of the members of the famous Kit-cat Club, forty-two in number, and the several portraits now in the gallery of the Admirals. He lived to paint the portrait of George I., who made him a Baronet. He died in 1723. His body lay in state, and he was buried at his country-seat at Wilton; a monument was erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey.
KNELLER AND JAMES II.
It was while sitting to this artist, that James the
Second manifested a most surprising instance of
coolness and shrewdness united. Kneller was painting
his portrait as a present to Pepys, when suddenly
intelligence arrived of the landing of the
Prince of Orange. The artist was confounded, and
laid down his brush. "Go on, Kneller," said the
king, betraying no outward emotion; "I wish not
to disappoint my friend Pepys."
KNELLER'S COMPLIMENT TO LOUIS XIV.
When Kneller painted the portrait of Louis XIV.,
the monarch asked him what mark of his esteem
would be most agreeable to him; whereupon he
modestly answered that he should feel honored if
his Majesty would bestow a quarter of an hour
upon him, that he might execute a drawing of his
face for himself. The request was granted. Kneller
painted Dryden in his own hair, in plain drapery,
holding a laurel, and made him a present of
the work; to which the poet responded in an epistle
