It
was wont to be faithful to me; but shaken with age now, and sloth,
which weakens the strongest abilities, it may perform somewhat, but
cannot promise much. By exercise it is to be made better and
serviceable. Whatsoever I pawned with it while I was young and a
boy, it offers me readily, and without stops; but what I trust to it
now, or have done of later years, it lays up more negligently, and
oftentimes loses; so that I receive mine own (though frequently
called for) as if it were new and borrowed. Nor do I always find
presently from it what I seek; but while I am doing another thing,
that I laboured for will come; and what I sought with trouble will
offer itself when I am quiet. Now, in some men I have found it as
happy as Nature, who, whatsoever they read or pen, they can say
without book presently, as if they did then write in their mind.
And it is more a wonder in such as have a swift style, for their
memories are commonly slowest; such as torture their writings, and
go into council for every word, must needs fix somewhat, and make it
their own at last, though but through their own vexation.
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