An Essay towards Fixing the True Standards of Wit, Humour, Railery, Satire, and Ridicule (1744) by Corbyn Morris
page 78 of 88 (88%)
page 78 of 88 (88%)
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different Rays united in each; of which _Humour_, like the _Red_, is
eminent for its superior Force and Excellence;--When the Judgment is thus capable of parting, and easily assigning the several Quantities, and Proportions of each, it heightens our Pleasure, and gives us an absolute Command over the Subject; But they are often so intimately mix'd, and blended together, that it is difficult to separate them clearly, tho' they are all certainly felt in the same Piece;--Like the different _Flavours_ of rich _Fruits_, which are inseparably mix'd, yet all perfectly tasted, in one _Pine-Apple_. _Raillery_, and _Satire_, are extremely different; 1. _Raillery_, is a genteel poignant Attack of _slight_ Foibles and Oddities; _Satire_ a witty and severe Attack of _mischievous_ Habits and Vices. 2. The _Intention_ of _Raillery_, is to procure your _Pleasure_, by exposing the little Embarrassment of a Person; But the _Intention_ of _Satire_, is to raise your _Detestation_, by exposing the real Deformity of his Vices. 3. If in _Raillery_ the Sting be given too deep and severe, it will sink into Malice and Rudeness, And your Pleasure will not be justifiable; But _Satire_, the more deep and severe the Sting of it is, will be the more excellent; Its Intention being entirely to root out and destroy the Vice. 4. It is a just Maxim upon these Subjects, that in _Raillery_ a good-natur'd Esteem ought always to appear, without any Resentment or Bitterness; In _Satire_ a generous free Indignation, without any |
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