forefathers of Cicero in eloquence; the one (as Cicero testifieth of
them) pretended not to know art, the other not to set by it, because
with a plain sensibleness they might win credit of popular ears,
which credit is the nearest step to persuasion (which persuasion is
the chief mark of oratory); I do not doubt, I say, but that they
used these knacks very sparingly; which who doth generally use, any
man may see, doth dance to his own music; and so to he noted by the
audience, more careful to speak curiously than truly. Undoubtedly
(at least to my opinion undoubtedly) I have found in divers small-
learned courtiers a more sound style than in some professors of
learning; of which I can guess no other cause, but that the courtier
following that which by practice he findeth fittest to nature,
therein (though he know it not) doth according to art, though not by
art: where the other, using art to show art, and not hide art (as
in these cases he should do), flieth from nature, and indeed abuseth
art.

But what! methinks I deserve to be pounded {94} for straying from
poetry to oratory: but both have such an affinity in the wordish
considerations, that I think this digression will make my meaning
receive the fuller understanding: which is not to take upon me to
teach poets how they should do, but only finding myself sick among
the rest, to allow sonic one or two spots of the common infection
grown among the most part of writers; that, acknowledging ourselves
somewhat awry, we may bend to the right use both of matter and
manner: whereto our language giveth us great occasion, being,
indeed, capable of any excellent exercising of it. {95} 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
grammar. Nay, truly, it hath that praise, that it wants not