I was Eucharis for Telemachus, and Erminia for Tancred.

However, during this perfect transformation, I did not yet think that I myself was anything, for any one: the whole had no connexion with myself.

I sought for nothing around me; I was they; I saw only the objects which existed for them; it was a dream, without being awakened." The description which so calm and exquisite an investigator of taste and philosophy as our sweet and polished REYNOLDS has given of himself at one of these moments, is too rare not to be recorded in his own words.
Alluding to the famous "Transfiguration," our own RAFFAELLE says--"When I have stood looking at that picture from figure to figure, the eagerness, the spirit, the close unaffected attention of each figure to the principal action, my thoughts have carried me away, that I have forgot myself; and for that time might be looked upon as an enthusiastic madman; for I could really fancy the whole action was passing before my eyes." The effect which the study of Plutarch's Illustrious Men produced on the mighty mind of ALFIERI, during a whole winter, while he lived as it were among the heroes of antiquity, he has himself described.

Alfieri wept and raved with grief and indignation that he was born under a government which favoured no Roman heroes and sages.

As often as he was struck with the great deeds of these great men, in his extreme agitation he rose from his seat as one possessed.