ECPHONESIS, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Exclamatio, Ex∣clamation, or a crying out: derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [ecphoneo] exclamo, to cry out.
Ecphonesis is a pathetical figure, whereby as the Orator or speaker expresses the vehement af∣fection and passion of his own mind, so he also excites and stirs up the minds and affections of those to whom he speaks.
It is exprest or understood by an Adverb of crying out, as, Oh, alas, behold; which are the signs of this figure.
Page 135O clementiam admirabilem!*
O scelus! ô pestis ô labes! ò libidinem effraena∣tam at{que} indomitam!
Obrutus insanis esset adulter aquis!
English Examples.
Thus Pyrocles seeing the milde Philoclea inno∣cently beheaded, bursts forth into this excla∣mation;
O Tyrant heaven, and Traytor earth, how is this done? How is this suffered? Hath this world a government?
Alas what delights and how great enjoy∣ments hath one day deprived thee of!
Ah poor confidence! oh glorious triumphs over unarmed captives!
Oh admirable clemency and mercy!
Oh most wicked presumption, from whence art thou sprung up to cover the earth with fals∣hood and deceit!
Scriptural Examples of Ecphonesis.
This figure is made in Scripture these ten wayes, viz.
1. In way of Admiration: as,
Rom. 11.33. Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdome and knowledge of God! &c.
Psal. 8.1. O Lord, how excellent is thy Name!
144.15. O happy people that are in such a case! &c.
2. In way of Indignation•, as
Page 136Acts 13.10. O full of all subtilty and mis∣chief, thou childe of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousnesse! &c.
3. In way of Detestation and abhorrencie: as,
Rom. 7.24. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death!
Jer. 44.4. O doe not this abominable thing that I hate, &c.
4. In the way of entreaty or wishing: as,
Psal. 14.17, O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Sion!
Isa. 64.1. O that thou wouldst rent the hea∣vens! &c. see 1 Chron. 11.17.
Job 6.8. O that I might have my request! and that God would grant me the thing I long for!
Psal. 55.6. O that I had the wings of a Dove, that I might flie and be at rest! See Gen. 17.18. Deut. 5.29.
5. In way of Commiseration and Lamentati∣on: as,
Luke 13.34. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the Prophets, &c. how often would I have gathered thy children together, &c.
Lam. 1.1. How is the golden City spoiled! how doth the City sit solitary, that was full of people? &c. how is she become as a widow?
6. In way of Reprehension: as,
Gal. 3.1. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, &c. See in Acts 7.51, 52, &c.
7. In way of Derision: as,
Mark 15.29. And they that passed by (our Saviour) rayled on him, wagging their heads, Page 137 and saying; Ah thou that destroyest the Temple and buildest it in three dayes!
8. In way of Love: as,
Psal. 84.1. O how amiable are thy Taber∣nacles, thou Lord of Hosts!
9. In way of exultation and triumph: as,
1 Cor. 15.55. Oh death, where is thy sting, oh grave, where is thy victory?
10. In way of Fear: as,
1 Tim. 6.11. But thou O man of God, flee these things: and follow after righteousnesse, &c.
