“I am not so obstinate that I will not, at the first warning of a learned, unpassionate man well versed in poetry, receive every friendly correction.”

Original: Et ne suis point si opiniastre, que je ne vueille au premier admonnestement d'un homme docte, non passionné, et bien versé en la poësie, recevoir toute amiable correction. — Openness to criticism from those who know the craft · Preface to the second edition of La Franciade (French)

• Criticism
• Humility
• Learning

“The principal point is invention, which comes as much from a good nature as from the reading of good and ancient authors.”

Original: Car le principal poinct est l'invention, laquelle vient tant de la bonne nature, que par la leçon des bons et anciens autheurs. — Genius and study must work together · Abrégé de l'art poétique français, 1565 (French)

• Creativity
• Learning
• Poetry

“Although the art of poetry cannot be grasped or taught by precepts, being more a matter of the mind than of tradition, human craft, experience and labour can still permit a few rules.”

Original: Combien que l'art de Poësie ne se puisse par preceptes comprendre ny enseigner pour estre plus mental que traditif, toutesfois d'autant que l'artifice humain, experience et labeur le peuvent permettre, j'ay bien voulu t'en donner quelques reigles icy. — Poetry treated as a gift of mind first, then of discipline · Abrégé de l'art poétique français, 1565 (French)

• Craft
• Learning
• Poetry