Hampton Court ... Illustrated with forty-three drawings by Herbert ...

88 HAMPTON COURT
picture of his "taking leave of the Dutch States," not
bought till 1845, is there his figure. It is a pity that
he is not here, either in the form of his pretty boyhood,
or the hardened, sinister countenance of middle
life. But he is not likely to be forgotten at Hampton
Court.
Charles left themarks of his influence on thegardens,
thetennis-court, and, lesshappily, on the house. Verrio,
whose " sprawling saints " Pope scorns in well-known
lines, was first employed by him to decorate the ceilings
in the manner which had become fashionable from
France. Horace Walpole tells a story of the artist's
extravagance, which has been often quoted, but will
bear telling again. It illustrates the reckless freedom
of the time, and the bonhomie which made the King
attractive inspite of his selfishness and his cold-hearted
license. " Once at Hampton Court, when Verrio had
but lately received an advance of he found the
King in such a circle that he could not approach him.
He called out, ' Sire,Idesire the favour of speaking
to your Majesty.'
' Well, Verrio,' said the King,
' what is your request ? ' ' Money, sire, money;Iam
so short of cash,thatIam not ableto pay my workmen;
and your Majesty andIhave learnt by experience that
pedlars and painters cannot give long credit.' The
King smiled, and said he had but lately ordered him
'Yes, sir,' replied he, 'but that was soon
'
paid away, andIhave no gold left.' At that rate,'
said the King, ' you would spend more thanIdo to
maintain my family.'
' True,' answered Verrio, ' but