Whereas ELEGANCE consists in the _compt_, _well pruned_ and _succinct
Turn_ of a Subject.
The Object of the _First_, is to be _clear_, and _perspicuous_; whence
it often appears in pursuit of these, not _compt_ or _succinct_:
Whereas the _Essence_ of ELEGANCE is to be _compt_ and _succinct_,
for the Sake of which Ornaments it often neglect _Perspicuity_, and
_Clearness_.--In short, a _Propriety_ of Thoughts and Words, may
subsist without any _Elegance_; as an _Elegance_ of Thoughts and Words
may appear without a perfect _Propriety_.
The last _Definition_, as it is thus very different from the former is
also equally unhappy: For ELEGANCE is no _essential_ Property of WIT.
_Pure_ WIT resulting solely from the _quick Elucidation_ of one
Subject, by the sudden _Arrangement_, and _Comparison_ of it,
with another Subject.--If the two Objects _arranged_ together are
_elegant_, and _polite_, there will then be superadded to the WIT,
an _Elegance_ and _Politeness_ of Sentiment, which will render the
WIT more amiable. But if the Objects are _vulgar_, _obscene_, or
_deformed_, provided the _first_ be _elucidated_, in a lively Manner,
by, the sudden _Arrangement_ of it with the _second_, there will be
equally WIT; though, the Indelicacy of Sentiment attending it, will
render such WIT shocking and abominable.
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