So Ariosto and Titian mutually inspired one another, and lighted up each other's glory.
Great and good men draw others after them, exciting the spontaneous admiration of mankind.

This admiration of noble character elevates the mind, and tends to redeem it from the bondage of self, one of the greatest stumbling blocks to moral improvement.

The recollection of men who have signalised themselves by great thoughts or great deeds, seems as if to create for the time a purer atmosphere around us: and we feel as if our aims and purposes were unconsciously elevated.
"Tell me whom you admire," said Sainte-Beuve, "and I will tell you what you are, at least as regards your talents, tastes, and character." Do you admire mean men ?--your own nature is mean.

Do you admire rich men ?--you are of the earth, earthy.

Do you admire men of title ?--you are a toad-eater, or a tuft-hunter.