QUINTILIAN

BOOK X

...which something is essential does not necessarily make it of immediate and supreme importance for the formation of the ideal orator. For obviously, since the orator's duty lies in speaking, speaking is above all else; it is clear that the art of oratory began here. Next comes imitation, and finally, diligent practice in writing.
4 But just as one cannot reach the heights except by starting from the beginnings, as our work progresses, the things that were first begin to be the smallest. We are not saying here how an orator should be trained, for that has already been said as well as we could; rather, we are discussing the athlete who, having already learned all the techniques from his instructor, must now be prepared for the contests. Therefore, let us instruct him who knows how to invent and arrange his subject matter, and who has learned the principles of choosing and ordering his words, in how to make the best and easiest use of what he has learned.
5 Is there any doubt that he must acquire a certain store of resources to use whenever it is required?
6 These consist of a wealth of subject matter and words. But while the matter is specific to each case or common to only a few, words must be prepared for everything. If there were one word for every individual thing, they would require less care, for they would present themselves immediately with the subjects themselves.