As soon as he gave out this edict, the poets did not cease to contend in midnight cups, and to smell of them by day. What! if any savage, by a stern countenance and bare feet, and the texture of a scanty gown, should imitate Cato; will he represent the virtue and morals of Cato? The tongue that imitated Timagenes was the destruction of the Moor, while he affected to be humorous, and attempted to seem eloquent. The example that is imitable in its faults, deceives[ the ignorant]. Soh! if I was to grow up pale by accident,[ these poetasters] would drink the blood- thinning cumin. O ye imitators, ye servile herd, how often your bustlings have stirred my bile, how often my mirth! 