It is told of Leonardo da Vinci, that while still a pupil, before his genius burst into brilliancy, he received a special inspiration in this way: His old and famous master, because of his growing infirmities of age, felt obliged to give up his own work, and one day bade Da Vinci finish for him a picture which he had begun.

The young man had such a reverence for his master's skill that he shrank from the task.

The old artist, however, would not accept any excuse, but persisted in his command, saying simply, "Do your best." Da Vinci at last tremblingly seized the brush and kneeling before the easel prayed: "It is for the sake of my beloved master that I implore skill and power for this undertaking." As he proceeded, his hand grew steady, his eye awoke with slumbering genius.

He forgot himself and was filled with enthusiasm for his work.

When the painting was finished, the old master was carried into the studio to pass judgment on the result.