Terence Critical Essay | Critical Essay by Joseph Webbe

Critical Essay by Joseph Webbe

SOURCE: An introduction to The First Comedy of Pub. Terentius, Called Andria by Terence, translated by Joseph Webbe, 1629. Reprint by The Scolar Press Limited, 1972, pp. iv-xviii.

In the following excerpt, Webbe lavishly praises Terence's style and language, advising that, if his readers wish to improve their conversational skills, they need only read Terence as a guide.

Two prime steps to perfection in any study, are choyce and vse of Authors. But how to chuse, and how to vse, are two great difficulties. Therefore to such as know nor, I will giue one Rule for both of them.

If any man commend an Author, or the way to vse him, looke vpon his perfection which commendeth them, in that particular in which they are commended. If he speake from priuate fancy, and shew no proofe thereof, neglect him. If from report of men sufficient; find out the Authors of...
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