in the fear of God--a work that was founded on a deep sense of
its duty and its value." (7)

Such a power, exercised by men of genius, evokes courage,
enthusiasm, and devotion. It is this intense admiration for
individuals--such as one cannot conceive entertained for a
multitude--which has in all times produced heroes and martyrs.
It is thus that the mastery of character makes itself felt. It
acts by inspiration, quickening and vivifying the natures subject
to its influence.

Great minds are rich in radiating force, not only exerting power,
but communicating and even creating it. Thus Dante raised and
drew after him a host of great spirits--Petrarch, Boccacio,
Tasso, and many more. From him Milton learnt to bear the stings
of evil tongues and the contumely of evil days; and long years
after, Byron, thinking of Dante under the pine-trees of Ravenna,
was incited to attune his harp to loftier strains than he had ever
attempted before. Dante inspired the greatest painters of Italy--
Giotto, Orcagna, Michael Angelo, and Raphael. So Ariosto and
Titian mutually inspired one another, and lighted up each
other's glory.

Great and good men draw others after them, exciting the
spontaneous admiration of mankind. This admiration of noble
character elevates the mind, and tends to redeem it from the
bondage of self, one of the greatest stumbling blocks to moral
improvement. The recollection of men who have signalised
themselves by great thoughts or great deeds, seems as if to create
for the time a purer atmosphere around us: and we feel as if our