A parenthesis is a clause containing some useful remark, which may be
omitted without injuring the grammatical construction; as, "To gain a
posthumous reputation, is to save a few letters (for what is a name
besides?) from oblivion."
"Know then this truth, (enough for man to know,)
"Virtue alone is happiness below."
NOTE. The parenthesis generally denotes a moderate depression of the
voice; and, as the parenthetical marks do not supply the place of a
point, the clause should be accompanied with every stop which the
sense would require, if the parenthetical characters were not used.
It ought to terminate with the same kind of point which the member
has that precedes it; as "He loves nobly, (I speak of friendship,)
who is not jealous when, he has partners of love."
"Or why so long (in life if long can be)
"Lent Heav'n a parent to the poor and me?"
Parentheses, however, containing interrogations or exclamations, form an
exception to this rule; as, "If I grant his request, (and who could
refuse it?) I shall secure his esteem and attachment."