Similar illustrations of character imitating character, and
moulding itself by the style and manner and genius of great men,
are to be found pervading all history. Warriors, statesmen,
orators, patriots, poets, and artists--all have been, more or
less unconsciously, nurtured by the lives and actions of others
living before them or presented for their imitation.

Great men have evoked the admiration of kings, popes, and
emperors. Francis de Medicis never spoke to Michael Angelo
without uncovering, and Julius III. made him sit by his side while
a dozen cardinals were standing. Charles V. made way for Titian;
and one day, when the brush dropped from the painter's hand,
Charles stooped and picked it up, saying, "You deserve to be
served by an emperor." Leo X. threatened with excommunication
whoever should print and sell the poems of Ariosto without the
author's consent. The same pope attended the deathbed of Raphael,
as Francis I. did that of Leonardo da Vinci.

Though Haydn once archly observed that he was loved and esteemed
by everybody except professors of music, yet all the greatest
musicians were unusually ready to recognise each other's
greatness. Haydn himself seems to have been entirely free from
petty jealousy. His admiration of the famous Porpora was such,
that he resolved to gain admission to his house, and serve him as
a valet. Having made the acquaintance of the family with whom
Porpora lived, he was allowed to officiate in that capacity.
Early each morning he took care to brush the veteran's coat,
polish his shoes, and put his rusty wig in order. At first
Porpora growled at the intruder, but his asperity soon softened,