And thou my minde aspire to higher things;_x000D_ _x000D_ Grow rich in that which never taketh rust.
Philip SidneyRead
So, then, the best of the historian is subject to the poet; for whatsoever action or faction, whatsoever counsel, policy, or war-stratagem the historian is bound to recite, that may the poet, if he list, with his imitation make his own, beautifying it both for further teaching and more delighting, as it pleaseth him; having all, from Dante’s Heaven to his Hell, under the authority of his pen.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The poet enhances historical narrative through artistic expression, providing both beauty and moral lessons.
In this quote, Philip Sidney asserts that poets have the unique ability to elevate historical accounts through their art. While historians are confined to factual recounting of events, poets can reinterpret these events creatively, enriching them with beauty and deeper meaning that offers both entertainment and valuable teachings to their audience.
Themes
PoetHistorianArtBeautyNarrativeTeaching
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher might use this quote to illustrate the role of creativity in interpreting historical events.
More from Philip Sidney
All quotes →A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger.
Philip SidneyRead
Shallow brooks murmur most, deep and silent slide away.
Philip SidneyRead
Fool," said my muse to me. "Look in thy heart and write.
Philip SidneyRead
If you have so earth-creeping a mind that it cannot lift itself up to look to the sky of poetry... thus much curse I must send you, in the behalf of all poets, that while you live, you live in love, and never get favour for lacking skill of a sonnet; and, when you die, your memory die from the earth for want of an epitaph.
Philip SidneyRead
In forming a judgment, lay your hearts void of foretaken opinions; else, whatsoever is done or said, will be measured by a wrong rule; like them who have jaundice, to whom everything appears yellow.
Philip SidneyRead
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