Languages & literature > Abridgement of lectures on rhetoric

HARMONY.
S;
The founds of words may be employed for reprefent-
ing chiefly three clafles of objects ; firft otlier founds 5
fecondly motions ; and thirdly the emotions and paf-
fions of the mind, s
(In moll: languages the names of many particular
founds are fo formed, as to bear fome refemblance of
the found, which they fignify ;j as with us the ivhiJlUng
of winds, the bu%K and hum of infects, the hlfs of lerpents,
and the crajh of falling timber ; and many other in-
llances, where the name is plainly adapted to the fqjind,
it reprefents. A ’'remarkable example of this beauty
may be taken from two palfages in Milton’s Paradife
Loft ; in one of which he defcribesthe found, made by
the opening of the gates of hell ; in the other, that
made by the opening of the gates of heaven. The con¬
trail between the two exhibits to great advantage the
art of tire poet. The firft is the opening of hell’s gates ;
On a fudden open fly
With impetuous recoil and jarring found
The infernal doors ; and on their lunges grate
Harfh thunder - .
Obferve the fmoothnefs of the other ;
——— Heaven opened wide
Her ever during gates, harmonious found !
On golden hinges turning.-
In the fecond place the found of words is fre.
quently employed to imitate motion ; as it is fwift