Thomas Browne

“ Yet shall I hardly expect a faded wreath and hesitant applause for a man of learning with ready wit and wealth of ease and solitude.
Pledging your time and labour to pure truth, yet watch that you study not your own small fame, while you claim to serve truth. Censure not modern writers, by whom you have advanced. If they err, reprove the fact but omit the name; do not praise distinguished men on all sides, and elsewhere taunt a blameless act. Though the stricken Achilles threatens no one, yet pray and act that the earth lie light on ancient names and the writers of old time. ”

“ Where truth is in doubt, where smatters question the Sibylline leaves more readily than the learned, watch that you send no prophecy before you. To think that mere chatter has come from the oasis of Ammon, shows a vain mind, little tried in the turns of nature, and is more fit for pedants who, not to admit ignorance, leave nothing in doubt. ”

“ You know how wanton is the literary tribe, how eager for contest, that not for nothing surely you may fear shameless attacks from all sides. That which nobler souls praise with both thumbs, gloomier self-lovers will watch with puckered frown. Most pedants are censorious, satirical even, unsparing not merely of tumours, but even of warts. Mockers abound, if you fall short in achievement; if you exceed, envy beyond limit.
Some will strain at words but judge the matter lightly; others (and this is the heart of the matter) intent on the sense will pass dryshod over words and phrases. ”