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A

SYSTEM of RHETORIC,

In a METHOD entirely New,

CONTAINING

All the TROPES and FIGURES neceffary to illustrate
the Classics, both poetical and historical.

BY JOHN STERLING, M. a.

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Briefly stated, and fitted

FOR THE USE OF THE SCHOOLS
Of the united Kingdoms of

GREAT-BRITAIN and IRELAND:
Illuftrated with proper EXAMPLES to each Figure, and a
Collection of Speeches from the best
English Authors.

By JOHN HOLMES.

DUBLIN;

PRINTED BY ALEX, STEWART, 86, BRIDE-STREET.

THE

897
5881

cys
1806

PREFA CE

IT would enlarge this Preface beyond its due bounds, to attempt to prove the advantage of a Rhetorical System in general, in order to a right. understanding of the classics. I fhall therefore only briefly acquaint the reader, what laws I prefcribed to myself, and have strictly observed in this com position, fofar as it is my own, (the Latin definitions being mostly Parnaby's); and then the particular manner in which I ufe it.

Firft, I determined for method's fake in the Eng life Syftem, to allow a diftich for every figure, which in the Latin is generally explained in one line, and fometimes lefs because our language being not fa concife as the Latin, could not in fo few words give, in an intelligible and easy turn of expression, a full and exact definition of the figure, its nature and ufe; with fuch obfervations, as is fometimes equally necessary with the very definition.

Next I refolved, that the name of the figure shouldbegin the diftich, or have only a monofyllable before it: because, had it been placed in the middle or end of the firft, or any part of the second line, it is certain the memory might not be able immediately to recollect the beginning of the definition: whereas now,

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