A Metaphor, is the Arrayment of one Subject, with the Dress, or Colour, or any Attributes, of another Subject.
In Wit, the two Subjects are suddenly confronted with each other, and upon their joint View, the original one is elucidated by the obvious Agreement or Contrast of the auxiliary Subject.
But Metaphor goes further, and not content with arranging the two Subjects together, and exhibiting from thence their Agreement or Contrast, it actually snatches the Properties of the auxiliary one, and fits them at once upon the original Subject.
It is evident from hence, that there may be Wit without any Metaphor; But in every just Metaphor there is Wit; The Agreement of the two Subjects being in a Metaphor more strictly and sensibly presented.
There is also this Difference between Wit and Metaphor, that in Wit the original Subject is enlighten'd, without altering its Dress; whereas in Metaphor the original Subject is cloathed in a new Dress, and struts forwards at once with a different Air, and with strange unexpected Ornaments.
It is from hence, that by Metaphor a more masculine Air and Vigour is given to a Subject, than by Wit; But it too often happens, that the Metaphor is carried so far, as instead of elucidating, to obscure and disfigure, the original Subject.
To exhibit some Examples of Wit.
1.
Henry the IVth of France, intimating to the Spanish Ambassador the Rapidity, with which he was able to over-run Italy, told him, that if once he mounted on Horseback, he should breakfast at Milan, and dine at Naples; To which the Ambassador added, Since your Majesty travels at this rate, you may be at Vespers in Sicily.
The Introduction of the Vespers at Sicily is here natural, and easy; as it seems only to be carrying on his Majesty's Journey at the same rate, and to compleat the Progress of the Day; But it ushers at once into View the Destruction of the French upon a similar Occasion, when they formerly over-ran Sicily, and were all massacred there at the ringing of the Bell for Vespers;--The sudden Introduction and Arrangement of this Catastrophe, with the Expedition then threaten'd, sets the Issue of such a Conquest in a new Light; And very happily exhibits and elucidates the Result of such vain and restless Adventures.