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CHAPTER T. Loyola's Colleagues, And The Birth Of The SOCIETY. Loyola had, as we have said, given evidence of the strength of his will in carrying forward, through a period of six years, the plan he had formed for his personal improvement; and the necessities he had submitted to during these years of study, severe as they were, had probably tried his constancy not nearly so much as did the repugnance of his own mind to occupations that were purely intellectual. A conquest of the animal nature is what many have been equal to; but to contravene the mental bias, and to control the tastes, is a victory which very few ever achieve. In this instance it appeared that the man who was born to govern others, established his title to do so by first showing that he could absolutely govern himself, and that he could do so on ground the most difficult. This faculty of governing others, and this fascination, which gave him the ascendency over minds much superior in intelligence and in accomplishments to his own, undoubtedly belonged to him in an eminent degree. It is certain that he knew how to draw around himself persons of rank and education, as well as the vulgar. There was a charm in his personal appearance and demeanor; there wasan animation and a fire, subdued by humility and suavity; and, more than all, there was an undevi- ating intensity of movement, directed toward a high- raised object, which drew all sensitive minds into his wake. Perhaps the secret of that influence which is acquired here and there by a gifted mind over multitudes, results chiefly from the very power of a steady and rapid movement to impart movement to others. In the company of persons of rank (we are told) Loyola hadan insinuating manner, which won and which secured to him their favor and friendship....
