In WIT, the two Subjects are suddenly confronted with each other, and upon their joint View, the _original_ one is _elucidated_ by the obvious _Agreement_ or _Contrast_ of the _auxiliary_ Subject. But METAPHOR goes further, and not content with _arranging_ the two Subjects together, and exhibiting from thence their _Agreement_ or _Contrast_, it actually snatches the Properties of the _auxiliary_ one, and fits them at once upon the _original_ Subject. It is evident from hence, that there may be WIT without any METAPHOR; But in every just METAPHOR there is WIT; The _Agreement_ of the two Subjects being in a METAPHOR more strictly and sensibly presented. There is also this Difference between WIT and METAPHOR, that in WIT the _original_ Subject is _enlighten'd_, without altering its _Dress_; whereas in METAPHOR the _original_ Subject is cloathed in a _new Dress_, and struts forwards at once with a different _Air_, and with strange _unexpected Ornaments_. 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.