wrote "Quo Vadis." The discovery was accidentally made in a hotel
dining-room: we clasped hands across the board, and since then have been
as brothers.

The more points at which you touch humanity the more friends you
have--the greater your influence. Rubens was an artist, a horseman, a
musician, a politician and a gourmet. When conceptions in the kitchen
were vague, he would send for the cook and explain to him how to do it.
He possessed a most discriminating palate and a fine appreciation of
things drinkable. These accomplishments secured him a well-defined case
of gout while yet a young man. He taught the Spanish Court how to smoke,
having himself been initiated by an Englishman, who was a companion of
Sir Walter Raleigh, and showed them how to roll a cigarette while engaged
in ardent conversation. And the Spaniards have not yet lost the art, for
once in Cadiz I saw a horse running away, and the driver rolled and
lighted a cigarette before trying to stop the mad flight of the frantic
brute.

In the Royal Gallery at Madrid are several large paintings by Rubens that
were doubtless done at this time. They are religious subjects; but worked
in, after the manner of a true diplomat, are various portraits of brave
men and handsome women. To pose a worthy senator as Saint Paul, and a
dashing lady of the Court as the Holy Virgin, was most gratifying to the
phrenological development of approbativeness of the said senator and
lady. Then, as the painter had pictured one, he must do as much for
others, so there could be no accusation of favoritism.

Thus the months passed rapidly. The Duke of Lerma writes to Chieppo, "We
desire your gracious permission to keep the Fleming another month, as
very special portraits are required from his brush."