The ample field of figurative expression display’d in these tables, affords great scope for reasoning and reflection. Several of the observations relating to metaphor, are applicable to figures of speech. These I shall slightly retouch, with some additions peculiarly adapted to the present subject.
In the first place, as the figure under consideration is built upon relation, we find from experience, and it must be obvious from reason, that the beauty of the figure depends on the intimacy of the relation betwixt the figurative and proper sense of the word. A slight resemblance, in particular, will never make this figure agreeable. The expression, for example, drink down a secret, for listening to a secret with attention, is harsh and uncouth, because there is scarce any resemblance betwixt listening and drinking. The expression weighty crack, used by Ben Johnson for loud crack, is worse if possible: a loud sound has not the slightest resemblance to a piece of matter that is weighty. The following expression of Lucretius is not less faulty. “Et lepido quæ sunt fucata sonore.” i. 645.
———————— Sed magis
Pugnas et exactos tyrannos
Densum humeris bibit aure vulgus.
Horat. Carm. l. 2. ode 13.
Phemius! let acts of gods, and heroes old,
What ancient bards in hall and bow’r have told,
Attemper’d to the lyre, your voice employ,
Such the pleas’d ear will drink with silent joy,
Odyssey i. 433.
Strepitumque exterritus hausit.
Æneid. vi. 559.
—————— Write, my Queen,
And with mine eyes I’ll drink the words you send.
Cymbeline, act 1. sc. 2.
As thus th’ effulgence tremulous I drink.
Summer, l. 1684.
Neque audit currus habenas.
Georg. i. 514.
O Prince! (Lycaon’s valiant son reply’d)
As thine the steeds, be thine the task to guide.
The horses practis’d to their lord’s command,
Shall hear the rein, and answer to thy hand.
Iliad. v. 288.
The following figures of speech seem altogether wild and extravagant, the figurative and proper meaning having no connection whatever. Moving softness, freshness breathes, breathing prospect, flowing spring, dewy light, lucid coolness, and many others of this false coin may be found in Thomson’s Seasons.