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Jonson, Ben, 1573-1637

"Discoveries Made Upon Men and Matter and Some Poems"

2.--There be some that are forward and bold; and these will do
every little thing easily. I mean that is hard by and next them,
which they will utter unretarded without any shamefastness. These
never perform much, but quickly. They are what they are on the
sudden; they show presently, like grain that, scattered on the top
of the ground, shoots up, but takes no root; has a yellow blade, but
the ear empty. They are wits of good promise at first, but there is
an ingenistitium; {49a} they stand still at sixteen, they get no
higher.
Not. 3.--You have others that labour only to ostentation; and are
ever more busy about the colours and surface of a work than in the
matter and foundation, for that is hid, the other is seen.
Not. 4.--Others that in composition are nothing but what is rough
and broken. Quae per salebras, altaque saxa cadunt. {49b} And if
it would come gently, they trouble it of purpose. They would not
have it run without rubs, as if that style were more strong and
manly that struck the ear with a kind of unevenness. These men err
not by chance, but knowingly and willingly; they are like men that
affect a fashion by themselves; have some singularity in a ruff
cloak, or hat-band; or their beards specially cut to provoke
beholders, and set a mark upon themselves.


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