SArcasmus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, irrisio quaedam amaru∣lenta, a biting scoff or taunt; derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Sarkazo, carnes detraho, to draw away the flesh.*
A Sarcasme is a bitter kinde of derision, most frequently used of an enemy; it is near an Iro∣ny, but somewhat more bitter.
English Examples.
When M. Appius in his Proeme declared that he was ea•nestly entreated of a friend to use his diligence, eloquence and fidelity in the cause of his Client: after all the plea ended, Cicero comming to Appius, said thus unto him, Are you so hard a man (saith he) that of so ma∣ny things which your friend requested, you will perform none?
The Pope in this life sells heaven; hell there∣fore he reserveth to himself in the life to come.
Scriptural Examples of a Sarcasme.
Psal. 137.3. Sing us one of the Songs of Si∣on: This was uttered in scornful and insulting manner over the poor Israelites being captives in Babylon.
Gen. 37.19. Behold, the dreamer cometh.
Thus Michael spits out bitter reproaches a∣gainst David, in 2 Sam. 6.20. How glorious was the King of Israel to day, &c. (i. e.) how contemptible and inglorious! &c.
Thus Shimei reviled him in 2 Sam. 16.7.
Thus in Exod. 14.11. the children of Israel taunt at Moses, Because there were no grave• in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilde•nesse?
Mark. 15.29, 30, 31. And they that passed by, rayled on him, wagging their heads, and saying,
Page 70Ah, thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three dayes, save thy self and come down from the crosse.
Likewise also the chief Priests, mocking said among themselves with the Scribes,
He save others, himself he cannot save.
The like Sa•c•sme you shall finde in Nahum, 3.1, 14. and Mat. 27.29, 42.
