CHAPTER XV.

OF THE NARRATION.

The _narration_ is not always continued, and of one piece; but sometimes, as in _demonstratives_, interrupted, and dispersed through the whole oration.

For there being in a _narration_, something that falls not under art; as namely, the actions themselves, which the orator inventeth not; he must therefore bring in the _narration_ of them where he best may. As for example, if being to praise a man, you would make a _narration_ of all his acts immediately from the beginning, and without interruption, you will find it necessary afterwards to repeat the same acts again, while from some of them you praise his valour, and from others his wisdom; whereby your oration shall have less variety, and shall less please.

It is not necessary always that the _narration_ be short. The true measure of it must be taken from the _matter_ that is to be laid open.

In the _narration_, as oft as may be, it is good to insert somewhat commendable in one’s self, and blameable in one’s adversary: as, _I advised him, but he would take no counsel_.

In _narrations_, a man is to leave out whatsoever breeds compassion, indignation, &c. in the hearer beside the purpose; as Ulysses in Homer, relating his travels to Alcinous, to move compassion in him, is so long in it that it consists of divers books: but when he comes home, tells the same to his wife in thirty verses, leaving out what might make her sad.

The _narration_ ought also to be in such words as argue the _manners_, that is some virtuous or vicious habit in him of whom we speak, although it be not expressed; as, _setting his arms a-kimbo, he answered, &c._; by which is insinuated the pride of him that so answered.

In an _oration_ a man does better to shew his affection than his judgment; that is, it is better to say, _I like this_, than to say, _this is better_. For by the one you would seem _wise_, by the other _good_. But _favour_ follows _goodness_; whereas _wisdom_ procures _envy_.

But if this affection seem incredible, then either a reason must be rendered, as did Antigone. For when she had said, _she loved her brother better than her husband or children_; she added, _for husband and children I may have more; but another brother I cannot, my parents being both dead_. Or else a man must use this form of speaking; _I know this affection of mine seems strange to you; but nevertheless it is such_. For it is not easily believed that any man has a mind to do any thing that is not for his own good.

Besides in a _narration_, not only the actions themselves, but the passions and signs that accompany them, are to be discovered.

And in his _narration_ a man should make himself and his adversary be considered for such and such, as soon and as covertly as he can.

A _narration_ may have need sometimes not to be in the beginning. In _deliberative_ orations, that is, wheresoever the question is of things to come, a _narration_, which is always of things past, has no place. And yet things past may be recounted, that men may _deliberate_ better of the future. But that is not as _narration_, but _proof_; for it is _example_.

There may also be _narration_ in _deliberatives_, in that part where crimination and praise come in. But that part is not _deliberative_, but _demonstrative_.

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