3.8. Sixe points set downe by our learned forefathers for a generall regiment of all good utterance be it by mouth or by writing.
Bvt before there had bene yet any precise obseruation made of figuratiue
speeches, the first learned artificers of language considered
that the bewtie and good grace of vtterance rested in no many
pointes: and whatsoeuer transgressed those lymits, they counted it for
vitious; and thereupon did set downe a manner of regiment in all speech
generally to be obserued, consisting in sixe pointes. First they said that
there ought to be kept a decent proportion in our writings and speach, which
they termed
Analogia. Secondly, that it ought to be voluble vpon the
tongue, and tunable to the eare, which they called
Tasis. Thirdly, that
it were not tediously long, but briefe and compendious, as the matter might
beare, which they called
Syntomia. Fourthly, that it should cary an
orderly and good construction, which they called
Synthesis. Fiftly,
that it should be a sound, proper and naturall speach, which they called
Curiologia. Sixtly, that it should be liuely & stirring, which they
called
Tropus. So as it appeareth by this order of theirs, that no vice
could be committed in speech, keeping within the bounds of that restraint.
Bit sir, all this being by them very well conceiued, there remayned a greater
difficultie to know what this proportion, volubilitie, good construction,
& the rest were, otherwise we could not be euer the more relieued. It
was therefore of necessitie that a more curious and particular description
should bee made of euery manner of speech, either transgressing or agreeing
with their said generall prescript. Whereupon it came to passe, that all the
commendable parts of speech were set foorth by the name of figures, and all
the illaudable partes vnder the name of vices, or viciosities, both of which
it shall be spoken in their places.