The academie of eloquence containing a compleat English rhetorique, exemplified with common-places and formes digested into an easie and methodical way to speak and write fluently according to the mode of the present times : together with letters both amorous and moral upon emergent occasions / by Tho. Blount, Gent.

LXVI. REPLY.

SIR,

I Am assaulted by your Martiall metaphors, yet with this favour, that where others erect their engines, to ruine, your levell aimes to strengthen the weak fort you direct against; your continued Elogies at last mean to perswade me (I see) into some Ability, and could you infuse what you com∣mend (in stead of blush) your Rhetorique would make me doubtless eloquent. I will not say with that keen Satyrist recuso Euge tuum & Belle. No I will with a modest guilt of non-desert embrace them, to profit, and that nec te quaesiveris extra (of the same Poet) was a good Monition. But our Muse is not so stoicall.

Quis enim virtutem amplectitur ipsam,

Praemia si tollas— Sir, honour is the reward of Artes and fame the tongue of honour, nor are ei∣ther honour or fame more the guerdons, then the incentives of Proficience. Do you see (my friend) how I hug your attributions? My vanity yet (in

it) may be your lesson; not to be vain but inge∣nuous, Be not so squeamish, hence forward: Ac∣cept your Baies offered, or merit it confer'd. What praise finds not answerable, let it incite to answer. I know my insufficiencies, but utter∣ly despair not amendment; If by your encourage¦ment I amend not, I shall confesse my Brutish na∣ture, to be past cure. If I grant you an advantage over me, 'tis but what you have asserted: I an∣swer the same Post, and to many besides yours; But what is this? (my both matter, and the couching shewes it) to be suddainly slight and rude, an odd perfection, and but suitable to both my leisure and me; you have a ready subject for your pen, and how gratefully and ably you paint it forth, give me leave to be the Judge, that receive the delight: and I must keep it to my self, for you are as coy to receive the titles of your worth, as I am conscious they are due. Be then still higher then words can express you; so I may still bee

Sir,

Excessively yours, W.D.