And not think he can leap
forth suddenly a poet by dreaming he hath been in Parnassus, or
having washed his lips, as they say, in Helicon. There goes more to
his making than so; for to nature, exercise, imitation, and study
art must be added to make all these perfect. And though these
challenge to themselves much in the making up of our maker, it is
Art only can lead him to perfection, and leave him there in
possession, as planted by her hand. It is the assertion of Tully,
if to an excellent nature there happen an accession or conformation
of learning and discipline, there will then remain somewhat noble
and singular. For, as Simylus saith in Stobaeus, [Greek text],
without art nature can never be perfect; and without nature art can
claim no being. But our poet must beware that his study be not only
to learn of himself; for he that shall affect to do that confesseth
his ever having a fool to his master. He must read many, but ever
the best and choicest; those that can teach him anything he must
ever account his masters, and reverence. Among whom Horace and (he
that taught him) Aristotle deserved to be the first in estimation.
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