[From Butler Prose Observations, ed. Quehen (1979)]
At his death Butler left a considerable body of miscellaneous prose in manuscript, including a number of prose observations; the 'Criticismes upon Bookes and Authors' belong to the group which were, it seems, composed between 1667 and 1669 (see Butler, The Genuine Remains, 1759, ii, iv, and de Quehen, ed., xxvi, xli-xlvii.) . In a later note, Butler records that Dryden 'weighs Poets in the Virtuoso's Scales that will turne with the hundredth part of a Graine. . .. He complaynd of B Johnson for stealing 40 Sceanes out of Plautus. - Set a Thief to finde out a Thief ( Prose Observations, p. 159). The reference seems to be to the 'Defence of the Epilogue' to the Second Part of the Conquest of Granada.
Samuel Butler (1613-80) wrote the very popular anti-sectarian satire Hudibras (1662-78).
*****************************************Men of the quickest apprehensions, and aptest Geniuses to any thing they undertake, do not always prove the greatest Masters in it. For there is more Patience and Flegme required in those that attaine to any Degree of Perfection, then is commonly found in the Temper of active, and ready wits, that soone tire and will not hold out; as the swiftest Race-horse will not perform a longe Jorney so well as a sturdy dull Jade. Hence it is that Virgil who wanted much of that Natural easines of wit that Ovid had, did nevertheless with hard Labour and long Study in the end, arrive at a higher Perfection then the other with all his Dexterity of wit, but less Industry could attaine to. The same we may observe of Johnson, and Shakespeare For he that is able to thinke long and Judg well wil be sure to finde out better things then another man can hit upon suddenly, though of more quick and ready Parts, which is commonly but chance and the other Art and judgment.
(128)