Auxesis.
Auxesis is a forme of speech by which the Orator amplifieth by putting a greater word for a lesse, as to call a proude man Lucifer, a dronkard a swine, an angrie man mad, a covetous man a cutthroate: In praising, as to call an honest man a Saint, a faire Virgin an Angell, good musicke heavenly harmonie.
This figure is chiefly set forth by tropes of words, forasmuch as they paint out things by similitudes, and make them more
evident by setting images before the eies, as when we call a craftie fellow a Foxe, a favenous person a cormorant, a patient man Job, but chieflie by Hyperobole, which maketh a large and most ample comparison.
The use of this figure.
The use hereof helpeth mightily to expresse a matter which requireth either great praise, or dispraise, and it is oftentimes in great and grievous complaints, signifying the greatnesse and excesse of suffering, examples whereof are found in the complaints of holy men, but chieflie in Job, David, and Jeremie.
The Caution.
The true use hereof is required in great causes, and not to amplifie everie small matter and foolish trifle, which is a vanity
To amplifie smal matters. |
to be shunned, for that common custome to amplifie small things, is more fit for a common liar, then meete for a grave and modest Orator.
