It is thus that the mastery of character makes itself felt.

It acts by inspiration, quickening and vivifying the natures subject to its influence.
Great minds are rich in radiating force, not only exerting power, but communicating and even creating it.

Thus Dante raised and drew after him a host of great spirits--Petrarch, Boccacio, Tasso, and many more.

From him Milton learnt to bear the stings of evil tongues and the contumely of evil days; and long years after, Byron, thinking of Dante under the pine-trees of Ravenna, was incited to attune his harp to loftier strains than he had ever attempted before.

Dante inspired the greatest painters of Italy--Giotto, Orcagna, Michael Angelo, and Raphael.