Sir Antony Vandyck, the artist, once visited the studio of
Frans Hals, a fellow craftsman, disguised as a stranger, and
sat for his portrait. Professing surprize at the work, he
said: “Painting is doubtless an easier thing than I thought.
Let us change places and see what I can do.” When his work was
finished, so skilful was it that Hals rushed at his guest, and
clasped him round the neck in a fraternal hug. “The man who
can do that,” he cried, “must be either Vandyck or the devil.”
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