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to the Thoughts.
91
Perhaps, my Lord, this Piece of Discipline is to young Writers the greatest Self-Denial in the World. To confine the Fancy, to stifle the Birth, much more to throw away the beautiful Offspring of the Brain, is a Trial, that none but the most delicate and lively Wits can be put to. It is their Praise, that they are obliged to retrench more Wit, than others have to lavish: The Chippings and Filings of these Jewels, could they be preserved, are of more Value, than the whole Mass of ordinary Authors; and it is a Maxim with me, that He hath not Wit enough, who hath not a great deal to spare.
My
