Page:A study of Ben Jonson (IA studyofbenjonson00swinrich).pdf/154

 their readers from themselves, and cool the scent of their own fox-like thefts;' but, as he proceeds to observe, 'the obstinate contemners of all helps and arts are in a 'wretcheder' case than even these His description of such pretenders is too lifelike, and too vivid in its perennial veracity, to be overlooked; 'such as presuming on their own naturals (which perhaps are excellent) dare deride all diligence, and seem to mock at the terms when they understand not the things; thinking that way to get off wittily with their ignorance. These are imitated often by such as are their peers in negligence, though they cannot be in nature; and they utter all they can think with a kind of violence and indisposition; unexamined, without relation to person, place, or any fitness else; and the more wilful and stubborn they are in it, the more learned they are esteemed of the multitude, through their excellent vice of judgment; who think those things the stronger, that have no art; as if to break were better than to open; or to rend asunder, gentler than to loose.'

In the tenth section or subdivision of this irregular and desultory but incisive and masterly essay we find a singular combination of critical insight with personal prejudice—of general truth