Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/406

396 sufficient for such an undertaking ; for want of which I have been put to the necessity, in the word, of writing an alpha for an eta.

However, I believe it will not be amiss to bring some few testimonies, to show in what great esteem the art of punning was among the most refined wits at Rome, and that in the most polite ages, as will appear from the following quotations.

Quinctilian says, "Urbanitas est virtus quædam, in breve dictum, verum sensu duplici, coacta, et apta ad delectandos homines, &c." Thus translated, "Punning is a virtue, comprised in a short expression, with a double meaning, and fitted to delight the ladies."

Lucretius also,

Quò magìs æternum da dictis, Diva, leporeri. Goddess, eternal puns on me bestow.

And elsewhere,

Omnia enim lepidi magis admirantur, amántque Germanis quæ sub verbis latitantia cernunt: Verbaque constituunt simili fucata sonore, Nec simili sensu, sed quæ mentita placerent. All men of mirth and sense admire and love Those words which like twin brothers doubtful prove; When the same sounds a different sense disguise. In being deceiv'd the greatest pleasure lies.

Thus Claudian,

Vocibus alternant sensus, fraudisque jocosæ, Vim duplicem rident, lacrymosaque gaudia miscent. From word to word th' ambiguous sense is play'd; Laughing succeeds, and joyful tears are shed.

And