I have not yet made up my mind whether to remain in my own country Flanders or to return forever to Rome......[I have received] an invitation on the most favorable terms......Here they also do not fail to make every effort to keep me by every sort of compliment. The Archduke and the Most Serene Infanta have had letters written urging me to remain in their service. The offers are very generous but I have little desire to become a courtier again.

In his letter to Dr. Johannes Faber, 10 April 1609; in De Zuidnederlandse immigratie, 1572-1630, J. Briels, Haarlem, 1978, p. 43-44. - Quotes of Rubens, 1605 - 1625