Van Dyck | Page 6

her beauty which gives an almost wistful expression to the face. She is
like a delicate flower which a chill wind would blast.
The costume interests us as a study of bygone fashions, and is painted
with exquisite care for detail. The pointed bodice is as stiff as a coat of
mail, like that so long in vogue at the court of Spain. Perhaps the
Spanish occupation of the Netherlands may have brought the corset
with it. Certainly it is not conducive to an easy carriage; only a graceful
figure like this could wear it without awkwardness. The slashed sleeves
are made full, and tied at the elbows with bows. The wide collar and
cuffs are edged with beautiful Flemish lace points. The feather fan and
the strings of pearls about the throat and wrists might form a part of any
modern costume. It strikes us, however, as a very singular fashion for a
lady to wear a large seal ring on the thumb.
We notice how simply the hair is dressed, brushed loosely from the
face and knotted at the back, with a jewel gleaming at one side.
Compared with the elaborate coiffures worn by great ladies in some
historical periods, this style is delightfully artistic. Altogether the entire
manner of dressing is perfectly suited to the wearer.

II
THE REST IN EGYPT
We often read in history of the rejoicing throughout a kingdom over the
birth of a prince: messengers are sent from place to place to proclaim
the glad news, congratulations and gifts follow, every possible care is
taken for the nurture and protection of the precious young life.
The story of the childhood of Jesus reads somewhat like that of a prince,
in spite of his lowly surroundings. Though he was born in a manger, a
herald angel announced the glad tidings of his coming. Though the
people of Bethlehem took no note of the event, a multitude of the

heavenly host sang "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace,
good-will to men." Wise men from the East made a long journey to find
the young child. The lore of the stars had taught them that he was a
king, and they brought gifts worthy of royalty, gold, and frankincense,
and myrrh.
It was these visitors who were the innocent cause of the child's first
danger. In seeking him out they had gone to King Herod at Jerusalem,
asking, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" These inquiries
made the monarch very uneasy. He had no mind to lose his crown. To
prevent the appearance of any possible rival he determined upon
summary measures. "He sent forth and slew all the children that were
in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and
under." By this terrible massacre he thought to do away with the child
Jesus.
But the Prince of Peace was protected by stronger guards than ever
surrounded the cradle of an earthly prince. A warning message was sent
to save the child from the impending danger. "The angel of the Lord
appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child
and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee
word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
"When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt."[1] The journey was long and wearisome, but the
mother Mary was young, and strong in courage, and Joseph was a
sturdy defender. As for the babe, what mattered it to him whether he
slept in a manger, or under the trees by the wayside? He was safe in his
mother's arms.
[Footnote 1: St. Matthew, chapter ii., verses 13, 14.]
What adventures befell them by the way we do not know, but we like
to imagine the incidents of the journey. There is a tradition that angel
play-fellows came from time to time to amuse the child Jesus. When
Mary and Joseph were forced to pause a little while for food and rest,
the lonely places were filled with these glad presences.

[Illustration: THE REST IN EGYPT Pitti Gallery, Florence]
This is the legend illustrated in our picture. Under the spreading
branches of a great tree, Mary has found a comfortable seat on a grassy
bank, and Joseph rests behind her. The little child stands on his
mother's knee, clinging to her dress for support, while her arms hold
him firm. A band of infant angels play on the flower-strewn grass in the
open space in front. With joined hands they circle about as in the figure
of a dance or game. The music for their sport is furnished by a heavenly
choir, hovering in the upper air