The Arte of English Poesie

This work opens as a reverent tribute to the art of verse, addressed to a high‑ranking patron of the Elizabethan court. Its author explains that poetry is not merely imitation but a creative act, likening the poet to a maker who fashions ideas from the mind’s own material. Drawing on classical references, the text argues that true poets possess a divine spark, a “furor” that transcends mere translation or copying. The opening also sets the stage for a three‑part structure that will explore poets, proportion, and ornament in turn.

In the first section the writer defines what a poet is, contrasting genuine invention with the work of translators who merely rearrange existing words. He invokes Homer’s blind mastery of battle scenes and courtly splendor as examples of how a poet can render complex worlds without direct experience. By weaving philosophical musings with practical observations, the treatise invites listeners to consider how intellect, imagination, and keen observation combine to shape lasting poetry.