SE C T. V. A figure, which, among related objects, extends properties of one to another. His figure is not dignified with a pro THis per name, because it has been overlooked by all writers. It merits, however, place in this work; and must be distinguished from thofe formerly handled, as depending on a different principle. Giddy brink, jovial wine, daring wound, are examples of this figure. Here are expreffions that certainly import not the ordinary relation of an adjective to its fubftantive. A brink, for example, cannot be termed giddy in a proper fense: neither can it be termed giddy in any figurative fenfe that can import any of its qualities or attributes. When we attend to the expreffion, we difcover that a brink is termed giddy from producing that effect in those who stand on it. In the fame manner a wound is faid to be daring, not not with respect to itself, but with refpect to the boldness of the person who inflicts it: and wine is faid to be jovial, as infpiring mirth and jollity. Thus the attributes of one fubject, are extended to another with which it is connected; and fuch expreffion must be confidered as a figure, because it deviates from ordinary language. How are we to account for this figure, for we fee it lies in the thought, and to what principle shall we refer it? Have poets a privilege to alter the nature of things, and at pleasure to bestow attributes upon fubjects to which these attributes do not belong? It is an evident truth, which we have had often occafion to inculcate, that the mind, in idea, paffeth easily and fweetly along a train of connected objects; and, where the objects are intimately connected, that it is difpofed to carry along the good or bad properties of one to another; efpecially where it is in any degree inflamed with these properties *. From this principle is derived the figure under confideration. See chap. 2. part 1. fect. 4. Language, Language, invented for the communication of thought, would be imperfect, if it were not expreffive even of the flighter propenfities and more delicate feelings. But language cannot remain fo imperfect, among a people who have received any polish; because language is regulated by internal feeling, and is gradually fo improved as to exprefs whatever paffes in the mind. Thus, for example, a fword in the hand of a coward, is, in poetical diction, termed a coward fword: the expreffion is fignificative of an internal operation; for the mind, in paffing from the agent to its inftrument, is difpofed to extend to the latter the properties of the former. Governed by the fame principle, we fay listening fear, by extending the attribute liftening of the man who liftens, to the paffion with which he is moved. In the expreffion, bold deed, or audax facinus, we extend to the effect, what properly belongs to the caufe. But not to wafte time by making a commentary upon every expreffion of this kind, the best way to give a complete view of the subject, is to exhibit exhibit a table of the different connections that may give occafion to this figure. And in viewing this table, it will be observed, that the figure can never have any grace but where the connections are of the most intimate kind. 1. An attribute of the cause expressed as an attribute of the effect. Audax facinus. Of yonder fleet a bold difcovery make. An impious mortal gave the daring wound, To my adventrous fong, That with no middle flight intends to foar. Paradife Loft 2. An attribute of the effect expreffed as an attribute of the caufe. Quos periiffe ambos mifera cenfebam in mari. Plautus. No wonder, fallen fuch a pernicious height. Paradife Loft. 3. An effect expreffed as an attribute of the cause. Jovial wine, Giddy brink, Drowsy night, Mufing midnight, Panting height, Astonish'd thought, Mournful gloom. Cafting a dim religious light. And the merry bells ring round, Milton, Comus, And the jocund rebecks found. Milton, Allegro. 4. An attribute of a subject bestowed upon one of its parts or members. Longing arms. It was the nightingale, and not the lark, Romeo and Juliet, alt 3. fc. 7. Oh, lay by Those most ungentle looks and angry weapons; Fair Penitent, alt 3. And |