An apologie for poetrie. VVritten by the right noble, vertuous, and learned, Sir Phillip Sidney, Knight

An Apologie for POETRIE .

WHen the right vertuous Edward Wotton , & I , were at the Emperors Court together , wee gaue our selues to learne horsemanship of Iohn Pietro Pugliano : one that with great commendation had the place of an Esquire in his stable . And hee , according to the fertilnes of the Italian wit , did not onely afoord vs the demonstration of his practise , but sought to enrich our mindes with the contemplations therein , which hee thought most precious . But with none I remember mine eares were at any time more loden , then when ( either angred with slowe paiment , or mooued with our learner-like admiration , ) he exercised his speech in the prayse of his facultie . Hee sayd , Souldiours were the noblest estate of mankinde , and horsemen , the noblest of Souldiours . Hee sayde , they were the Maisters of warre , and ornaments of peace : speedy goers , and strong abiders , triumphers both in Camps & Courts . Nay , to so vnbeleeued a poynt hee proceeded , as that no earthly thing bred such wonder to a Prince , as to be a good horseman . Skill of gouernment , was but a Pedanteria in comparison : then would hee adde certaine prayses , by telling what a peerlesse beast a horse was . The onely seruiceable Courtier without flattery , the beast of most beutie , faithfulnes , courage , and such more , that if I had not beene a peece of a Logician before I came to him , I think he would haue perswaded mee to haue wished my selfe a horse . But thus much at least with his no fewe words hee draue into me , that selfe-loue is better then any guilding to make that seeme gorgious , wherein our selues are parties . Wherin , if Pugliano his strong affection and weake arguments will not satisfie you , I wil giue you a neerer example of my selfe , who ( I knowe not by what mischance ) in these my not old yeres & idelest times , hauing slipt into the title of a Poet , am prouoked to say somthing vnto you in the defence of that my vnelected vocation , which if I handle with more good will then good reasons , beare with me , sith the scholler is to be pardoned that foloweth the steppes of his Maister . And yet I must say , that as I haue iust cause to make a pittiful defence of poore Poetry , which from almost the highest estimation of learning , is fallen to be the laughingstocke of children . So haue I need to bring some more auaileable proofes : sith the former is by no man barred of his deserued credite , the silly latter hath had euen the names of Philosophers vsed to the defacing of it , with great danger of ciuill war among the Muses . And first , truly to al them that professing learning inueigh against Poetry , may iustly be obiected , that they goe very neer to vngratfulnes , to seek to deface that , which in the noblest nations & languages that are knowne , hath been the first light-giuer to ignorance , and first Nurse , whose milk by little & little enabled them to feed afterwards of tougher knowledges : & will they now play the Hedghog , that being receiued into the den , draue out his host ? or rather the Vipers , that with theyr birth kill their Parents ? Let learned Greece in any of her manifold Sciences , be able to shew me one booke , before Musaeus , Homer , & Hesiodus , all three nothing els but Poets . Nay , let any historie be brought , that can say any Writers were there before them , if they were not men of the same skil , as Orpheus , Linus , and some other are named : who hauing beene the first of that Country , that made pens deliuerers of their knowledge to their posterity , may iustly chalenge to bee called their Fathers in learning : for not only in time they had this priority ( although in it self antiquity be venerable , ) but went before them , as causes to drawe with their charming sweetnes , the wild vntamed wits to an admiration of knowledge . So as Amphion was sayde to moue stones with his Poetrie , to build Thebes . And Orpheus to be listened to by beastes , indeed , stony and beastly people . So among the Romans were Liuius , Andronicus , and Ennius . So in the Italian language , the first that made it aspire to be a Treasure-house of Science , were the Poets Dante , Boccace , and Petrarch . So in our English were Gower and Chawcer .

After whom , encouraged and delighted with theyr excellent fore-going , others haue followed , to beautifie our mother tongue , as wel in the same kinde as in other Arts. This did so notably shewe it selfe , that the Phylosophers of Greece , durst not a long time appeare to the worlde but vnder the masks of Poets . So Thales , Empedocles , and Parmenides , sange their naturall Phylosophie in verses : so did Pythagoras and Phocilides their morral counsells : so did Tirteus in war matters , & Solon in matters of policie : or rather , they beeing Poets , dyd exercise their delightful vaine in those points of highest knowledge , which before them lay hid to the world . For that wise Solon was directly a Poet , it is manifest , hauing written in verse , the notable fable of the Atlantick Iland , which was continued by Plato .

And truely , euen Plato , whosoeuer well considereth , shall find , that in the body of his work , though the inside & strength were Philosophy , the skinne as it were & beautie , depended most of Poetrie : for all standeth vpon Dialogues , wherein he faineth many honest Burgesses of Athens to speake of such matters , that if they had been sette on the racke , they would neuer haue confessed them . Besides , his poetical describing the circumstances of their meetings , as the well ordering of a banquet , the delicacie of a walke , with enterlacing meere tales , as Giges Ring , and others , which who knoweth not to be flowers of Poetrie , did neuer walke into Apollos Garden .

And euen Historiographers , ( although theyr lippes sounde of things doone , & veritie be written in theyr fore-heads , ) haue been glad to borrow both fashion , and perchance weight of Poets . So Herodotus entituled his Historie , by the name of the nine Muses : and both he and all the rest that followed him , either stole or vsurped of Poetrie , their passionate describing of passions , the many particularities of battailes , which no man could affirme : or if that be denied me , long Orations put in the mouthes of great Kings and Captaines , which it is certaine they neuer pronounced . So that truely , neyther Phylosopher nor Historiographer , coulde at the first haue entred into the gates of populer iudgements , if they had not taken a great pasport of Poetry , which in all Nations at this day wher learning florisheth not , is plaine to be seene : in all which they haue some feeling of Poetry . In Turky , besides their lawe-giuing Diuines , they haue no other Writers but Poets . In our neighbour Countrey Ireland , where truelie learning goeth very bare , yet are theyr Poets held in a deuoute reuerence . Euen among the most barbarous and simple Indians where no writing is , yet haue they their Poets , who make and sing songs which they call Areytos , both of theyr Auncestors deedes , & praises of theyr Gods . A sufficient probabilitie , that if euer learning come among them , it must be by hauing theyr hard dull wits softned and sharpened with the sweete delights of Poetrie . For vntill they find a pleasure in the exercises of the minde , great promises of much knowledge , will little perswade them , that knowe not the fruites of knowledge . In Wales , the true remnant of the auncient Brittons , as there are good authorities to shewe the long time they had Poets , which they called Bardes : so thorough all the conquests of Romaines , Saxons , Danes , and Normans , some of whom did seeke to ruine all memory of learning from among them , yet doo their Poets euen to this day , last ; so as it is not more notable in soone beginning then in long continuing . But since the Authors of most of our Sciences were the Romans , and before them the Greekes , let vs a little stand vppon their authorities , but euen so farre as to see , what names they haue giuen vnto this now scorned skill .

Among the Romans a Poet was called Vates , which is as much as a Diuiner , Fore-seer , or Prophet , as by his conioyned wordes Vaticinium & Vaticinari , is manifest : so heauenly a title did that excellent people bestow vpon this hart-rauishing knowledge . And so farre were they carried into the admiration thereof , that they thought in the chaunceable hitting vppon any such verses , great fore-tokens of their following fortunes were placed . Whereupon grew the worde of Sortes Virgilianae , when by suddaine opening Virgils booke , they lighted vpon any verse of hys making , whereof the histories of the Emperors liues are full : as of Albinus the Gouernour of our Iland , who in his childe-hoode mette with this verse , Arma amens capio nec sat rationis in armis . And in his age performed it , which although it were a very vaine , and godles superstition , as also it was to think that spirits were commaunded by such verses , whereupon this word charmes , deriued of Carmina commeth , so yet serueth it to shew the great reuerence those wits were helde in . And altogether not without ground , since both the Oracles of Delphos and Sibillas prophecies , were wholy deliuered in verses . For that same exquisite obseruing of number and measure in words , and that high flying liberty of conceit proper to the Poet , did seeme to haue some dyuine force in it .

And may not I presume a little further , to shew the reasonablenes of this worde Vates ? And say that the holy Dauids Psalmes are a diuine Poem ? If I doo , I shall not do it without the testimonie of great learned men , both auncient & moderne : but euen the name Psalmes will speake for mee , which being interpreted , is nothing but songes . Then that it is fully written in meeter , as all learned Hebricians agree , although the rules be not yet fully found . Lastly & principally , his handeling his prophecy , which is meerely poetical . For what els is the awaking his musicall instruments ? The often and free changing of persons ? His notable Prosopopeias , when he maketh you as it were , see God comming in his Maiestie . His telling of the Beasts ioyfulnes , and hills leaping , but a heauenlie poesie : wherein almost hee sheweth himselfe a passionate louer , of that vnspeakable and euerlasting beautie to be seene by the eyes of the minde , onely cleered by fayth . But truely nowe hauing named him , I feare mee I seeme to prophane that holy name , applying it to Poetrie , which is among vs throwne downe to so ridiculous an estimation : but they that with quiet iudgements will looke a little deeper into it , shall finde the end and working of it such , as beeing rightly applyed , deserueth not to bee scourged out of the Church of God .

But now , let vs see how the Greekes named it , and howe they deemed of it . The Greekes called him a Poet , which name , hath as the most excellent , gone thorough other Languages . It commeth of this word Poiein , which is , to make : wherein I know not , whether by lucke or wisedome , wee Englishmen haue mette with the Greekes , in calling him a maker : which name , how high and incomparable a title it is , I had rather were knowne by marking the scope of other Sciences , then by my partiall allegation .

There is no Arte deliuered to mankinde , that hath not the workes of Nature for his principall obiect , without which they could not consist , & on which they so depend , as they become Actors and Players as it were , of what Nature will haue set foorth . So doth the Astronomer looke vpon the starres , and by that hee seeth , setteth downe what order Nature hath taken therein . So doe the Geometrician , & Arithmetician , in their diuerse sorts of quantities . So doth the Musitian in times , tel you which by nature agree , which not . The naturall Philosopher theron hath his name , and the Morrall Philosopher standeth vpon the naturall vertues , vices , and passions of man ; and followe Nature ( saith hee ) therein , & thou shalt not erre . The Lawyer sayth what men haue determined . The Historian what men haue done . The Grammarian speaketh onely of the rules of speech , and the Rethorician , and Logitian , considering what in Nature will soonest proue and perswade , thereon giue artificial rules , which still are compassed within the circle of a question , according to the proposed matter . The Phisition waigheth the nature of a mans bodie , and the nature of things helpeful , or hurtefull vnto it . And the Metaphisick , though it be in the seconde and abstract notions , and therefore be counted supernaturall : yet doth hee indeede builde vpon the depth of Nature : onely the Poet , disdayning to be tied to any such subiection , lifted vp with the vigor of his owne inuention , dooth growe in effect , another nature , in making things either better then Nature bringeth forth , or quite a newe formes such as neuer were in Nature , as the Heroes , Demigods , Cyclops , Chimeras , Furies , & such like : so as hee goeth hand in hand with Nature , not inclosed within the narrow warrant of her guifts , but freely ranging onely within the Zodiack of his owne wit .

Nature neuer set forth the earth in so rich tapistry , as diuers Poets haue done , neither with plesant riuers , fruitful trees , sweet smelling flowers : nor whatsoeuer els may make the too much loued earth more louely . Her world is brasen , the Poets only deliuer a golden : but let those things alone and goe to man , for whom as the other things are , so it seemeth in him her vttermost cunning is imployed , and knowe whether shee haue brought foorth so true a louer as Theagines , so constant a friende as Pilades , so valiant a man as Orlando , so right a Prince as Xenophons Cyrus : so excellent a man euery way , as Virgils Aeneas : neither let this be iestingly conceiued , because the works of the one be essentiall : the other , in imitation or fiction : for any vnderstanding knoweth the skil of the Artificer , standeth in that Idea or fore-conceite of the work , & not in the work it selfe . And that the Poet hath that Idea , is manifest , by deliuering them forth in such excellencie as hee hath imagined them . Which deliuering forth also , is not wholie imaginatiue , as we are wont to say by them that build Castles in the ayre : but so farre substantially it worketh , not onely to make a Cyrus , which had been but a particuler excellencie , as Nature might haue done , but to bestow a Cyrus vpon the worlde , to make many Cyrus's , if they wil learne aright , why , and how that Maker made him .

Neyther let it be deemed too sawcie a comparison to ballance the highest poynt of mans wit with the efficacie of Nature : but rather giue right honor to the heauenly Maker of that maker : who hauing made man to his owne likenes , set him beyond & ouer all the workes of that second nature , which in nothing hee sheweth so much as in Poetrie : when with the force of a diuine breath , he bringeth things forth far surpassing her dooings , with no small argument to the incredulous of that first accursed fall of Adam : sith our erected wit , maketh vs know what perfection is , and yet our infected will , keepeth vs from reaching vnto it . But these arguments wil by fewe be vnderstood , and by fewer granted . Thus much ( I hope ) will be giuen me , that the Greekes with some probabilitie of reason , gaue him the name aboue all names of learning . Now let vs goe to a more ordinary opening of him , that the trueth may be more palpable : and so I hope , though we get not so vnmatched a praise as the Etimologie of his names will grant , yet his very description , which no man will denie , shall not iustly be barred from a principall commendation .

Poesie therefore is an arte of imitation , for so Aristotle termeth it in this word Mimesis , that is to say , a representing , counterfetting , or figuring foorth : to speake metaphorically , a speaking picture : with this end , to teach and delight ; of this haue beene three seuerall kindes . The chiefe both in antiquitie & excellencie , were they that did imitate the inconceiuable excellencies of GOD . Such were , Dauid in his Psalmes , Salomon in his song of Songs , in his Ecclesiastes , and Prouerbs : Moses and Debora in theyr Hymnes , and the writer of Iob ; which beside other , the learned Emanuell Tremelius , & Franciscus Ianius , doe entitle the poeticall part of the Scripture . Against these none will speake that hath the holie Ghost in due holy reuerence .

In this kinde , though in a full wrong diuinitie , were Orpheus , Amphion , Homer in his hymnes , and many other , both Greekes and Romaines : and this Poesie must be vsed , by whosoeuer will follow S. Iames his counsell , in singing Psalmes when they are merry : and I knowe is vsed with the fruite of comfort by some , when in sorrowfull pangs of their death-bringing sinnes , they find the consolation of the neuer-leauing goodnesse .

The second kinde , is of them that deale with matters Philosophicall ; eyther morrall , as Tirteus , Phocilides , and Cato , or naturall , as Lucretius , and Virgils Georgicks : or Astronomicall , as Manilius , & Pontanus : or historical , as Lucan : which who mislike , the faulte is in their iudgements quite out of taste , and not in the sweet foode of sweetly vttered knowledge . But because thys second sorte is wrapped within the folde of the proposed subiect , and takes not the course of his owne inuention , whether they properly be Poets or no , let Gramarians dispute : and goe to the thyrd , indeed right Poets , of whom chiefly this question ariseth ; betwixt whom , & these second is such a kinde of difference as betwixt the meaner sort of Painters , ( who counterfet onely such . faces as are sette before them ; ) and the more excellent : who hauing no law but wit , bestow that in cullours vpon you which is fittest for the eye to see : as the constant , though lamenting looke of Lucrecia , when she punished in her selfe an others fault .

Wherein he painteth not Lucrecia whom he neuer sawe , but painteth the outwarde beauty of such a vertue : for these third be they which most properly do imitate to teach and delight , and to imitate , borrow nothing of what is , hath been , or shall be : but range onely rayned with learned discretion , into the diuine consideration of what may be , and should be . These bee they , that as the first and most noble sorte , may iustly bee termed Vates , so these are waited on in the excellenst languages and best vnderstandings , with the fore described name of Poets : for these indeede doo meerely make to imitate : and imitate both to delight & teach : and delight to moue men to take that goodnes in hande , which without delight they would flye as from a stranger . And teach , to make them know that goodnes whereunto they are mooued , which being the noblest scope to which euer any learning was directed , yet want there not idle tongues to barke at them . These be subdiuided into sundry more speciall denominations . The most notable bee the Heroick , Lirick , Tragick , Comick , Satirick , Iambick , Elegiack , pastorall , and certaine others . Some of these being deemed ( according to the matter they deale with , some by the sorts of verses they liked best to write in , for indeede the greatest part of Poets haue apparelled their poeticall inuentions in that 〈◊〉 kinde of writing which is called verse : indeed but apparelled , verse being but an ornament and no cause to Poetry : sith there haue beene many most excellent Poets , that neuer versified , and nowe swarme many versifiers that neede neuer aunswere to the name of Poets . For Xenophon , who did imitate so excellently , as to giue vs effigiem iusti imperij , the portraiture of a iust Empire vnder the name of Cyrus , ( as Cicero sayth of him ) made therein an absolute heroicall Poem .

So did Heliodorus in his sugred inuention of that picture of loue in Theagines and Cariclea , and yet both these writ in Prose : which I speak to shew , that it is not riming and versing that maketh a Poet , no more then a long gowne maketh an Aduocate : who though he pleaded in armor fhould be an Aduocate and no Souldier . But it is that fayning notable images of vertues , vices , or what els , with that delightfull teaching which must be the right describing note to know a Poet by : although indeed the Senate of Poets hath chosen verse as their fittest rayment , meaning , as in matter they passed all in all , so in maner to goe beyond them : not speaking ( table talke fashion , or like men in a dreame , ) words as they chanceably fall from the mouth , but peyzing each sillable of each worde by iust proportion according to the dignitie of the subiect .

Nowe therefore it shall not bee amisse first to waigh this latter sort of Poetrie by his works , & then by his partes ; and if in neyther of these Anatomies hee be condemnable , I hope wee shall obtaine a more fauourable sentence . This purifiing of wit , this enritching of memory , enabling of iudgment , and enlarging of conceyt , which commonly we call learning , vnder what name soeuer it comforth , or to what immediat end soeuer it be directed , the final end is , to lead & draw vs to as high a perfection , as our degenerate soules made worse by theyr clayey lodgings , can be capable of . This according to the inclination of the man , bred many formed impressions , for some that thought this fellcity principally to be gotten by knowledge , and no knowledge to be so high and heauenly , as acquaintance with the starres , gaue themselues to Astronomie ; others , perswading themselues to be Demi-gods if they knewe the causes of things , became naturall and supernaturall Philosophers , some an admirable delight drew to Musicke : and some , the certainty of demonstration , to the Mathematickes . But all , one , and other , hauing this scope to knowe , and by knowledge to lift vp the mind from the dungeon of the body , to the enioying his owne diuine essence . But when by the ballance of experience it was found , that the Astronomer looking to the starres might fall into a ditch , that the enquiring Philosopher might be blinde in himselfe , and the Mathematician might draw foorth a straight line with a crooked hart : then loe , did proofe the ouer ruler of opinions , make manifest , that all these are but seruing Sciences , which as they haue each a priuate end in themselues , so yet are they all directed to the highest end of the mistres Knowledge , by the Greekes called Arkitecktonike , which stands , ( as I thinke ) in the knowledge of a mans selfe , in the Ethicke and politick consideration , with the end of well dooing and not of well knowing onely ; euen as the Sadlers next end is to make a good saddle : but his farther end , to serue a nobler facultie , which is horsemanship , so the horsemans to souldiery , and the Souldier not onely to haue the skill , but to performe the practise of a Souldier : so that the ending end of all earthly learning , being vertuous action , those skilles that most serue to bring forth that , haue a most iust title to bee Princes ouer all the rest : wherein if wee can shewe the Poets noblenes , by setting him before his other Competitors , among whom as principall challengers step forth the morrall Philosophers , whom me thinketh , I see comming towards mee with a sullen grauity , as though they could not abide vice by day light , rudely clothed for to witnes outwardly their contempt of outward things , with bookes in their hands agaynst glory , whereto they sette theyr names , sophistically speaking against subtility , and angry with any man in whom they see the foule fault of anger ; these men casting larges as they goe , of Definitions , Diuisions , and Distinctions , with a scornefull interogatiue , doe soberly aske , whether it bee possible to finde any path , so ready to leade a man to vertue , as that which teacheth what vertue is ? and teacheth it not onely by deliuering forth his very being , his causes , and effects : but also , by making known his enemie vice , which must be destroyed , and his combersome seruant Passion , which must be maistered , by shewing the generalities that contayneth it , and the specialities that are deriued from it . Lastly , by playne setting downe , how it extendeth it selfe out of the limits of a mans own little world , to the gouernment of families , and maintayning of publique societies .

The Historian , scarcely giueth leysure to the Moralist , to say so much , but that he loden with old Mouse-eaten records , authorising himselfe ( for the most part ) vpon other histories , whose greatest authorities , are built vpon the notable foundation of Heare-say , hauing much a-doe to accord differing Writers , and to pick trueth out of partiality , better acquainted with a thousande yeeres a goe , then with the present age : and yet better knowing how this world goeth , than how his owne wit runneth ; curious for antiquities , and inquisitiue of nouelties , a wonder to young folkes , and a tyrant in table talke , denieth in a great chafe , that any man for teaching of vertue , and vertuous actions , is comparable to him . I am Lux vitae , Temporum magistra , Vita memoriae , Nuncia vetusiatis . &c.

The Phylosopher ( sayth hee ) teacheth a disputatiue vertue , but I doe an actiue : his vertue is excellent in the dangerlesse Academie of Plato , but mine sheweth foorth her honorable face , in the battailes of Marathon , Pharsalia , Poitiers , and Agincourt . Hee teacheth vertue by certaine abstract considerations , but I onely bid you follow the footing of them that haue gone before you . Olde-aged experience , goeth beyond the fine-witted Phylosopher , but I giue the experience of many ages . Lastly , if he make the Song-booke , I put the learners hand to the Lute : and if hee be the guide , I am the light .

Then woulde hee alledge you innumerable examples , conferring storie by storie , how much the wisest Senatours and Princes , haue beene directed by the credite of history , as Brutus , Alphonsus of Aragon , and who not , if neede bee ? At length , the long lyne of theyr disputation maketh a poynt in thys , that the one giueth the precept , and the other the example .

Nowe , whom shall wee finde ( sith the question standeth for the highest forme in the Schoole of learning , ) to bee Moderator ? Trulie , as mee seemeth , the Poet ; and if not a Moderator , euen the man that ought to carrie the title from them both , and much more from all other seruing Sciences . Therefore compare we the Poet with the Historian , and with the Morrall Phylosopher ; and , if hee goe beyond them both , no other humaine skill can match him . For as for the Diuine , with all reuerence it is euer to be excepted , not only for hauing his scope as far beyonde any of these , as eternitie exceedeth a moment , but euen for passing each of these in themselues .

And for the Lawyer , though Ius bee the Daughter of Iustice , and Iustice the chiefe of Vertues , yet because hee seeketh to make men good , rather Formidine paenae , then Virtutis amore , or to say righter , dooth not indeuour to make men good , but that their euill hurt not others : hauing no care so hee be a good Cittizen , how bad a man he be . Therefore , as our wickednesse maketh him necessarie , & necessitie maketh him honorable , so is hee not in the deepest trueth to stande in rancke with these ; who all indeuour to take naughtines away , and plant goodnesse euen in the secretest cabinet of our soules . And these foure are all , that any way deale in that consideration of mens manners , which beeing the supreme knowledge , they that best breed it , deserue the best commendation .

The Philosopher therfore and the Historian , are they which would win the gole : the one by precept , the other by example . But both not hauing both , doe both halte . For the Philosopher , setting downe with thorny argument the bare rule , is so hard of vtterance , and so mistie to bee conceiued , that one that hath no other guide but him , shall wade in him till hee be olde , before he shall finde sufficient cause to bee honest : for his knowledge standeth so vpon the abstract and generall , that happie is that man who may vnderstande him , and more happie , that can applye what hee dooth vnderstand .

On the other side , the Historian wanting the precept , is so tyed , not to what shoulde bee , but to what is , to the particuler truth of things , and not to the generall reason of things , that hys example draweth no necessary consequence , and therefore a lesse fruitelesse doctrine .

Nowe dooth the peerelesse Poet performe both : for whatsoeuer the Philosopher sayth shoulde be doone , hee giueth a perfect picture of it in some one , by whom hee presupposeth it was doone . So as hee coupleth the generall notion with the particuler example . A perfect picture I say , for hee yeeldeth to the powers of the minde , an image of that whereof the Philosopher bestoweth but a woordish description : which dooth neyther strike , pierce , nor possesse the sight of the soule , so much as that other dooth .

For as in outward things , to a man that had neuer seene an Elephant or a Rinoceros , who should tell him most exquisitely all theyr shapes , cullour bignesse , and perticular markes : or of a gorgeous Pallace , the Architecture , with declaring the full beauties , might well make the hearer able to repeate as it were by rote , all hee had heard , yet should neuer satisfie his inward conceits , with being witnes to it selfe of a true liuely knowledge : but the same man , as soone as hee might see those beasts well painted , or the house wel in moddel , should straightwaies grow without need of any discription , to a iudiciall comprehending of them , so no doubt the Philosopher with his learned definition , bee it of vertue , vices ; matters of publick policie , or priuat gouernment , replenisheth the memory with many infallible grounds of wisdom : which notwithstanding , lye darke before the imaginatiue and iudging powre , if they bee not illuminated or figured foorth by the speaking picture of Poesie .

Tuslie taketh much paynes and many times not without poeticall helpes , to make vs knowe the force loue of our Countrey hath in vs . Let vs but heare old Anahises speaking in the middest of Troyes flames , or see Vlisses in the fulnes of all Calipso's delights , bewayle his absence from batraine and beggerly Ithaca . Anger the Stoicks say , was a short maddesse , let but Sophocles bring you Aiax on a stage , killing and whipping Sheepe & Oxen , thinking them the Army of Greeks , with theyr Chieftaines Agamemnon and Menelaus , and tell me if you haue not a more familiar insight into anger , then finding in the Schoolemen his Genius and difference . See whether wisdome and temperance in Vlisses and Diomedes , valure Achilles , friendship in Nisus , and Eurialus , euen to an ignoraunt man , carry not an apparent shyning : and contrarily , the remorse of conscience in Oedipus , the soone repenting pride in Agamemnon , the selfe-deuouring crueltie in his Father Atreus , the violence of ambition in the two Theban brothers , the sowre-sweetnes of reuenge in Medaea , and to fall lower , the Terentian Gnato , and our Chaucers Pandar , so exprest , that we nowe vse their names to signifie their trades . And finally , all vertues , vices , and passions , so in their own naturall seates layd to the viewe , that wee seeme not to heare of them , but cleerely to see through them . But euen in the most excellent determination of goodnes , what Philosophers counsell can so redily direct a Prince , as the fayned Cyrus in Xenophon ? or a vertuous man in all fortunes , as Aeneas in Virgill ? or a whole Common-wealth , as the way of Sir Thomas Moores Eutopia ? I say the way , because where Sir Thomas Moore erred , it was the fault of the man and not of the Poet , for that way of patterning a Common-wealth was most absolute , though hee perchaunce hath not so absolutely perfourmed it : for the question is , whether the fayned image of Poesie , or the regular instruction of Philosophy , hath the more force in teaching : wherein if the Philosophers haue more rightly shewed themselues Philosophers , then the Poets haue obtained to the high top of their profession , as in truth , — Mediocribus esse poetis , Non Dij , non homines , non concessere Columnae :

It is I say againe , not the fault of the Art , but that by fewe men that Arte can bee accomplished .

Certainly , euen our Sauiour Christ could as well haue giuen , the morrall common places of vncharitablenes and humblenes , as the diuine narration of Diues and Lazarus : or of disobedience and mercy , as that heauenly discourse of the lost Child and the gratious Father ; but that hys through-searching wisdom , knewe the estate of Diues burning in hell , and of Lazarus being in Abrahams bosome , would more constantly ( as it were , ) inhabit both the memory and iudgment . Truly , for my selfe , mee seemes I see before my eyes the lost Childes disdainefull prodigality , turned to enuie a Swines dinner : which by the learned Diuines , are thought not historicall acts , but instructing Parables . For conclusion , I say the Philosopher teacheth , but he teacheth obscurely , so as the learned onely can vnderstande him : that is to say , he teacheth them that are already taught , but the Poet is the foode for the tenderest stomacks , the Poet is indeed the right Popular Philosopher , whereof Esops tales giue good proofe : whose pretty Allegories , stealing vnder the formall tales of Beastes , make many , more beastly then Beasts , begin to heare the sound of vertue from these dumbe speakers .

But now may it be alledged , that if this imagining of matters be so fitte for the imagination , then must the Historian needs surpasse , who bringeth you images of true matters , such as indeede were doone , and not such as fantastically or falsely may be suggested to haue been doone . Truely Aristotle himselfe in his discourse of Poesie , plainely determineth this question , saying , that Poetry is Philosophoteron , and Spoudaioteron , that is to say , it is more Philosophicall , and more studiously serious , than history . His reason is , because Poesie dealeth with Katholou , that is to say , with the vniuersall consideration ; and the history with Kathekaston , the perticuler ; nowe sayth he , the vniuersall wayes what is fit to bee sayd or done , eyther in likelihood or necessity , ( which the Poesie considereth in his imposed names , ) & the perticuler , onely marke , whether Alcibiades did , or suffered , this or that . Thus farre Aristotle : which reason of his , ( as all his ) is most full of reason . For indeed , if the question were whether it were better to haue a perticular acte truly or falsly set down : there is no doubt which is to be chosen , no more than whether you had rather haue Vespasians picture right as hee was , or at the Painters pleasure nothing resembling . But if the question be for your owne vse & learning , whether it be better to haue it set downe as it should be , or as it was : then certainely is more doctrinable the fained Cirus in Xenophon then the true Cyrus in Iustine : and the fayned Aeneas in Virgil , then the right Aeneas in Dares Phrigius .

As to a Lady that desired to fashion her countenance to the best grace , a Painter should more benefite her to portraite a most sweet face , wryting Canidia vpon it , then to paynt Canidia as she was , who Horace sweareth , was foule and ill fauoured .

If the Poet doe his part a-right , he will shew you in Tantalus , Atreus , and such like , nothing that is not to be shunned . In Cyrus , Aeneas , Vlisses , each thing to be followed ; where the Historian , bound to tell things as things were , cannot be liberall ( without hee will be poeticall ) of a perfect patterne : but as in Alexander or Scipio himselfe , shew dooings , some to be liked , some to be misliked . And then how will you discerne what to followe but by your owne discretion , which you had without reading Quintus Curtius ? And whereas a man may say , though in vniuersall consideration of doctrine the Poet preuaileth ; yet that the historie , in his saying such a thing was doone , doth warrant a man more in that hee shall follow .

The aunswere is manifest , that if hee stande vpon that was ; as if hee should argue , because it rayned yesterday , therefore it shoulde rayne to day , then indeede it hath some aduantage to a grose conceite : but if hee know an example onlie , informes a coniectured likelihood , & so goe by reason , the Poet dooth so farre exceede him , as hee is to frame his example to that which is most reasonable : be it in warlike , politick , or priuate matters ; where the Historian in his bare Was , hath many times that which wee call fortune , to ouer-rule the best wisedome . Manie times , he must tell euents , whereof he can yeelde no cause : or if hee doe , it must be poeticall ; for that a fayned example , hath asmuch force to teach , as a true example : ( for as for to mooue , it is cleere , sith the fayned may bee tuned to the highest key of passion , ) let vs take one example , wherein a Poet and a Historian doe concur .

Herodotus and Iustine do both testifie , that Zopirus , King Darius faithfull seruaunt , seeing his Maister long resisted by the rebellious Babilonians , fayned himselfe in extreame disgrace of his King : for verifying of which , he caused his own nose and eares to be cut off : and so flying to the Babylonians , was receiued : and for his knowne valour , so far credited , that hee did finde meanes to deliuer them ouer to Darius . Much like matter doth Liuie record of Tarquinius and his sonne . Xenophon excellently faineth such another stratageme , performed by Abradates in Cyrus behalfe . Now would I fayne know , if occasion bee presented vnto you , to serue your Prince by such an honest dissimulation , why you doe not as well learne it of Xenophons fiction , as of the others verity : and truely so much the better , as you shall saue your nose by the bargaine : for Abradates did not counterfet so far . So then the best of the Historian , is subiect to the Poet ; for whatsoeuer action , or faction , whatsoeuer counsell , pollicy , or warre stratagem , the Historian is bound to recite , that may the Poet ( if he list ) with his imitation make his own ; beautifying it both for further teaching , and more delighting , as it pleaseth him : hauing all , from Dante his heauen , to hys hell , vnder the authoritie of his penne . Which if I be asked what Poets haue done so , as I might well name some , yet say I , and say againe , I speak of the Arte , and not of the Artificer .

Nowe , to that which commonly is attributed to the prayse of histories , in respect of the notable learning is gotten by marking the successe , as though therein a man should see vertue exalted , and vice punished . Truely that commendation is peculiar to Poetrie , and farre of from History . For indeede Poetrie euer setteth vertue so out in her best cullours , making Fortune her wel-wayting hand-mayd , that one must needs be enamored of her . Well may you see Vlisses in a storme , and in other hard plights ; but they are but exercises of patience & magnanimitie , to make them shine the more in the neere-following prosperitie . And of the contrarie part , if euill men come to the stage , they euer goe out ( as the Tragedie Writer answered , to one that misliked the shew of such persons ) so manacled , as they little animate folkes to followe them . But the Historian , beeing captiued to the trueth of a foolish world , is many times a terror from well dooing , and an incouragement to vnbrideled wickednes .

For , see wee not valiant Milciades rot in his fetters ? The iust Phocion , and the accomplished Socrates , put to death like Traytors ? The cruell Seuerus liue prosperously ? The excellent Seuerus miserably murthered ? Sylla and Marius dying in theyr beddes ? Pompey and Cicero slaine then , when they would haue thought exile a happinesse ?

See wee not vertuous Cato driuen to kyll himselfe ? and rebell Caesar so aduaunced , that his name yet after 1600. yeeres , lasteth in the highest honor ? And marke but euen Caesars own words of the fore-named Sylla , ( who in that onely did honestly , to put downe his dishonest tyrannie , ) Literas nesciuit , as if want of learning caused him to doe well . Hee meant it not by Poetrie , which not content with earthly plagues , deuiseth new punishments in hel for Tyrants : nor yet by Philosophie , which teacheth Occidendos esse , but no doubt by skill in Historie : for that indeede can affoord you Cipselus , Periander , Phalaris , Dionisius , and I know not how many more of the same kennell , that speede well enough in theyr abhominable vniustice or vsurpation . I conclude therefore , that hee excelleth Historie , not onely in furnishing the minde with knowledge , but in setting it forward , to that which deserueth to be called and accounted good : which setting forward , and moouing to well dooing , indeed setteth the Lawrell crowne vpon the Poet as victorious , not onely of the Historian , but ouer the Phylosopher : howsoeuer in teaching it may bee questionable .

For suppose it be granted , ( that which I suppose with great reason may be denied , ) that the Philosopher in respect of his methodical proceeding , doth teach more perfectly then the Poet : yet do I thinke , that no man is so much Philophilosophos , as to compare the Philosopher in moouing , with the Poet.

And that moouing is of a higher degree then teaching , it may by this appeare : that it is wel nigh the cause and the effect of teaching . For who will be taught , if hee bee not mooued with desire to be taught ? and what so much good doth that teaching bring forth , ( I speak still of morrall doctrine ) as that it mooueth one to doe that which it dooth teach ? for as Aristotle sayth , it is not Gnosis , but Praxis must be the fruit . And howe Praxis cannot be , without being mooued to practise , it is no hard matter to consider .

The Philosopher sheweth you the way , hee informeth you of the particularities , as well of the tediousnes of the way , as of the pleasant lodging you shall haue when your iourney is ended , as of the many by-turnings that may diuert you from your way . But this is to no man but to him that will read him , and read him with attentiue studious painfulnes . Which constant desire , whosoeuer hath in him , hath already past halfe the hardnes of the way , and therefore is beholding to the Philosopher but for the other halfe . Nay truely , learned men haue learnedly thought , that where once reason hath so much ouer-mastred passion , as that the minde hath a a free desire to doe well , the inward light each minde hath in it selfe , is as good as a Philosophers booke ; seeing in nature we know it is wel , to doe well , and what is well , and what is euill , although not in the words of Arte , which Philosophers bestowe vpon vs . For out of naturall conceit , the Philosophers drew it , but to be moued to doe that which wee know , or to be mooued with desire to knowe , Hoc opus : Hic labor est .

Nowe therein of all Sciences , ( I speak still of humiane , & according to the humiane conceits ) is our Poet the Monarch . For he dooth not only show the way , but giueth so sweete a prospect into the way , as will intice any man to enter into it . Nay , he dooth as if your iourney should lye through a fayre Vineyard , at the first giue you a cluster of Grapes : that full of that taste , you may long to passe further . He beginneth not with obscure definitions , which must blur the margent with interpretations , and load the memory with doubtfulnesse : but hee commeth to you with words set in delightfull proportion , either accompanied with , or prepared for the well inchaunting skill of Musicke ; and with a tale forsooth he commeth vnto you : with a tale which holdeth children from play , and old men from the chimney corner . And pretending no more , doth intende the winning of the mind from wickednesse to vertue : euen as the childe is often brought to take most wholsom things , by hiding them in such other as haue a pleasant tast : which if one should beginne to tell them , the nature of Aloes , or Rubarb they shoulde receiue , woulde sooner take their Phisicke at their eares , then at their mouth . So is it in men , ( most of which are childish in the best things , till they bee cradled in their graues , ) glad they will be to heare the tales of Hercules , Achilles , Cyrus , and Aeneas : and hearing them , must needs heare the right description of wisdom , valure , and iustice ; which , if they had been barely , that is to say , Philosophically set out , they would sweare they bee brought to schoole againe .

That imitation wherof Poetry is , hath the most conueniency to Nature of all other , in somuch , that as Aristotle sayth , those things which in themselues are horrible , as cruell battailes , vnnaturall Monsters , are made in poeticall imitation delightfull . Truely , I haue knowen men , that euen with reading Amadis de Gaule , ( which God knoweth wanteth much of a perfect Poesie , ) haue found their harts mooued to the exercise of courtesie , liberalitie , and especially courage .

Who readeth Aeneas carrying olde Anchises on his back , that wisheth not it were his fortune to perfourme so excellent an acte ? Whom doe not the words of Turnus mooue ? ( the tale of Turnus , hauing planted his image in the imagination , ) — Fugientem haec terra videbit , Vsque adeone mori miserum est ? — Where the Philosophers , as they scorne to delight , so must they bee content little to mooue : sauing wrangling , whether Vertue bee the chiefe , or the onely good : whether the contemplatiue , or the actiue life doe excell : which Plato and Boetius well knew , and therefore made Mistres Philosophy , very often borrow the masking rayment of Poesie . For euen those harde harted euill men , who thinke vertue a schoole name , and knowe no other good , but indulgere genio , and therefore despise the austere admonitions of the Philosopher , and feele not the inward reason they stand vpon ; yet will be content to be delighted : which is al , the good felow Poet seemeth to promise : and so steale to see the forme of goodnes ( which seene they cannot but loue , ) ere themselues be aware , as if they tooke a medicine of Cherries . Infinite proofes of the strange effects of this poeticall inuention might be alledged , onely two shall serue , which are so often remembred , as I thinke all men knowe them .

The one of Menenius Agrippa , who when the whole people of Rome had resolutely deuided themselues from the Senate , with apparant shew of vtter ruine : though hee were ( for that time ) an excellent Oratour , came not among them , vpon trust of figuratiue speeches , or cunning insinuations : and much lesse , with farre fet Maximes of Phylosophie , which ( especially if they were Platonick , ) they must haue learned Geometrie before they could well haue conceiued but forsooth he behaues himselfe , like a homely , and familiar Poet. Hee telleth them a tale , that there was a time , when all the parts of the body made a mutinous conspiracie against the belly , which they thought deuoured the fruits of each others labour : they concluded they would let so vnprofitable a spender starue . In the end , to be short , ( for the tale is notorious , and as notorious that it was a tale , ) with punishing the belly , they plagued themselues . This applied by him , wrought such effect in the people , as I neuer read , that euer words brought forth but then , so suddaine & so good an alteration : for vpon reasonable conditions , a perfect reconcilement ensued . The other is of Nathan the Prophet , who when the holie Dauid had so far forsaken God , as to confirme adulterie with murther : when hee was to doe the tenderest office of a friende , in laying his owne shame before his eyes , sent by God to call againe so chosen a seruant : how doth he it ? but by telling of a man , whose beloued Lambe was vngratefullie taken from his bosome : the applycation most diuinely true , but the discourse it selfe , fayned : which made Dauid , ( I speake of the second and instrumentall cause , ) as in a glasse , to see his own filthines , as that heauenly Psalme of mercie wel testifieth .

By these therefore examples and reasons , I think it may be manifest , that the Poet with that same hand of delight , doth draw the mind more effectually , then any other Arte dooth , and so a conclusion not vnfitlie ensueth : that as vertue is the most excellent resting place for all worldlie learning to make his end of : so Poetrie , beeing the most familiar to teach it , and most princelie to moue towards it , in the most excellent work , is the most excellent workman . But I am content , not onely to descipher him by his workes , ( although works in commendation or disprayse , must euer holde an high authority , ) but more narrowly will examine his parts : so that ( as in a man ) though altogether may carry a presence ful of maiestie & beautie , perchance in some one defectious peece , we may find a blemish : now in his parts , kindes , or Species , ( as you list to terme them ) it is to be noted , that some Poesies haue coupled together two or three kindes , as Tragicall and Comicall , wher-vpon is risen , the Tragi-comicall . Some in the like manner haue mingled Prose and Verse , as Sanazzar and Boetius . Some haue mingled matters Heroicall & Pastorall . But that commeth all to one in this question , for if seuered they be good , the coniunction cannot be hurtfull . Therefore perchaunce forgetting some , & leauing some as needlesse to be remembred , it shall not be amisse in a worde to cite the speciall kindes , to see what faults may be found in the right vse of them .

Is it then the Pastorall Poem which is misliked ? ( for perchance , where the hedge is lowest , they will soonest leape ouer . ) Is the poore pype disdained , which sometime out of Melibeus mouth , can shewe the miserie of people , vnder hard Lords , or rauening Souldiours ? And again , by Titirus , what blessednes is deriued to them that lye lowest from the goodnesse of them that sit highest ? Sometimes , vnder the prettie tales of Wolues and Sheepe , can include the whole considerations of wrong dooing and patience . Sometimes shew , that contention for trifles , can get but a trifling victorie . Where perchaunce a man may see , that euen Alexander and Darius , when they straue who should be Cocke of thys worlds dunghill , the benefit they got , was , that the after-liuers may say , Haec memini & victum frustra contendere Thirsin : Ex illo Coridon , Coridon est tempore nobis .

Or is it the lamenting Elegiack , which in a kinde hart would mooue rather pitty than blame , who bewailes with the great Philosopher Heraclitus , the weakenes of man-kind , and the wretchednes of the world : who surely is to be praysed , either for compassionate accompanying iust causes of lamentation , or for rightly paynting out how weake be the passions of wofulnesse . Is it the bitter , but wholsome Iambick , which rubs the galled minde , in making shame the trumpet of villanie , with bolde & open crying out against naughtines ? Or the Satirick , who Omne vafer vitium , ridenti tangit amico . Who sportingly neuer leaueth , vntil hee make a man laugh at folly , and at length ashamed , to laugh at himselfe : which he cannot auoyd , without auoyding the follie . Who while Circum praecordia ludit , giueth vs to feele , howe many head-aches a passionate life bringeth vs to . How when all is done , Est vlubris animus si nos non deficit aequus . No , perchance it is the Comick , whom naughtie Play-makers and Stage-keepers , haue iustly made odious . To the argument of abuse , I will answer after . Onely thus much now is to be said , that the Comedy is an imitation of the common errors of our life , which he representeth , in the most ridiculous & scornefull sort that may be . So as it is impossible , that any beholder can be content to be such a one .

Now , as in Geometry , the oblique must bee knowne as wel as the right : and in Arithmetick , the odde aswell as the euen , so in the actions of our life , who seeth not the filthines of euil , wanteth a great foile to perceiue the beauty of vertue . This doth the Comedy handle so in our priuate & domestical matters , as with hearing it , we get as it were an experience , what is to be looked for of a nigardly Demea : of a crafty Dauus : of a flattering Gnato : of a vaine glorious Thraso : and not onely to know what effects are to be expected , but to know who be such , by the signifying badge giuen them by the Comedian . And little reason hath any man to say , that men learne euill by seeing it so set out 〈◊〉 as I sayd before , there is no man liuing , but by the force trueth hath in nature , no sooner seeth these men play their parts , but wisheth them in Pistrin̄ although perchance the sack of his owne faults , lye so behinde hys back , that he seeth not himselfe daunce the same measure : whereto , yet nothing can more open his eyes , then to finde his own actions contemptibly set forth . So that the right vse of Comedy will ( I thinke ) by no body be blamed , and much lesse of the high and excellent Tragedy , that openeth the greatest wounds , and sheweth forth the Vicers , that are couered with Tissue : that maketh Kinges feare to be Tyrants , and Tyrants manifest their tiranicall humors : that with sturring the affects of admiration and commiseration , teacheth , the vncertainety of this world ; and vpon howe weake foundations guilden roofes are builded . That maketh vs knowe , Qui sceptra saeuus , duro imperioregit , Timet timentes , metus in authorem redit . But how much it can mooue , Plutarch yeeldeth a notable testimonie , of the abhominable Tyrant , Alexander Pheraeus ; from whose eyes ; a Tragedy wel made , and represented , drewe aboundance of teares : who without all pitty , had murthered infinite nombers , and some of his owne blood . So as he , that was not ashamed to make matters for Tragedies , yet coulde not resist the sweet violence of a Tragedie .

And if it wrought no further good in him , it was , that he in despight of himselfe , with drewe himselfe from harkening to that , which might mollifie his hardened hart . But it is not the Tragedy they doemislike : For it were too absurd to cast out so excellent a representation of whatsoeuer is most worthy to be learned . Is it the Liricke that most displeaseth , who with his tuned Lyre , and wel accorded voyce , giueth praise , the reward of vertue , to vertuous acts ? who giues morrall precepts , and naturall Problemes , who sometimes rayseth vp his voice to the height of the heauens , in singing the laudes of the immortall God . Certainly I must confesse my own barbarousnes , I neuer heard the olde song of Percy and Duglas , that I found not my heart mooued more then with a Trumpet : and yet is it sung but by some blinde Crouder , with no rougher voyce , then rude stile : which being so euill apparrelled in the dust and cobwebbes of that vnciuill age , what would it worke trymmed in the gorgeous eloquence of Pindar ? In Hungary I haue seene it the manner at all Feasts , and other such meetings , to haue songes of their Auncestours valour ; which that right Souldier-like Nation thinck the chiefest kindlers of braue courage . The incomparable Lacedemonians , did not only carry that kinde of Musicke euer with them to the field , but euen at home , as such songs were made , so were they all content to bee the singers of them , when the lusty men were to tell what they dyd , the olde men , what they had done , & the young men what they wold doe . And where a man may say , that Pindar many times prayseth highly victories of small moment , matters rather of sport then vertue : as it may be aunswered , it was the fault of the Poet , and not of the Poetry ; so indeede , the chiefe fault was in the tyme and custome of the Greekes , who set those toyes at so high a price , that Phillip of Macedon reckoned a horse-race wonne at Olimpus , among hys three fearefull felicities . But as the vnimitable Pindar often did , so is that kinde most capable and most fit , to awake the thoughts from the sleep of idlenes , to imbrace honorable enterprises .

There rests the Heroicall , whose very name ( I thinke ) should daunt all back-biters ; for by what conceit can a tongue be directed to speake euill of that , which draweth with it , no lesse Champions then Achilles , Cyrus , Aeneas , Turnus , Tideus , and Rinaldo ? who doth not onely teach and moue to a truth , but teacheth and mooueth to the most high and excellent truth . Who maketh magnanimity and iustice shine , throughout all misty fearefulnes and foggy desires . Who , if the saying of Plato and Tullie bee true , that who could see Vertue , would be wonderfully rauished with the loue of her beauty : this man sets her out to make her more louely in her holyday apparell , to the eye of any that will daine , not to disdaine , vntill they vnderstand . But if any thing be already sayd in the defence of sweete Poetry , all concurreth to the maintaining the Heroicall , which is not onely a kinde , but the best , and most accomplished kinde of Poetry . For as the image of each action styrreth and instructeth the mind , so the loftie image of such Worthies , most inflameth the mind with desire to be worthy , and informes with counsel how to be worthy . Only let Aeneas be worne in the tablet of your memory , how he gouerneth himselfe in the ruine of his Country , in the preseruing his old Father , & carrying away his religious ceremonies : in obeying the Gods commandement to leaue Dido , though not onely all passionate kindenes , but euen the humane consideration of vertuous gratefulnes , would haue craued other of him . How in storms , howe in sports , howe in warre , howe in peace , how a fugitiue , how victorious , how besiedged , how besiedging , howe to strangers , howe to allyes , how to enemies , howe to his owne : lastly , how in his inward selfe , and how in his outward gouernment . And I thinke , in a minde not preiudiced with a preiudicating humor , hee will be found in excellencie fruitefull : yea , euen as Horace sayth , Melius Chrisippo et Crantore .

But truely I imagine , it falleth out with these Poet-whyppers , as with some good women , who often are sicke , but in fayth they cannot tel where . So the name of Poetrie is odious to them , but neither his cause , nor effects , neither the sum that containes him , nor the particularities descending from him , giue any fast handle to their carping disprayse .

Sith then Poetrie is of all humane learning the most auncient , & of most fatherly antiquitie , as from whence other learnings haue taken theyr beginnings : sith it is so vniuersall , that no learned Nation dooth despise it , nor no barbarous Nation is without it : sith both Roman & Greek gaue diuine names vnto it : the one of prophecying , the other of making . And that indeede , that name of making is fit for him ; considering , that where as other Arts retaine themselues within their subiect , and receiue as it were , their beeing from it : the Poet onely , bringeth his owne stuffe , and dooth not learne a conceite out of a matter , but maketh matter for a conceite : Sith neither his description , nor his ende , contayneth any euill , the thing described cannot be euil : Sith his effects be so good as to teach goodnes and to delight the learners : Sith therin , ( namely in morrall doctrine , the chiefe of all knowledges , ) hee dooth not onely farre passe the Historian , but for instructing , is well nigh comparable to the Philosopher : & for mouing , leaues him behind him : Sith the holy scripture ( wherein there is no vncleannes ) hath whole parts in it poeticall . And that euen our Sauiour Christ , vouchsafed to vse the flowers of it : Sith all his kindes are not onlie in their vnited formes , but in their seuered dissections fully commendable , I think , ( & think I thinke rightly , ) the Lawrell crowne appointed for tryumphing Captaines , doth worthilie ( of al other learnings ) honor the Poets tryumph . But because wee haue eares aswell as tongues , and that the lightest reasons that may be , will seeme to weigh greatly , if nothing be put in the counter-ballance : let vs heare , and aswell as wee can ponder , what obiections may bee made against this Arte , which may be worthy , eyther of yeelding , or answering .

First truely I note , not onely in these Mysomousoi Poet-haters , but in all that kinde of people , who seek a prayse by dispraysing others , that they doe prodigally spend a great many wandering wordes , in quips , and scoffes ; carping and taunting at each thing , which by styrring the Spleene , may stay the braine from a through beholding the worthines of the subiect .

Those kinde of obiections , as they are full of very idle easines , sith there is nothing of so sacred a maiestie , but that an itching tongue may rubbe it selfe vpon it : so deserue they no other answer , but in steed of laughing at the iest , to laugh at the iester . Wee know a playing wit , can prayse the discretion of an Asse ; the comfortablenes of being in debt , and the iolly commoditie of beeing sick of the plague . So of the contrary side , if we will turne Ouids verse , Vt lateat virtus , proximitate mali , that good lye hid in neerenesse of the euill : Agrippa will be as merry in shewing the vanitie of Science , as Erasmus was in commending of follie . Neyther shall any man or matter escape some touch of these smyling raylers . But for Erasmus and Agrippa , they had another foundation then the superficiall part would promise . Mary , these other pleasant Fault-finders , who wil correct the Verbe , before they vnderstand the Noune , and confute others knowledge before they confirme theyr owne : I would haue them onely remember , that scoffing commeth not of wisedom . So as the best title in true English they gette with their merriments , is to be called good fooles : for so haue our graue Fore-fathers euer termed that humorous kinde of iesters : but that which gyueth greatest scope to their scorning humors , is ryming and versing . It is already sayde , ( and as I think , trulie sayde , ) it is not ryming and versing , that maketh Poesie . One may bee a Poet without versing , and a versifyer without Poetry . But yet , presuppose it were inseparable ( as indeede it seemeth Scaliger iudgeth , ) truelie it were an inseparable commendation . For if Oratio , next to Ratio , Speech next to Reason , bee the greatest gyft bestowed vpon mortalitie : that can not be praiselesse , which dooth most pollish that blessing of speech , which considers each word , not only ( as a man may say ) by his forcible qualitie , but by his best measured quantitie , carrying euen in themselues , a Harmonie : ( without ( perchaunce ) Number , Measure , Order , Proportion , be in our time growne odious . ) But lay a side the iust prayse it hath , by beeing the onely fit speech for Musick , ( Musick I say , the most diuine striker of the sences : ) thus much is vndoubtedly true , that if reading bee foolish , without remembring , memorie being the onely treasurer of knowlede , those words which are fittest for memory , are likewise most conuenient for knowledge .

Now , that Verse farre exceed Prose in the knitting vp of the memory , the reason is manifest . The words , ( besides theyr delight which hath a great affinitie to memory , ) beeing so set , as one word cannot be lost , but the whole worke failes : which accuseth it selfe , calleth the remembrance backe to it selfe , and so most most strongly confirmeth it ; besides , one word so as it were begetting another , as be it in ryme or measured verse , by the former a man shall haue a neere gesse to the follower : lastly , euen they that haue taught the Art of memory , haue shewed nothing so apt for it , as a certaine roome deuided into many places well and throughly knowne . Now , that hath the verse in effect perfectly : euery word hauing his naturall seate , which seate , must needes make the word remembred . But what needeth more in a thing so knowne to all men ? who is it that euer was a scholler , that doth not carry away some verses of Virgill , Horace , or Cato , which in his youth he leanned , and euen to his old age serue him for howrely lessons but the fitnes it hath for memory , is notably proued by all deliuery of Arts : wherin for the most part , from Grammer , to Logick , Mathematick , physick , and the it must be in iest that any man can speake , against it . many other more fruitfull knowledges a man might better spend his ryme in them , then in this . Secondly , that it is the mother of lyes . Thirdly , that it is the Nurse of abuse ; infecting vs infecting many pestilent desire : with a Syrens sweetnes , thawing the mind to the Serpents tayle of sinfull fancy . And heerein especially , Comedies giue the largest field to erre , as Chaucer sayth : howe both in other Nations and in ours , before Poets did soften vs , we were full of courage given to martiall excersices the knowledge . To the second therefore , that they should be the principall lyars ; I aunswere paradoxically , but truely , I thinke truely ; that of all Writers vnder the sunne , the Poet is the least lier : and though he would , as a Poet can scarcely be a lyer , the Astronomer , with his cosen the Geometrician , can hardly escape , when they take vpon them to measure the height of the starres .

How often , thinke you , doe the Phisitians lye , when they auer things , good for sicknesses , which afterwards send Charon a great nomber of soules drownd in a potion before they come to his Ferry . And no lesse of the rest , which take vpon them to affirme . Now , for the Poet , he nothing affirmes , and therefore neuer lyeth . For , as I take it , to lye , is to affirme that to be true which is false . So as the other Artists , and especially the Historian , affirming many things , can in the cloudy knowledge of mankinde , hardly escape from many lyes . But the Poet as ( I sayd before ) neuer affirmeth . The Poet neuer maketh any circles about your imagination , to coniure you to beleeue for true what he writes . Hee citeth not authorities of other Histories , but euen for hys entry , calleth the sweete Muses to inspire into him a good inuention : in troth , not labouring to tell you what is , or is not , but what should or should not be : and therefore , though he recount things not true ; yet because hee telleth them not for true , he lyeth not , without we will say , that Nathan lyed in his speech , before alledged to Dauid . Which as a wicked man durst scarce say , so think I , none so simple would say , that Esope lyed in the tales of his beasts : for who thinks that Esope writ it for actually true , were well worthy to haue his name cronicled among the beastes hee writeth of .

What childe is there , that comming to a Play , and seeing Thebes written in great Letters vpon an olde doore , doth beleeue that it is Thebes ? If then , a man can ariue , at that childs age , to know that the Poets persons and dooings , are but pictures what should be , and not stories what haue beene , they will neuer giue the lye , to things not affirmatiuely , but allegorically , and figuratiuelie written . And therefore , as in Historie , looking for trueth , they goe away full fraught with falshood : so in Poesie , looking for fiction , they shal vse the narration , but as an imaginatiue ground-plot of a profitable inuention .

But heereto is replyed , that the Poets gyue names to men they write of , which argueth a conceite of an actuall truth , and so , not beeing true , prooues a falshood . And doth the Lawyer lye then , when vnder the names of Iohn a stile , and Iohn a noakes , hee puts his case ? But that is easily answered . Theyr naming of men , is but to make theyr picture the more liuely , and not to builde any historie : paynting men , they cannot leaue men namelesse . We see we cannot play at Chesse , but that wee must giue names to our Chesse-men ; and yet mee thinks , hee were a very partiall Champion of truth , that would say we lyed , for giuing a peece of wood , the reuerend title of a Bishop . The Poet nameth Cyrus or Aeneas , no other way , then to shewe , what men of theyr fames , fortunes , and estates , should doe .

Their third is , howe much it abuseth mens wit , trayning it to wanton sinfulnes , and lustfull loue : for indeed that is the principall , if not the onely abuse I can heare alledged . They say , the Comedies rather teach , then reprehend , amorous conceits . They say , the Lirick , is larded with passionate Sonnets . The Elegiack , weepes the want of his Mistresse . And that euen to the Heroical , Cupid hath ambitiously climed . Alas Loue , I would , thou couldest as well defende thy selfe , as thou canst offende others . I would those , on whom thou doost attend , could eyther put thee away , or yeelde good reason , why they keepe thee . But grant loue of beautie , to be a beastlie fault , ( although it be very hard , sith onely man , and no beast , hath that gyft , to discerne beauty . ) Grant , that louely name of Loue , to deserue all hatefull reproches : ( although euen some of my Maisters the Phylosophers , spent a good deale of theyr Lamp-oyle , in setting foorth the excellencie of it . ) Grant , I say , what soeuer they wil haue granted ; that not onely loue , but lust , but vanitie , but , ( if they list ) scurrilitie , possesseth many leaues of the Poets bookes : yet thinke I , when this is granted , they will finde , theyr sentence may with good manners , put the last words formost : and not say , that Poetrie abuseth mans wit , but that , mans wit abuseth Poetrie .

For I will not denie , but that mans wit may make Poesie , ( which should be Eikastike , which some learned haue defined , figuring foorth good things , ) to bee Phantastike : which doth contrariwise , infect the fancie with vnworthy obiects . As the Painter , that shoulde giue to the eye , eyther some excellent perspectiue , or some fine picture , fit for building or fortification : or contayning in it some notable example , as Abraham , sacrificing his Sonne Isaack , Iudith killing Holofernes , Dauid fighting with Goliah , may leaue those , and please an ill-pleased eye , with wanton shewes of better hidden matters . But what , shall the abuse of a thing , make the right vse odious ? Nay truely , though I yeeld , that Poesie may not onely be abused , but that beeing abused , by the reason of his sweete charming force , it can doe more hurt then any other Armie of words : yet shall it be so far from concluding , that the abuse , should giue reproch to the abused , that contrariwise it is a good reason , that whatsoeuer being abused , dooth most harme , beeing rightly vsed : ( and vpon the right vse each thing conceiueth his title , ) doth most good .

Doe wee not see the skill of Phisick , ( the best rampire to our often-assaulted bodies , ) beeing abused , teach poyson the most violent destroyer ? Dooth not knowledge of Law , whose end is , to euen and right all things being abused , grow the crooked fosterer of horrible iniuries ? Doth not ( to goe to the highest ) Gods word abused , breed heresie ? and his Name abused , become blasphemie ? Truely , a needle cannot doe much hurt , and as truely , ( with leaue of Ladies be it spoken ) it cannot doe much good . With a sword , thou maist kill thy Father , & with a sword thou maist defende thy Prince and Country . So that , as in their calling Poets the Fathers of lyes , they say nothing : so in this theyr argument of abuse , they prooue the commendation .

They alledge heere-with , that before Poets beganne to be in price , our Nation , hath set their harts delight vpon action , and not vpon imagination : rather doing things worthy to bee written , then writing things fitte to be done . What that before tyme was , I thinke scarcely Sphinx can tell : Sith no memory is so auncient , that hath the precedence of Poetrie . And certaine it is , that in our plainest homelines , yet neuer was the Albion Nation without Poetrie . Mary , thys argument , though it bee leaueld against Poetrie , yet is it indeed , a chaine-shot against all learning , or bookishnes , as they commonly tearme it . Of such minde were certaine Gothes , of whom it is written , that hauing in the spoile of a famous Citie , taken a fayre librarie ; one hangman ( bee like fitte to execute the fruites of their wits , ) who had murthered a great number of bodies , would haue set fire on it : no sayde another , very grauely , take heede what you doe , for whyle they are busie about these toyes , wee shall with more leysure conquer their Countries .

This indeede is the ordinary doctrine of ignorance , and many wordes sometymes I haue heard spent in it ; but because this reason is generally against all learning , aswell as Poetrie ; or rather , all learning but Poetry : because it were too large a digression , to handle , or at least , to superfluous : ( sith it is manifest , that all gouernment of action , is to be gotten by knowledg , and knowledge best , by gathering many knowledges , which is , reading , ) I onely with Horace , to him that is of that opinion , Iubeo stultum esse libenter : for as for Poetrie it selfe , it is the freest from thys obiection . For Poetrie is the companion of Campes .

I dare vndertake , Orlando Furioso , or honest King Arthur , will neuer displease a Souldier : but the quiddity of Ens , and Prima materia , will hardely agree with a Corslet : and therefore , as I said in the beginning , euen Turks and Tartares are delighted with Poets . Homer a Greek , florished , before Greece florished . And if to a slight coniecture , a conieture may be opposed : truly it may seeme , that as by him , their learned men , tooke almost their first light of knowledge , so their actiue men , receiued their first motions of courage . Onlie Alexanders example may serue , who by Plutarch is accounted of such vertue , that Fortune was not his guide , but his foote-stoole : whose acts speake for him , though Plutarch did not : indeede , the Phaenix of warlike Princes . This Alexander , left his Schoolemaister , liuing Aristotle , behinde him , but tooke deade Homer with him : he put the Philosopher Calisthenes to death , for his seeming philosophicall , indeed mutmous stubburnnes . But the chiefe thing he euer was heard to wish for , was , that Homer had been aliue . He well found , he receiued more brauerie of minde , by the patterne of Achilles , then by hearing the defination of Fortitude : and therefore , if Cato misliked Fuluius , for carying Ennius with him to the fielde , it may be aunswered , that if Cato misliked it , the noble Fuluius liked it , or els he had not doone it : for it was not the excellent Cato Vticensis , ( whose authority I would much more have 〈◊〉 , ) but it was the former : in 〈…〉 of faults , but else , a man that had 〈◊〉 sacrificed to the Graces . Hee misliked and dryed out vpon all Greeke learning , and yet being 80 yeeres olde , began to learne it . Be like , soaring that Pluto understood not Latine . indeede , the Romance lawes allowed , no person to be carried to the warres , but hee that was in the Souldiers role : and therefore , though Cato misliked his vnmustered person , hee misliked not his worke . And if hee had , Scipio Nasica iudged by common consent , the best Romaine , loued him . Both the other Scipio Brothers , who had by their vertues no lesse surnames , then of Asia , and Affrick , so loued him , that they caused his body to be buried in their Sepulcher . So as Cato , his authoritie being but against his person , and that aunswered , with so farre greater then himselfe , is heerein of no validitie . But now indeede my burthen is great ; now Plato his name is layde vpon mee , whom I must confesse , of all Philosophers , I haue euer esteemed most worthy of reuerence , and with great reason : Sith of all Philosophers , he is the most poeticall . Yet if he will defile the Fountaine , out of which his flowing streames haue proceeded , let vs boldly examine with what reasons hee did it . First truly , a man might maliciously obiect , that Plato being a Philosopher , was a naturall enemie of Poets : for indeede , after the Philosophers , had picked out of the sweete misteries of Poetrie , the right discerning true points of knowledge , they forthwith putting it in method , & making a Schoolearte of that which the Poets did onely teach , by a diuine delightfulnes , beginning to spurne at their guides , like vngratefull Prentises , were not content to set vp shops for themselues , but sought by all meanes to discredit their Maisters . Which by the force of delight beeing barred them , the lesse they could ouerthrow them , the more they hated them . For indeede , they found for Homer , seauen Citties stroue , who should haue him for their Citizen : where many Citties banished Philosophers , as not fitte members to liue among them . For onely repeating certaine of Euripides verses , many Athenians had their lyues saued of the Siracusians : when the Athenians themselues , thought many Philosophers , vnwoorthie to liue .

Certaine Poets , as Simonides , and Pindarus , had so preuailed with Hiero the first , that of a Tirant they made him a iust King , where Plato could do so little with Dionisius , that he himselfe , of a Philosopher , was made a slaue . But who should doe thus , I confesse , should requite the obiections made against Poets , with like cauillation against Philosophers , as likewise one should doe , that should bid one read Phaedrus , or Symposium in Plato , or the discourse of loue in Plutarch , and see whether any Poet doe authorize abhominable filthines , as they doe . Againe , a man might aske out of what Common-wealth Plato did banish them ? insooth , thence where he himselfe alloweth communitie of women : So as belike , this banishment grewe not for effeminate wantonnes , sith little should poeticall Sonnets be hurtfull , when a man might haue what woman he listed . But I honor philosophicall instructions , and blesse the wits which bred them : so as they be not abused , which is likewise stretched to Poetrie .

S. Paule himselfe , ( who yet for the credite of Poets ) alledgeth twise two Poets , & one of them by the name of a Prophet , setteth a watch-word vpon Philosophy , indeede vpon the abuse . So dooth Plato , vpon the abuse , not vpon Poetrie . Plato found fault , that the Poets of his time , filled the worlde , with wrong opinions of the Gods , making light tales of that vnspotted essence ; and therefore , would not haue the youth depraued with such opinions . Heerin may much be said , let this suffice : the Poets did not induce such opinions , but dyd imitate those opinions already induced . For all the Greek stories can well testifie , that the very religion of that time , stoode vpon many , and many-fashioned Gods , not taught so by the Poets , but followed , according to their nature of imitation . Who list , may reade in Plutarch , the discourses of Isis , and Osiris , of the cause why Oracles ceased , of the diuine prouidence : and see , whether the Theologie of that nation , stood not vpon such dreames , which the Poets indeed supersticiously obserued : and truly , ( sith they had not the light of Christ , ) did much better in it then the Philosophers , who shaking off superstition , brought in Atheisme . Plato therefore , ( whose authoritie I had much rather iustly conster , then vniustly resist , ) meant not in general of Poets , in those words of which Iulius Scaliger saith , Qua authoritate , barbari quidam , atque hispidi , abuti velint , ad Poet as republica exigendos : but only meant , to driue out those wrong opinions of the Deitie , ( whereof now , without further law , Christianity hath taken away all the hurtful beliefe , ) perchance ( as he thought ) norished by the then esteemed Poets . And a man neede goe no further then to Plato himselfe , to know his meaning : who in his Dialogue called Ion , giueth high , and rightly diuine commendation to Poetrie . So as Plato , banishing the abuse , not the thing , not banishing it , but giuing due honor vnto it , shall be our Patron , and not our aduersarie . For indeed I had much rather , ( sith truly I may doe it ) shew theyr mistaking of Plato , ( vnder whose Lyons skin they would make an Asse-like braying against Poesie , ) them goe about to ouer-throw his authority , whom the wiser a man is , the more iust cause he shall find to haue in admiration : especially , sith he attributeth vnto Poesie , more then my selfe doe ; namely , to be a very inspiring of a diuine force , farre aboue mans wit ; as in the afore-named Dialogue is apparant .

Of the other side , who wold shew the honors , haue been by the best sort of iudgements granted them , a whole Sea of examples woulde present themselues . Alexanders , Caesars , Scipios , al fauorers of Poets . Lelius , called the Romane Socrates , him selfe a Poet : so as part of Heautontimorumenon in Terence , was supposed to be made by him . And euen the Greek Socrates , whom Apollo confirmed to be the onely wise man , is sayde to haue spent part of his old time , in putting Esops fables into verses . And therefore , full euill should it become his scholler Plato , to put such words in his Maisters mouth , against Poets . But what need more ? Aristotle writes the Arte of Poesie : and why if it should not be written ? Plutarch teacheth the vse to be gathered of them , and how if they should not be read ? And who reades Plutarchs eyther historie or philosophy , shall finde , hee trymmeth both theyr garments , with gards of Poesie . But I list not to defend Poesie , with the helpe of her vnderling , Historiography . Let it suffise , that it is a fit soyle for prayse to dwell vpon : and what dispraise may set vpon it , is eyther easily ouer-come , or transformed into iust commendation . So that , sith the excellencies of it , may be so easily , and so iustly confirmed , & the low-creeping obiections , so soone troden downe ; it not being an Art of lyes , but of true doctrine : not of effeminatenes , but of notable stirring of courage : not of abusing mans witte , but of strengthning mans wit : not banished , but honored by Plato : let vs rather plant more Laurels , for to engarland our Poets heads , ( which honor of beeing laureat , as besides them , onely tryumphant Captaines weare , is a sufficient authority , to shewe the price they ought to be had in , ) then suffer the ill-sauouring breath of such wrong-speakers , once to blowe vpon the cleere springs of Poesie .

But sith I haue runne so long a careere in this matter , me thinks , before I giue my penne a full stop , it shal be but a little more lost time , to inquire , why England , ( the Mother of excellent mindes , ) should bee growne so hard a step-mother to Poets , who certainly in wit ought to passe all other : sith all onely proceedeth from their wit , being indeede makers of themselues , not takers of others . How can I but exclaime , Musa mihi causas memora , quo numine laeso . Sweete Poesie , that hath aunciently had Kings , Emperors , Senators , great Captaines , such , as besides a thousand others , Dauid , Adrian , Sophocles , Germanicus , not onely to fauour Poets , but to be Poets . And of our neerer times , can present for her Patrons , a Robert , king of Sicil , the great king Francis of France , king Iames of Scotland . Such Cardinals as Bembus , and Bibiena . Such famous Preachers & Teachers , as Beza and Melancthon . So learned Philosophers , as Fracastorius and Scaliger . So great Orators , as Pontanus & Muretus . So piercing wits , as George Buchanan . So graue Counsellors , as besides many , but before all , that Hospitall of Fraunce : then whom , ( I thinke ) that Realme neuer brought forth a more accomplished iudgement : more firmely builded vpon vertue . I say these , with numbers of others , not onely to read others Poesies , but to poetise for others reading , that Poesie thus embraced in all other places , should onely finde in our time , a hard welcome in England , I thinke the very earth lamenteth it , and therefore decketh our Soyle with fewer Laurels then it was accustomed . For heertofore , Poets haue in England also florished . And which is to be noted , euen in those times , when the trumpet of Mars did sounde loudest . And now , that an ouer-faint quietnes should seeme to strew the house for Poets , they are almost in as good reputation , as the Mountibancks at Venice . Truly euen that , as of the one side , it giueth great praise to Poesie , which like Venus , ( but to better purpose , ) had rather be troubled in the net with Mars , then enioy the homelie quiet of Vulcan : so serues it for a peece of a reason , why they are lesse gratefull to idle England , which nowe can scarce endure the payne of a pen . Vpon this , necessarily followeth , that basemen , with seruile wits vndertake it : who think it inough , if they can be rewarded of the Printer . And so as Epaminondas is sayd , with the honor of his vertue , to haue made an office ; by his exercising it , which before was contemptible , to become highly respected : so these , no more but setting their names to it , by their owne disgracefulnes , disgrace the most gracefull Poesie . For now , as if all the Muses were gotte with childe , to bring foorth bastard Poets , without any commission , they doe poste ouer the banckes of Helicon , tyll they make the readers more weary then Post-horses : while in the meane tyme , they Queis meliore luto finxit praecordia Titan , are better content , to suppresse the out-flowing of their wit , then by publishing them , to bee accounted Knights of the same order . But I , that before euer I durst aspire vnto the dignitie , am admitted into the company of the Paper-blurrers , doe finde the very true cause of our wanting estimation , is want of desert : taking vpon vs to be Poets , in despight of Pallas . Nowe , wherein we want desert , were a thanke-worthy labour to expresse : but if I knew , I should haue mended my selfe . But I , as I neuer desired the title , so haue I neglected the meanes to come by it . Onely ouer-mastred by some thoughts , I yeelded an inckie tribute vnto them . Mary , they that delight in Poesie it selfe , should seeke to knowe what they doe , and how they doe ; and especially , looke themselues in an vnflattering Glasse of reason , if they bee inclinable vnto it . For Poesie , must not be drawne by the eares , it must bee gently led ; or rather , it must lead . Whieh was partly the cause , that made the auncient-learned affirme , it was a diuine gift , and no humaine skill : sith all other knowledges , lie ready for any that hath strength of witte : A Poet , no industrie can make , if his owne Genius bee not carried vnto it : and therefore is it an old Prouerbe , Orator fit ; Poeta nascitur . Yet confesse I alwayes , that as the firtilest grounde must bee manured , so must the highest flying wit , haue a Dedalus to guide him . That Dedalus , they say , both in this , and in other , hath three wings , to beare it selfe vp into the ayre of due commendation : that is , Arte , Imitation , and Exercise . But these , neyther artificiall rules , nor imitatiue patternes , we much cumber our selues withall . Exercise indeeede wee doe , but that , very fore-backwardly : for where we should exercise to know , wee exercise as hauing knowne : and so is our braine deliuered of much matter , which neuer was begotten by knowledge . For , there being two principal parts , matter to be expressed by wordes , and words to expresse the matter , in neyther , wee vse Arte , or Imitation , rightly . Our matter is Quodlibit indeed , though wrongly perfourming Ouids verse : ( Quicquid conabor discere versus erit : ) neuer marshalling it into an assured rancke , that almost the readers cannot tell where to finde themselues .

Chaucer , vndoubtedly did excellently in hys Troylus and Cresseid ; of whom , truly I know not , whether to meruaile more , either that he in that mistie time , could see so clearely , or that wee in this cleare age , walke so stumblingly after him . Yet had he great wants , fitte to be forgiuen , in so reuerent antiquity . I account the Mirrour of Magistrates , meetely furnished of beautiful parts : and in the Earle of Surries Liricks , many things tasting of a noble birth , and worthy of a noble minde . The Sheapheards Kalender , hath much Poetrie in his Eglogues : indeede worthy the reading if I be not deceiued . That same framing of his stile , to an old rustick language , I dare not alowe , sith neyther Theocritus in Greeke , Virgill in Latine , nor Sanazar in Italian , did affect it . Besides these , doe I not remember to haue seene but fewe , ( to speake boldely ) printed , that haue poeticall sinnewes in them : for proofe whereof , let but most of the verses bee put in Prose , and then aske the meaning ; and it will be found , that one verse did but beget another , without ordering at the first , what should be at the last : which becomes a confused masse of words , with a tingling sound of ryme , barely accompanied with reason .

Our Tragedies , and Comedies , ( not without cause cried out against , ) obseruing rules , neyther of honest ciuilitie , nor of skilfull Poetrie , excepting Gorboduck , ( againe , I say , of those that I haue seene , ) which notwithstanding , as it is full of stately speeches , and well sounding Phrases , clyming to the height of Seneca his stile , and as full of notable moralitie , which it doth most delightfully teach ; and so obtayne the very end of Poesie : yet in troth it is very defectious in the circumstaunces ; which greeueth mee , because it might not remaine as an exact model of all Tragedies . For it is faulty both in place , & time , the two necessary companions of all corporall actions . For where the stage should alwaies represent but one place , and the vttermost time presupposed in it , should be , both by Aristotles precept , and common reason , but one day : there is both many dayes , and many places , inartificially imagined . But if it be so in Gorboduck , how much more in al the rest ? where you shal haue Asia of the one side , and Affrick of the other , & so many other vnder-kingdoms , that the Player , when he commeth in , must euer begin with telling where he is : or els , the tale wil not be conceiued . Now ye shal haue three Ladies , walke to gather flowers , & then wee must beleeue the stage to be a Garden . By & by , we heare newes of shipwracke in the same place , and then wee are to blame , if we accept it not for a Rock .

Vpon the backe of that , comes out a hidious Monster , with fire and smoke , and then the miserable beholders , are bounde to take it for a Caue . While in the meane-time , two Armies flye in , represented with foure swords and bucklers , & then what harde heart wil not receiue it for a pitched fielde ? Now , of time they are much more liberall , for ordinary it is that two young Princes fall in loue . After many trauerces , she is got with childe , deliuered of a faire boy , he is lost , groweth a man , falls in loue , & is ready to get another child , and all this in two houres space : which how absurd it is in sence , euen sence may imagine , and Arte hath taught , and all auncient examples iustified : and at this day , the ordinary Players in Italie , wil not erre in . Yet wil some bring in an example of Eunuchus in Terence , that containeth matter of two dayes , yet far short of twenty yeeres . True it is , and so was it to be playd in two daies , and so fitted to the time it set forth . And though Plautus hath in one place done amisse , let vs hit with him , and not misse with him . But they wil say , how then shal we set forth a story , which containeth both many places , & many times ? And doe they not knowe , that a Tragedie is tied to the lawes of Poesie , and not of Historie ? not bound to follow the storie , but hauing liberty , either to faine a quite newe matter , or to frame the history , to the most tragicall conueniencie . Againe , many things may be told , which cannot be shewed , if they knowe the difference betwixt reporting and representing . As for example , I may speake , ( though I am heere ) of Peru , and in speech , digresse from that , to the discription of Calicut : but in action , I cannot represent it without Pacolets horse : and so was the manner the Auncients tooke , by some Nuncius , to recount thinges done in former time , or other place . Lastly , if they wil represent an history , they must not ( as Horace saith ) beginne Ab ouo : but they must come to the principall poynt of that one action , which they wil represeut . By example this wil be best expressed . I haue a story of young Polidorus , deliuered for safeties sake , with great riches , by his Father Priamus , to Polimnestor king of Thrace , in the Troyan war time : Hee after some yeeres , hearing the ouer-throwe of Priamus , for to make the treasure his owne , murthereth the child : the body of the child is taken vp by Hecuba , shee the same day , findeth a slight to bee reuenged most cruelly of the Tyrant : where nowe would one of our Tragedy writers begin , but with the deliuery of the childe ? Then should he sayle ouer into Thrace , & so spend I know not how many yeeres , and trauaile numbers of places . But where dooth Euripides ? Euen with the finding of the body , leauing the rest to be tolde by the spirit of Polidorus . This need no further to be inlarged , the dullest wit may conceiue it . But besides these grosse absurdities , how all theyr Playes be neither right Tragedies , nor right Comedies : mingling Kings & Clownes , not because the matter so carrieth it : but thrust in Clownes by head & shoulders , to play a part in maiesticall matters , with neither decencie , nor discretion . So as neither the admiration & commiseration , nor the right sportfulnes , is by their mungrell Tragy-comedie obtained . I know Apuleius did some-what so , but that is a thing recounted with space of time , not represented in one moment : & I knowe , the Auncients haue one or two examples of Tragy-comedies , as Plautus hath Amphitrio : But if we marke them well , we shall find , that they neuer , or very daintily , match Horne-pypes and Funeralls . So falleth it out , that hauing indeed no right Comedy , in that comicall part of our Tragedy , wee haue nothing but scurrility , vnwoorthy of any chast eares : or some extreame shew of doltishnes , indeed fit to lift vp a loude laughter , and nothing els : where the whole tract of a Comedy , shoulde be full of delight , as the Tragedy shoulde be still maintained , in a well raised admiration . But our Comedians , thinke there is no delight without laughter , which is very wrong , for though laughter may come with delight , yet commeth it not of delight : as though delight should be the cause of laughter , but well may one thing breed both together : nay , rather in themselues , they haue as it were , a kind of contrarietie : for delight we scarcely doe , but in things that haue a conueniencie to our selues , or to the generall nature : laughter , almost euer commeth , of things most disproportioned to our selues , and nature . Delight hath a ioy in it , either permanent , or present . Laughter , hath onely a scornful tickling .

For example , we are rauished with delight to see a faire woman , and yet are far from being moued to laughter . Wee laugh at deformed creatures , wherein certainely we cannot delight . Wee delight in good chaunces , we laugh at mischaunces ; we delight to heare the happines of our friends , or Country ; at which he were worthy to be laughed at , that would laugh ; wee shall contrarily laugh sometimes , to finde a matter quite mistaken , & goe downe the hill agaynst the byas , in the mouth of some such men , as for the respect of them , one shal be hartely sorry , yet he cannot chuse but laugh ; & so is rather pained , then delighted with laughter . Yet deny I not , but that they may goe well together , for as in Alexanders picture well set out , wee delight without laughter , & in twenty mad Anticks we laugh without delight : so in Hercules , painted with his great beard , and furious countenance , in a womans attire , spinning at Omphales commaundement , it breedeth both delight and laughter . For the representing of so strange a power in loue , procureth delight : and the scornefulnes of the action , stirreth laughter . But I speake to this purpose , that all the end of the comicall part , bee not vpon such scornefull matters , as stirreth laughter onely : but mixt with it , that delightful teaching which is the end of Poesie . And the great fault euen in that point of laughter , and forbidden plainely by Aristotle , is , that they styrre laughter in sinfull things ; which are rather execrable then ridiculous : or in miserable , which are rather to be pittied then scorned . For what is it to make folkes gape at a wretched Begger , or a beggerly Clowne ? or against lawe of hospitallity , to iest at straungers , because they speake not English so well as wee doe ? what doe we learne , sith it is certaine ( Nil habet infaelix paupertas durius in se , ) Quam quod ridiculos homines facit . — But rather a busy louing Courtier : a hartles threatning Thraso . A selfe-wise-seeming schoolemaster . A a wry-transformed Traueller . These , if wee sawe walke in stage names , which wee play naturally , therein were delightfull laughter , and teaching delightfulnes : as in the other , the Tragedies of Buchanan , doe iustly bring forth a diuine admiration . But I haue lauished out too many wordes of this play matter . I doe it because as they are excelling parts of Poesie , so is there none so much vsed in England , & none can be more pittifully abused . Which like an vnmannerly Daughter , shewing a bad education , causeth her mother Poesies honesty , to bee called in question . Other sorts of Poetry almost haue we none , but that Lyricall kind of Songs and Sonnets : which , Lord , if he gaue vs so good mindes , how well it might be imployed , and with howe heauenly fruite , both priuate and publique , in singing the prayses of the immortall beauty : the immortall goodnes of that God , who gyueth vs hands to write , and wits to conceiue , of which we might well want words , but neuer matter , of which , we could turne our eies to nothing , but we should euer haue new budding occasions . But truely many of such writings , as come vnder the banner of vnrelistable loue , if I were a Mistres , would neuer perswade mee they were in loue : so coldely they apply fiery speeches , as men that had rather red Louers writings ; and so caught vp certaine swelling phrases , which hang together , like a man which once tolde mee , the winde was at North , West , and by South , because he would be sure to name windes enowe : then that in truth they feele those passions , which easily ( as I think ) may be bewrayed , by that same forciblenes , or Energia , ( as the Greekes cal it ) of the writer . But let this bee a sufficient , though short note , that wee misse the right vse of the materiall point of Poesie .

Now , for the out-side of it , which is words , or ( as I may tearme it ) Diction , it is euen well worse . So is that honny-flowing Matron Eloquence , apparelled , or rather disguised , in a Curtizan-like painted affectation : one time with so farre fette words , that may seeme Monsters : but must seeme straungers to any poore English man . Another tyme , with coursing of a Letter , as if they were bound to followe the method of a Dictionary : an other tyme , with figures and flowers , extreamelie winter-starued . But I would this fault were only peculier to Versifiers , and had not as large possession among Prose-printers ; and , ( which is to be meruailed ) among many Schollers ; and , ( which is to be pittied ) among some Preachers . Truly I could wish , if at least I might be so bold , to wish in a thing beyond the reach of my capacity , the diligent imitators of Tullie , & Demosthines , ( most worthy to be imitated , ) did not so much keep , Nizolian Paper-bookes of their figures and phrases , as by attentiue translation ( as it were ) deuoure them whole , and make them wholy theirs : For nowe they cast Sugar and Spice , vpon euery dish that is serued to the table ; Like those Indians , not content to weare eare-rings at the fit & naturall place of the eares , but they will thrust Iewels through their nose , and lippes because they will be sure to be fine .

Tullie , when he was to driue out Cateline , as it were with a Thunder-bolt of eloquence , often vsed that figure of repition , Viuit , viuit ? imo in Senatum venit &c. Indeed , inflamed with a well-grounded rage , hee would haue his words ( as it were ) double out of his mouth : and so doe that artificially , which we see men doe in choller naturally . And wee , hauing noted the grace of those words , hale them in sometime to a familier Epistle , when it were to too much choller to be chollerick . Now for similitudes , in certaine printed discourses , I thinke all Herbarists , all stories of Beasts , Foules , and Fishes , are rifled vp , that they come in multitudes , to waite vpon any of our conceits ; which certainly is as absurd a surfet to the eares , as is possible : for the force of a similitude , not being to prooue any thing to a contrary Disputer , but onely to explane to a willing hearer , when that is done , the rest is a most tedious pratling : rather ouer-swaying the memory from the purpose wherto they were applyed , then any whit informing the iudgement , already eyther satisfied , or by similitudes not to be satis-fied . For my part , I doe not doubt , when Antonius and Crassus , the great forefathers of Cicero in eloquence , the one ( as Cicero testifieth of them , ) pretended not to know Arte , the other , not to set by it : because with a playne sensiblenes , they might win credit of popular eares : which credit , is the neerest step to perswasion : which perswasion , is the chiefe marke of Oratory ; I doe not doubt ( I say ) but that they vsed these tracks very sparingly , which who doth generally vse , any man may see doth daunce to his owne musick : and so be noted by the audience , more careful to speake curiously , then to speake truly .

Vndoubtedly , ( at least to my opinion vndoubtedly , ) I haue found in diuers smally learned Courtiers , a more sounde stile , then in some professors of learning : of which I can gesse no other cause , but that the Courtier following that which by practise hee findeth fittest to nature , therein , ( though he know it not , ) doth according to Art , though not by Art : where the other , vsing Art to shew Art , and not to hide Art , ( as in these cases he should doe ) flyeth from nature , and indeede abuseth Art .

But what ? me thinks I deserue to be pounded , for straying from Poetry to Oratorie : but both haue such an affinity in this wordish consideration , that I thinke this digression , will make my meaning receiue the fuller vnderstanding : which is not to take vpon me to teach Poets howe they should doe , but onely finding my selfe sick among the rest , to shewe some one or two spots of the common infection , growne among the most part of Writers : that acknowledging our selues somwhat awry , we may bend to the right vse both of matter and manner ; whereto our language gyueth vs great occasion , beeing indeed capable of any excellent exercising of it . I know , some will say it is a mingled language . And why not so much the better , taking the best of both the other ? Another will say it wanteth Grammer . Nay truly , it hath that prayse , that it wanteth not Grammer : for Grammer it might haue , but it needes it not ; beeing so easie of it selfe , & so voyd of those cumbersome differences of Cases , Genders , Moodes , and Tenses , which I thinke was a peece of the Tower of Babilons curse , that a man should be put to schoole to learne his mother-tongue . But for the vttering sweetly , and properly the conceits of the minde , which is the end of speech , that hath it equally with any other tongue in the world : and is particulerly happy , in compositions of two or three words together , neere the Greek , far beyond the Latine : which is one of the greatest beauties can be in a language .

Now , of versifying there are two sorts , the one Auncient , the other Moderne : the Auncient marked the quantitie of each silable , and according to that , framed his verse : the Moderne , obseruing onely number , ( with some regarde of the accent , ) the chiefe life of it , standeth in that lyke sounding of the words , which wee call Ryme . Whether of these be the most excellent , would beare many speeches . The Auncient , ( no doubt ) more fit for Musick , both words and tune obseruing quantity , and more fit liuely to expresse diuers passions , by the low and lofty sounde of the well-weyed silable . The latter likewise , with hys Ryme , striketh a certaine musick to the eare : and in fine , sith it dooth delight , though by another way , it obtaines the same purpose : there beeing in eyther sweetnes , and wanting in neither maiestie . Truely the English , before any other vulgar language I know , is fit for both sorts : for , for the Ancient , the Italian is so full of Vowels , that it must euer be cumbred with Elisions . The Dutch , so of the other side with Consonants , that they cannot yeeld the sweet slyding , fit for a Verse . The French , in his whole language , hath not one word , that hath his accent in the last silable , sauing two , called Antepenultima , and little more hath the Spanish : and therefore , very gracelesly may they vse Dactiles . The English is subiect to none of these defects .

Nowe , for the ryme , though wee doe not obserue quantity , yet wee obserue the accent very precisely : which other languages , eyther cannot doe , or will not doe so absolutely . That Caesura , or breathing place in the middest of the verse , neither Italian nor Spanish haue , the French , and we , neuer almost fayle of . Lastly , euen the very ryme it selfe , the Italian cannot put in the last silable , by the French named the Masculine ryme , but still in the next to the last , which the French call the Female ; or the next before that , which the Italians terme Sdrucciola . The example of the former , is Buono Suono , of the Sdrucciola , is Femina Semina . The French , of the other side , hath both the Male , as Bon , Son , and the Female , as Plaise Taise . But the Sdrucciola , hee hath not : where the English hath all three , as Due , True , Father , Rather , Motion , Potion ; with much more which might be sayd , but that I finde already , the triflingnes of this discourse , is much too much enlarged . So that sith the euer-praise-worthy Poesie , is full of vertue-breeding delightfulnes , and voyde of no gyfte , that ought to be in the noble name of learning : sith the blames laid against it , are either false , or feeble : ●●h the cause why it is not esteemed in Englande , is the fault of Poet-apes , not Poets : sith lastly , our tongue is most fit to honor Poesie , and to bee honored by Poesie , I coniure you all , that haue had the euill lucke to reade this inckewasting toy of mine , euen in the name of the nyne Muses , no more to scorne the sacred misteries of Poesie : no more to laugh at the name of Poets , as though they were-next inheritours to Fooles : no more to iest at the reuerent title of a Rymer : but to beleeue with Aristotle , that they were the auncient Treasurers , of the Graecians Diuinity . To beleeue with Bembus , that they were first bringers in of all ciuilitie . To beleeue with Scaliger , that no Philosophers precepts can sooner 〈◊〉 you an honest man , then the reading of Virgill . beleeue with Clauserus , the Translator of Cornutus that it pleased the heauenly Deitie , by Hesiod and Homer , vnder the vayle of fables , to giue vs all knowledge , Logick , Rethorick , Philosophy , naturall , and morrall : and Quid non ? To beleeue with me , that there are many misteries contained in Poetrie , which of purpose were written darkely , least by prophane wits , it should bee abused . To beleeue with Landin , that they are so beloued of the Gods , that whatsoeuer they write , proceeds of a diuine fury . Lastly , to beleeue themselues , when they tell you they will make you immortall , by their verses .

Thus doing , your name shal florish in the priters shoppes ; thus doing , you shall but 〈…〉 many a poeticall Preface ; thus doing , you 〈…〉 most fayre , most ritch , most wise , most a 〈…〉 shall dwell vpon Superlatiues . Thus do 〈…〉 though you be Libertino patre natus , you shall 〈◊〉 grow Herculea proles : Si quid mea carmina possunt . Thus doing , your soule shal be placed with Dantes Beatrix , or Virgils Anchises . But if , ( fie of such a but ) you be borne so neere the dull making Cataphract of Nilus , that you cannot heare the Plannet-like Musick of Poetrie , if you haue so earth-creeping a mind , that it cannot lift it selfe vp , to looke to the sky of Poetry : or rather , by a certaine rusticall 〈…〉 daine , will become such a Mome , as to be a 〈…〉 nus of Poetry : then , though I will not wish 〈…〉 you , the Asses cares of Midas , nor to bee dri●● by a Poets verses , ( as Bubonax was ) to hang himselfe , nor to be rimed to death , as it is sayd to be doone in Ireland : yet thus much curse I must send you , in the behalfe of all Poets , that while you liue , you liue in loue , and neuer get fauour , for lacking skill of a Sonnet : and when you die , your memory die from the earth , for want of an Epi●●●●h .

FINIS .