It has learnt and done much, both in me and for me; a hundred times, face to face with my own finished works I have asked myself: 'Is it possible that you--Hadrian--your mother's son-can have achieved this?
What then is the mysterious power that aided you to do it ?' Now I also recognize it, and can see it work in others.

The man in whom it dwells soon excels his fellows, and it is most manifest in artists.

Or is it that mere common men become great artists simply because the Genius selects them as his temple to dwell in?
Do you follow me, boy ?" "Not altogether," replied Antinous, and his large eyes which had sparkled brightly so long as he gazed with the Emperor on the city, were now cast down and fixed wearily on the ground.

"Do not be angry with me, my Lord, but I shall never understand such things as these, for there is no man with whom your Genius, as you term it, has less concern than with me.

Thoughts of my own have I none, and it is difficult to me to follow the thoughts of others; indeed I should like to know how I am ever to do anything right.