Even though they make every possible effort to distance themselves from these feelings, they find them everywhere. They carry their grief even into the hearts of the heroes about whom they write, and they pen verses that their hearts secretly disapprove of.
Finally, Maecenas, I am convinced that a wealthy poet, situated in a fine palace, will be more comfortable detailing poverty and solitude than a poor one lodged in a hut can describe the magnificence of the court, the qualities of kings, politics, and all these other things that are just learned in the company of men and abundance. There's a difference between the rich and the poor; the former can be solitary if they wish, having rocks and huts whenever they want, while the latter cannot reside in a palace, and their solitude is mandatory. One might understand that poetry, being the most eminent expression of imagination, would require beautiful objects to stir, distract or relieve it. Those who attributed woods and rocks to the Muses surely have been of this opinion, not contradicting mine. They spoke of forests and rivers, for these universal beauties are accessible to all. However, it does not prevent these same Muses who frequent the woods from strolling in a cultivated garden. Art does not spoil nature, it perfects it, and trees planted regularly do not stop poets from working in their shade with pleasure and dignity. It is true, Maecenas, that these nine beautiful sisters, from whom our Muses derive, inhabit only woods and mountains, and entertain themselves near fountains. But these woods, mountains, and fountains belong to them. The Parnassus is part of their dominion, the eternal waters as well, and Apollo along with the Muses ask nothing from other deities, for their goods are abundant.
After all, Maecenas, it belongs to the greatness of the prince not only to know how to conquer their enemies in war, to know how to reign in times of peace, to make themselves feared by their neighbors, to make themselves loved by their subjects, but also to be more generous than all other men. They must give as masters of the universe, they must consider their gifts superior to those of others, and they must proportion their donations to their magnitude. Those who receive have a benefit in the present, but usually not in posterity. This belongs entirely to the one who gives. Indeed, the most honorable conquests that a king can achieve are those which he accomplishes through generosity. In times of war, success is always uncertain. No battle, however favorable it may be at the start, is safe from a disastrous ending.
But in generosity, one is always assured of winning the victory. A generous prince creates slaves, subjects, and friends among all those to whom he gives. It is only through this path that he can merit the rank of the gods. Of all men, princes must choose as the main target of their generosity these renowned broadcasters of glory. However, there is a difference: what is pure generosity in other circumstances is here acknowledgement for one can never be grateful enough for the actions of poets.
                                                    
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