De malign. studentium.--There be some men are born only to suck out
the poison of books: Habent venenum pro victu; imo, pro deliciis.
{66a} And such are they that only relish the obscene and foul
things in poets, which makes the profession taxed. But by whom?
Men that watch for it; and, had they not had this hint, are so
unjust valuers of letters as they think no learning good but what
brings in gain. It shows they themselves would never have been of
the professions they are but for the profits and fees. But if
another learning, well used, can instruct to good life, inform
manners, no less persuade and lead men than they threaten and
compel, and have no reward, is it therefore the worst study? I
could never think the study of wisdom confined only to the
philosopher, or of piety to the divine, or of state to the politic;
but that he which can feign a commonwealth (which is the poet) can
govern it with counsels, strengthen it with laws, correct it with
judgments, inform it with religion and morals, is all these. We do
not require in him mere elocution, or an excellent faculty in verse,
but the exact knowledge of all virtues and their contraries, with
ability to render the one loved, the other hated, by his proper
embattling them.
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