It is from hence, that by METAPHOR a more masculine Air and Vigour is given to a Subject, than by WIT; But it too often happens, that the METAPHOR is carried so far, as instead of elucidating, to obscure and disfigure, the original Subject.

To exhibit some Examples of WIT.

1.

Henry the IVth of France, intimating to the Spanish Ambassador the Rapidity, with which he was able to over-run Italy, told him, that if once he mounted on Horseback, he should breakfast at Milan, and dine at Naples; To which the Ambassador added, Since your Majesty travels at this rate, you may be at Vespers in Sicily.

The Introduction of the Vespers at SICILY is here natural, and easy; as it seems only to be carrying on his Majesty’s Journey at the same rate, and to compleat the Progress of the Day; But it ushers at once into View the Destruction of the French upon a similar Occasion, when they formerly over-ran SICILY, and were all massacred there at the ringing of the Bell for Vespers;—­The sudden Introduction and Arrangement of this Catastrophe, with the Expedition then threaten’d, sets the Issue of such a Conquest in a new Light; And very happily exhibits and elucidates the Result of such vain and restless Adventures.

It may be observed, that the quick Introduction and Arrangement of any former Conquest of Italy by the French, with the Expedition then threaten’d, would have exhibited WIT; whatever the Issue had been of such former Conquest; But in this Instance, there sits couched under the WIT, a very severe Rebuke upon the French Monarch.

2.

Alexander the VIth was very busily questioning the Ambassador of Venice, Of whom his Masters held their Customs and Prerogatives of the Sea?  To which the Ambassador readily answer’d; If your HOLINESS will only please to examine your Charter of St. PETER’s Patrimony, you will find upon the Back of it, the Grant made to the VENETIANS of the ADRIATIC.

The Authority of the Grant to the Venetians is in this Instance the original Subject, which is thus suddenly elucidated to the Pope, by arranging, and connecting it with the holy Charter of St. Peter’s Patrimony; There is a peculiar Happiness in the Address of this Answer to the Pope, as he was obliged to receive it as a satisfactory Account of the Truth of the Grant, and a clear Elucidation of its sacred Authority.

In this Instance, besides the WIT which shines forth, the Pope is severely expos’d to your Raillery, from the Scrape into which he has brought the Charter of St. Peter’s Patrimony, by his Attack of the Ambassador; The fictitious Existence of both the Charter and Grant being sarcastically pointed out, under this respectable Air of Authenticity.