How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Nature herself was proud of his designs
And joy'd to wear the dressing of his lines (47-48)
Shmoop really likes the idea of nature wearing poetry like people wear clothes. In these terms, Shakespeare is basically Armani.
Quote #2
As, since she will vouchsafe no other Wit
The merry Greek, tart Aristophanes,
Neat Terence, witty Plautus, now not please
But antiquated and deserted lie (51-54)
Nature, it seems, likes to play favorites. Here she is portrayed unilaterally rejecting other poets in favor of Shakespeare's descriptions.
Quote #3
Yet must I not give Nature all: thy art
My gentle Shakespeare, must enjoy a part (55-56)
Shakespeare's art as opposed to his natural talent gets "a part" of the credit, but Jonson seems to gush much more over nature.
Quote #4
For though the Poet's matter, Nature be
His Art doth give the fashion […] (57-58)
The word "matter" here works two ways: one, meaning the poet's subject matter is Nature but his art gives those words structure and substance, and two, the poet's substance, or what makes a person a poet, is a natural gift, but only with hard work does that gift mature and produce great poetry.