Sentence:  Since first this Subject for Heroic Song / Pleas'd me long choosing, and beginning late; / Not <WSD>sedulous</WSD> by Nature to indite / Warrs, hitherto the onely Argument / Heroic deem'd ... 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Diligent in application or pursuit; constant, steady, and persevering in business or in endeavors to effect an object; steadily industrious.