Whenever he was applied to by paupers, he always inquired which were the richest parishes, and settled them there. He could never be induced to sign a warrant to distrain the goods of a poor man, who could not pay a tax, and he took pleasure in assisting the honest poor with his advice and purse. He disliked interruption, and if the case appeared trivial, or was the result of a row, he would not be disturbed. Seeing a constable coming to him one day, with two men, having bloody noses, and a mob at his heels, he called out to him, "Mr. Constable, do you see that turning? Go that way, and you will find an ale-house—the sign of the King's Head. Go and make it up." A handsome young woman came before him one day to swear a rape; struck with her beauty, he continued examining her as he sat painting, till he had taken her likeness. Perceiving from her manner that she was not free from guilt, he advised her not to prosecute her suit, but seek some other mode of redress. These instances show the goodness of his heart, and refute the many absurd and malicious stories that are told of him.
KNELLER AND CLOSTERMANS.
When Clostermans, an inferior artist, sent a challenge
to Kneller to paint a picture in competition
with him for a wager, he courteously declined the
contest, and sent him word that "he allowed him to
be his superior."
