The Art of Poetry

I found this medieval poem from one of the cultural books in the library a while ago; I thought it wise to share it with you. It is by Nicolaus Boileau (1636 – 1711), a French humanist and poet and a major contributor to the art of poetry that enchanted France and Europe alike. I like this poem because it has a certain rhyme while reading it and at the same time sound advice to all budding writers, poets, and also bloggers.

THE ART OF POETRY

Most writers mounted on a resty muse,

Extravagant and senseless objects choose

They think they err, if in their verse they fall

On any thought that is plain or natural.

Fly this and let people be

Vain authors of glittering poetry

All that is needless carefully avoid

The mind once satisfied is quickly cloyed.

Take time for thinking, never work in haste;

And value not yourself for writing fast.

A rapid poem, with such fury writ,

Shows want of judgement,not abounding wit.

Polish,repolish, every colour lay,

And sometimes add oftener but take away.

Choose not your tale of accidents too full

Too much variety may make it dull.

Achilles rage alone, when wrought with skill

Abundantly does a whole Iliad fill

Your actors must by reason be controlled

Let young men speak like young men, old men like old.

Observe the town and study well the court.

For thither various characters resort.

Choose a sure judge to censure what you write,

Whose reason leads and knowledge gives you light.

Let not your only business be to write

Be virtuous,just and in your friends delight.

Tis not enough your poems be admired

But strive your conversation be desired

By Nicolaus Boileau

(The coat of arms of Nicolaus Boileau family)