Diasyrmus.
Dyasyrmus is a Trope by which the arguments of an adversarie are either deraved or rejected. Cicero for Murena against Cato, speaketh much in this manner, and also against Sulpitius disputing in the Civill law.
This figure is for the most part made either by some base similitude, or by some ridiculous example, to which the adversaries objection or argument is compared, whereby it is either made ridiculous, or at least much disgraced.
As for to shew examples of this figure I judge it needlesse and superfluous, considering the dayly plentie of them almost everie where, both private and publike: and therefore it may suffise to shew the use, and forewarne the abuse of it.
The use of this figure.
The most lawfull and commendable use of this Trope, is either to make an evasion out of the subtle snare of a captious argument, or to reject such objections as are curious, foolish, or
2.To abate the pride of a proud adversarie. |
obscure, or to abate the pride and arrogancie of a proude and insolent disputer.
The Caution.
1.Where it ought not to be used. |
The especiall warning that is to be observed in this figure is, that in all grave and weightie controversies it ought to keepe silence, as in solemne disputations, & judiciall pleadings, except there be the greater cause to urge it. In grave disputations it is unseemely, and in law pleadings injurious, in both it may outface the truth, or at least hinder it. And therefore it were to be wished that the abuse of this figure might be banished from the barre of pleading, and presence of the judgement seate, where the truth ought alwayes to be supported and not suppressed, for the by the
2.The effects of the abuse. |
abuse of this figure, good causes may be scorned, honest persons disgraced, and true testimonies depraved.
