_The means or instrument conceived to be the agent._
In viewing a group of things, we have obviously a natural tendency to
bestow all possible perfection upon that particular object which makes
the greatest figure. The emotion raised by the object, is, by this
means, thoroughly gratified; and if the emotion be lively, it prompts us
even to exceed nature in the conception we form of the object. Take the
following examples.
For Neleus’ sons Alcides’ _rage_ had slain.
A broken rock the _force_ of Pirus threw.
In these instances, the rage of Hercules and the force of Pirus, being
the capital circumstances, are so far exalted as to be conceived the
agents that produce the effects.
In the following instance, hunger being the chief circumstance in the
description, is itself imagined to be the patient.
Whose hunger has not tasted food these three days.
_Jane Shore._
-------------------- As when the _force_
Of subterranean wind transports a hill.
_Paradise Lost._
---------------- As when the _potent rod_
Of Amram’s son in Egypt’s evil day
Wav’d round the coast, upcall’d a pitchy cloud
Of locusts.
_Paradise Lost._