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.”

The extra month extended itself to three; and when at last Rubens started back for Mantua it was after a full year’s absence.

The embassy was a most complete success.  The diplomat well masked his true errand with the artist’s garb:  and who of all men was ever so well fitted by Nature to play the part as Rubens?

Yet he came near overdoing the part at least once.  It was in this wise:  he really was not sure that the honors paid him were on account of his being a painter or a courtier.  But like comedians who think their forte is tragedy, so the part of courtier was more pleasing to Rubens than that of painter, because it was more difficult.  He painted with such ease that he set small store on the talent:  it was only a makeshift for advancement.

Don John, Duke of Braganza, afterward King of Portugal, was a lover of art, and desired to make the acquaintance of the painter.  So he wrote to Rubens at Madrid, inviting him to Villa Vitiosa, his place of residence.

Rubens knew how the Duke of Mantua did these things—­he decided to follow suit.

With a numerous train, made up from the fringe of the Madrid Court, with hired horsemen going before, and many servants behind, the retinue started away.  Coming within five miles of the villa of Don John, word was sent that Rubens and his retinue awaited his embassy.