13. The names of the Heathen deities employ’d figuratively to signify what they patronise.
Jove for the air. Mars for war. Venus for beauty. Cupid for love. Ceres for corn. Neptune for the sea. Vulcan for fire.
This figure bestows great elevation upon the subject; and therefore ought to be confined to the higher strains of poetry.
SECOND TABLE.
Attributes expressed figuratively.
1. When two attributes are connected, the name of the one may be employ’d figuratively to express the other.
Purity and virginity are attributes of the same person. Hence the expression, Virgin snow for pure snow.
2. A word signifying properly an attribute of one subject, employ’d figuratively to express a resembling attribute of another subject.
Tottering state. Imperious ocean. Angry flood. Raging tempest. Shallow fears.
My sure divinity shall bear the shield,
And edge thy sword to reap the glorious field.
Odyssey xx. 61.