Politeuphuia VVits common wealth.

Of Poetry.

Defi. A Poet was called Vates, which is as much as a Diuiner, Fore-seer, or Prophet, and of this word Carmina, which was taken for Poesie, came this word Charmes, because it is as a deuine inchauntment to the sences, draw∣ing them by the sweetnes of delightfull num∣bers, to a wondrous admiration. The Greekes deriue a Poet from this word Poiein, which signifieth to make, and we following it, call a Poet a maker, which name, howe great it is, the simplest can iudge; and Poetry Aristo∣tle calleth an Art of imitation, or to speak me∣taphorically, a speaking picture.

WIttie Poems are fit for wise heads, and examples of honour, for such as try∣umph in vertue.

Mens Poems follow theyr passions, & they conclude as they are contented.

Thinke thy selfe to bee a good Orator and Poet, vvhen thou canst perswade thy selfe to doe that which thou oughtest.

Lewes the twelfth, of famous memory, said, that a King ought now and then to take plea∣sure in hearing & reading of Comedies, be∣cause

(sayd he) thereby he may perceiue and heare many things done in his realme, which other-wise he should not know.

Poetry quickneth the wit, sweetneth the discourse, and tickleth the eare.

Lasciuious poetry, is full of fained sighes, lewde allegories, immodest metaphors, and incredulous descriptions.

Poetry applyed to the prayses of GOD, knitteth the soule vnto him, soundeth the sences, moderateth griefes, and temperateth hatred. Gueuara.

Art is taught by Art, but Poetry only is the gift of God.

Poetry deuiding a man from himselfe, ma∣keth him worthily his owne admirer.

As the seale leaueth the impression of his forme in waxe, so the learned Poet, engra∣ueth his passions so perfectly in mens harts, that the hearer almost is trans-formed into the Author.

Plato droue Poets out of his cōmon weale, at those that make the common people effe∣minate.

A corrupt subiect defraudeth Poetry of her due prayse.

A true Poet, in his lynes forgeth prophane pleasure, but approued doctrine.

Poetry is another nature, making thinges seeme better then they are by nature.

Impious Poets, make Clio a Thais, Helicon a brothell-house, and themselues contemp∣tible.

Painting is a dumbe poesie, and poesie a speaking painting.

It was written of Socrates, that hee was ill brought vp to Poetry, because he loued the truth.

He which first inuented the Iambique ver∣sifying, to bite and quip, was the first that felt the smart thereof.

Poets are borne, but Orators are made.

O sacer et magnus vatum labor, omnia fato Eripis, et donas populis mortalibus aeuum. Carminae quam tribuent fama, perennis erit.