Yet even letters are, as it
were, the bank of words, and restore themselves to an author as the
pawns of language: but talking and eloquence are not the same: to
speak, and to speak well, are two things. A fool may talk, but a
wise man speaks; and out of the observation, knowledge, and the use
of things, many writers perplex their readers and hearers with mere
nonsense. Their writings need sunshine. Pure and neat language I
love, yet plain and customary. A barbarous phrase has often made me
out of love with a good sense, and doubtful writing hath wracked me
beyond my patience. The reason why a poet is said that he ought to
have all knowledges is, that he should not be ignorant of the most,
especially of those he will handle. And indeed, when the attaining
of them is possible, it were a sluggish and base thing to despair;
for frequent imitation of anything becomes a habit quickly. If a
man should prosecute as much as could be said of everything, his
work would find no end.
De orationis dignitate. [Greek text].--Metaphora. Speech is the
only benefit man hath to express his excellency of mind above other
creatures.
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