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"A deformed Person will naturally consider, where his Strength and his Foible lie; and as he is well acquainted with the last, he will easily find out the first; and must know, that (if it is any where) it is not, like Sampson's, in the Hair; but must be in the Lining of the Head."

— Hay, William (1695-1755)

Author

Deformity, An Essay

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for R. and J. Dodsley

Date

1754

Metaphor

"A deformed Person will naturally consider, where his Strength and his Foible lie; and as he is well acquainted with the last, he will easily find out the first; and must know, that (if it is any where) it is not, like Sampson's, in the Hair; but must be in the Lining of the Head."

Metaphor in Context

On looking about him, he will find many Avenues to the Temple of Fame barred against him: but some are still open through, that of Virtue: and those, if he has a right Ambition, he will most probably attempt to pass. The more a Man is unactive in his Person, the more his Mind will be at work: and the Time which others spend in Action, he will pass in Study and Contemplation: by these he may acquire Wisdom, and by Wisdom Fame. The Name of Socrates is as much sounded, as those of Alexander and Caesar; and is recorded in much fairer Characters, He gained Renown by Wisdom and Goodness; they by Tyranny and Oppression: he by instructing; they by destroying Mankind: and happy it is, that their evil Deeds were confined to their Lives; while he continues to instruct us to this Day. A deformed Person will naturally consider, where his Strength and his Foible lie; and as he is well acquainted with the last, he will easily find out the first; and must know, that (if it is any where) it is not, like Sampson's , in the Hair; but must be in the Lining of the Head. He will say to himself, I am weak in Person; unable to serve my Country in the Field; I can acquire no military Glory: but I may, like Socrates, acquire Reputation by Wisdom and Probity: let me therefore be wise and honest. My Figure is very bad: and I should appear but ill as an Orator, either in the Pulpit 'or at the Bar: let me therefore pass my Time in my Study, either in reading what may improve my self, or in writing what may entertain or instruct others. I have not the Strength of Hercules; nor can I rid the World of so many Monsters: but perhaps I may get rid of some my self. If I cannot, draw out Cacus from his Den; I may pluck the Villain from my own Breast. I cannot cleanse the Stables of Augeas; but I may cleanse my own Heart from Filth and Impurity: I may demolish the Hydra of Vices within me; and should be careful too, that while I lop off one, I do not suffer more to grow up in its stead. Let me be serviceable in any way that I can: and if I am so, it may in some measure be owing to my Deformity. Which at least should be a Restraint on my Conduct, lest my Conduct make me more deformed.
(pp. 69-71)