The Answer obvious; That tho' it be absolutely necessary, yet it is not the only Condition: There are many required besides; too many to be here enumerated; there is an universal and elevated Genius; a Quality so rare, that an excellent Author of our Nation seems to think, "That of all the Numbers of Mankind, that live within the Compass of a thousand Years, for one Man that is born capable of making a great Poet, there may be a thousand born capable of making as great Generals, or Ministers of State, as the most renowned in Story[1]". But tho' this were exaggerated, there are many subsequent Circumstances of Life, many Advantages of Education, and Opportunities of knowing Mankind in general, and seeing particular Subjects fit for Poesy, which can hardly meet in one and the same Person.
To instance in one Particular, from which we may Judge of the Import of the rest; much Travelling. and wide personal Observation, has been the Lot of the greatest Epic Poets. In this way of Life they had frequent Opportunities to acquaint themselves with the Originals of their Draughts and Fictions, whose great Excellency, whether material or moral, is their Likeness to Na-
- ↑ Sir William Temple. Miscell. Part 2. Essay 4. Poetry.
