Although it is the universal custom to capitalize a word when used in a special sense to mark an important period or event in history, there is another class of words to which writers assign a special importance, the capitalization of which must necessarily be left to the judgment and taste of each writer. It should, however, be remembered that an injudicious or too frequent use of capitals lessens their value and force, and disfigures a written or printed page.
Rule XIV. Words Personified.—When things without life are represented as persons, they may commence with capitals.
EXAMPLE.
“Father Time is not always a hard parent, and though he tarries for none of his children, he often lays his hand lightly upon those who have used him well; making them old men and women inexorably enough, but leaving their hearts and spirits young and in full vigor. With such people the gray head is but the impression of the old fellow’s hand in giving them a blessing, and every wrinkle but a notch in the quiet calendar of a well-spent life.”—Dickens.
REMARK.
Care should be taken not to carry this rule to an excess. Unless the personification is vivid and emphatic, use small letters; as,—
“Many a daylight dawned and darkened,
Many a night shook off the daylight
As the pine shakes off the snow-flakes
From the midnight of its branches.”—Longfellow.