A _similitude_ differs from a _metaphor_ only by such particles of comparison as these; _as_; _even_ _as_; _so_; _even so_, &c. A _similitude_ therefore is a _metaphor dilated_; and a _metaphor_ is a _similitude contracted_ into one word. A _similitude_ does well in an oration, so it be not too frequent; for it is poetical. An example of the _similitude_, is this of Pericles, that said in his oration, _that the Bœotians were like so many oaks in a wood, that did nothing but beat one another_. ========== CHAPTER V. OF THE PURITY OF LANGUAGE. Four things are necessary to make language pure. 1. The right rendering of those _particles_, which some antecedent _particle_ does require; as to a _not only_, a _not also_; and then they are rendered right, when they are not suspended too long. 2. _The use of proper words_, rather than _circumlocutions_; unless there be motive to make one do it of purpose. 3. That there be nothing of _double construction_, unless there be cause to do it of purpose; as the prophets of the heathen, who speak in general terms, to the end they may the better maintain the truth of their prophecies; which is easier maintained in _generals_, than in _particulars_. For it is easier to divine whether a number be _even_ or _odd_, than _how many_; and that a thing _will be_, than _what_ it will be. 4. Concordance of gender, number, and person; as not to say _him_ for _her_, _man_ for _men_, _hath_ for _have_. In sum, a man’s language ought to be easy for another to read, pronounce, and point. Besides, to divers _antecedents_, let divers _relatives_, or one common to them all, be correspondent; as, he _saw_ the colour, he _heard_ the sound; or he _perceived_ both colour and sound: but by no means, _he heard or saw_ both. Lastly, that which is to be interposed by _parenthesis_, let it be done quickly: as, _I purposed, having spoken to him_ (_to this, and to this purpose_), _afterward to be gone_. For to put it off thus; _I resolved, after I had spoken to him, to be gone; but the subject of my speech was to this and this purpose_; is vicious. ========== CHAPTER VI. OF THE AMPLITUDE AND TENUITY OF LANGUAGE. A man shall add _amplitude_ or _dignity_ to his language, but by such means as these. 1. By changing the _name_ with the _definition_, as occasion shall serve. As, when the _name_ shall be indecent, by using the _definition_; or contrary. 2. By _metaphors_. 3. By using the _plural_ number for the _singular_. 4. By _privative epithets_. ========== CHAPTER VII. OF THE CONVENIENCE OR DECENCY OF ELOCUTION. _Elocutions_ are made _decent_: 1. By speaking _feelingly_; that is, with such passion as is fit for the matter he is in; as, _angerly_ in matter of _injury_.