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'TIs not enough to have a Genius: one must know that he has it, and be sure by the experience he ought to have of it: and he must know well of what it is most capable▪ and of what it is not, lest he force it contrary to the precept of Horace: which yet cannot be
known without a long time making re∣flections on himself: and though Na∣ture is always ready to discover it self, yet we are not to relie on that, but study it with great attention, to learn its strength. There are universal Ge∣nius's capable of all things by the im∣mensity of their wit, as Horace and Vir∣gil, and there are others that are limi∣ted. Demetrius Phalereus says, That Archilochus had not that greatness of Soul proper for an Heroick Poem, which Homer was endu'd withall. Anacreon, whose delicacy of Wit was admirable, had not that loftiness. Propertius af∣firms of himself, That he was not fit to sing the Wars of Augustus, nor describe the Genealogy of Caesar. Horace per∣adventure, by the strength of his Geni∣us, might have been capable of a great Poem, if his inclination and nature had not determined him to Lyrick Verse. Fracastorius, who with so good success writ his Syphilis, the most excellent Po∣em in Latin Verse that these latter Ages has produc'd in Italy, and which is writ in imitation of Virgil's Georgicks, was not so happy in his Epick Poem of Ioseph Viceroy of Egypt, a fragment whereof is extant; for this Poem is of a poor
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Genius, and low Character. Ronsard who had a Talent for Lyrick Verse in Scaliger's opinion, and who got Reputa∣tion by his Odes, fell short extremely in his Franciad, which is dry and barren throughout, and has nothing of an He∣roick ayre in it.