A thirteenth, proper to crimination only, from _praise and dispraise mixed_; as, to praise small things, and blame great ones; or to praise in many words, and blame with effectual ones; or to praise many things that are good, and then add one evil, but a great one. A fourteenth, common both to _crimination_ and _purgation_, is taken from the _interpretation of the fact_. For he that _purgeth_ himself, _interpreteth the fact_ always in the best sense; and he that _criminates_, always in the worst; as when Ulysses said, _Diomedes chose him for his companion, as the most able of the Grecians, to aid him in his exploit_: but his adversary said, _he chose him for his cowardice, as the most unlikely to share with him in the honour_. ========== CHAPTER XV. OF THE NARRATION. The _narration_ is not always continued, and of one piece; but sometimes, as in _demonstratives_, interrupted, and dispersed through the whole oration. For there being in a _narration_, something that falls not under art; as namely, the actions themselves, which the orator inventeth not; he must therefore bring in the _narration_ of them where he best may. As for example, if being to praise a man, you would make a _narration_ of all his acts immediately from the beginning, and without interruption, you will find it necessary afterwards to repeat the same acts again, while from some of them you praise his valour, and from others his wisdom; whereby your oration shall have less variety, and shall less please. It is not necessary always that the _narration_ be short. The true measure of it must be taken from the _matter_ that is to be laid open. In the _narration_, as oft as may be, it is good to insert somewhat commendable in one’s self, and blameable in one’s adversary: as, _I advised him, but he would take no counsel_. In _narrations_, a man is to leave out whatsoever breeds compassion, indignation, &c. in the hearer beside the purpose; as Ulysses in Homer, relating his travels to Alcinous, to move compassion in him, is so long in it that it consists of divers books: but when he comes home, tells the same to his wife in thirty verses, leaving out what might make her sad. The _narration_ ought also to be in such words as argue the _manners_, that is some virtuous or vicious habit in him of whom we speak, although it be not expressed; as, _setting his arms a-kimbo, he answered, &c._; by which is insinuated the pride of him that so answered. In an _oration_ a man does better to shew his affection than his judgment; that is, it is better to say, _I like this_, than to say, _this is better_. For by the one you would seem _wise_, by the other _good_. But _favour_ follows _goodness_; whereas _wisdom_ procures _envy_.