Kitap 3
1.10
Consequently, it is evident that we need not enter too precisely into all questions of style, but only those which concern such a style as we are discussing. As for the other kind of style,i.e. the poetic style. See Aristot. Poet. 22, where the choice of words and the extent to which out-of-the-way words and phrases may be used in poetry is discussed. it has already been treated in the Poetics.
2.1
Let this suffice for the consideration of these points. In regard to style, one of its chief merits may be defined as perspicuity. This is shown by the fact that the speech, if it does not make the meaning clear, will not perform its proper function; neither must it be mean, nor above the dignity of the subject, but appropriate to it; for the poetic style may be is not mean, but it is not appropriate to prose.
2.2
Of nouns and verbs it is the proper ones that make style perspicuousNouns and verbs is a conventional expression for all the parts of speech. Cp. Hor. AP 240 non ego inornata et dominantia nomina solum verbaque, where dominantia is a literal adaptation of κύρια, the usual Latin equivalent for which is propria.; all the others which have been spoken of in the PoeticsAristot. Poet. 21. elevate and make it ornate; for departure from the ordinary makes it appear more dignified. In this respect men feel the same in regard to style as in regard to foreigners and fellow-citizens.
