The exercise of Comparison involves the juxtaposition of two subjects side by side, showing one to be better than the other (double encomium), one to be worse than the other (double invective), or one to be good and the other bad (encomium combined with invective).

Praise two people (or things) in close comparison, or praise one and condemn the other (you may use the persons you confirmed and vituperated against in the last exercises). Be certain not to treat them separately, but together, in parallel fashion. After composing an exordium (introduction), follow these steps (examples are on p. 408-412):

1. Describe the stock each person comes from:
* what people
* what country
* what ancestors
* what parents
2. Describe each person's upbringing
* education
* instruction in art
* training in laws
3. Describe each person's deeds, which should be described as the results of
* his/her excellencies or evils of mind (such as fortitude/weakness or prudence/indiscretion)
* his/her excellencies or evils of body (such as beauty/plainness, speed/lethargy, or vigor/lack of vigor)
* his/her excellencies or evils of fortune (good/ill use of high position, power, wealth, or friends)
4. Conclude with an epilogue including an exhortation to your hearers to/not to emulate either person