By groping touch; thus (worth of them unseen)

Of nothing worthy that true worth they ween.

Wherefore the prudent Law-givers of old

Even in all Nations, with right sage foresight

Discovering from farre how clums and cold

The vulgar wight would be to yield what’s right

To virtuous learning, did by law designe

Great wealth and honour to that worth divine.

But nought’s by law to Poesie due said he,

Ne doth the solemn Statesmans head take care