"If greatness, poet, is your goal,
the craft begins with self-control.
For poems are of the poet part,
and what he is decides his art.
With character true poems begin.
Poet, learn your discipline.
Avoid ambition as the blight
of talent. If the rich invite
you out to dine, be proud; decline.
Don't snuff your genius in your wine
nor pin your Muse to clique or claque.
Avoid the postures of the hack."

-Petronius (in Among the Rhetoricians)