The worlds olio written by the Right Honorable, the Lady Margaret Newcastle.

Why men write Bookes.

SOme say men write bookes, not so much to benefit the world, as out of love to Fame, thinking to gain them honour of repu∣tation; but surely men are so delighted with their own conceits, * 1.1 especially fine and new ones, that were it a sin or infamie, they would write them, to see their beauty and enjoy them, and so become unlawful Lovers; Besides thoughts would be lost, if not put into writing; for writing is the picture of thoughts, which shadows last longer then men, but surely men would commit se∣cret Idolatry to their own wit, if they had not Applause to satisfie

them, and examples to humble them, for every several man, if wit were not discovered, would think not any had it but he, for men take pleasure first in their own fancies, and after seek to gain the approving opinions of others: which opinions are like womens dressings; for some will get such advantage in putting on their cloaths, who although they have ill faces, and not so exact bodies, will make a better shew then those that are well favoured, and neatly shaped, with disordered attire, wherein some men are so happy in their language and delivery, as it beautisies and adorns their wit, which without it would be like an unpolished Diamond, but such difference there is between, that to create a fancy is the nature of a God, but to make neat and new words, is the nature of a Tailour.

Notes

• * 1.1

  When I say write, its either by Heroick, or otherwayes they say letters was ever since Seths time.