by the greatest masters. This collection he sold many years afterwards to the Duke of Buckingham for £10,000. Amidst these select productions of art, he passed about twelve years in the tranquil exercise of his great abilities, producing an astonishing number of admirable pictures for the churches and public edifices of the Low Countries.
RUBENS' HABITS.
In order to continue his mental improvement, to
enjoy the sweets of friendly intercourse, and to
economize his precious time, Rubens regulated his
affairs with a precision which nothing was permitted
to derange. He received company at stated times,
took regular exercise out of doors, usually on horseback,
and it is said that he never painted without
having some one to read to him from a classic work
of history or poetry. He possessed an extraordinary
memory, and understood the ancient and several
modern languages, writing and speaking them
with ease and fluency. His familiar acquaintance
with ancient and modern literature, had enriched
his mind with inexhaustible resources.
RUBENS' DETRACTORS.
Rubens' great popularity naturally excited envy,
and created enemies. Generous and affable to all,
and a liberal encourager of art, he found himself assailed
by those who were most indebted to him for
assistance. With the most audacious effrontery,
