the Writings of the Author of the _True born English Man_; (a Poem
that has Sold beyond the best Performance of any Ancient or Modern
Poet of the greatest Excellency, and perhaps beyond any Poetry ever
Printed in the _English_ Language) This Author is Characteriz'd as a
Person of little Learning, but of prodigious Natural Parts; and the
immortal _Shakespear_ had but a small share of Literature: It is
likewise worthy Observation, that some of our most entertaining
Comedies, Novels and Romances have been Written by the fair Sex, who
cannot be suppos'd to have Learning in any Degree equal to Gentlemen
of a University Education. And in _North Britain_ where Literature
shines amongst the Persons of middle Station, an Ounce of Natural
Parts, (speaking in a common way of Comparison) is Esteem'd of greater
Value, than a Pound of Learning.

A Person of Learning without Genius and Knowledge of the World, is
like an _Architect's_ Assistant, whose only Business is to Draw the
Draught or Model of a Pile of Building; he's at a loss in the
Materials necessary for compleating the Structure, tho' he can Judge
of its Beauty when Perfected; and may be compared to a Man that has
the theory in any Art or Science, but wants the Practice.

And a meer Scholar is the most unacceptable Companion upon Earth: He
is Rude in his Manners, Unpolish'd in his Literature, and generally
Ill-Natur'd to the last Degree; he's Company for a very few Persons,
and Pleasing to None; his Pride exalts him in Self-Opinion beyond all
Mankind: And some of the sucking Tribe of _Levi_, think the Gown and
Cassock alone, Merit a Respect due to the greatest Personages, and
that the broad Hat with the Rose should be Ador'd, tho' it covers a
thick and brainless Skull.