These were a 'Life of Christ' and the 'Flowers of the Saints' in Spanish.

His mind, prepared by chivalrous romance, and strongly inclined to devotion, felt a special fascination in the tales of Dominic and Francis.

Their heroism suggested new paths which the aspirant after fame might tread with honor.

Military glory and the love of women had to be renounced; for so ambitious a man could not content himself with the successes of a cripple in these spheres of action.

But the legends of saints and martyrs pointed out careers no less noble, no less useful, and even more enticing to the fancy.