It is a good thing to
inflame the mind; and though ambition itself be a vice, it is often
the cause of great virtue. Give me that wit whom praise excites,
glory puts on, or disgrace grieves; he is to be nourished with
ambition, pricked forward with honour, checked with reprehension,
and never to be suspected of sloth. Though he be given to play, it
is a sign of spirit and liveliness, so there be a mean had of their
sports and relaxations. And from the rod or ferule I would have
them free, as from the menace of them; for it is both deformed and
servile.
De stylo, et optimo scribendi genere.--For a man to write well,
there are required three necessaries--to read the best authors,
observe the best speakers, and much exercise of his own style; in
style to consider what ought to be written, and after what manner.
He must first think and excogitate his matter, then choose his
words, and examine the weight of either. Then take care, in placing
and ranking both matter and words, that the composition be comely;
and to do this with diligence and often. No matter how slow the
style be at first, so it be laboured and accurate; seek the best,
and be not glad of the froward conceits, or first words, that offer
themselves to us; but judge of what we invent, and order what we
approve.
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