eloquence could be found in this passage which I have chosen
CHAP. VIII.] ELOQUENCE OF THE SACRED WPJTEIiS. 135
'' and they were not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." Whetlier this be pronounced continuously as one clause, or whether with more elegance we hold the words, " and they were not grieved/' suspended on the voice, and then add, " for the affliction of Josei)h," so as to make a period of two members ; in any case, it is a touch of marvellous beauty not to say, " and they were not grieved for the affliction of their brother;" but to put Joseph for brother, so as to indicate brothers in general by the proper name of him who stands out illustrious from among his brethren, both in regard to the injuries he suffered and the good return he made. And, indeed, I do not laiow whether this figure of speech, by which Joseph is put for brothers in general, is one of those laid down in that art which I learnt and used to teach. But how beautiful it is, and how it comes home to the intellij^ent reader, it is useless to tell any one who does not himself feel it.
21. And a number of other points bearing on the laws of eloquence could be found in this passage which I have chosen as an example. But an intelligent reader will not be so much instructed by carefully analysing it as kindled by reciting it with spirit. ISTor was it composed by man's art and care, but it flowed forth in wisdom and eloquence from the Divine mind ; wisdom not aiming at eloquence, yet eloquence not shrinking from wisdom. For if, as certain very eloquent and acute men have perceived and said, the rules wliich are laid down in the art of oratory could not have been observed, and noted, and reduced to system, if they had not first had their birth in the genius of orators, is it wonderful that they should be found in the messengers of Him who is the author of all genius ? Therefore let us acknowledge that the canonical waiters are not only wise but eloquent also, with an eloquence suited to a character and position like theirs.
Chap. viii.—The obscurity of the sacred writers, though compatible ivith eloquence, noftolevmUdtedTy~Uhrl^Udn^
22. But although I take some examples of eloquence from those writings of theirs which there is no difficulty in understanding, we are not by any means to suppose that it is our duty to imitate them in those passages where, with a view to