"No one ever was a great poet, that applied himself much to anything else"

This quote by William Temple recommends that it is difficult to be a terrific poet if one is too focused on other pursuits. Temple implies that a terrific poet must devote themselves to their craft in order to attain success. He recommends that if one is too focused on other activities, they will not be able to reach the same level of success as a poet who is entirely devoted to their craft. This quote can be analyzed as a cautioning to aspiring poets to concentrate on their craft and not be sidetracked by other activities. It can likewise be viewed as a tip to poets to remain concentrated on their craft and not be lured by other pursuits. Temple's quote is a suggestion that greatness in poetry requires dedication and focus.