likeness to give satisfaction.

Oh, the Dutch are a thrifty folk!

James the First had no special eye for beauty--no more than Elizabeth
had--but a few of his nobles were intent on providing posterity with
handsome ancestors, and so the portrait-painter flourished.

An important move in the cause of literature was made by King James when
he placed Sir Walter Raleigh in the Tower; for Raleigh's best
contributions to letters were made during those thirteen years when he
was alone, with the world locked out. And when his mind began to lose its
flash, the King wisely put a quietus on all danger of an impaired output
by cutting off the author's head.

Still, there was no general public interest in art until the generous
Charles appeared upon the scene. Charles was an elegant scholar and
prided himself on being able to turn a sonnet or paint a picture; and the
only reason, he explained, why he did not devote all his time to
literature and art was because the State must be preserved. He could hire
men to paint, but where could one be found who could govern?

Charles had purchased several of Rubens' pieces, and these had attracted
much attention in London. Receptions were given where crowds surged and
clamored and fought, just to get a look at the marvelous painting of the
wonderful Fleming. Such gorgeous skill in color had never before been
seen in England.

Charles knighted Rubens and did his best to make him a permanent attache
of his Court; but Rubens had too many interests of a financial and