Page:Great Men and Famous Women Volume 8.djvu/68

 238 ARTISTS AND AUTHORS him once more. This hint was enough for his affectionate heart. He imme- diately broke off all his engagements and prepared to return. Everyone knows what impatience is created when one first begins to contemplate home, after a long absence, and the heart is turned toward it. " Seven years absent ? " wrote Rubens to his mother, " how is it possible I have lived so long away from you ? It is too long ; henceforth I will devote myself to your happiness. Antwerp shall be my future residence. I have acquired a taste for horticulture ; our little garden shall be enlarged and cultivated, and our home will be a paradise." What are human anticipations and projects ! the day before he was to quit Rome he received a letter informing him that his mother was very ill, and beg- ging him to return with all speed. With breathless haste he hurried back, with- out sleep or rest. When he reached the city he dared not make any inquiries. At length he stood before the paternal mansion ; he saw the gloomy tiles and half-closed window-shutters. It was the fall of the trees. He observed people going in and out at the door ; to speak was impossible. At length he rushed in and heard the appalling sentence, " Too late," a sentence that often strikes deso- lation to the human heart. His mother had expired that morning. While he was struggling with the bitterness of sorrow, he met with Elizabeth Brants. There was something in the tone of her voice which infused tranquillity into his mind, and affection came in a new form to assuage his loss. She was the " ladye of his love," and afterward his wife. He built a magnificent house at Antwerp, with a saloon in form of a rotunda, which he ornamented and enriched with antique statues, busts, vases, and pictures by the most celebrated painters. Thus surrounded by the gems of art, he devoted himself to the execution of works which were the pride of his native country, and caused honors and wealth to be heaped upon him. There were those found who could not endure the splendor of his success ; these calumniated. There were others who tried to draw him into visionary speculations. A chemist offered him a share of his laboratory, to join in his search for the philosopher's stone. He carried the visionary to his painting- room, and said, " The offer comes too late. You see I have found out the art of making gold by my palette and pencils." Rubens was now at the height of prosperity and happiness, a dangerous emi- nence, and one on which few are permitted to rest. A second time his heart was pierced with sorrow : he lost his young wife, Elizabeth, a few years after their union. Deep as was his sorrow, he had yet resolution enough to feel the neces- sity of exertion. He left the place which constantly reminded him of domestic enjoyment, the memory of which contrasted so sadly with the present silence and solitude, and travelled for some time in Holland. After his return, he received a commission from Mary de Medici, of France, to adorn the palace of the Lux- embourg. He executed for this purpose a number of paintings at Antwerp, and instructed several pupils in his art At this time Rubens devoted himself wholly to painting, and scarcely al- lowed himself time for recreation. He considered it one of the most effectual