but
she has yet two other guardians. Still
| warn you, young friend, that ou1
united wills can never bend the stately
girl. She will have her own way
though it rains thorns."
Teniers then went to Rubens and
asked:
My friend and master, how may one
win maiden's love-"
"By painting portrait setting forth
her charms and hiding her defects, u
replied the master.
"Ah. would that | had your skilIr'
sighed Teniers "But what skill can
add to Anne BreugheI's charms?"
ooh, hot laughed Reubens. "RloWs
the wind in that quarter? Well well.
a good wife is the best of goods as
our Flemish prOverb says. and of all
good wives Anne Breughcl will make
the best. But 90 and see Van Baieu
and he may, with his Platonic wisdom,
help you"
Seeking Van BaIen the Jealous lover
asked:
How may man best win the love of
woman?"
The best way" replied the old
painter, lis to love her again with all
your heart and soul. and deem those
foolish who say that he who loves truly
loves at disadvantage"
Then" exclaimed Teniers, "Anne
Breughel should love me, for I love
her; yet [ fear that my hasts words in
the ducal gallery have injured me in
her esteem"
"The lovers anger but enkindles
love" rejoined the philosophic artist.
81 will see Anne and think the matter
over and help, if possible, to true de-
cision."
The guardians deliberated while
Teniers and Anne spent the days in
wooing. The two were married and
Gwelt in the ducal palace but Anne and
be never crossed the slippery stair.
Hymen was never beautiful in 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.
And reader mine, whate'er betide,
wish the same to thee.
HCJ,oy.IaJ 1T11nzt,7o