not consume.

the metaphor would be faulty because torrents do We correct it by assigning to the leading object an action not incompatible with the nature of torrents; thus, "A torrent of superstition flowed over the land."

What other rule must be observed with regard to metaphors ? They must be appropriate.

Give an example of an inappropriate metaphor.

The clergyman who prayed that 'God would be a rock to them that are afar off upon the sea,' used a very inappropriate metaphor, because ás rocks in the sea are a source of great danger to mariners, he was in reality asking for the destruction of those for whose safety he intended to pray.

EXERCISE.

1. Complete and alter sentences 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, in the Exercise at the close of the last Lesson, so that they may contain metaphors instead of similes. Remember that in a metaphor the comparison is not introduced by the word like or as.

2. Complete the following sentences so that they may contain metaphors:

EXAMPLE. The cares of riches are

we bind ourselves to earth.

with which

Completed. The cares of riches are golden chains

with which we bind ourselves to earth.

1. Truth is a beautiful but simple

we should all seek to array ourselves.

2. Money is the

in which

which the miser worships. of vice.

3. He became involved in the

EXERCISE IN METAPHORICAL LANGUAGE.

CONVERT the following figurative language into plain language which will express the same idea: EXAMPLE. The evening of life.

A hard heart.

In plain language. Old age.

An uncompassionate heart.

1. The morning of life. The veil of night. A fiery temper. A deep thinker. A light disposition. A cold heart. A warm friend.

2. We met with a freezing reception.

3. Richard was now at the zenith of his glory.

4. The earth is thirsty.

5. The sea swallows many a noble vessel.

6. Ajax was the bulwark of the Greeks.

7. His hard heart was melted by the speaker's fire.

Convert the following plain language into figarative language that will express the same idea. The words in parentheses after each sentence are intended to suggest an appropriate figure.

EXAMPLE. The meadows are covered with grass (Clothed, robes.)

In figurative language. The meadows are clothed in their robes of green.

8. The ocean was calm. (Waves, asleep, bosom.)

9. In youth all things seem pleasant. (Morning, colored, roseate hue.)

10. A true friend will tell us of our faults. (Friendship, mirror.)

11. Let us renounce the dominion of the tyrant. (Cast off, yoke.)

12. Guilt is generally miserable. (Wedded.)

13. Hope is a great support in misfortune. (Anchor, soul clings, sea.)

14. Homer's poetry is more sublime than Virgil's. (Genius, soars higher.)

LESSON LXXXV.

PERSONIFICATION.

WHAT is personification?

Personification is a figure by which we attribute life, sex, or action to inanimate objects. Thus, when we say "the land smiles with plenty," we represent the earth as a living creature, smiling.

What effect has the judicious use of this figure upon style?

It enlivens and embellishes it, by bringing striking pictures before the mind.

What is meant by attributing sex to an inanimate object? Speaking of it as he or she; thus we say of the sun, "he sheds his light over hill and dale;" of a ship, "how bravely she rides the waves."

EXERCISE.

Make sentences, each of which shall contain one of the following words personified:

THE pupil is now prepared for exercises in any department of prose composition. As a great deal of time is often lost in the selection of themes, a list of subjects is here subjoined, each of which, if properly treated, will be found sufficient for one exercise. They have been so arranged, as far as possible, as to make the progress in difficulty regular, but exceedingly gradual; and the author would

advise that they be taken in turn, in the order in which they are here presented. It will be well for the teacher to prescribe some limit of length— that no composition, for instance, contain less than thirty lines of manuscript.

Before entering on this list of subjects, if there be any part of the book with which the pupil is not familiar, it will be best for him to review it.

LETTERS.

1. Write a letter to your teacher, giving an account of the manner in which you spent your last vacation.

2. Write to a friend, describing your sister's wedding, and the festivities on that occasion.

3. Write to a cousin in the country, giving an account of a concert, the Museum, or any place of public amusement which you may have recently visited.

4. Write to a parent, or other relative, travelling in Europe, about domestic matters.

5. Write an answer to the preceding letter, in which the parent would naturally give some account of his travels in Europe.

6. Announce in a letter to a

friend that his brother whom you knew, and who resided in the same place that you do, is dead. Give an account of his sickness. Offer such consolation as is in your power.

7. Write a note to a friend, requesting the loan of a volume.

Write a note, inviting a friend to spend the holidays at your father's house.

Write a note, regretting that prior engagements will compel you to decline a friend's invitation.

8. Write a letter to a merchant, applying for a situation as clerk, and stating your qualifications.

Write an answer from the merchant.

DESCRIPTIONS.