--Petron. in. Fragm.--And Lipsius to affirm, Scio, poetam
neminem praestantem fuisse, sine parte quadam uberiore divinae
aurae. And hence it is that the coming up of good poets (for I mind
not mediocres or imos) is so thin and rare among us. Every beggarly
corporation affords the State a mayor or two bailiffs yearly; but
Solus rex, aut poeta, non quotannis nascitur. To this perfection of
nature in our poet we require exercise of those parts, and frequent.
2. Exercitatio.--Virgil.--Scaliger.--Valer. Maximus.--Euripides.--
Alcestis.--If his wit will not arrive suddenly at the dignity of the
ancients, let him not yet fall out with it, quarrel, or be over
hastily angry; offer to turn it away from study in a humour, but
come to it again upon better cogitation; try another time with
labour. If then it succeed not, cast not away the quills yet, nor
scratch the wainscot, beat not the poor desk, but bring all to the
forge and file again; torn it anew. There is no statute law of the
kingdom bids you be a poet against your will or the first quarter;
if it comes in a year or two, it is well. The common rhymers pour
forth verses, such as they are, ex tempore; but there never comes
from them one sense worth the life of a day.
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