"Its population is hardly more than half of what it was in the days of its greatest prosperity. In the days of Charles V. it is said that twenty-five hundred vessels were frequently seen at one time in the river. It had two hundred thousand inhabitants, and was then the richest and most thriving commercial city in Europe. You perceive that this long line of quays affords plenty of wharf room. Indeed the name of the city is said to be derived from a Flemish phrase, 'aen't werf,' which means on the wharf, or on the quay."
"Mr. Motley tells another story about its name. He says the people claim that the city is very old, and that a giant by the name of Antigonus, established himself on the river at this place, and set up a kind of custom-house. He required half the merchandise of those who went up the river. He used to cut off the right hands of those who attempted to smuggle, and throw them into the river. In this way Hand werpen, or hand throwing, came to be the name of the place," said the young commander.
"I suppose that story is as true now as it ever was. But where shall we go?" asked the doctor.
"I want to get a little nearer to that Cathedral," replied Paul.
"That is really the most noted thing in Antwerp, and we will walk up there; and I think we shall be able to see the pictures on the church, which are required to produce an income. The Cathedral used to be open till one o'clock, free to the public, but the curtains were carefully drawn over these great works of art; after this hour visitors were admitted upon the payment of one franc, and the pictures were exhibited. Doubtless the same regulation is in force now."
A walk of a few moments brought them to the Place Verte, a little park enclosed, with a colossal statue of Rubens in the centre.
"Everything in Antwerp is Rubens," said the doctor. "The people believe in him still, and almost worship his memory."
"Why should they? He was only a great painter—was he?" added Paul.
"He was more than that: he was quite distinguished as a statesman and a diplomatist. He was ambassador to England, Holland, and other countries. His celebrity as an artist, and his influence with the crowned heads of several nations, caused him to be regarded with deep interest by the people. He lived in a splendid mansion, for the immense income which he derived from his pencil enabled him to support an elegant establishment. He had a great number of pupils, and at one period in his career they painted no inconsiderable part of his pictures. He had orders from all the crowned heads of Europe, and in many of his works he could only make the designs and give the finishing touches to them. He was very industrious, and painted rapidly, as he must have done to produce so many pictures."
"He humbugged his customers then—didn't he?"