RULE IV.—ONLY TWO WORDS.
When only two words or terms are connected by a conjunction, they should not be separated by the comma; as, "It is a stupid and barbarous way to extend dominion by arms; for true power is to be got by arts and industry"—Spectator, No. 2.
"Despair and anguish fled the struggling soul."—Goldsmith.
EXCEPTION I.—TWO WORDS WITH ADJUNCTS.
When the two words connected have several adjuncts, or when one of them has an adjunct that relates not to both, the comma is inserted; as, "I shall spare no pains to make their instruction agreeable, and their diversion useful."—Spectator, No. 10. "Who is applied to persons, or things personified."—Bullions.
"With listless eyes the dotard views the store,
He views, and wonders that they please no more."—Johnson.
EXCEPTION II.—TWO TERMS CONTRASTED.
When two connected words or phrases are contrasted, or emphatically distinguished, the comma is inserted; as, "The vain are easily obliged, and easily disobliged."—Kames.
"Liberal, not lavish, is kind Nature's hand."—Beattie.
"'Tis certain he could write, and cipher too."—Goldsmith.