[6]
But in speeches1 and epic poems the exordia provide a sample of
the subject, in order that the hearers may know beforehand what it is about, and
that the mind may not be kept in suspense, for that which is undefined leads
astray; so then he who puts the beginning, so to say, into the hearer's hand
enables him, if he holds fast to it, to follow the story. Hence the following
exordia: “
Sing the wrath, O Muse.2
”
“
Tell me of the man, O Muse.3
”
“
Inspire me with another theme, how from the land of Asia a great war crossed into
Europe.4
” Similarly, tragic poets make clear the subject of their drama, if not
at the outset,
like Euripides, at least somewhere in the
prologue, like Sophocles, “
My father was Polybus.5
” It is the same in comedy. So then the most essential and special
function of the exordium is to make clear what is the end or purpose of the
speech; wherefore it should not be employed, if the subject is quite clear or
unimportant.
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Aristotle in 23 Volumes, Vol. 22, translated by J. H. Freese. Aristotle. Cambridge and London. Harvard University Press; William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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