You may ... make a little recreation of poetry, in the midst of your painful studies. Nevertheless, I cannot but advise you. Withhold thy throat from thirst. Be not so set upon poetry, as to be always poring on the passionate and measured pages. ... let not the Circean cup intoxicate you.
Cotton Mather (1781). “Dr. Cotton Mather's Student and Preacher, Intituled, Manuductio Ad Ministerium, Or, Directions for a Candidate of the Ministry: Wherein, I. a Right Foundation is Laid for His Future Improvement, II. Rules are Offered for Such a Management of His Academical and Preparatory Studies, And, Upon That, for Such, III. a Conduct After His Appearance in the World, as May Render Him a Skilful and Useful Minister of the Gospel”, p.45
