PROF. MANDEVILLE'S READING-BOOKS
Are distinguished by the following peculiarities, which, it is believed,
will favorably recommend them to the attention of parents and teachers.
1. The exercises at the beginning of Part I. of the Introduction,
adapted as they are to the understandings and vocal powers of the
young, enable the teacher not merely to illustrate the different move-
ments of the voice in good reading, but to drill his pupils to the proper
expression of them ; and, as these movements are, as will be observed
on examination, connected with obvious peculiarities of sentential
structure, easily remembered, preparation is thus made to read intelli-
gently the lessons which follow.
2. All these books contain a studied variety of sentential structure :
calling every moment for a corresponding variety of intonation. Most
reading-books, in consequence of a prevailing narrative or didactic style
in their lessons, cause the monotony which they should cure. By
introducing as large a share of the colloquial and dramatic into the
present series as was 1 deemed compatible with a complete exhibition of
all the styles, the author has endeavored to force the pupil into the use
of variety of tone.
r 3. The punctuation in these books conforms in the main to the
sense and the proper delivery of every sentence, and is a guide to both.
When a departure from the proper punctuation occurs, the proper
delivery is indicated. (See " Hints to teachers" at the beginning of the
Introduction Part J.) As reading-books are usually punctuated, it is
a matter of surprise that children should learn to read at all.
4. Each book apart, and the series as a whole, are progressive : not
nominally, but really progressive ; that is, beginning in Part I. of the
Introduction, with the easiest reading in the language, the lessons
continue to task the powers of the pupil more and more to the end.
Part II. advances in the same manner from less to more difficult ; and
having thoroughly mastered this, the pupil is introduced to the " Course
of Reading ;" where he commences the study of the simple grammat-
ical principles, so far as a knowledge of them is essential to reading,
and also of the analysis of sentential structure on which all good read-
ing depends. When he has exhausted the " Course of Reading," the
" Elements of Reading and Oratory" awaits him ; in which he enters
on the study of punctuation, modulation including the nature and laws
of emphasis, and particular rules for the delivery of every sentence in
the language.
5. In the opinion of competent judges, these books are not less an
aid to grammar and composition, than to reading. Reference is here
more particularly made to the " Course of Reading," and the " Ele-
ments of Reading and Oratory ;" and to those portions of these works
in which the sentences, employed in the English language, are classi-
fied and described, and copious examples of them adduced in every
degree of expansion. (See commendatory letters from various sources.)
6. While the author has been at great pains, to introduce as large
an amount of useful and innocently amusing knowledge into his books'
as his limits would permit, he has uniformly been earnestly intent on
making the whole subservient to sound morality and religion : purity,
patriotism, and piety.
PROFESSOR MANDEVILLE'S
SERIES 01 READING BOOKS!
COMPRISING
I. PRIMARY READING BOOK. 1 vol. 16mo.
II. SECOND READER. 1 vol. 16faio.
III. THIRD READER. 1 vol. 16mo.
IV. FOURTH READER. 1 vol. 12mo.
V. COURSE OF READING, or FIFTH READER. 12mo.
VI. ELEMENTS OF READING AND ORATORY.
1 vol. large 12mo.
THE
ELEMENTS
OF
READING AND ORATORY
Verum illi persuasione sua fruantur, qui hominibus, ut sint oratores, satis putant nasci :
nostro labori dent veniam, qui nihil credimus esse perfectum, nisi ubi natura cura juvetur.
QtJlNCTILIAN.
BY
HENRY MANDEVILLE, B.B.
PROFESSOR OF MORAL SCIENCE AND BELLES-LETTRES IN HAMILTON COLLEGE.
A NEW REVISED EDITION.
V
NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY.
PHILADELPHIA :
GEO. S. APPLETON, 164 CHESNUT-STREET.
MDCCCXLIX. •
\
\
*
A
0\
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849,
By D. APPLETON & COMPANY,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
r
PREFACE
Of all the departments of learning in our schools, there is none which,
by general concession, is more important than that of reading and speaking ;
and yet, there is none in which the instruction given is at once so arbitrary,
so vague, so unprofitable. In every other, there exists some recognised
standard of propriety, tangible, and always at hand, by reference to which,
the student can accurately prepare himself for recitation beforehand ; and
by reference to which, should he make a mistake, while the recitation is
in progress, his teacher can intelligibly correct him : make him clearly
comprehend the nature of the error into which he has fallen, and effectually
guard him against a repetition of it. In writing, he must imitate his copy :
in geography, he must implicitly receive the statements of his text-book,
and studiously conform to the delineations of his map : in arithmetic, every
process has its rule, which offers itself to him as an infallible guide, through
all the intricacies and mazes of numbers : in reading and speaking alone,
he is left to acquire a correct and graceful delivery as he may, with such
imperfect light as his teacher, whose judgment may be riper, but whose
scources of information are not better than his own, can throw upon
his path. In truth, the only means by which either of them can deter-
mine, that a given passage should be delivered in one way rather than
in another, is a mere supposition ; namely, that such is the way in which it
would be delivered by an artless speaker ; or, to adopt the cant phraseology
of the day on this subject, such is the natural way ; or the way in which
one would deliver it, who conforms to nature : a supposition, which, con-
sidering the inexperience of the parties forming it, the extensive observa-
tion and comparison of the best models of delivery, the cultivated judgment,
and the nice critical tact necessary to form it, and withal the prevalence
of bad examples even at the Bar and in the Pulpit, to say nothing of
the vicious elocution of the multitude, is as liable to be false as true ; and
whether false or true, it can be neither denied nor affirmed ; since there is
nothing beyond itself, in the shape of an authorized standard, with which
it may be compared. To conform to nature, or rather to know when we
conform to nature, we should previously know what that nature is : what it
prescribes : what it excludes.
The inadequacy, I had almost said, the absurdity, of such a method of
instruction in grammar, if method it may be called, would be apparent to
the most indifferent thinker in the land. Imagine a student endeavoring
to acquire a knowledge of its principles without a nomenclature, designa-
ting and describing the parts of speech: without examples, illustrating
1*
6 PREFACE.
them : without rules, showing their relation and government : in short,
without any guide whatever to a knowledge of its facts and laws, except
a vague reference to the conflicting practice of those who speak and write
the English language : does not every one perceive that, with such means
of study, it would be all but impossible to obtain a clear insight into the
mysteries of the science ? or that, if some inquirer, more ardent than usual,
should persist in the pursuit until success crowned at length his diligence,
the work would consume a large proportion of his life ? Yet there is no
difficulty here which does not meet the student in learning to read and
speak by the same process ; the scene is changed, but the actor and his
part remain as before. He must grope his way in the dark in the same
manner : with uncertain footing, and at a venture. He can never be sure
of his position, and he is as likely to move in a circle as to advance.
Nor will it materially avail him, in the absence of a nomenclature and
of rules, that he possesses in his teacher the very best model of elocution.
From such a teacher he may acquire a good articulation, for this in some
measure is subject to rule ; but beyond this, which though important is
yet subordinate, he can derive no more aid from such a teacher than from
any other immeasurably his inferior. Indeed, he will derive less, if the
latter, with his imperfect qualifications as a reader, should happen to possess
the superior tact as a disciplinarian : greater facility in winning the regard
of his pupils ; in commanding their attention ; in exciting their emulation.
In other respects the more and the less gifted teacher occupy, in relation
to him, the same level. Neither of them can do more than superintend his
exercises : neither of them can add any thing to the benefit he derives
from the practice those exercises afford. Whatever may be his faults of
modulation, no correction of theirs, however just, can, from the very nature
of the case, be followed by improvement. To have ocular and auricular
demonstration of this, we have only to enter one of our schools in city or
country, when a class, containing perhaps a dozen pupils, is called up to
read. Observe. The lesson, distributed among them, gives to each scarcely
more than a single sentence for rehearsal. One of the pupils, reading his
sentence, fails in the judgment of the teacher, to employ the proper delivery.
He is now shown how it should be read, (that is, the teacher reads it for
him, with, what he deems, the proper modulation,) and is commanded to read
it again ; and this time, we may presume, he will read it correctly. But
what then ? If this was the only sentence he ever expected to read, the
correction might answer a good purpose. He would probably remember it ;
and at the next reading, and still more certainly at the next, he would
make no mistake. But when called up again, he has the infinitesimal
portion of another lesson, to which no correction of the one previously
read, is applicable ; or if it is, neither he nor his teacher is aware of it. His
reading is again faulty, and is again corrected ; and so on with every suc-
cessive lesson, day after day, the year through. Each correction is an
independent one. Having its root in no settled principle, illustrated by
examples ; falling under no general law, confirmed by reason and obvious
facts ; it neither borrows light from the past, nor reflects light on the
future. It guards the pupil against nothing but the specific error cor-
rected : its whole force is exhausted on a single sentence which may
never be read again, or if read, recognised as having been read before.
It is therefore manifestly of no use, then or thenceforward. In any
PREFACE. 7
other branch of study, it would be the stepping-stone of a continually accel-
erating progress ; here it terminates with itself : elsewhere a quickening
spirit ; here a dead letter.
These obvious defects of the prevailing method of instruction, and the
enormous waste both of money and of time it occasions, have led a number
of ingenious and able men, during the last sixty or seventy years, to inquire
whether a better one could not be devised : whether, in other words, the
facts and principles of elocution could not be systematized like those of
grammar, arithmetic, &c, and hence taught in the same manner. Their
works, which are before the public, and well known, propose for our
consideration, two distinct systems : the one formed on sentential con-
struction ; the other, variously modified, on a theory of Dr. Rush. Of
these, the first is unquestionably the system of nature ; and that it should
not have made its way into public favor, and become the basis of elemen-
tary instruction wherever the English language is spoken, must be im-
puted, not to any thing wrong in the plan, but simply to the imperfect
manner in which, hitherto, it has been developed ; for, unfortunately, Mr.
Walker, by whom it was first broached in his " Elements of Elocution,"
and by whom it was carried to a point not yet passed, and scarcely
reached, by those who have followed him, stopped short with an extremely
imperfect account of one or two sentences only, and arbitrarily applied,
or expected the student to apply, the laws derived from these to every
other, however unlike in structure. Hence his failure : acknowledged
by himself in the Rhetorical Grammar which he published subsequently to
the " Elements." His work, therefore, sustains the same relation to a
complete system of Elocution, that would be sustained by a defective map
of the state of New York to a universal Atlas; and, carrying the illus-
tration a little farther, to expect it, with whatever diligence studied, to
form a good reader or speaker, would be equivalent to expecting that a
man, by looking at such a map of this state, should be qualified to describe
the boundaries, towns, rivers, lakes and mountains, of every other state
and empire on the surface of the globe.
The other system, that derived from Dr. Rush, and confined, I believe,
to this country, however ingenious, and though ably and fully developed, is
rather, it must be admitted, a system of vocal exercises than of elocution :
as such, its utility in the schoolroom is not readily seen. Should a person
become thoroughly versed in its various movements, which is no easy
attainment, he has not taken as yet one step toward a correct and graceful
delivery of a single sentence in the English language. Suppose a sentence
presented : the question is, with what vocal movements, or more generally,,
with what modulation, shall it be read or spoken ? To this question the
system gives no reply: the appropriate delivery is yet to be ascertained.
These authors end, therefore, -just where Walker and others begin ; or if
they proceed farther, and prescribe a delivery for a given passage, they are
governed in so doing by no broad general principles authorized by induction,
but by the caprices of individual tastes, or like the writers just mentioned,
by questionable laws derived from a few isolated cases. — I may add, that this
system is exposed to the serious objection of having a strong tendency
to form an artificial and mechanical delivery. I have met with several
individuals, whose voices, trained by its processes, very distinctly be-
trayed it.
8 PREFACE.
Such are the exceptions which may be taken to the most systematic and
elaborate writers on elocution : writers of the higher aim, and the more
solid worth. Of others, it is scarcely necessary to speak ; for they attempt
rather to mitigate the evils of the existing method of instruction, than to
remove them by introducing another. Their observations are local, iso-
lated, special : not without value in the particular instances to which they
apply ; but apart as they are from principles, and incapable of generaliza-
tion, they merely supersede the incidental and arbitrary dogmas of the
instructor.
On the whole, it must be acknowledged that the desideratum in the
department of elocution ; the work which seizes, generalizes and arranges
its facts, develops its principles, and declares its laws ; the work in which
the public may universally confide as an exposition of true science ; the
work on which the professor, the academical and common-school teacher,
can lay their hands, assured that in it they have a safe guide in all that re-
lates to reading and speaking ; the work, finally, which shall displace the
prevailing inefficient and clumsy method, and banish it forever from our
schools ; — such a work is yet to appear ; and when it does appear, it will
doubtless bear upon its face the evidence of its mission, and compel assent
to its revelations ; and the man who produces it, there can be as little doubt,
will be hailed as the benefactor of the young.
That the following work, which I have now the honor of submitting to the
public, possesses this high and decisive character, I am of course far from
believing. Yet, I confess, I am not entirely without hope, (founded on
long and patient investigation, unbiased by received theories or precon-
ceived opinions, and still more on having tested its utility, during the past
two years, in the institution with which I am professionally connected,)
that it may prove to be at least the herald of the morning : the day-star
to such a sun. If it should, I shall be content ; though merely glimmer-
ing for a space, where my successor will pour full-orbed effulgence.
It will be seen, on examination, that the leading idea of Mr. Walker is
mine ; namely, that the law of delivery must be derived from the struc-
ture of the sentence. Mr. Walker, however, either because that idea
was not a very clear one, or because he wanted leisure or patience for a
wide, comprehensive and exact induction, satisfied himself, as I have already
observed, with an extremely imperfect development of it. What he left
undone, I have attempted to do : to give a complete enumeration of the dif-
ferent sentences in the English language, and a description of their distinctive
peculiarities of structure. This part of my work, which forms its base,
is comprised in chapter fourth. Chapter second, on Punctuation ; chapter
third, on Modulation; and chapter sixth, containing the Laws of De-
livery, with a long train of examples under each for exercise, are merely
derivations from chapter fourth.
The chapter on Emphasis, (ch. 5th,) is the result of discovering, that
the laws of delivery, derived from structure, are limited to termination and
direction : to the former, in declarative, and to the latter, in interrogative
sentences. In other words, I found that structure determined the modu-
lation at the end of declarative sentences, and of their parts, and the
general direction of the voice, through interrogative ; but not the modula-
tion of the intermediate portions. This I subsequently traced to the nature,
position and influence of emphasis ; my discussion of which, the fruit of
PREFACE. 9
laborious and protracted examination, will be deemed, I trust, satisfactory :
few subjects have been treated hitherto with less precision : why, it would
be difficult to explain.
Having now made the student thoroughly acquainted with every va-
riety of sentential structure, and the laws of delivery as derived from
structure and emphasis combined, I introduce him, in chapter seventh,
to the common reading-book ; where he is mainly left to apply for himself,
the information obtained from the previous portions of the work. As a
reading-book, I think it will be found inferior to none in use. In some re-
spects, it is peculiar. The selections comprise sentences of every variety
of construction, and in every degree of expansion, both in prose and verse.
With most of the reading-books in use this is not the case. I have intro-
duced colloquial pieces, as well as the more sustained composition of
books ; and also several other species of reading, not usually met with in
school-books : such as epigrams, anecdotes, preambles and resolutions of
deliberative assemblies, advertisements, legal notices, letters, &c, &c.
These are all written to be read, and I cannot perceive why we should
not learn to read them ; but I have inserted them more particularly, to
show that the construction of sentences is the same in every species of
composition ; and that these sentences are subject to the same laws of
delivery, wherever found : whether in low life, or high life ; in conversa-
tion or in writing ; and in one kind of writing as well as in another ; in
prose or verse.
The chapter on Pronunciation, the latest written and perhaps the least
studied of the series, though occupying the first place, is introduced not
so much on account of its value, as to mark my sense of the importance
of the subject. Distinct, easy, accurate utterance of elementary sounds,
syllables, and words, is a fundamental and indispensable quality of good
reading and speaking ; and yet how sadly is it neglected, beyond a few
unmeaning and inefficient common-places, by a majority of the teachers
of the present day ! However, better habits are forming. There are
a few instructors certainly who seem, in this respect, apprized of their
responsibility ; and we may reasonably hope that the time is not distant,
when the elements of the English language will be expressed with Attic
elegance.
In bringing these prefatory observations to a close, it may be proper
for me to say, that, although I have endeavored to confirm' every position
taken in the following work, by a sufficient number of examples, or where
examples were inadmissible, which is seldom the case, with sufficient
reasons, it may appear notwithstanding, that I have sometimes spoken
unadvisedly : if so, I trust that I have, at the same time, placed at the dis-
posal of the reader, all that can be requisite for my correction. It may
appear also, after more extended and searching examination, that some
things I have advanced need additions, abridgment or modification. As
I do not profess to have produced a perfect work, but merely to have laid
the foundations for one, I hope such deficiencies may be regarded with
some degree of indulgence. I should state that what may be deemed one
of these, my silence on the subject of gesture, is the result of design : my
plan, in the present work, limiting me to those " elements" which are com-
mon to " Reading and Oratory."
Something I wished to say, before concluding, on the bearing of what
10
PREFACE.
I have advanced, if acknowledged to be just, on the art of composition :
something on its relation to the general subject of style : something also
on its application to elementary instruction in other languages, both
ancient and modern ; soon, probably, to be tested by one of the most finished
classical scholars in the country ; but having already extended my observa-
tions to an unusual length, I reluctantly suppress what I might add on
these points, and submit my work without further ceremony to the judg-
ment of an intelligent and candid public : being very sure that, if it
possesses value, it will receive proportionate approbation ; and that it
can fail to be approved only because, in the opinion of discerning and
just men less interested than myself, it fails to deserve it.
Hamilton College, Sept. 1st, 1845.
CHAPTER I.
PRONUNCIATION.
Pronunciation anciently included the whole of delivery. By
modern usage, it is limited to the enunciation of single words.*
It comprehends articulation and accent.
SEC. I. ARTICULATION.
I. Articulation, primarily, signifies the junction which takes
place in the organs of speech when a sound is interrupted and
thus separated from other sounds ; and, secondarily, by an easy
transition from cause to effect, the distinct utterance of the vari-
ous vocal sounds, represented by letters, diphthongs, triphthongs,
syllables and words.
II. By distinct utterance is to be understood,
1. The expression of all the sounds which enter into the pronun-
ciation of a word.
The fault opposed to this, the suppression of essential sounds, is one of common oc-
currence. Thus, h is often dropped in the pronunciation of where, which, what, and their
derivatives: of shrill, shriek, shrunk, humble, and many others. iVis often dropped from
government ; pronounced as if written goverment ; er from governor, and w, from regular ;
as if written govnor, reglar.
2. The exact expression of the sounds which enter into the pro-
nunciation of a word.
It is not sufficient, for example, that a should have any one of its sounds, but that
specific sound which usage ascribes to it in a given position ; as in mane, man, mat.
Bad articulation in this respect will leave the hearer in doubt as to the particular word
used, or suggest one different from that used ; and the result will be either a perplexed
or perverted meaning.
3. The separate and complete expression of sounds, whether of
letters, syllables, or entire words. f
* Dividitur igitur pronunciatio in vocis figuram, et corporis motum — Rhet. ad Herenn.
1. iii., ch. 2.
Pronunciatio a plerisque actio dicitur ; sed prius nomen a voce, sequens a gestu
videtur accipere — Quinctil. 1. xi., 3.
Est enim actio quasi corporis quaedam eloquentia, cum constet voce atque motu.— Cic.
Orat. 17.
Pronunciation, in the modern acceptation of the term, is limited to the mode of
enouncing certain words and syllables.— A ustin. Chiron.
t A good articulation consists in giving every letter in a syllable its due proportion of
sound, according to the most approved custom of pronouncing it ;, and in making such
a distinction between the syllables of which words are composed, that the ear shall, with-
out difficulty, acknowledge their number, and perceive at once to which syllable each
letter belongs. Where these points are not observed, the articulation is proportionally
defective.— Sheridan.
12 PRONUNCIATION.
Intermingling sounds is the fault here. Thus, the following sentence, He understands
and obeys, would be read or spoken by many, as if written. He understan-zan-dobeys.
It cannot be too often, or too earnestly impressed on the minds of instructors and
students, that in reading or speaking, the sound of every letter which is not mute, of
every syllable, and of every word, should be accurately and distinctly uttered before
another is heard. Unless this be done, the delivery will not be intelligible : much less
distinguished by that force and grace, to which good articulation contributes in so great
a degree.
III. To acquire an articulation which shall be at once accurate
and tasteful, it is necessary,
1. To get an exact knowledge of the elementary sounds of the
language ;
2. To learn the appropriate place of each of these sounds, as de-
termined by usage, in syllables and words; and,
3. To apply this knowledge, constantly, in conversation, reading
and speaking, with a view to correct every deviation from propriety
which we may detect in expressing them.
Most writers on elocution give exercises for the improvement of articulation ; but
manifestly, from the nature of the case, with little benefit to the student. A good
articulation is not to be acquired in a day, nor from a few lessons. Practice should
begin with the spelling-book, and continue through the whole course of education ; and
even then, there will remain room for improvement.
IV. The elementary sounds of language are represented by
vowels, diphthongs, triphthongs and consonants.
In describing these elementary sounds on succeeding pages, I have in a few instances
differed from received opinions. I have enumerated some sounds as regular, which
are treated by others, apparently for no valid reason, as irregular; I have adopted the
middle a sound of Perry, and "have added a corresponding short sound, though found
only in unaccented syllables ; I have denominated the vowel sounds succeeding a, when
identical, as they often are, with those of a. as the alphabetical, middle, flat, or broad
a sound of e, i, A.c. ; and omitting the mute, liquid, and semi-vowel distinction of con-
sonants, I have substituted others more simple, and as I conceive more important. By
the first measure, sounds, hitherto regarded as anomalous, are restored to their place
in the language, and their pronunciation both in accented and unaccented syllables,
determined : {see alphabetical short a below :) by the second, a separate place is
given to a sound which few men, in practice, ever confound with alphabetical a long,
(see middle a lung,) and an attempt is made to rescue a before r in unaccented syllables,
as well as e and i before r in accented syllables, from utter perversion: (see middles,
short, under a. e, and i :) by the third, a simple nomenclature is introduced, by which
the same sound of different vowels is happily designated, and the confusion and per-
plexity arising from distinct names, are avoided : by the fourth, a practical division
of the consonants is substituted for one that is theoretical ; for one which, however
interesting to the orthoepist and lexicographer, is useless to the reader and speaker.
V. A vowel is a sound which may be uttered either alone, or
in connection with another vowel.
Some orthoepists define vowels as simple sounds ; others, as sounds which may be ut-
tered with the mouth open ; and others, as sounds which may be uttered without aid
from the organs of articulation. Each of these definitions is objectionable : the first,
because at least two of them are compound : the second, because many of the con-
sonants are uttered with the mouth open as well as the vowels : the third, because dis-
approved by experiment. It will be found on trial that they require the aid of the artic-
ulatory organs as really as consonants. The most that can be said, is, that they do not
require the aid of all 'of them, nor to the same extent ; which is also true of the con-
sonants.
VI. The vowels are seven in number : a, q, i, o, u, y and w. Of
these,
1. A, e and o, are simple sounds : may be uttered alone.
2. /and u long, are compound sounds : cannot be uttered alone,
3. /, y and w are sometimes consonants.
PRONUNCIATION.
13
1. A has eight sounds.
1. Alphabetical
2. " short,
3. Middle
4. " short,
5. Flat
6. " short,
7. Broad
8. " short,
game, debate, spectator.
any, many, miscellany, herbage.
care, dare, fare.
liar, regular, inward.
father, calm, star, lava.
fat, that, glass.
all, law, salt, walk, also, water, war.
what, want, was, wash, warrant.
I. Alphabetical a long has this sound,
1. When it ends an accented syllable ; as in maker, legislation.
Exceptions. Papa, father, mama, lava, water, and proper names end-
ing with a.
2. When followed by a single consonant (except r) and e mute in the same
accented syllable.
Exceptions. Gape, are, have.
Note.— In unaccented syllables, it often retains this sound.
II. Alphabetical short a. This sound is treated by orthoepists as irregular.
The reason for this, I presume, is, that it occurs under accent, only in the two
words adduced in the table : a reason which will apply with nearly equal force
to other sounds, enumerated notwithstanding among those that are regular ;
as, for example, the sound of o in move. My reasons for treating it as regu-
lar, aside from the one involved in what I have just said, are,
1. That e in men is precisely the short sound of alphabetical a, as ac-
knowledged by the best orthoepists ; (see Walker ;) and this is precisely the
Bound of a in many.
2. The improper diphthong ai, under accent, has this sound in numerous
words ; (see diphthong ai ;) but why it should, unless alphabetical short a is a
regular sound, I am unable to perceive.
The admission of this short sound of alphabetical a among regular sounds, has, I con-
ceive, an important bearing on the pronunciation of the unaccented terminations of a
large class of words ; as age, any, able, ably, ace, ate, ately, &c , in most of which the
long alphabetical sound is abandoned ; and in which, consequently, the short, as being
the nearest, should be heard.
III. Middle a long. I follow Perry in regarding this sound as quite too
remote from alphabetical a long, to be classed with it. It is called middle a
because its sound is about equally distant from that of a in game, and a in
father. It occurs only before r and final e mute.
IV. Middle a short. I am alone, I believe, in enumerating this among dis-
tinct vowel sounds. It sustains precisely the same relation to a in care, fare,
. dare, &c, that a alphabetical short sustains to alphabetical a long. It appears
only in unaccented syllables before r ; but it is represented by e before r in the
same syllable under accent ; as in herd, merchant, &c. : hence, the a in liar,
friar, &c, is not accurately represented, as Walker intimates, by short u ; it
has a sound a shade less guttural and broad ; as may be observed in comparing
mercy (pronouncing e in which like e in merry) with murder, blunder, &c.
V. Flat a long. A has this sound when followed by r or h in the same ac-
cented syllable ; as in art, carl, dart, ah, bah.
Exceptions. — A in this position preceded by w, has its long broad sound \
as in war, ward.
2
14 PRONUNCIATION.
VI. Flat a short. " The short sound of middle or Italian a, (i. e. flat a,) which
is generally confounded with the short sound of slender a, (alphabetical a,) is
the sound of this vowel in man, pan, tan, hat, &c." — Walker.
A has this sound for the most part,
1. When followed by a single consonant, (except r and occasionally I,) in the
same accented syllable ; as in ballad, capstan, massive.
Exceptions. — Alien, ancient, cambric, chamber, manger, angel.
2. When followed by more than one consonant, (except r and I, followed
by another consonant,) in the same accented syllable ; as in band, catch, cramp,
act, apt.
VII. Broad a long. The regular place for this sound is before 11 ; as in all,
hall, call, fall, ha.U, wall ; though it occurs in some other positions ; as in
ward, bawd, chalk.
2. E has five sounds.
1. Alphabetical ~) .£ f me > scheme, theme.
2. " short, J *p J pretty, been, England, faces, linen,
bet, end, them, sell, method,
where, there, ere, e'er, ne'er,
herd, merchant, certain, consternation.
3. " a short, \ §
4. Middle a
5. " " short
rfl
REMARKS.
E is mute,
1. When final and preceded by another vowel in the same syllable ; as in
mute, rebuke, literature.
2. When preceding I and n, in final unaccented syllables in many instances ;
as in navel, drivel, swivel, weasel, open, often, heaven.
3. When it precedes d in the preterit of verbs, and is not preceded by d or t ;
as in lived, loved, revealed, justified.
E is often in position final, where in pronunciation it is not ; as in theatre, centre, mas
sacre : where final, it is often viciously treated, as if not ; as in the derivatives knave-
ry, brave-nj, image-ry, nice-ty, slave-ry , fine-ry \ savage-ry, &c. ; all of which words Walker
pronounces in three or four syllables; while others, correctly enough, he pronounces
in two ; as in safety, ninety, surety. Webster adverts to this error of Walker, yet in
several instances leaves it uncorrected.
I. Alphabetical e long. E has this sound when it ends a syllable, and when
it is followed in the same syllable by a consonant and final e ; as in meteor,
secretion, severe, atmosphere, revere.
Exceptions. Where, there, were, ere.
This sound is often incorrectly superseded by alphabetical a short ; as in establish,
esteem, especial, espial, espy, espouse, esquire, egotist, &c. ; in which words, long alpha-
betical e should be invariably heard. It is also often viciously suppressed in the prefix
pre ; as in precede, prevent, predict, &c. ; which are pronounced as if written pr-cede,
pr-vent, pr-dict.
II. Alphabetical e short. This sound, like that of alphabetical a short, is
treated by orthoepists and grammarians as anomalous ; when the ear alone,
one should think, is sufficient to establish its character as the short sound of e
in scheme. The report of the ear is confirmed by the analogy of the French
and German languages ; in which the long and short sound of e in scheme and
pretty, are represented by the long and short sound of i. Short alphabetical e
is heard in accented syllables in the words adduced in the table, and generally
in the unaccented syllables es. en. ft.
PRONUNCIATION. 15
III. Alphabetical a short. For the propriety of so calling e in men, met, &c,
see above. E has this sound when followed by a consonant (except r) in the
same syllable. In many words, as in chapel, gospel, rebel, &c, (which are
exceptions to e mute, No. 2 above,) this sound is dropped, when it should be
distinctly heard.
IV. Middle a long. This sound is only heard in the words enumerated in the
table. Where, there, and ere have this sound, I believe, in consequeuce of their
derivation : they should have been written with a instead of e. (See Diction-
aries of Webster and Richardson.) Ne'er, being a contraction of never, the
vowels of which are alphabetical short a, and middle short a, is very properly
pronounced as if v/ritten nare ; for this is precisely the long sound into which
the two short ones, being after contraction followed by r, should pass.
V. Middle a short. If e in met is the short sound of a in mate, there can be
little doubt that e in merchant is the short sound of a in care. The same reason,
in fact, which should induce us to treat a in care as a different sound from a in
mate, should also induce us to treat e in merchant as a different sound from e in
met. In both cases, the letter r produces the same modification of sound.
3. I has four sounds.
1. Alphabetical ""j f chide, decide, sign, countermine.
2. " e, I , , . J machine, ravine, caprice, shire.
3. " " short, f aS neam ln 1 chin, rich, wit, hill.
4. Middle a short, J L bird, flirt, stir, virtue.
REMARKS.
I. Alphabetical i. " This letter is a perfect diphthong, composed of the sounds
of a in father, and e in he, pronounced as closely together as possible." — Walker.
It has this sound,
1. When it ends an accented syllable ; as in liar, reliance.
2. When followed by e mute in accented syllables ; as in line, pine, wine,
combine, canine.
Exceptions. 1. In words of French origin ; as in machine, caprice, &c.
2. In the unaccented syllables of many words, though followed by e mute ;
as in engine, rapine.
II. Alphabetical e. This, be it observed, is one of the vowels of which the
preceding is composed.
III. Alphabetical e short. Dr. Johnson, (seeintrodvction to his Dictionary ,)
not taking into consideration the compound character of alphabetical i, pro-
nounced this short sound wholly unlike it ; but Walker very justly observes that
it " is the sound of e : the last letter of the diphthong that forms long i."
Hence, I term it alphabetical e short. A similar derivation of a short sound
from a part of a diphthongal sound, maybe seen in the short sound of u 'mfull,
&c, below : called the short muffled sound of o.
I has this sound, generally, before a consonant, (except r,) or more than one
consonant, in the same syllable ; as in tin, tinder, wind, which, hitch.
A common error in the pronunciation of i, for which we are indebted to Mr. Walker
and his admirers, consists in giving to it, without reference to the origin of the word in
which it appears, the sound of alphabetical e long, when it forms a syllable or ends one
unaccented ; as in divide, indivisibility, ability ; which he pronounces as if written de-
vide, in-de-vis-e-bil-e-ty, abil-e-ty. In these words, however, and in others, forming a
very numerous class, alphabetical e short should be slightly but distinctly heard. (See
Webster's Dictionary, introduction.)
IV. Middle a short. As this sound of i occurs only before r, and is precisely
like that of middle a short, and of middle a short e, I have given it the same
name. The short u sound which many substitute for this, should be in all cases
avoided as a vulgarity
16
PRONUNCIATION.
4. has six sounds.
1. Alphabetical
2. " short,
3. Muffled
4. " short,
5. Broad a
6. " " short, ,
' tone, droll, wrote, remote.
love, money, other, havoc, method.
do, move, prove, who.
woman, wolf.
cost, former, wroth, lost, nor.
i. not, top, robber, conglomerate.
REMARKS.
I. Alphabetical o long. O has this sound,
1. When it ends an accented syllable ; as in romance, explosion.
Exceptions. Do, to, who, ado.
2. When followed by a single consonant and mute e ; as in tone, devote.
Exceptions. Prove, move, behoove, lose, love, dove, above, come, done,
none, one, pomegranate, some.
II. Alphabetical o short. " The long sound which seems the nearest relation
to it, is the first sound of o in note, tone, rove, &c." — Walker..
As this sound, that of broad a long, that of short broad a, and that of muffled
short, occur nearly in the same positions, usage alone must determine which of
them is employed in a given case.
III. The long sound of muffled o is a middle sound between u in tube and u
in full. It is, in fact, precisely the oo sound (as heard in groove) of which u in tube
in part consists; (.see alphabetical u below;) and of this, u in full is a slight
contraction. It occurs in a few words only : prove, move, behoove, (and their
derivatives,) do, who, to, ado, tomb, womb.
IV. The remarks just made show the propriety of treating the o in woman
and wolf, and also in wol, the beginning of many proper names, (being exactly
the sound of u in full,) as the short sound of muffled o long. It occurs, I believe,
only in the words adduced.
V. Broad a long. This sound of o is admitted by orthoepists with reluctance
and hesitation ; but it is as well established by usage, at least in this country, as
any other elementary sound in the language : the speaker who should pronounce
o in cost, lost, or, nor, &c, like o in not, would expose himself lo merited ridicule.
The positions in which this sound occurs can only be learned from usage.
VI. Broad a short. This sound " corresponds exactly to that of a in what,
with which the words not, got, lot, &c, are perfect rhymes." — Walker,
Webster places both of the a sounds of o, very arbitrarily 1 think, under this
head ; but the editor of his octavo edition candidly admits, that in some cases, o
approximates to the broad a long sound.
This letter is, in several instances, incorrectly pronounced. Home, stone, whole, which
should invariably have the sound -of alphabetical o long, are heard pronounced, not
seldom, as if written hum, stun, hull : does and doth, the o in which is alphabetical short,
as if written doos and dothe : in the unaccented syllable of such words as creator, govern-
or, &c.. the short broad a sound of o, is, with very bad taste, substituted for the alpha-
betical short ; which sound, it should be observed, is the proper one in nearly all
unaccented terminations: the prefix pro, like pre, noticed above, in the careless pro
nunciation of some speakers, loses its vowel.
5. EHias five sounds.
1. Alphabetical.
2. Muffled o short,
3. Alph. o short,
4. " e short,
5. Middle a short, _
mule, pure, tube, cubic, union,
full, push, put, cushion, bullock,
dull, tub, lumber, adumbration,
busy, minute, and their compounds.
__ bury, and its compounds.
PRONUNCIATION. 17
I. Alphabetical u. This vowel is compound. It is composed of alphabet-
ical e and muffled o, or eoo ; which, rapidly pronounced, will express it. U has
this sound,
1. When it ends a syllable ; as in duty, futurity, accumulate.
2. When followed by a single consonant and final e ; as in acute, tube.
II. The muffled or oo portion of alphabetical u, is heard in prove, move,
&c. ; and of this, the u in full is the short sound ; as may be observed by
comparing the o in wolf. Hence I call the second sound of u, the muffled
o short.
III. Alphabetical o short: so called because precisely the sound of alpha-
betical o short. (See above.) This u, as well as the preceding, is followed by
one or more consonants in the same syllable : as they occur in the same posi-
tion, practice alone can enable us to distinguish them.
IV. Alphabetical e and middle a short.- Busy, bury, with their compounds,
and minute, are, I think, the only words in which these sounds occur. The
pronunciation of minute is clearly improper. The u, when shortened, should,
at least, have passed into alphabetical o short, after the analogy of rapine,
and have been pronounced as if written minut, not minit. But custom, usage
has settled the matter apparently beyond change.
As to busy and bury, they seem to have preserved their original pronuncia-
tion, while they lost their original orthography.
Busy is derived from the Saxon bysgian, to occupy or employ ; and it
should therefore have been written with an i instead of a u : it was so written
by Wicklif ; as in the following passage:
"But I woll that ghe be without bisyness ; for he that is without wif is
bisi what things ben of the Lord, how he schal plese God ; but he that is with
a wif, is bisi what things ben of the world, how he schal plese the wif, and he
is departed."
Bury is derived from the Saxon byrgan, to place in safely; and hence
like the preceding word it should have been written with an i. Birie is the
orthography of Wicklif: the following passages show this.
" Another of hise disciples seide to him, Lord, suffre me to go first, and
birie my fadir ; but Jhesus seide to him, Sue thou me, and lete the dede men
birie their dede men."
" The earth schook, and stoones weren cloven, and birials weren opened,
and many bodies of sayntes that hadden slept rysen up." (See Richardson's
Dictionary on the words.)
The alphabetical sound of this vowel, it must be confessed, is sadly abused in pro-
nunciation, and sometimes quite suppressed : abused by being pronounced like muffled
o or oo in a multitude of words ; as in tube, literature, &c, and suppressed in such words
as regular, popular, particular, &c.
6. Y, when a vowel, has four sounds.
1. Alphabetical i,~\ ( m J> tyrant, multiply, thyme.
" e , las heard in J fanc ^' P hiloso P h ^ holy, envy.
3. " e short, ( J lyric, hypocrite, pyramid, system.
4. Middle a short, J [_ myrtle, martyr.
REMARKS.
I. Alphabetical i. Y has this sound at the end of an accented syllable ;
as in my, tyrant.
II. Alphabetical c. It has this sound generally when in unaccented syl-
2*
18 PRONUNCIATION.
is in baby, fancy, muddy, angry, balmy, many, philosophy, happy,
phrensy, &c.
Exceptions. These are very numerous; as in all words ending in fy; as
justify ; and others ; as multiply, occupy, butterfly, prophesy, gyration, &c.
III. Alphabetical e short and middle a short. These sounds, as the exam-
ples in the table prove, occur in the same circumstances. Practice must enable
us to distinguish them.
1. W, as a vowel, has no independent sound. It becomes vocal
only in conjunction with another vowel with which it forms a diph-
thong ; as in blow, cow, howl, scowl.
VII. A diphthong is the union of two vowels in one articulation ;
as ou in sour : a triphthong is the union of three vowels in one
articulation ; as eau in beau.
Diphthongs are divided into proper and improper, or digraphs.
In the first, the vowels blend and form one sound ; as au in
caught : in the second, one of the vowels only is vocal ; as ea in
beat, oa in coat, and eo in leopard. I proceed to enumerate and
describe them.
1. Aa, ae, ai, au, aw, ay.
1. Aa has two sounds.
1. Of alphabetical a, j , , . ( Aaron.
2. " flat a short, j { Balaam, Canaan, Isaac.
2. Ae has one sound: viz., of alphabetical e; as heard in
iEneas, Caesar.
3. Ai has three sounds.
1. Of alphabetical a, ) ( ail, bail, fail.
2. " " a short, V as heard in ) said, again, fountain.
3. " flat a short, ) ( plaid, raillery.
In Britain, certain, fountain, and other words of the same termination, ai is pro-
nounced by Walker and others like i in tin; but for what reasoa is not obvious ; and
as for usage, the obscure sound of e, as in chicken and kitchen, is as often heard as any
other, among polished speakers ; as it is unquestionably the legitimate short sound of
ai in ail, bail ; which is nothing more than a representative of alphabetical a.
4. Au has four sounds.
1. Of flat a short, "1 f" aunt, gauntlet, laugh.
2. " broad a long, I , , . J caught, fraught, taught.
3. " " " short, f as nearCl m 1 laurel.
4. " alphabetical o, J |_ hautboy.
5. Aw has always one sound : viz., of broad a long ; as in
bawl, crawl, scrawl.
6. Ay has always the sound of alphabetical a long ; as in
bay, day, delay.
PRONUNCIATION.
19
2. Ea, eau, ee, ei, eo, eou, eu
1. Ea has six sounds.
1. Of alphabetical a long,
2. " " a short,
3. " middle a long,
4. " " a short,
5. " flat a long,
6. '■' alphabetical e long,
2. Eau has two sounds
1. Of alphabetical o long,
2. " " w,
3. Ee has two sounds.
1. Of alphabetical e long, )
2. " ' " e short, j a
4. ^ has six sounds.
ew, ey.
as heard in
r break, great.
meadow, thread.
bear, tear.
earth, dearth, earl.
heart, hearken.
1 beaver, appear.
) as heard j beau, portmanteau.
j in ( beauty, and its compounds.
as heard
Of alphabetical a long, 1
" " a short,
" middle a long, I as heard
" alphabetical e long, in
" " ] e short,
. j beet, creep, sweep.
( been, breeches.
deign, heinous, veil,
heifer, leisure, nonpareil,
heir, their,
deceit, receive, seize,
foreign, forfeit, surfeit.
_ height, sleight.
5. Eo has four sounds.
Of alphabetical a short, "
" " e long,
" " o long,
" " o short,
{leopard, jeopardy.
P P
yeoman,
surgeon, dungeon.
6. Eou, when a triphthong, has but one sound : viz., of alpha-
betical o short ; as in righteous, advantageous, gorgeous, outra-
geous, &c.
7. Eu has uniformly the sound of alphabetical u ; as in deuce,
deuteronomy, feud, grandeur. It is often erroneously pronounced
like oo.
8. Ew has two sounds.
1. Of alphabetical o long, ) ag heard . i shew, sew.
2. " " u, ) ( crew, dew, mew.
Like eu, it is often erroneously pronounced oo.
9. Ey has three sounds.
1. Of alphabetical a long, ) ( bey, prey. «
2. " ' " e long, >■ as heard in -j key, ley, alley.
3. " " i, ) (eye.
20
PRONUNCIATION.
e long,
e short,
r
^, l die,
3. leu has the sound of alphabetical
3. la, ie, ieu, lew, io, iou.
1. la, when a diphthong, has the sound of alphabetical e
short ; as in marriage, carriage.
2. Ie, when a diphthong, has four sounds.
Of alphabetical a short, "1 ( friend.
" p lnr,fT i j-l chief, grief,
as heard m«< . &
sieve, species.
. lie, pie.
u ; as in lieu, adieu,
purlieu.
4. lew has also the sound of alphabetical u ; as in view, review.
5. Io, when a diphthong, has the alphabetical o short sound
of u ; as in marchioness, cushion, conversion, devotion, question,
digestion.
6. Iou, when a triphthong, has the sound of alphabetical o
short ; as in precious, vexatious. It is often incorrectly pro-
nounced after d as a triphthong; as in tedious, spoken as if
written te-je-ous or te-jus.
4. Oa, oe, oeu, oi, oo, ou, oio, oy.
1. Oa has two sounds.
Of broad a long,
" alphabetical o long,
2. Oe has five sounds.
Of alphabetical a short,
" " e long,
" " o long,
o short,
" muffled o long,
as heard in
j broad, groat.
( boat, loaf, road.
oecumenic, foetid,
foetus, oeiliad.
>-as heard in«< doe, foe, toe, hoe.
does,
canoe, shoe.
3. Oeu has the sound of muffled o long ; as in manoeuvre.
4. Oi has six sounds.
" avozrdupois.
boil, toil.
=»as heard m{ chamois, turcois.
connoisseur, tortoise.
choir.
devoir, reservoir.
Of middle a short,
" broad a and of al- )
phabetical e long )
" alphabetical e long,
" " e short,
i,
" w and broad a long,
5. Oo has four sounds.
Of alphabetical o long,
" " o short,
" muffled o long,
" " o short, „
> as heard in
door, floor,
blood, flood,
fool, moon, rood.
_ hood, foot, wool, root.
PRONUNCIATION.
21
bound, doubt, cloud, hour,
cough, brought, thought,
mourn, pour, though,
enough, journey, tough,
soup, surtout, through, your,
could, should, would.
6. Ou has six sounds.
1*
2. Of broad a long,
3. " alphabetical o long,
4. " " o short,
5. " muffled o long,
6. " " o short, _
7. Ow has three sounds.
1. ) ( cow, vow, brown.
2. Of broad a short, >• as heard in ■) knowledge.
3. " alphabetical o long, ) ( blow, blown.
8. Oy has only one sound ; viz., that of broad a and alphabet-
ical e long ; as in cloy, boy.
5. Ua, ue, ui, uo, uoy, uy.
1. Ua has three sounds.
( assuage, persuade,
as heard in -j guard, piquant.
/ victuals, victualer.
1. Of w and alph. a long,
2. " flat a long,
3. " alphabetical e short,
2. Ue has four sounds,
1. Of w and alph. a short,
* as heard in
quench, conquest,
coquet, guest,
conquer, guerdon.
fc ague, cue, hue, virtue,
as in antique, dialogue, &c.
► as heard in«
" languid, vanquish.
guilt, guinea.
guide, disguise.
_ juice, pursuit.
2. " alphabetical a short,
3. " middle a short,
4. " alphabetical u,
It is sometimes mute ;
3. Ui has four sounds.
1. Of w and alph. e short, "
2. " alphabetical e short,
3. " " i,
4. " " u,
4. Uo has two sounds.
1. Of io and alph. o long,
2. " w and alph. o short,
5. Uoy has one sound ; viz., of w and broad a and e long ;
or of w and oi in 5w7. It occurs only in one word : buoy.
6. Uy has three sounds.
1. Of 10 and alph. e long, ) ( obloquy, colloquy.
2. " alphabetical e long, > as heard in •< plaguy, roguy.
3. " alphabetical i, ) ( buy, and its derivatives.
[a S heardinj^'1 uotation -
* This sound has no representative.
22
PRONUNCIATION.
QQ
P
O
g
5
H
O
©
a
o
£
t3
O
15
©
a
o
s
jO
o
2
CO
o
:£
©
>
0?
9
bo
©
4*
©
'5
o
©
O
H3
h
©
©
©
bo
.2
>>
no
©
«2
1
O
©
©
©
'3
*a
©
S3
a
•i— >
a
©
s
e
bD
2 .
«2 —
43
S3
o*
>» ©
© «
a
o
o
3
© T3
>
*©
o
©
©
©
d
*3
bo
'5
43
©
©
T3
O
43
©
43
co
a
o
43
00
a
©
©
3
43
©
>
break, r
eifer, lei
, heir.
a
JD O
S B
43
S3
-, to
-.'a
a bo
6 5
a ©
-° S
4? "5
•a a
S3
S
O
©
go"
3
O
©
43
_bo
a
©
a
ron, ail, bay,
i said, head, h
ere, lair, bear
d, bird, bury,
rken, guard,
ac, plaid.
t, caught, awl
, laurel.
s s
S3 SS
~ o
© ..
a -a
11
©
©
43
43
a
S3
©
43
ft ^
a ja
o
©
bo .
If
=3 °
a,
a
X
"3
(g
o
2
3
o
©
O
a
43
•a
~o
a
,©
1
>
£
J3JIM O S
a
^
©
43
o
43
o
©
Si
o
'5
a
©
"a
o
3
. —
o
a
o
O
a
§
©
a
o
O
©
©
o
a
©
>>
"5
>>
o
©
o
£
>> o
©
^
a
„
© ~
.2
a
_©
'© ~
©
d
©
.2
"a
o
3
o
3
■ .. o
3
.2
a ®
_y SJ
°©
-p j
o
©
o
© „~.„
~°© ©
a o
d
©
.2
o
£
>. 1 -
a a a
•> © ©
©
S3
©
©
©
©
©
a
a
3
o
©
3
O
o
3
O
©
3
©
'3 ..r.-r
a co a a
©
o
a
d
„Cj si
._r „ „ a a
£
d
©
^
©
o
3
£
Cj .. .,
„ S3 CO * ~
a
©
a
>>
a © ©
© © S3 o o
•-
•-
>>
a
3
o
3
©
o
o
AS
aaj,Nisaaj3!i
a a © * £ a
©
s
>>
©
©
©
©
>
cm
_©
a 2 a
bo a ©
■1 3 & =3 t
©
43
©
C
1
1
J
o
o
"3
S
"3
43
3
O
NI S V
-^ a ^
cq
S
-
O
s
S
3
P
5
o
o
o
T3
Ph
cu p- ja
NI SV
to
.*
W GO
S
-
>»
► <~ 4*!
HO J
ax nxixsans
v SI
O
-3
fcjO
i— i
& -g. <*
T3
g
9
03
o
o
J2
3
a
£
00
&
ed
bo
s
DO
3
a
. e S •
©
©
H
T3
©
>
S
bo
4?
a
C3
cc
B5
S
cc
o
"3
*>
partial
questic
Xenop
examp
s
N
C3
bo
a
2
Rj
NI S V
h5
bjD
.r
Ji
js -e S
^
-a ^
•*-»
•r-n
3
N
cc
ES)
"3 O N bD
N
» j<
a
•
CO
a
d
aunos 3hi sawnssv
fe
o
©
O
S3
OB
C
a
©
CD
3
1 .2
a ©
a ©.
a
o
N
^2
u
s
bD
a
CO
to
O
©
T3
&
£
RJ
CC
3 ©
©
N
-a
©
£
NI SV
o
ft
o
&
GO
H X
N
J3
©
bo
a
H
>p
M
-<
a
e
85
JO
a
o
s
1
©
1
J3
"©
"—>
m
©
1
©
©
>
o
man, deem,
pay, lip.
rage, brine,
vain, levity.
oj
©
1
©
"2 »3
& 1
Rj
"" ©
-a ©
S .a
K
O
NI SV
CQ
&H
K
i-j
W
J
g Ph rt >
*
*
PRONUNCIATION. 29
SEC. II. ACCENT.
Accent, in general, is that greater stress which is laid on one
syllable of a word in comparison with another. It is employed to
promote ease of articulation, to distinguish different parts of speech
having the same form, and to express opposition of thought.
Hence, as it subserves any one of these ends, it may be denomi-
nated articulator?/, discriminative, or rhetorical.
1. Articulator?/ Accent.
Articulatory accent is either primary or secondary : the first,
distinguished from the last, by appearing at an earlier stage in the
formation of words, by being indispensable to all words of more
than one syllable, and by being produced by a more forcible utter-
ance. A word never has the secondary accent until it contains
three or more syllables ; and it may have three, four, and even
five syllables, without having the secondary accent in a degree to
attract notice ; as in relative, communicative. The greater force of
the primary may be observed in such words as estimated, recom-
mendation, heterogeneous.
But few general rules can be given to determine the place of the accent. Many that
are prescribed as such, have exceptions as numerous as the words which they embrace.
The limited number subjoined, are mainly drawn from Webster.
1. Monosyllables, though they may be pronouced with force, are necessarily without
accent : comparison of one syllable with another being involved in the very nature of
accent.
2. Dissyllables submit to no general rule of accentuation whatever ; as may be readily
ascertained by testing those rules which Walker, Murray and others apply to this class
of words.
3. Trissyllables, derived from dissyllables, usually retain the accent of their primi-
tives ; as in poet, poetess ; pleasant, pleasantly ; gracious, graciously ; relate, related ; polite,
politely, politest.
4. Words of four syllables also, derived from dissyllables, generally retain the accent
of their primitives ; as in collectible from collect ; serviceable from service ; virtuously from
virtue ; dictionary from diction ; fancifuJness from fancy.
5. In all cases, the preterit and participles of verbs retain the accents of the verbs.
6. Words ending in tion, sion, tian, cious, tious, cial, tial, tiate, tient, dent, have the accent
on the syllable preceding that termination ; as motion, aversion, christian, avaricious, ad-
ventitious, commercial, geometrician, substantial, negotiate, patient, ancient.
7. Words of more than two syllables, ending in ty, have, for the most part, the accent
on the antepenult ; as entity, liberty, gratuity, propriety, prosperity, insensibility.
8. Trissyllables ending in ment, for the most part, have the accent on the first sylla-
ble ; as complement, detriment ; but to this rule there are many exceptions, and particu-
larly nouns formed from verbs ; as amendment, commandment.
Words ending with cracy, fiuous, ferous, fluent, gonal, gony, machy, loquy, mathy, meter,
nomy, ogy, pathy, phony, parous, scopy, strophe, vomous, tomy, raphy, have the accent on the
antepenultimate syllable ; as democracy, superfluous, odoriferous, mellifluent, diagonal, cos-
mogony, logomachy, obloquy, polymathy, barometer, economy, theology, apathy, euphony, ovip-
arous, aeroscopy, apostrophe, ignivomous, duatomy, geography.
Such is a brief statement of the rules of accentuation which
possess any value.
2. Discriminative Accent.
This, as I have already observed, is employed to distinguish
different parts of speech having the same form : principally nouns
3*
30
PRONUNCIATION.
and verbs, but in a few instances nouns and adjectives ; as in the
following list, which I obtain from Mr. Walker.
ab'ject
absent
abstract
accent
affix
augment
bombard
cement
colleague
collect
compact
compound
compress
concert
concrete
conduct
abject'
absent
abstract
accent
affix
augment
bombard
cement
colleague
collect
compact
compound
compress
concert
concrete
conduct
con'fme
confine'
im'port
conflict
conflict
incense
conserve
conserve
insult
consort
consort
object
contest
contest
perfume
contrast
contrast
prefix
converse
converse
premise
convert
convert
presage
descant
descant
present
digest
digest
produce
essay-
essay
project
export
export
protest
extract
extract
rebel
exile
exile
refuse
ferment
ferment
subject
frequent
frequent
survey
import''
incense
insult
object
perfume
prefix
premise
presage
present
produce
project
protest
rebel
refuse
subject
survey
3. Rhetorical Accent.
This is a temporary accent, or, perhaps more properly speaking,
the customary accent transferred from its place to another syllable,
to express opposition of thought.
Examples.
1. He must mcrease, but I must decrease.
2. What fellowship hath righteousness with ^righteousness ?
3. Consider well what you have done, and what you have
left wwdone.
4. This corruptible must put on ^corruption ; and this mor-
tal must put on immortality.
5. The difference in this case, is no less than betwixt decency
and mdecency : betwixt religion and irreligion.
6. In the suitableness or ^suitableness, the proportion or
disproportion of the affection to the object which excites it, con-
sists the propriety or impropriety of the consequent action.
7. Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descend-
ed first into the lower parts of the earth ? He that descended,
is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he
might fill all things.
PUNCTUATION. 31
CHAPTER II.
PUNCTUATION.
What I have to say, under this head, rests on the following
propositions :
1. That our language comprises a limited number of sentences,
having each a peculiar and uniform construction by which they
may be always and easily recognised :
2. That all sentences of the same construction, should, in strict
propriety, be punctuated, without regard to their brevity or length,
in the same manner :
3. That the punctuation should always coincide with the deliv-
ery ; so that the one may be a guide to the other ; or, rather, so
that the construction of a sentence may determine the punctuation
and the delivery at the same time :
4. That every departure from the proper punctuation, by which
the latter is brought in conflict with the delivery, should be sys-
tematic ; that is to say, should be for reasons which apply to all
cases of the same kind ; so that the design of the change in punc-
tuation may be, in every case, obvious, and the proper delivery
retained notwithstanding.
In the remarks which follow, I purposely refrain from entering on the details of punctua-
tion : nothing more being necessary at present, than the general rules which determine the
proper use of the different pauses, and so prepare the way to understand the classification and
description of sentences on succeeding pages. Their special application, I deem it best to re-
serve until the subject of structure shall be under consideration.
Pauses are employed for three purposes :
1. To mark divisions of sense;
2. To indicate the nature of the sentence ; and
3. To denote unusual construction or significance.
SEC. I. PAUSES WHICH MARK DIVISIONS OF SENSE.
These are, 1. The comma,
2. " semicolon,
3. " colon, \ written thus
4. " period,
5. " double period, _
32 PUNCTUATION.
I. THE COMMA.
The comma is properly employed, only, in separating the
members of a sentence, making imperfect sense until the end is
reached ; or containing only one proposition.
As a pause, it suspends the voice, in unimpassioned reading or
speaking, sufficiently long to draw breath : under the influence of
emotion, its time is indefinite.
Note I. By imperfect sense, I mean sense imperfect according to the author ; for a
sentence may be so constructed that the first half or the first quarter of it, if considered
apart from what follows, would of itself make perfect sense, and consequently demand,
in conformity to the rule, some pause different from the comma ; but, if considered with
reference to the author's intention, the sense is imperfect, until what follows, be sub-
joined. Observe this sentence : " We came to our journey's end, at last, with no
small difficulty, after much fatigue, through deep roads, and bad weather." Take any
part of this sentence terminating with a comma, and, if you look no farther than that
part, you will have perfect sense, but not the perfect sense of the author : what follows
the comma being absolutely necessary to the completeness of his thought ; as much so, as
if the sentence were written thus : " At last, after much fatigue, through deep roads
and bad weather, we came, with no small difficulty, to our journey's end." This is
unquestionably a better construction than the other, but the parts are not more closely
allied, nor more indispensable to the completeness of the author's thought than before.
What then is the difference between the two forms of construction 1 None with regard
to the author, and none, consequently, with regard to the use of the comma. The dif-
ference between them respects the hearer or reader exclusively ; and that difference is
this : the first at no point raises an expectation of any thing to follow ; the second excites
and keeps up such an expectation until the close of the sentence is reached.
Note II. That the sense is imperfect according to the author, may be known by
several circumstances. It is imperfect
1. When a subject, or nominative case, with its adjuncts, governs no verb ; as, " John,
who was with me."
2. When, if a period should be inserted at a given point, (as at either of the divisions
in the following sentences,) verbs and nouns would be left without government, ad-
verbs have nothing to qualify, and adjectives have no agreement ; as " He invaded the
country | fought three battles | and took twelve cities. They built the house with an
auger | a saw | and a hammer. God made man | erect | free ] intelligent | immortal.
He was heard painfully | and impatiently." The part of the sentence, succeeding the
period at any of the points indicated by the perpendicular mark, would be unintelligible.
3. When a preposition with its government, would express no relation ; as in note 1st :
We came | to our journey's end | at last | with no small difficulty | sc.
4. When the first part of a sentence implies the remainder : having a word in it
which raises an expectation of another about to follow ; as, as— so, when — then, where
—there, if— then, in examples 9, 10, 11, and 12 of proper use below.
Note III. The sentence or proposition may be expressed declaratively or interroga-
tively; as, " Did we not come, at last, to our journey's end, with no small difficul-
ty, sc. sc. V
Note IV. By a proposition.it may be sufficient to say here, is meant that assemblage
of words, or members, which is necessary to a complete thought: in other words, a
proposition is a series of words expressing a complete thought. (See Class.)
Note V. When I say, the comma as a pause suspends the voice, &c. &c, I mean to
intimate that the comma does not necessarily represent a pause, but simply designates
the place where, if necessary, a pause may be made : where the relation of the words
is not so close, but that, if necessary, they can be separated long enough to take breath,
or to produce some rhetorical effect, without injury to the sense. The pause should, if
possible, be limited to those commas which mark principal or leading divisions of im-
perfect sense ; inasmuch as its frequent repetition, together with the peculiar inflexion
connected with it, tends to monotony.*
* Sunt aliquando et respiratione qusedam moras etiam in periodis ; ut in ilia, in ccetu
vero populi Romani, negotium publicum gerens, magister equitum fyc, rnulta membra habent.
Sensus enim sunt alii atque alii, et sicut una circumductio est, ita paulum morandum
in his intervallis, non interrumpendus est contextus ; et e contrario. spiritum interim
recipere sine intellectu morae necesse est ; quo loco, quasi surripiendus est.— Quinc.
PUNCTUATION. 33
1. Examples of the proper use of the Comma.
1. Industry, good sense and virtue, are, as a general thing, essen-
tial to health, wealth and happiness.
2. Uncommon expressions, strong flashes of wit, pointed similes,
epigrammatic turns, especially when they recur too frequently, are
a disfigurement rather than any embellishment of discourse.
3. His dashing spirit, unused to control, and above submission to
the loss of fortune, health and tranquillity, finishes the career of
glory with a pistol.
4. But it appears to me, that the exhibition of the first magis-
trate, and of great statesmen, in caricature, must contribute to
diminish or destroy that reverence which is always due to legal
authority and established rank, and confessedly conducive to the
most valuable ends of human society.
5. Destitute of education, and without a true friend to guide
them, they turned out unfortunately, ran away from their trades,
entered into low situations in the army and navy, married impru-
dently, or died early of intemperance.
6. Rural employments are certainly natural, amusing and
healthy.
*1. What is it you call eloquence ? Is it the wretched trade of
imitating that criminal, mentioned by a poet in his satires, who
balanced his crimes before his judges with antithesis ?
8. And where is the man that has not foibles, weaknesses, follies
and defects of some kind ? And where is the man that has greater
virtues, greater abilities, more useful labors, to put into the oppo-
site scale against his defects, than Dr. Johnson ?
9. As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.
10. "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in
part shall be done away.
11. Where the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered
together.
12. If a more perfect union was formed, if justice was ad-
ministered, if domestic tranquillity was secured, if the common
defence was provided for, if the general welfare was promoted, it
was all for the attainment of this end.
13. That faith which is one, that faith which renews and justi-
fies all who possess it, that faith which confessions and formularies
can never adequately express, is the property of each alike.
Let the student carefully observe the difference of structure in these thirteen sen-
tences. The first six differ in nothing but length : the next four comprised in No. 7
and 8 are interrogatives : the three succeeding consist, each of them, of two parts,
beginning with correlative words ; as— so, when— then, where— there : the one marked
No. 12 does not differ from those marked 9, 10, 11, except in having one of the correla-
tive words understood, and in having a series of members in the first part : the last
sentence, No. 13, is unlike the first six only in having a series of members at the begin-
ning : all of them, however, agree in this ; that they contain simply one proposition ;
or a sentence of which the sense is complete only when the end is reached.
34 PUNCTUATION,
2. Examples of improper use.
1. This paper gentlemen insists upon the necessity of emanci-
pating the Catholics of Ireland, and that is charged as part of the
libel.
2. In their day and generation they served and honored the
country and the whole country, and their renown is the treasure
of the whole country.
3. Such is the simile of a hero to a lion, of a person in sorrow
to a flower drooping its head, of a violent passion to a tempest, of
chastity to snow, of virtue to the sun and stars, and many others
of the same kind.
4. It was the spirit of liberty which still abides on the earth
and whose home is in the bosoms of the brave, which but yester-
day in beautiful France restored their charter, which even now
burns brightly on the towers of Belgium and has rescued Poland
from the tyrant's grasp, making their sons and their daughters the
wonder and the admiration of the world, the pride and glory of
the human race !
In not one of these examples, (which are none of my own making, but all of them
drawn from books,) does the comma separate parts making imperfect sense. In the
first and second, the parts ending with Ireland and country, are complete propositions,
which are followed by nothing to augment, or diminish, or qualify their meaning in
any particular ; and the succeeding parts are similar propositions : connected indeed,
with the preceding, but nevertheless complete ; and were it not for this slight connec-
tion, they would be clearly not less independent, than they are essentially different,
propositions.
Again, in the third, the part ending with Hon, is a complete proposition, unqualified by
any thing in the succeeding parts : the author's idea is complete. The comma is, there-
fore, manifestly not the pause which, according to the rule, should be placed at the end
of it. But if this makes perfect sense, so, for the same reason, does the next ; and the
next. ; until we reach the end ; each of them in succession rejecting the comma, and call-
ing for some other pause. It is true that a portion of the second, third, fourth, fifth and
sixvh part, must be supplied from the first part ; but there is no common regimen : it is
simply a case of abbreviation in view of the fact, that all the parts have the same sub-
ject. When the subjects are different, as examples 1 and 2 above, they are necessarily
expressed as in 2, or represented by the pronouns, as in 1. When even they are the
same, they are not seldom, as in the following example, repeated :
" Such was the man : such was the occasion : such was the event."
Example fourth, it will be observed, contains a double series of members : the first
ending with grasp, and the second with race. Each of these series has a construction
precisely like example 3d ; and each should, therefore, be punctuated in the same
manner, so far as any thing yet appears to the contrary : at least they alike exclude
the comma.
As perfect sense is made at grasp, the comma is not the pause which should be in-
serted there ; but as the punctuation before a participle in such a position as that of
the word making, deserves a more extended consideration than I can give it here, and
may receive it more advantageously on a succeeding page, I shall at present content
myself with what I have already said.
CASES IN WHICH THE COMMA IS NOT INSERTED WHERE A PAUSE MAY
BE MADE.
The comma being mainly designed to subserve perspicuity, it
might be expected, that, where the sense is in no danger of being
obscured by its suppression, though a pause may be made at the
PUNCTUATION. 35
place, and often is indispensable, it would be omitted. Such is the
case ; and with a view to emphasis, (hereafter to be discussed,
and with which punctuation is closely connected,) as well as the
importance of knowing all the positions of the pauses, to one who
wishes to speak correctly, I will notice a few instances of this.
1. When the subject of a sentence stands at the beginning, is
not one of the pronouns, and has either nothing between it and the
verb, or merely a single word, as in example 3d, or a short insepa-
rable adjunct, as in example 4th, the comma is not inserted, though
a pause must frequently be made : e. g.
1. " Industry is the guardian of innocence." 2. "Necessity is
the mother of invention." 3. " Virtue therefore is its own reward."
4. " The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."
It should be observed here, however, that the pause is necessary after the subject,
onlv, when it is under emphasis : a fact which has hitherto escaped the attention of
writers on elocution. Place the emphasis on the verb or any succeeding word, and the
pause disappears. This is the reason that the pronouns, though the subject of the sen-
tence, and placed at the beginning, like " it," at the beginning of this note, are not
followed by a pause, except when a special effort is made to render them emphatic.
2. When a part (of a sentence) making imperfect sense, is short,
and is followed by another part beginning with a relative pronoun,
restraining the meaning of its antecedent, the comma is always
omitted, though a pause may be made : e. g. " Self-denial is the
sacrifice which virtue must make." " A man who is of a detracting
spirit, will misconstrue the most innocent words that can be put
together."
3. Before and after such words as then, therefore, thus, hence,
&c, the comma is suppressed for the most part, though a pause
may be necessary : e. g.
" Wherefore I was grieved with that generation." "Let us
therefore come boldly unto a throne of grace." " Being then made
free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." " But
now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye
have your fruit unto holiness."
4. The comma is frequently omitted, though a pause must be
made, between the parts of a sentence transposed, or having the
natural order reversed : e. g.
" In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts de-
light my soul." " In the morning it flourisheth : in the evening it
is cut down."
A pause is necessary in these sentences after me, morning and evening.
5. A pause may be made between parts which may be trans-
posed without injury to the sense, although they are not trans-
posed ; and although the comma is seldom, I believe, inserted in
such circumstances. Thus transposition removed from one of the
sentences above, it would read as follows : "It flourisheth in the
36 PUNCTUATION.
morning : it is cut down in the evening ;" and a pause may be
made with propriety before in, in each member of the sentence.
It will be seen, hereafter, that the effect of emphasis is precisely the same, at such
a point in the sentence, as at any at which the admission of the comma is not disputed.
In this view, the fact is one which it is important to remember.
II THE SEMICOLON.
The semicolon properly separates the parts of a sentence making,
perfect sense ; or distinct though related propositions, connected
by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pronouns, expressed. It is
relatively twice the length of the comma : under the influence of
passion, it has no determinate time.
Note 1. The first part is always complete in its construction, except in poetry, which en-
joys a license in this respect as in many others, and in broken prose of the passions, which
often leaves the imagination to supply what is left unsaid: the second part, and every suc-
ceeding part, are also often complete in their construction ; but almost as often, if not quite,
they must be completed by supplying a portion understood from the first part.
It should be observed, that these principal parts or divisions of a sentence may have sub-
parts of the same nature.
Note 2. The sense is known to be perfect when, a period being inserted at a given point,
what succeeds makes sense: or forms a distinct proposition.
Note 3. The rule above given for the insertion of the semicolon differs in terms only from
that given in the earlier edition of this work. As the student may desire to compare them,
and as a comparison may give him some additional light, I subjoin the old rule in the margin.*
1. Examples of the proper use of the Semicolon.
1. I would have your papers consist also of all things which may
be necessary or useful to any part of society ; and the mechanic
arts should have their place as well as the liberal.
2. He has annexed a secret pleasure to any thing that is new or
uncommon, that he might encourage us in the pursuit after know-
ledge, and engage us to search into the wonders of creation ; for
every new idea brings such a pleasure along with it, as rewards
any pains we have taken in the acquisition, and consequently serves
as a motive to put us on fresh discoveries.
3. The person he chanced to see, was, to appearance, an old,
sordid, blind man ; but upon his following him from place to place,
he at last found, by his own confession, that he was Plutus, the
* The semicolon properly separates the parts of a sentence making perfect sense, and con-
nected, not as members of the same regimen, 12 or of the same proposition, 4 but of a different
regimen, and of distinct though related propositions, by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pro-
nouns, expressed. It is relatively twice the length of the comma : under the influence of pas-
sion, it has no determinate tune.
a By common regimen, I mean the common dependence (for instance) of verbs, in different members of the
sentence, but in the sarco mood aud tense, and connected by conjunctions expressed or understood, on the
same subject or nominative case : e.g. " -But he held his peace, and answered nothing - ."
The difference between this construction and that of the following sentence, in which there is no common
regimen, but distinct propositions are given, is obvious. " And it was the third hour; and they crucified him."
6 " I would have your papers consist also of all things which may be necessary or useful to society."
Which., in this sentence, connects members of a different regimeu but of the same proposition. Or connects
members of the same regimen and proposition.
" I would have your papers consist also of all things which may be necessary or useful to society; and the
mechanic arts should have their place as well as the liberal." And here connects members of a different
regimen and of distinct though related propositions.
PUNCTUATION. 87
god of riches ; and that he was just come out of the house of a
miser.
4. All superiority and pre-eminence that one man can have over
airother, may be reduced to the notion of quality ; which, consid-
ered at large, is either that of fortune, body, or mind.
5. The mode of reasoning more generally used, and most suited
to the train of popular speaking, is what is called the synthetic ;
when the point to be proved is fairly laid down, and one argument
after another is made to bear upon it, till the hearers be fully con-
vinced.
6. By-and-by, Clodius met him on the road, on horseback, like
a man prepared for action ; whilst Milo is travelling in a carriage
with his wife, wrapped up in his cloak, embarrassed with baggage,
and attended by a great train of women, servants and boys.
7. Consider whether it can be illustrated to advantage by point-
ing out examples, or appealing to the feelings of the hearers ; that
thus, a definite, precise, circumstantial view may be afforded of the
doctrine to be inculcated. ,
8. But besides this consideration, there is another of still higher
importance ; though I am not sure of its being attended to as much
as it deserves ; namely, that from the fountain of real and genuine
virtue are drawn those sentiments which will ever be the most
powerful in affecting the hearts of others.
9. I must therefore desire the reader to remember, that by the
pleasures of the imagination, I meant only such pleasures as arise
originally from sight ; and that I divide these pleasures into two
kinds.
10. Let it be the study of public speakers, in addressing any
popular assembly, to be previously masters of the business on
which they are to speak ; to be well provided with matter and
argument ; and to rest upon these the chief stress.
11. Knowing this : thM the law is not made for a righteous man,
but for the lawless and disobedient ; for the ungodly and for sin-
ners ; for unholy and profane ; for murderers of fathers and mur-
derers of mothers ; for manslayers ; for whoremongers ; for them
that defile themselves with mankind ; for men-stealers ; for liars ;
for perjured persons ; and* if there be any other thing that is con-
trary to sound doctrine [for that.]
12. And besides this, giving all diligence, add, to your faith,
virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ;
and to temperance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ; and to
godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, chanty.
* If the connective is expressed before the last part of a series, it is sufficient for the rule.
4
38 PUNCTUATION.
2. Examples of improper use.
1. When an author is always calling on us to enter into trans-
ports which he has done nothing to inspire ; we are both disgusted
and enraged at him.
2. Vexed at the arbitral proceedings of the Assembly ; willing
to escape from a town where good people pointed with horror at
his freedom ; indignant also at the tyranny of his brother, who,
passionate as a master, often beat his apprentice ; Benjamin
Franklin, then but seventeen years old, sailed clandestinely for
New York.
3. The soil of a Republic sprouts with the rankest fertility; it
has been sown with dragon's teeth. To lessen the hopes of usurp-
ing demagogues, we must enlighten, animate and combine the
spirits of freemen ; we must fortify and guard the constitutional
ramparts about liberty.
4. I put these together, both because they fall nearly under the
same rules, and because they commonly answer the same purpose ;
serving to illustrate the cause or the subject of which the orator
treats before he proceeds to argue either on one side or the other.
5. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ;
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you.
6 . History, as it has been written, is the genealogy of princes ;
the field-book of conquerors.
The pails separated by the semicolon in No. 1 and 2, make imperfect sense ; and hence
they should be separated by the comma. No. 2. however, may be punctuated as it is by
the first law of Deviation. (See laws of Deviation a few pages forward.)
The parts in No. 3 make perfect sense, but the connective is suppressed. Accordingly, they
cannot be separated by the semicolon under the rule.
The parts in No. 4 and 5, also make perfect sense, but in both the connective is suppressed,
as in the preceding No. 3 : consequently, the semicolon is incorrect punctuation. In No. 5,
the punctuation is inconsistent ; for while it has a semicolon before teaching, it has only a
comma before baptizing ; and yet the circumstances are precisely the same.
Why neither the comma nor semicolon is admissible before the participles in this position,
will be fully explained under the next pause.
In No. G, the connective is not expressed. The semicolon is therefore improperly used.
III. THE COLON.
The colon properly separates the parts of a sentence, making
perfect sense ; or distinct though related propositions, connected
by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pronouns understood. [See
Semicolon, Notes.)
In the suppression of the connectives or copulatives, lies the only
rational and even imaginable distinction between the colon and
semicolon. By this suppression alone, is the connection between
the parts of a sentence in which either of them may be employed,
PUNCTUATION. 39
made less close, and a longer pause than the semicolon, necessary ;
and then a longer pause is necessary : a fact which printers of the
present day, who almost universally dispense with the use of the
colon, seem to have forgotten, or studiously to neglect.
The sentence in which the colon is properly employed, does not
differ in construction from that in which the semicolon is inserted.
(See Semicolon.)
This pause is relatively as long again as the semicolon : under
the influence of passion its time is indefinite.*
1. Examples of the proper use of the Colon.
1. He shows you what you ought to do, but excites not the de-
sire of doing it : he treats man as if he were a being of pure intel-
lect, without imagination or passions.
2. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven :
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God : I will sit also upon
the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north.
3. Gratitude is of a fruitful and diffusive nature : of a free and
communicative disposition : of an open and sociable temper. It
will be imparting, discovering, and propagating itself: it affects
light, company and liberty : it cannot endure to be smothered in
privacy and obscurity. (See Deviations II.)
4. The faults opposed to the sublime are chiefly two : the frigid
and the bombast.
5. One of the court party interrupted him in these words :
" How dare you praise a rebel before the representatives of the
nation ?"
6. The following observations exactly correspond with the senti-
* The learned reader may be gratified by a comparison of what I have advanced on the
comma, as a pause of imperfect sense, and on the semicolon and colon, as pauses of perfect
sense, with the remarks of Quinctilian on the same subject. He is speaking of the pronun-
ciation or delivery of the following passage from Virgil, with respect to its pronunciation : —
" Arma, virumque, cano, Trqjae qui primus ab oris
Italiam, fato profugus Lavinaque venit
Littora : multiim ille et terris jactatus et alto,
Vi Superum, saevae memorem Junoris ob iram:
Multa quoque et bello passus, dum conderet urbem,
Inferretque Deos Latio ; genus unde Latinum,
Albinique patres, atque altae mcenia Romae."
Secundum est, (says Quinctilian,) ut sit oratio distincta ; id est, ut qui dicit, et incipiat ubi
oportet, et desinat. Observandum etiam quo loco sustinendus et quasi suspendendus sermo
sit (quam Graeci biroSiacrToXfiv, vel viroavoroXiiv, vel viroanyuriv vocant,) quo deponendus.
Suspenditur, Anno, virumque cano, quia illud virum ad sequentia pertinet; ut sit, virwm,
TrqjcB qui primus ab oris ; et hie iterum ; nam etiam si aliud est unde venit, quam quo venit,
non distinguendum tamen, quia utrunque eodem verbo continetur, venit. Tertio Italiam,
quia interjectio est, fato profugus, et continuum sermonem qui faciebat, Italiam, Lavinaque,
dividit. Ob eandemque causam, quarto profugus, delude, Lavinaque venit Littora ; ubi jam
erit distinctio, quia inde alius iNciPix sensus. Sed in ipsis etiam distinctionibus tempus
alias brevius, alias longius dabimu3. Interest enim, sermonem finiat, an sensum. Itaque
illam distinctionem Littora, protinus altero spiritus initio insequar. Cum illuc venero, Atque
alt® mania RomcE, deponam et morabor, el novum rursus exordium faciam. Book xi. ch. 3.
40 PUNCTUATION.
merits of our author: "Nothing can contribute more towards
bringing the powers of genius to their ultimate perfection than a
severe judgment, equal in degree to the genius possessed."
1. And with this, I finish the discussion of the structure of sen-
tences : having fully considered them under all the heads I men-
tioned, of perspicuity, unity, strength and musical arrangement.
8. Is he the God of the Jews only ? Is he not also of the Gen-
tiles ? Yes, of the Gentiles also : seeing it is one God who shall
justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through
faith.
9. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also
live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead,
dieth no more : death hath no more dominion over him.
The parts of No. 1, 2 and 3, are property separated by the colon, because the connective
and is understood.
In No. 4, 5 and 6, namely is understood. The colon is therefore correctly used.
In No. 7, 8 and 9, we have at length the proper punctuation before the participles, when
employed as in these sentences. I now call the student's attention to the reason for this. The
participles when so used, (and the perfect as well as the present is so used, though I have
given no examples,) are uniformly abbreviated forms substituted for the finite verb preceded
by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pronouns. Thus, having in No 7, is strictly the equiva-
lent of / have ; seeing, in No. 8, of we see ; and knowing, in No. 9, of we know ; and as these
fuller expressions would, if employed, be preceded by the semicolon or colon, according as
the connective for might be expressed or understood, no reason can be assigned why their
equivalents should not be treated in the same manner ; that is, (since the connective, not
merely, but also the pronoun, is understood,) with the colon.
Against the use of the comma, which, as we have seen, is employed before the participle
so situated, and I may now add, very frequently employed, there is a stronger objection than
against that of the semicolon; for the participle is often employed in nearly the same manner
after imperfect sense. Observe above the first sentence under the head of colon. "The colon
properly separates the parts of a sentence, making perfect sense." The participle making here
is the substitute or equivalent of " which make" preceded by imperfect sense. Take another
example. " And there was seen a great way off a herd of swine, feeding." Here the parti-
ciple is a mere abbreviation of " which icere feeding" as before preceded by imperfect sense ;
and consequently it shotdd be separated from what precedes by the comma. How shah we
distinguish cases of this kind from such as we lind in Nos. 7, 8, 9, if we point them in the
same manner?
It should be observed before dismissing this subject, that the participle often appears in what
seems to be the one or the other of the two positions which I have just noticed, but which is
yet very distinct from both: e. g. "I saw him sliding down hill." "He went crying all the
way home." "The horse stood champing the bit." Here the participle limits, restrains or
qualifies the object or action, and therefore cannot be separated from it even by the comma,
unless some specification of time or place, &x., should intervene ; as, " I saw him, just at
night, sliding down hill." " The horse stood, in the yard, champing, &c."
2. Examples of improper use.
1. They entered in, and dwelt together: and the second pos-
session was worse than the first.
2. One may have a considerable degree of taste in poetry, elo-
quence, or any of the fine arts, who has little or hardly any genius
for composition or execution in any of these arts : but genius can-
not be found without including taste also.
3. But on other occasions, this were improper : for what is the
use of melody, or for what end has the poet composed in verse, if
in reading his lines, we suppress his numbers, and degrade them,
by our pronunciation, into mere prose ?
PUNCTUATION. 41
4. These are degrading : whereas, similes are commonly intend-
ed to embellish and to dignify.
5. He first lost by his misconduct the flourishing provinces of
France, the ancient patrimony of the family : he subjected his
kingdom to a shameful vassalage under the see of Rome : he saw
the prerogatives of his crown diminished by law, and still more
reduced by faction : and he died at last, when in danger of being
totally expelled by a foreign power, and of either ending his life
miserably in prison, or seeking shelter as a fugitive from the pur-
suit of his enemies.
6. When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the
business that is done upon the earth : then I beheld all the works
of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under
the sun.
1. As we perceive the shadow to have moved along the dial, but
did not perceive it moving ; and it appears the grass has grown,
though nobody ever saw it grow : so the advances we make in
knowledge, as they make such minute steps, are only perceivable
by the distance.
In the first five of these examples, the colon is improperly employed, because the connec-
tives are expressed : in the last two, because it separates parts making imperfect sense.
It may be worth while to notice the improper use of the comma between the sub-parts of
the first part of No. 5. At France, we have perfect sense : consequently the comma should be
displaced by the colon : which were, the connective and the verb, being suppressed.
IV. THE PERIOD.
The period is properly placed at the end of a complete and in-
dependent enunciation of thought. Its relative length is double
that of the colon ; but under the influence of passion, its length is
indeterminate.
As this pause is too well known to need illustration, I shall con-
fine my examples to the purpose of showing its improper use.
Examples of improper use.
1. Jurists may be permitted with comparative safety to pile tome
upon tome of interminable disquisition upon the motives, reasons
and causes of just and unjust war. Metaphysicians may be suf-
fered with impunity to spin the thread of their speculations until
it is attenuated to a cobweb ; but for a body created for the gov-
ernment of a great nation, and for the adjustment and protection
of its diversified interests, it is worse than folly to speculate upon
the causes of war, until the great question shall be presented for
immediate action.
2. The most eminent physicians bear uniform testimony to this
propitious effect of entire abstinence. And the spirit of inspiration
4*
42 PUNCTUATION.
has recorded, " He that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things."
3. The immortal Edwards, too, repeatedly records his own ex-
perience of the happy effect of strict temperance both on the mind
and body. And the recent reformations from moderate drinking, in
different parts of the land, have revealed numerous examples of
renovated health and spirits in consequence of the change.
4. In the full persuasion of the excellency of our government,
let us shun those vices which tend to its subversion, and cultivate
those virtues which will render it permanent, and transmit it in full
vigor to all succeeding ages. Let not the haggard forms of intem-
perance and luxury ever lift their destroying visages in this happy
country. Let economy, frugality, moderation and justice, at home
and abroad, mark the conduct of all our citizens. Let it be our
constant care to diffuse knowledge and goodness through all ranks
of society.
In No. 1, it will be readily observed, that the part beginning with jurists and the part be-
ginning with metaphysicians, bear precisely the same relation to the succeeding conjunction
but : a sufficient reason surely against the insertion of the period after war.
In Nos. 2, 3, for the reason that the parts are allied in thought, and connected as proposi-
tions by the connective and, the semicolon should have been used.
In No. 4, we have the same connection with the connective understood. The period there-
fore should give place to the colon.
V. THE DOUBLE PERIOD.
The double period is the pause which occurs at the end of a
paragraph, or a series of sentences unfolding the same general
thought. It has no sign of its own, but is represented by the
common period. It is usually indicated by a break or blank
space in the page. This, however, is not always the case ; for
neither speakers, writers, nor printers, are always accurate in mark-
ing the transition from one general thought to another ; and when
not, the reader must exercise his own judgment in marking it for
himself.
The length of the double period, as the name implies, is relatively
about double the length of the common period.
No examples are necessary to illustrate this pause ; a bare reference to any book within
reach, will be sufficient to satisfy the inquiring that this pause has a real existence in nature ;
and though hitherto unnoticed by writers on elocution, one of great importance to a correct,
graceful, and impressive delivery. By neglecting to observe it, many speakers and readers,
both at the bin- and in the pidpit, as well as in less conspicuous positions, impair seriously the
effect of what they speak and read on those who hear them. Many cases of this have fallen
imder my own observation.
DEVIATIONS FROM THE LEGITIMATE USE OF THE PAUSES WHICH MARK
DIVISIONS OF SENSE.
I have said at the beginning of this chapter, " that every de-
parture from the proper punctuation, by which the latter is brought
in conflict with the delivery, should be systematic ; that is to say,
PUNCTUATION. 43
should be for reasons which apply to all cases of the same kind ;
so that the design of the change in punctuation may be always
obvious, and the proper delivery retained notwithstanding."
Unhappily, for the want of a sufficient number of pauses to meet
all the exigencies of punctuation, such a departure is frequently
necessary ; and I now proceed to state the rules in conformity to
which, it should uniformly take place. As I have hitherto intro-
duced no rule, not founded in the nature of things, and sustained
by abundant examples from the best practice of printers, (the lead-
ing practice, in fact, of all printers, but from which they are often
seen capriciously wandering,) so here I shall lay down no principle
which is not amply justified by the best punctuation in this country
and Great Britain. I do not aim at originality, but simply to in-
troduce system, where hitherto, it must be confessed, practice has
often been incompatible with itself, often arbitrary, not seldom ex-
tremely slovenly, frequently and glaringly false, and, since confusion
here must necessarily produce a corresponding confusion in the de-
livery, always more or less injurious.
I. When the parts (of a sentence) making imperfect sense, are
not merely long, but comprise subdivisions which require separation
by the comma, we may employ the semicolon to mark their limits,
and distinguish them from these subdivisions ;* and if, for the
same reason, a remoter punctuation be necessary, we may employ
the colon.
Examples.
1. The bounding of Satan over the walls of Paradise ; his sit-
ting in the shape of a cormorant upon the tree of life, which stood
in the centre of it, and overtopped all the other trees in the garden ;
his alighting among the herd of animals, which are so beautifully
represented as playing about Adam and Eve, together with his
transforming himself into different shapes, in order to hear their
conversation ; are circumstances that give an agreeable surprise to
the reader, and are devised with great art to connect that series of
adventures, in which the poet has engaged this artifice of fraud.
2. That a man, to whom he was, in a great measure, beholden
for his crown, and even for his life ; a man, to whom, by every
honor and favor, he had endeavored to express his gratitude ;
whose brother, the Earl of Derby, was his own father-in-law ; to
whom he had committed the trust of his person, by creating him
lord chamberlain ; that a man enjoying his full confidence and affec-
tion ; not actuated by any motive of discontent or apprehension ;
* When a sentence contains a succession of similar members making imperfect sense, and
any one of them requires the semicolon for the reason assigned ; all of them, for the sake of
uniformity, may be punctuated in the same maimer, though without subdivisions requiring
the comma. The first and second examples are pertinent illustrations of this.
44 PUNCTUATION.
that this man should engage in a conspiracy against him, he deemed
absolutely false and incredible.
3. Seeing then that the soul has many different faculties, or in
other words, many different ways of acting ; that it can be intensely
pleased or made happy by all these different faculties or ways of
acting ; that it may be endowed with several latent faculties, which
it is not at present in a condition to exert ; that we cannot believe
the soul is endowed with any faculty which is of no use to it ; that
whenever any one of these faculties is transcendently pleased, the
soul is in a state of happiness ; and, in the last place, considering
that the happiness of another world is to be the happiness of the
whole man ; who can question but that there is an infinite variety
in those pleasures we are speaking of; and that this fulness of joy
will be made up of all those pleasures which the nature of the soul
is capable of receiving ?
4. Besides the ignorance of masters who teach the first rudi-
ments of reading, and the Avant of skill or negligence in that arti-
cle, of those who teach the learned languages ; besides the
erroneous manner, which the untutored pupils fall into, through
the want of early attention in masters, to correct small faults in the
beginning, which increase and gain strength with years ; besides
bad habits contracted from imitation of particular persons, or the
contagion of example, from a general prevalence of a certain tone
or cant in reading or reciting, peculiar to each school, and regularly
transmitted from one generation of boys to another ; besides all
these, which are fruitful sources of vicious elocution, there is one
fundamental error in the method universally used in teaching to
read, which at first gives a wrong bias, and leads us ever after
blindfold from the right path, under the guidance of a false rule.
5. As the middle, and the fairest, and the most conspicuous
places in cities, are usually chosen for the erection of statues and
monuments, dedicated to the memory of the most worthy men
who have nobly deserved of their country ; so should we in the
heart and centre of our soul, in the best and highest apartment
thereof, in the places most exposed to ordinary observation, and
most secure from worldly care, erect lively representations, and
lasting memorials of divine bounty.
6. When the gay and smiling aspect of things has begun to
leave the passage to a man's heart thus thoughtlessly unguarded ;
when kind and caressing looks of every object without, that can
flatter his senses, have conspired with the enemy within, to betray
him, and put him off his defence ; when music likewise hath lent
her aid, and tried her power upon the passions ; when the voice of
singing men, and the voice of singing women, with the sound of
the viol and the lute, have broke in upon his soul, and in some
PUNCTUATION. 45
tender notes have touched the secret springs of rapture ; that mo-
ment let us dissect and look into his heart : see how vain, how weak,
how empty a thing it is !
1. If, indeed, we desire to behold a literature like that which
has sculptured with such energy of expression, which has painted
so faithfully and vividly the crimes, the vices, the follies of ancient
and modern Europe ; if we desire that our land should furnish for
the orator and the novelist, for the painter and the poet, age after
age, the wild and romantic scenery of war ; the glittering march
of armies, and the revelry of the camp ; the shrieks and blasphe-
mies, and all the horrors of the battle field ; the desolation of the
harvest, and the burning cottage ; the storm, the sack and the ruin
of cities : if we desire to unchain the furious passions of jealousy
and selfishness, hatred and revenge, those lions that now sleep
harmless in their den ; if we desire that the lake, the river, the
ocean, should blush with the blood of brothers ; that the winds
should waft from the land to the sea, from the sea to the land, the
roar and smoke of battle ; that the very mountain-tops should be-
come altars for the sacrifice of brothers : if we desire that these,
and such things as these, (the elements, to an incredible extent, of
the literature of the old world,) should be the elements of our
literature ; then, but then only, let us hurl from its pedestal, the ma-
jestic statue of our union, and scatter the fragments over all our land.
II. When the parts (of a sentence) making perfect sense, com-
prise sub-parts also making perfect sense, and both have the con-
nectives expressed or understood at the same time, and hence both
according to rule require the same punctuation ; to mark these
respective limits and distinguish them from one another, we may
punctuate the sub-parts one degree lower than the principal parts ;
that is to say, if the principal parts require the colon, the sub-
parts may be separated by the semicolon : if the principal parts re-
quire the semicolon, the sub-parts may be separated by the comma.
Examples.
1. They now heard of the exact accomplishment of obscure
predictions : of the punishment over which the justice of heaven
had seemed to slumber : of dreams ; omens ; warnings from the
dead : of princesses, for whom noble suitors contended in every
generous exercise of strength and skill : of infants, strangely pre-
served from the dagger of the assassin, to fulfil high destinies.
2. Gratitude is of a fruitful and diffusive nature ; of a free and
communicative disposition ; of an open and sociable temper : it will
be imparting, discovering and propagating itself: it affects light,
company and liberty : it cannot endure to be smothered in privacy
and obscurity.
46 PUNCTUATION.
3. We swear to preserve the blessings which they toiled to gain;
which they obtained by the incessant labors of eight distressful
years : to transmit to our posterity our right undiminished, our
honor untarnished, and our freedom unimpared.
4. This was the gymnastic school, in which Washington was
brought up ; in which his quick glance was formed, destined to
range hereafter across the battle-field, through clouds of smoke
and bristling rows of bayonets : the school in which his senses,
weaned from the tastes for those detestable indulgences miscalled
pleasure, in which the flower of adolescence so often languishes
and pines away, were early braced up to that sinewy manhood
which became the
Lord of the Lion heart and eagle eye.
5. In the Book of Judges, we see the strength and weakness of
Samson : in that of Ruth, the plain-dealing and equity of Boaz :
in those of Kings, the holiness of Samuel, of Elijah, and the other
prophets ; the reprobation of Saul ; the fall and repentance of
David, his mildness and patience ; the wisdom of Solomon ; the
piety of Hezekiah and Josiah : in Esdras, the zeal for the law of
God : in Tobit, the conduct of a holy family : in Judith, the power
of grace : in Esther, prudence : in Job, a pattern of admirable
patience.
In all of these sentences, the sub-parts are constructed precisely like the principal parts : and
if they were pointed in the same manner, as in strict propriety they should be, they would be
confounded. The sub-parts are therefore separated by the semicolon, to mark their subor-
dination. In No. 4, the sub-part, ending with bayonets, and in No. 5, the sub-part respecting
David, have themselves sub-parts of the same construction. These, consequently, are separa-
ted by the comma,
SEC. II. PAUSES DENOTING THE NATURE OF THE SENTENCE.
1. The interrogation, ) , j ,-, ( ?
n m i *: r marked thus: < ,
2. The exclamation, j ( !
These, accurately speaking, are not pauses, but the representa-
tives of the pauses, already considered, which mark divisions of
sense ; and this representative character it is very important to re-
member ; for otherwise we shall be constantly in danger of regard-
ing, and in delivery treating, as distinct sentences, what are in fact
but parts of the same sentence.
Being representatives, they have, of course, no time of their own,
but adopt that of the pauses of sense for which they stand ; and
they stand indifferently for the comma, semicolon, colon or period.
I ought, perhaps, to enumerate the parenthesis among pauses that indicate the nature of
the sentence, and have a representative character; but as modern practice usually asso-
ciates the pause with it, as it indicates no peculiarity in the sentence itself, which it includes,
but simply that, whatever the nature of the sentence may be, it is necessaiy neither to the
geneial construction nor sense, and especially as it would lead to a repetition of the same mat-
ter in a subsequent part of this work, where the parenthesis is fully discussed, I deem it best
to waive every thing in this place beyond this brief allusion.
PUNCTUATION. 47
I. The interrogation declares the sentence before it, a question.
1. Examples of proper use.
1. How shall a man obtain the kingdom of God ? By impiety?
theft? murder? adultery?
2. Will the Lord cast off forever ? and will he be favorable no
more?
3. Doth his promise fail forevermore ? hath God forgotten to be
gracious ? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies ?
4. Canst thou draw out the leviathan with a hook ? or his tongue
with a cord which thou lettest down ?
5. During a life so transitory, what lasting monument then can
our fondest hopes erect ? My brethren ! we stand on the borders
of an awful gulf, which is swallowing up all things human.
In No. 1, after " impiety," &c, the interrogation represents the comma : in the middle of
Nos. 2, 4, the semicolon : in the middle of No. 3, the colon : in No. 1, after " God," and at the
end of Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and the first part of No. 5, the period.
2. Examples of improper use.
Two cases of this occur :
(1.) Where a question is not asked, but merely said or command-
ed to be asked : e. g.
1. And they asked him when he intended to enter upon the
enterprise of which he spoke ?
2. If the question be put, to what class of those pleasures of
taste, which I have enumerated, that pleasure is to be referred,
which we receive from poetry, eloquence or fine writing? my
answer is, not to any one, but to them all.
3. Presumptuous man ! the reason would'st thou find,
Why formed so weak, so little, or so blind ?
First, if thou canst, the harder reason guess,
Why formed no weaker, blinder, and no less.
Ask of thy mother, earth, why oaks are made
Taller or stronger than the weeds they shade ?
Or ask of yonder argent fields above,
Why Jove's satellites are less than Jove ?
The only question, properly so called, in these three examples, is contained in the first
couplet of the third. The interrogation at the end of the first, should give place to the period :
in the second, to the comma: in the third, at the end of the third couplet, to the semicolon ;
and at the end of the fourth, to the period.
(2.) Where a sentence is punctuated as a question, when in fact
it is an exclamation : no answer being required, expected or even
thought of : e. g.
1. The ear^h must be labored before it will give its increase ;
48 PUNCTUATION.
and when it is forced into its several products, how many hands
must they pass through before they are fit for use ?
2. How great must be the majesty of that place, where the
whole art of creation has been employed;' and where God has
chosen to show himself in the most magnificent manner ?
3. And when no longer himself, how affecting was it to behold
the disordered efforts of his wandering mind employed on subjects
of literature ?
II. The exclamation denotes that a sentence, or part of a sen-
tence, before it, contains an expression of some one of the various
emotions or passions.
Exanvples of proper use.
1. Death ! great proprietor of all ! 'tis thine
To tread out empires and to quench the stars.
2. Why is it that to man have been given passions which he can-
not tame ; and which sink him below the brute ! and why is it that
a few ambitious men are permitted by the great Ruler, in the self-
ish pursuit of their own aggrandizement, to scatter in ruin, desola-
tion and death, whole kingdoms: making miserv and destruction
the steps by which they mount up to their seats of pride !
3. The treasures of America are now in heaven. How long the
list of our good and wise and true, assembled there ! how few re-
main with us !
4. But " they complained of injustice." God of heaven! had
they not a right to complain ! After a solemn treaty, plundered of
all their property, and on the eve of the last extremity of wretch-
edness, were they to be deprived of the last resource of impotent
wretchedness, complaint and lamentation !
5. Oh ! does not the God who is said to be love, shed over this
attribute of his, its finest illustration ! when, while he sits in the
highest heaven, and pours out his fulness on the whole subordinate
domain of nature and providence, he bestows a pitying regard on
the very humblest of his children, and sends his reviving Spirit into
every heart, and cheers by his presence every home, and provides
for the wants of every family, and watches every sick-bed, and
listens to the complaints of every sufferer ; and while, by his won-
drous mind, the weight of universal government is borne, oh ! is it
not more wondrous and more excellent still, that he feels for every
sorrow, and has an ear open to every prayer !
In the first example, and the first instance of the fourth, and the first, second and third in-
stances of the fifth example, the exclamation point represents the comma : in the second, the
semicolon and period: in the third, the colon and period: hi the second and third instances
of the fourth and the last of the fifth, the period.
As the exclamation is comparatively seldom misapplied, I think it unnecessary to trouble
the student with examples of improper use.
PUNCTUATION. 49
SEC. III. THE PAUSE DENOTING UNUSUAL CONSTRUCTION OR
SIGNIFICANCE.
This pause is commonly called the dash : occasionally, the em-
phatic pause : in this work, the rhetorical pause. It is represented
thus : —
Haste, indolence, or, perhaps, ignorance of the laws of punctuation, has effected a total per-
version of the appropriate use of this pause. We frequently had it substituted, not merely in
the journals of the day, but in productions of a permanent and standard character, for the
comma, semicolon and colon. The impropriety of this is too obvious to be insisted on ; and,
I regret to add. too much a matter of custom, perhaps, to be corrected. Yet there can be
little doubt that this indiscriminate use of the dash is at once useless and mischievous: use-
less, because the pauses of sense are equally significant ; and mischievous, because it con-
founds pauses in then nature distinct, often obscures the sense, and always in the eyes of a man
of taste, mars the beauty of the printed page.
The rhetorical pause is properly employed in the following cases :
I. Before a slight change in the construction of the sentence : e. g.
The clear conception, outrunning the deductions of logic ; the
high purpose ; the firm resolve ; the dauntless spirit, speaking on
the tongue, beaming from the eye, informing every feature, and
urging the whole man onward, right onward to his object ; — this,
this is eloquence.
II. After a portion of a sentence abruptly broken off : e. g.
1. If thou beest he — but how fallen ! how changed !
2. Here lies the great — false marble, where ?
Nothing but sordid dust lies here.
3. Frankness, suavity, tenderness, benevolence, breathed through:
their exercise. And his family ! — But he is gone : that noble heart
beats no more.
4. Leonidas ! Cato ! Phocion ! Tell — one peculiarity marks them
all : they dared and suffered for their native land.
III. After a sentence which abruptly terminates a thought : the
next sentence beginning another : hence between the remarks of
different speakers in informal dialogue : e. g.
1. Oh, how I trembled with disgust! — And now blue dismal
ilames gleamed along the walls : the tombs were rent asunder :
bands of fierce spectres rushed around me in frantic dance : furi-
ously they gnashed their teeth, while they gazed upon me, and
shrieked in loud yells, " Welcome, thou fratricide ! Welcome, thou
lost forever !" — Horror burst the bands of sleep; but my feelings
— words are too weak, too powerless, to express them. — Surely
this was no idle dream ! — 'Twas a celestial warning.
2. "Have you read my Key to the Romans ?" said Dr. Taylor,
of Norwich, to Mr. Newton. — " I have turned it over." — " You have
50 PUNCTUATION.
turned it over ? And is this the treatment a book must meet with,
which has cost me many years of hard study ? Must I be told,
at last, that you have ' turned it over,' and thrown it aside ?
You ought to have read it carefully and weighed deliberately
what comes forward on so serious a subject." — " Hold ! you have
cut me out full employment, if my life were to be as long as Me-
thuselah's."
The rhetorical pause after " feelings," in No. 1, belongs to case second above. In the pres-
ent case and case I„ the rhetorical pause is usually associated with the pause of sense : in this
respect differing from case second and the two which follow.
IV. After a part of a sentence, followed by an imexpected turn
of sentiment : e. g.
1. This world, 'tis true
Was made for Caesar — but for Titus too.
2. I now solemnly declare that so far as personal happiness is
concerned, I would infinitely prefer to pass my life as a member of
the bar, in the practice of my profession, according to the ability
which God has given me, to that life which I have led, and in
which I have held places of high trust, honor, responsibility, and
— obloquy.
3. The people lifted up their voices and blessed the good St.
Nicholas ; and from that time forth, the sage Van Kortland was
held in more honor than ever for his great talent at dreaming, and
was pronounced a most useful citizen and a right good man — when
he was asleep.
V. Before and sometimes after a word, clause or sentence of
more than usual significance : e. g.
1. And now abideth faith, hope, charity: these three ; but the
greatest of these is — charity.
2. Socrates died like a philosopher, but Jesus Christ like a — God.
3. Jesus wept —
4. And Nathan said unto David — thou art the man.
5. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the
price of chains and slavery ? — Forbid it, Almighty God ! I know
not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or
give me — death !
Examples of the improper use of the Rhetorical Pause.
1. Thus, without any innovation — without altering or abolishing
any thing but pernicious novelties, introduced for the encourage-
ment of sloth and idleness — by converting, for the future, the same
funds for the use of the serviceable, which are spent, at present,
upon the unprofitable, you may be well served.
PUNCTUATION. 51
2. To acquire a thorough knowledge of our hearts and charac-
ters, — to restrain every irregular inclination, — to subdue every
rebellious passion, — to purify our motives and our conduct, — to
form ourselves to that temperance which no pleasure can seduce,
— to that meekness which no provocation can ruffle, — to that pa-
tience which no affliction can overwhelm, and that integrity which
no interest can shake ; this is the task which is assigned to us, —
a task which cannot be performed without the utmost diligence
and care.
3. The church has commenced her march — Samaria has with
one accord, believed the gospel — Antioch has become obedient to
the faith — the name of Christ has been proclaimed throughout
Asia Minor — the temples of the gods, as though smitten by an in-
visible hand, are deserted — the citizens of Ephesus cry out in
despair, " great is Diana of the Ephesians" — licentious Corinth is
purified by the preaching of Christ crucified.
4. He who cannot persuade himself to withdraw from society,
must be content to pay a tribute to a multitude of tyrants : to the
loiterer who makes appointments he never keeps — to the consulter
who asks advice he never takes — to the boaster who blusters only
to be praised — to the complainer who whines only to be pitied —
to the projector whose, happiness is only to entertain his friends
with expectations, which all but himself know to be vain — to the
economist who tells of bargains and settlements — to the politician
who predicts the fate of battle and breach of alliances — to the
usurer who compares the different funds — and to the talker who
talks only because he loves talking.
In example first, the dash usurps the place of the comma : in the second, of the comma in
the first three instances, of the semicolon in the next two, (see Deviations from the legitimate
use of pauses between divisions of sense No 1.,) and of the colon in the last instance. The
association of the comma with the dash in this case, augments the impropriety of the punc-
tuation. In example 3d and 4th, the colon and semicolon are the pauses which should be
inserted instead of the dash.
52 MODULATION.
CHAPTER III.
MODULATION.
Modulation includes the consideration of key, evolutions or va-
riations, force and rate.
I. THE KEY.
The key, otherwise called pitch, is the predominating tone of
reading or speaking.
Different voices, in consequence of organic diversity, occupy dif-
ferent portions of the scale of vocal sounds. Some are treble,
some are tenor, and some are bass ; while others can scarcely be
called either treble, tenor or bass ; but occupy intermediate places
in the scale. Still, whatever these organic differences may be,
every human voice has its relatively high, medium and low tones,
any of which may be adopted, though not with equal propriety, as
the prevailing tone of delivery.* It is easy to show from a variety
of considerations that the medium tone, which is that of sustained
and animated conversation, is the only one that can be made the
key of reading or speaking, with any regard for the exactions and
exigencies of protracted discourse.
1. The organs of speech, being unaccustomed to any thing more than slight and infrequent
exertions at a high pitch, soon tire ; and in consequence, the voice becomes harsh, or breaks,
under the unnatural strain which it is forced to endure.
2. In like manner, they are unaccustomed to a low pitch : the other extreme ; and for the
same reason, the voice will soon become thick and unintelligible.t
3. No sentence can be stud to be properly delivered which has not its close indicated by
the voice as well as by the period. This is generally done by dropping the voice to a point
somewhat below the key. Of course, such a close is impossible with the voice already de-
pressed to its lowest note ; and with it elevated at a high pitch, the fall must be unnaturally
deep, and therefore exaggerated and absurd.
Not unfrequently the sentence should terminate, after traversing nearly the whole compass
of the voice, with its highest notes ; at others, after the same movement in a different direc-
tion, with its lowest. For example : " Will you ride to tow 7 n to-day ?"' requires a beginning
below the key, and an ascent extended indefinitely above it. On the other hand, the ques-
tion, " When will you ride to town and buy those goods of which you speak '?" demands a
beginning above the key, and a descent indefinitely extended below it. Now it is obvious
that if the key be not a medium tone, such exigencies of discourse cannot be met with safety
and success.
* Accurately speaking there are as many keys as there are half-tones and even quarter-
tones of the voice ; any one of which may be made, at pleasure, the predominating tone of
reading or speaking.
t Nam vox, ut nervi, quo remissior, hoc et grayior et plenior : quo tensior, hoc tenuis et
acuta magis est. Sic ima vim non habet : summa rumpi periclitatur. Mediusigitur utendum
sonis; hique, cum augenda intentio est, excitanda : cum surnmittenda, sunt temperandi. —
Quinc. b. xi. ch. hi.
MODULATION. 53
4. It may be observed, farther, that the almost inevitable consequence of adopting the high
or low extreme, is monotony ; or that sing-song maimer which is to the orator, what the
shoal and the rock are to the ship : fatal. Experience proves that while at a high pitch, the
voice cannot rise higher, it will not descend lower, but must run in a uniform stream or not
run at all: if pitched low, the case is different, but the result the same.
On the whole, about nothing should the student who desires to become a correct and taste-
ful reader or speaker, evince more solicitude, than to form his delivery on the right key. He
should spare no pains to acquire, (if he has it not,) the habit of reading and speaking as he
converses : with the same tone predominating, and with the same easy and natural variations
of voice.* Of these I shall now speak.
DIRECTIONS EOR EXERCISE ON KEY.
Select a sentence, (a short one at first,) and deliver it on as low
a key, as may be consistent with distinctness • of articulation, and
varying intonations ; then higher, and yet higher and higher, until
the top of the voice shall have been reached ; when the process
may be reversed : adopting successively a lower key, until the
bottom of the voice shall have been reached. Repeat the exercise
as often as possible. Its tendency is to increase the compass of
the voice : to improve its quality, and bring it under perfect
control.
This exercise, as we learn from Cicero, (de Orat. b. i. c. 59,) was a favorite one with the
Greeks ; and though he condemns, and perhaps, justly, their excessive practice in view of the
time it consumed, it may be fairly inferred from this very practice that the evidences of its
utility must have been decisive, or few would have endured the protracted severity of its dis-
cipline. The following is the passage of Cicero to which I refer.
Quid est oratori tarn necessarium, quam vox ? Tamen me auctore nemo dicendi studiosus,
Grascorum more, et tragcedorum voci serviet, qui et annos complures sedentes declamitant,
et quotidie, antequam pronuntient, vocem cubantes sensim excitant, eandemque, cum ege-
runt, sedentes ab acutissimo sono usque ad gravissimum sonum recipiunt et quasi quodam-
modo colligunt. Hoc nos si facere velimus, ante condemnentur ii, quorum causas receperi-
mus, quam toties, quoties prasscribitur Paeanem aut Munionem citaremus.
II. VOCAL EVOLUTIONS, OR VARIATIONS FROM THE KEY.
By vocal evolutions, I mean the different movements of the voice
in the delivery of a sentence. These are what I shall term the
siveeps, the bend, the slides, and the closes.
1. The sweeps are of two kinds: the accentual and the em-
phatic ; both of which are farther divided into upper and lower.
2. The bend is the rising inflection of other works on elocution.
3. The slides are four : the upward, the downward, the waving
and the double slide. **
4. The closes are two : the partial and perfect close.
As these are not indicated by the pauses enumerated and de-
scribed in the preceding chapter, and as a merely verbal description
would be unintelligible, writers on elocution have resorted to a
train of signs for the purpose of expressing them to the eye. In
* Non solum ne dicamus omnia clamose, quod insanum est ; aut intra loquendi modum,
quod motu caret ; aut summisso murmure, quo etiam debilitatur omnis intentio ; sed ut in iis-
dem partibus, iisdemque affectibus sint tamen quaedam non ita magnae vocis declinationes,
prout aut verborum dignitas, aut sententiarum natura, aut depositio, aut incoeptio, aut trans-
itus postulabit.— Quinc. b. xi. ch. iii.
5*
54 MODULATION.
the figures which follow, and the remarks subjoined to them, they
are exhibited and fully explained.
1. THE SWEEPS.
Both Accentual and Emphatic sweeps are the effects of a greater
force of voice applied to one syllable of a word in comparison with
another, or to one word of a sentence in comparison with other
words. To prepare for this application of greater force, the voice
rises above the key to the syllable or word accented or emphasized ;
and as the result of this application the voice is carried below the
key, and again back to it. The first of these movements is called
the upper sweep : the second, the lower.
Accentual sweeps of course precede and follow the accents pri-
mary and secondary. Their constant recurrence, in the delivery of
successive words, at intervals varying with the number of unac-
cented syllables between the accents, produces those slight undu-
lations or waves of the voice which may be observed in the following
fragment of a sentence, if read without emphasis: "Yet because
of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth."
(See Plate, fig. 1.)
Such being the effect of accent, the monotone of which some, if not all works of elocution,
speak, has therefore no existence. Accordingly I dispense with it in this work ; and when I
have occasion to speak of the delivery of a sentence with no other variations of the voice
than those produced by accent, I say, " delivered with accentual sweeps."
The emphatic sweeps, unlike the accentual, are not limited to a
part of a word, or even to an entire word ; but sometimes extend
over the half of a sentence. The superior sweep precedes, and the
inferior follows, the primary accent of the word on which emphasis
is placed. (See Plate, fig. 2, e. f.)
Emphasis frequently falls on a word in such a position as ren-
ders the prolongation of the upper and lower sweep, for the want
of room, impossible. In this case, they are formed on the em-
phatic word alone, though a word of one syllable ; and they are then
called by Dr. Porter and other writers on elocution, the circum-
flex. (See Plate, fig. 2, a.) As this term is a convenient one, I
shall continue to use it : it being understood, however, that I mean
by it nothing more than the greatest condensation of the emphatic
sweeps. What I have to say additionally on these sweeps, I re-
serve until I shall have reached the subject of emphasis.
2. THE BEND.
The bend is represented by the acute accent of the Greek, thus : /
It indicates a slight turn of the voice upward at a pause of imper-
fect sense.
Examples.
If there be any consolation in Christy any comfort of love 7 ,
MODULATION. 55
any fellowship of the spirit/, any bowels and mercies 7 , fulfil ye
my joy.
The trials of wandering and exile 7 , of the ocean, the winter,
the wilderness and the savage foe 7 , were the final assurances of
success.
3. THE SLIDES.
1. The upward slide,
2. The downward slide,
3. The waving slide,
4. The double slide,
marked thus :
1. The upward slide carries the voice upward through a succes-
sion of tones, and suspends it at the highest. (See Plate, Jig. 3.)
Examples.
Did Paul make a worse preacher for being brought up at the
feet of Gamaliel ? Does God uniformly work in one way ? Has
he never employed talents usefully ?
2. The downward slide reverses the upward : carrying the voice
downward through a succession of tones, and suspending it at the
lowest. (See Plate, Jig. 4.)
Examples.
Who possessed more advantages or more eloquence than the
apostle whose words are alluded to in the objection ?
To whom do we owe it, under an allwise Providence, that this
nation so miraculously born, is now contributing with such effect
to the welfare of the human family, by aiding the march of mental
and moral improvement, and giving an example to the nations of
the earth ?
3. The waving slide does not differ essentially from a very full
development of the two emphatic sweeps : the voice rising above
the level of the sentence from the beginning, to descend upon the
emphatic word, pass below the level of the sentence, and return to
it or above it at the end. (See Plate, Jig. 2, e.f.)
Examples.
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
4. The double slide carries the voice upward, as in the first
slide, and then downward, as in the second. The disjunctive con-
junction or, which is always present in questions of this kind, forms
56 MODULATION.
the point at which the one ends, and the other begins. (See Plate,
Jiff. 5, a, b, c.)
Examples.
Barabbas, or Jesus 9
Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not 9
Shall we call him a patriot, or shall we stigmatize him as a
traitor 9
4. THE CLOSES. I
I substitute this word for cadences, because the latter is not sufficiently general, and suggests
that sentences terminate like a piece of music. This indeed was the theory of Walker, a
theory in an unfortunate moment endorsed by Porter ; but it is a theory, notwithstanding,
which has no foundation in facts : sentences terminate in a variety of ways ; and even the
same sentence has not always the same close.
1. The partial close, ) , , ,, ( (*)
ft m, r r . i y marked thus : < } /
2. The perfect close, j ( (.)
1. The partial close* is a descent or fall of the voice at the end
of one of the parts of a compound sentence to the key, or to a
point near the key, preparatory to the perfect close. It is repre-
sented by the grave accent of the Greeks.
2. The perfect close is a descent or fall of the voice, at the end
of a sentence, quite down to the key or to a point below it. It is
represented by the period.
Examples of both in connection.
The faults opposed to the sublime are chiefly two* : the frigid
and the bombast.
Before closing this, I wish to make one observation* : I shall make
it once for all.
For instance : if I am speaking of virtue, in the course of ordi-
nary conversation, I refer the word to no sex or gender ; I say,
" Virtue is its own reward* ;" or, " It is the law of nature."
Among similes, faulty through too great obviousness of the
likeness, we must likewise rank those which are taken from ob-
jects become trite and familiar in poetical language. Such is the
simile of a hero to a lion* ; of a person in sorrow to a flower
drooping its head* ; of a violent passion to a tempest 1 ; of chastity
to snow* ; of virtue to the sun or stars* ; and many others of the
same kind.
The closes are incidents exclusively of declarative sentences ; {see Classification, Definition
of a Decl. Sent. ;) and they have their characteristic delivery, only, at the end of such sen-
tences or the parts of such sentences, when the last word is under emphasis ; which is coni-
* This is the falling inflexion of other writers on elocution. It is treated by them as the
reverse of the rising inflexion or bend. If this were just, the voice ought simply to turn
down, as in the bend it turns up ; whereas it falls down, and is always preparatory to perfect
close.
MODULATION. 57
monly the case. (See Emphasis, Sect. II. iv.) When the emphatic word is not the last, the
characteristic delivery of the closes is modified. (See Emphasis, Sect. II. v. vi.)
I have observed some faults in the delivery of the closes which the student should correct,
if subject to them, or any one of them, at any cost of time and labor.
1. The sentence is sometimes terminated with a continuation of voice On the usual level,
instead of a fall. This is not often the case, yet it occurs.
2. When the voice falls at the end, the fall is equivocal, not decisive : the voice turns down-
ward, but as if with the design of rising again.
3. Occasionally I have met with the habit of uniformly placing strong emphasis on the
penultimate or antepenultimate word of a sentence, and then rushing from that point, as if
down a declivity to the end of the sentence.
4. I have frequently met with the habit of falling unnaturally deep : especially from a high,
artificial key.
The proper delivery may be acquired by answering yes and no, to definite interrogative
sentences ; and then substitute the equivalent of the yes or no, and deliver the last word in
precisely the same manner : being careful to deliver the whole sentence either on a level or
rising to the last word. E. g. Will you ride to town to-day V Yes. Will you ride to town
to-day ? I will ride to town to-day.
III. FORCE.
When a person, reading or speaking, is requested to read or speak
louder, he can, without rising in tone, and simply by a slight additional
exertion, so increase the volume of his voice, that any one within a rea-
sonable distance, and not deaf, may hear distinctly and with ease.
This increase of volume, without change of tone, is an increase
of force ; which may be varied by those who have powerfufvocal
organs, from a whisper to the awful reverberations of thunder.
I need scarcely say that the judicious management of force, is
a distinct and important addition to that variety which renders
good reading and speaking so singularly attractive to all classes of
hearers.
Some passages, of course, should be delivered with a greater
degree of force than others. When these occur, the student must
be governed in their delivery by the relative importance of the
thought, or the nature of the sentiment or passion expressed. I
know of no other rule for the management of force in such cases.
In a general view, however, when we have regard to the tenor
of an entire discourse, we should never employ a greater degree of
force than may be necessary to be easily and distinctly heard ;
which may be ascertained without difficulty by observing the
movements of the more distant auditors.
The reasons for this rule are the following :
1. To speak with more force than is necessary to be distinctly and easily heard by the re-
moter part of the audience, is to incur the hazard of speaking too forcibly or loud for those
hearers who are near ; which has an unhappy effect.
2. To use a degree of force much greater than that of animated conversation, (and greater
than this is scarcely ever necessary in reading and speaking to common audiences,) is what
the organs of speech are not accustomed to, and is therefore fatiguing, and not easily sus-
tained.
3. The continued use of an unusual degree of force, destroys the flexibility of the voice, and
is one of the principal causes of monotony.
4. But the main reason for employing, in the tenor of discourse, no more force than may be
requisite for the purpose specified in the rule, is, that the reader or speaker may have a re-
serve for use, when the nature of the thought or sentiment or passion expressed in particular
passages, calls for an increase of volume and power. For such emergencies, he whose de-
livery is uniformly loud and vociferous, is never prepared. Additional force will hardly be
remarked ; or if it attract observation, the only effect produced will be to augment the dissat-
isfaction with which the speaker is heard.
58 MODULATION.
We should be careful not to confound force with vivacity. Force is strength, energy : vi-
vacity is life, animation. Force has respect to the hearer : vivacity, to the subject. A certain
degree of force is always necessary from the beginning of a discourse to the end : vivacity,
on the other hand, in some parts of a discourse, as in an introduction, would be out of
place ; and in others, as in passages highly charged with the benevolent affections, (love,
sympathy, compassion, &c.,) incompatible with just delivery. Force to the verge of vocifera-
tion, especially if uniform, may be associated with dulness : vivacity, never ; and yet there
may be great vivacity in speakers who have little force. I think 1 have observed numerous
examples of this.
But the most important distinction between them remains to be noticed. Force is under
the control of the will ; and is measured and regulated by the judgment: vivacity depends
upon the feelings, and their susceptibility of excitement from the progress of discussion. The
one is, therefore, voluntary : the other, "involuntary. A speaker can command force at any
time : but vivacity, if it comes at all, comes without being summoned or solicited. It appears
only, when the speaker begins to be interested in his subject ; and as this penetrates and
warms and absorbs him, it grows apace, independently both of judgment and volition.
The practical bearing of this distinction is obvious. Vivacity, though an essential element
of flue elocution, is subject to no rides. All that can be said, is, that if we would have it. we
must appreciate and profoundly feel what we read or speak : enter into its spirit : identify our-
selves with it: yield ourselves up unreservedly to its influence. When we do this, vivacity
will not be wanting.
DIRECTIONS FOR EXERCISE ON FORCE.
Select a sentence, (as under Key,) and deliver it on a given key
with voice just sufficient to be distinctly heard : then increase the
quantity, and continue to increase it, until the whole power of the
voice is brought into play. When this shall have been done, re-
verse the process : ending with a whisper. Observe : the sentence
must be delivered without change of key. The same exercise may
be repeated on different keys, and should be ; but during the
process of increasing or diminishing force, the same key should be
firmly held, and the sentence delivered with the same series of
tones. The tendency of this exercise, which cannot be too fre-
quently repeated, is to strengthen the voice, and give command of
it, at the extremes of little force and great.
The faults particularly worthy of attention under the head of force, (apart from uniformly
too much or too little, causing a perpetual, monotonous din painful to the ear, on the one
hand ; or constant and uncomfortable exertion on the part of the audience to hear, on the
other.) are two.
1. One of these is the exceedingly vicious habit of beginning every sentence successively
with great force, and gradually diminishing, until, by the time the end is reached, the speaker is
scarcely intelligible. Such a delivery is rarely requisite to the proper utterance of any sen-
tence. Almost universally, at least as much force is necessary at the end as at the beginning ;
and, not seldom more.
2. Another fault is the abrupt employment of force. The speaker is perhaps addressing his
audience in a low tone of voice, when suddenly he breaks out with all the force of his binge :
giving them a shock which almost drives them from their seats. This is altogether wrong.
Every increase of force should be gradual. It is seldom that men fly suddenly from repose,
to the most strenuous exertion. Such violent changes of force are therefore unnatural.
Occasions may, indeed, occur on which they are necessary ; but rarely beyond the limits of
the drama.
IV. RATE.
Rate in particular passages, like force, must necessarily vary
with the nature of the thought, the sentiment, and the emotion.
It should not, however, be so slow that the audience may anticipate
what we are about to say, nor so fast that we cease to articulate
distinctly. In neither case will we be heard with any satisfaction ;
though the second is the greater fault. We may be slow and yet
MODULATION. 59
intelligible ; but when a man becomes inarticulate in consequence
of the rapidity of his utterance, he entertains his hearers with
nothing but " sound and fury."
The general rate, which may be retarded or accelerated accord-
ing to circumstances, as just now implied, should be as slow as is
consistent with commanding and sustaining the attention of the
audience. It was a precept given by one of the most distinguished
men of his day to Aaron Burr, " speak as slow as you can." This,
as I have already hinted, may be carried to an extreme ; but it is
one to which speakers seldom pass. The tendency and the temp-
tation are in the opposite direction. If I mistake not, the opinion
is prevalent in this country, that rapidity of utterance is a marked
characteristic of eloquence. In consequence, it is desired and
aimed at as an oratorical accomplishment. But this is a serious
mistake.
In the first place, a rapid speaker, unless he possess extraordinary mental activity, or speaks
memoriter, will find his power of thought unable to keep pace with his current of language.
His voice will outrun his mind ; and he will consequently speak incoherently and little to the
purpose.
2. Experience proves, I think, that a rapid delivery, especially at the beginning of a dis-
course, is incompatible with that self-possession, and universal self-command, which are
absolutely necessary to produce important oratorical effects. It throws the speaker into a
flutter of spirits which, at the same time, confounds memory, confuses thought, and embar-
rasses action.
3. Of good elocution, distinct articulation is a fundamental requisite ; and this, in connection
with rapid delivery, is very rare. The slow speaker may articulate badly ; but it has seldom
been my good fortune to hear a rapid speaker who articulated well.
4. A slow delivery in general, is, I conceive, absolutely necessary, in conformity with what
I have said above, to enable a reader or speaker to comply with the demands of sentiment
and emotion. The rapid speaker cannot increase his rate, and yet the sentiment of a sen-
tence or paragraph may demand a very considerably accelerated, and even a hurried utter-
ance in comparison with the general rate, in order to give it due expression. For such emer-
gencies, the slow speaker is alone prepared ; and they are emergencies which afford both
reader and speaker the best opportunities for the highest achievements of the rhetorical ait.*
DIRECTIONS FOR EXERCISE ON RATE.
Select a sentence as before, and deliver it as slow, (without
drawling,) as may be possible. Repeat the delivery with a slight
increase of rate : continue to repeat and increase the rate, until
you shall have reached a rapidity of utterance at which distinct
articulation ceases. Having done this, reverse the process and
repeat slower and slower.
Ability to increase and diminish rate at pleasure, is a very im-
portant element of good reading and speaking, and can be acquired
only by the practice here recommended ; which, as well as the
preceding exercises on key and force, contributes to the acquisition
of that perfect command of the voice, necessary to express with
propriety every variety of thought to be met with in a discourse.
* Nee volubilitate nimia confundenda quas dicimus ; qua et distinctio perit, et affectus ; et
nonnunquam etiam verba aliqua sui parte fraudantur. Cui contrarium est vitium nimiae tar-
ditatis. Nam et difficultatem inveniendi fatetur, et segnitia solvit animos, et in quo est aliquid,
temporibus praafinitis aquam perdit.— Q uinc. b. xi .ch. 3.
60 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES.
CHAPTER IV
CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF SENTENCES.
A proposition is a series of words expressing a complete thought.
e. g. " Omniscience is an attribute of God." "A man who walks
ten miles a day, will walk seventy in a week."
A sentence contains one proposition, or two or more related
propositions. The preceding examples contain each one propo-
sition. The following one contains two. " It was the third hour ;
and they crucified him."
Every sentence in the English language is either simple or
compound.
1. A simple sentence is one which contains a single proposition
having but one subject and one verb : e. g. Jesus wept. Beauty is
admired. Caesar conquered the Gauls.
Note 1. The infinitive mood is not treated in this work as a verb. {See " Course of Reading,"
Part I. iii. 6.)
Note 2. Though a simple sentence can have but one subject and one verb, it by no means
follows, that it can have nothing besides. The number of its words may be indefinitely in-
creased without changing its simple character. In the third of the examples given, there is not
only a subject, and finite verb, but an object: "the Gauls." To this, we may add the time
daring which, " in a few months," and the time at which. " a little before the beginning of the
Christian era." With this we may connect the means : " some thousands of men." We may
give Caesar an attribute: "the immortal Caesar." We may qualify the verb: "easily con-
quered." We may qualify even that qualification: "very easily." And so on. Comprising
all these additions in one sentence, we have the following: "The immortal Caesar very easily
conquered the Gauls in a few months, a little before the beginning of the Christian era, with
some thousands of men ;" which is still a simple sentence, because, notwithstanding the addi-
tions made to it, it has but one subject and one verb.
2. A compound sentence is one which contains either a single
proposition, having two or more subjects or verbs, or two or more
propositions, having indifferently one subject and verb, or two or
more subjects and verbs connected by conjunctions, adverbs, or rela-
tive pronouns, expressed or understood.
For the different kinds of connection formed by conjunctions, adverbs and relative pronouns,
see " Course of Reading," p. 34, 32, 23 ; and examples of close, compact and loose sentences
below.
(a.) When a single proposition only is expressed, that proposition
is either absolute or conditional.
Examples of the absolute.
Exercise and temperance strengthen the constitution. The ani-
mals turned, looked and ran away. Take off his chains and use
CLASSIFICATION OP SENTENCES. 61
him well. They rejected with contempt the ceremonious homage,
which other sects substituted for the pure worship of the soul.
He who is disposed to deny this, cannot have given much attention
to the subject. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus.
God made man erect, rational, free, immortal.
Examples of the conditional.
Though he fall, he will rise again. As in Adam all died, so in
Christ shall all be made alive. If he give me permission, I will go
with you. 1 When he comes, then you may go. People are happy,
because they are good.
Obs. 1. The pails of these sentences beginning with though, as, if, when, and because, ex-
press respectively the condition of the other parts with which they are connected.
Obs. 2. It is obvious that I use the term " conditional" here with a very extensive significa-
tion when I indicate by it the peculiar relation which the one part of each of these sentences
bears to the other ; but I can think of no better word to express the same meaning ; and if it
be understood that I mean by a conditional proposition one that always contains parts thus
related, though sometimes not in the strict sense, conditionally, there will be no danger of
mistake.
(6.) When two or more propositions are connected, these propo-
sitions may be either simple or compound, in the sense of the second
half of the definition of compound sentences ; i. e. they may be
propositions, having either one subject and verb, or two or more
subjects or verbs.
Examples of the first.
It was the third hour ; and they crucified him. This is at best
a shallow quality : in objects of eternal moment, it is poisonous to
society. v
Examples of the second.
He was a tall and very spare old man : his head, which was
covered with a white linen cap, his shrivelled hands, and his voice,
were all shaken under the influence of a palsy ; and a few moments
ascertained to me, that he was perfectly blind.
Note 1. An absolute compound sentence, except when compound by the insertion of a rela-
tive clause, {see Note 2. 6, below,) is merely an abbreviated method of giving utterance to several
simple sentences without the repetition of the sanTfe verbs, attributes, objects, &c, by simply
stating once what is common to all. e. g. w Exercise strengthens the constitution :" " temperance
strengthens the constitution." Strengthens the constitution, being common to both of these
simple sentences, its repetition is suppressed, when they are united in a compound structure.
e. g. " Exercise and temperance strengthen the constitution."
Note 2. When the pupil declares a sentence compound, he should, at the same time, indi-
cate the mode in which the compound structure is formed : being governed in doing this by
what is expressed, not by what is understood. For example, in reply to the question, In what
respect is this sentence compound, he will say, It has
1. Two or more subjects : e. g. " Exercise and temperance strengthen the constitution ;" or
2. Two or more verbs : e. g. " The animals turned, looked and ran away ;" or
3. Two or more attributes : e. g. " God made man erect, rational, free, immortal;" " He
gave promptly and generously ;" or
4. Two or more objects: e.g. "He bought a farm and stock ;" or
5. Two or more adjuncts or prepositional clauses: e.g. "The man of fortune, or of fame, ia
not secure in his possession."
6
62 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES.
6. A relative clause : e. g. " Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus ;" or
7. Correlative clauses: e.g. "When he comes, then you may go;" or
8. Distinct propositions: e.g. "It was the third hour; and they crucified him."
Sometimes several of these different kinds of compound structure may be combined. When
this occurs, the pupil should be required to state the fact.
Note 3. It should be understood, that while analyzing a compound structure we have re-
gard only for the subjects, verbs, attributes, objects and adjuncts, expressed, as in No. 1, 2, 3,
4, 5. We by no means assert that these expressed subjects, verbs, &c. exhaust the elements of
the compound structure. There are always, in fact, as many verbs expressed or understood as
there are subjects expressed ; and vice versa ; as many subjects and verbs, as attributes ; &c. &c.
All sentences, whether simple or compound, are comprehended
in three classes : the declarative, the interrogative and exclamatory.
I. Declarative sentences state or declare something, affirmatively
or negatively, in some one or more of the various relations, of time
past, present or future ; as true or false ; absolute or conditional ;
possible or impossible ; certain or contingent ; kc. illain." " I will accept
your offer : I will accept your offer." These are loose sentences. (See Loose Sentence below.)
3. With or without repetition, yes and no are often followed by
the sentences they represent : e. g.
CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES. 65
1. Without repetition.
Ag. I am going to walk in the garden.
Har. And so am I.
Ag. You are ?
Har. Yes : I am.
Car. Does he remain here ?
Am. No : he does not remain here.
2. With repetition.
2c? Soldier. We will command ourselves. For Milan, comrades.
5th Soldier. Ay : aye : for Milan.
Ah ! no ! no ! no !
It cannot be !
Taking the last sentence as an example of all, and substituting the equivalent for no in each
instance, the following perfect loose sentence will be the result : " Ah ! it cannot be : it cannot
be: it cannot be: it cannot be." (See, as above, Perfect Loose Sentence.)
4. I have hitherto, except incidentally, spoken of yes and no, as
being employed independently ; that is, without being followed by
any thing with which they could combine and form compound sen-
tences. I shall now show that they do this ; and that all the pecu-
liarities I have pointed out, follow them in this new relation.
1. They are employed singly : e. g.
Berth. Wilt thou wear it ?
Ethw. Yes, and press it too.
Freb. It is Jane de Montfort.
Lady. No ; such description suits not- her.
Berth. What ! Ethward, say ye ?
Sig. No ; it is Selred.
Sel. What tidings, man ? Is Ethwald at the gate ?
Ser. No, nor yet within the walls.
Wog. My place of strength ?
Fol. Yes : I spake with one new from the west,
Who saw the ruinous broil.
The first example is a close sentence : (see Close :) the second, double compact with the first
and second part expressed : the third, the same with the first and third part expressed : the
fourth, the same with the first part only expressed, but this comprising two members : the fifth
is a loose sentence.
2. They are employed with repetition : e. g.
Ethw. You weep, good Ethelbert.
Eth. Yes ; yes ; such tears as doth the warm showered earth-
Show kindly to the sun.
Freb. My friend, your face is pale : have you been ill ?
De Mm. No Freberg : no : I think I have been well.
6*
66 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES.
Her. I beseech you, let me stay with you.
Ray. No : no : no ! speak of this no more.
The first of these sentences is a single compact: the second and third are both loose.
3. Single with the represented sentence inserted : e. g.
Jane. And he is well you say f
Freb. Yes, well, but joyless.
Etliw. It is some night-bird screaming on the tower.
Boy. Ay, so belike it seemeth, but I know —
JSthw. What dost thou know V
Etliw. Thou dost not grieve I am safe returned f
Berth. no, I do not grieve, yet I must weep.
These sentences are all of them single compacts.
4. Repeated and followed by the represented sentence : e. g.
Mrs. B. I do think I could contrive to find you employment if
you are inclined to it.
Charles. Yes : yes : I am inclined to it : idleness is tiresome.
Mrs. B. you are wounded, Baltimore.
True. No ; no ! there are no wounds ; we are victorious.
Thco. Hear me, I do entreat thee.
Out. Nay, nay ! no foolish pleadings, for thy life
-.-j, — j . -~ — - — r *~ j,-
Is forfeit now : [have at thee.J
Under the preceding head, each of the sentences is a single compact ; {which see ;) but under
this, the first is loose : the second and third are double compacts. (See Double Compact below.)
2. Well.
This word is not a representative like yes and no, but an elliptical
expression for such forms as, "It is well," "You say well," "I
know well," " If it be well," " As it is well," " Since it is well," &c.
1. It is a simple sentence when employed independently, like yes
and no, for assent or approval : e. g.
Do I say well ? Well. He did well f Very well.
2. It is often independently repeated, like yes and no, and then ■
forms, in like manner, a perfect loose sentence : e. g.
At. You will never see him again.
Tob. Well: well.
3. In the main, however, it is employed in connection with words
following, like yes and no, and then forms, in like manner, several
species of compound sentences. Like them, too, in such a connec-
tion, it is employed with or without repetition : e. g.
CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES. 67
Har. Would they have a man give up the woman of his heart,
because she likes a bit of lace upon her petticoat ?
Roy. Well, but she is, &c. &c.
Est. Do you know, last night, before twilight, I peeped over
the blind, and saw him walking with slow, pensive steps, under my
window?
Mar. Well ; what happened then £
Est. I drew in my head, you may be sure ; but a little while
after I peeped out again, and, do you know, I saw him coming out
of the perfumer's, just opposite my dressing-room, where he had
been all the while ?
Mar. Very well ; and what happened then ?
jRos. One fault he has : I .know but only one :
His too great love of military fame
Absorbs his thoughts, and makes him oft appear
Unsocial and severe.
Fred. Well ; feel / not undaunted in the field ?
As much enthusiastic love of glory ?
Why am I not as good a man as he ?
Jer. Alas, my lord, she's dead.
De Mon. Well ; then she is at rest.
Jer. How well, my lord ?
De Mon. Is she not with the dead, the quiet dead, where all is
peace ?
Jer. Oh, I am stunned ! My head is cracked in twain :
Your honor does forget how old I am.
Be Mon. Well ; well ; the wall is harder than I wist.
With. I will have an end put to all this foolery.
Mar. Very well ; I have just been following your advice.
All these examples of well, in connection with sequent matter, are compact sentences, of
which well constitutes the first part : the first four having the correlative words, indeed — but,
expressed or understood, and the last three, therefore — because, understood.
Before closing my remarks on this word, I should say that, like yes and no, it often appears
to he single and independent, in consequence of the suppression of a part of the sentence, when,
such being the case, it is, of course, in connection with the suppressed portion, compound.
For an example, see Ch. VI., Simple Declarative Sentences, Note
CLASS II. SIMPLE INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES.
(See Definition of a simple sentence, and also of an interrogative.)
Simple interrogative sentences are either definite, indefinite, or
indirect.
1. The definite are those which begin with verbs, and may be
answered by yes or no.
Note. They are called definite, because they limit the answer to yes or no, or the equiva-
lent of these words.
68 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES.
Examples.
Will you ride to town to-day ? Am I my brother's keeper ? Were
there not ten cleansed ? Will ye also go away ? Is any among you
afflicted ? Do ye not hear the law ? Are they ministers of Christ ?
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance ? Have all the
gifts of healing ? Have not we power to forbear working ? Could
ye not watch one hour ? Should not children obey their parents in
all things ?
2. The indefinite are such as begin with adverbs and relative
pronouns, and cannot be answered by yes or no.
Note. They are called indefinite, because they do not, like the definite, limit the answer ;
as, " When did we last meet V To this the answer may be any one of a thousand that are
possible, and may be supposed.
Examples.
Where did we last meet ? When will you leave town ? At what
hour, this evening, will the moon rise $ Why was this important
fact concealed ? By whom was the deed done ? Which of the two
is the most admired ? How is the object, in view, to be secured ?
Wherefore then serve th the law? Who can estimate the influence
of the Sabbath school ?
The adverb why, when employed as in the passages which follow, though usually regarded
as a mere expletive, is unquestionably an abbreviated indefinite interrogative.
And" who, I pray, is to judge of their necessity ? Why, the King.
" Sir," — and so forth. — " Why, yes : the thing is fact,
Though in regard to number, not exact :
It was not two black crows, 'twas only one :
The truth of that you may depend upon :
The gentleman himself told me the case." —
"Where may I find him ?" — " Why, — in such a place."
In each of these instances, why is obviously equivalent to the interrogative sentence, " Why
ask the question."
When was formerly used in the same way : e. g.
Why, when, I say — Nay, good sweet Kate, be merry.
Taming the Shrew, IV, 1.
When, Harry, when, —
Obedience bids : I should not bid again. King Richard II, 1, 1.
3. The indirect are interrogatives in a declarative form.
Note 1. It woidd be, perhaps, more correct to say, with a declarative structure. In declara-
tive sentences, the subject properly, and almost uniformly, precedes the verb. This is what
is meant by the declarative form or structure. In an interrogative sentence, (see definite and
indefinite interrogatives,) the verb, at least the auxiliary verb, precedes the subject. This is
what is meant by the interrogative structure or form.
Note 2. But this is not the only characteristic of the indirect interrogative. When a person
employs the definite or indefinite question, he represents himself as wholly ignorant of the
subject matter of inquiry, and as desiring information : when he employs the indirect ques-
tion, he represents himself as assuming the subject matter of inquiry, and as desiring con-
firmation.
Note 3. The name of this question is derived from its nature ; or the manner in which it is
put ; i. e. indirectly.
CLASSIFICATION OF* SENTENCES. 69
" Indeed, the trapper was left to renew the dialogue himself; which he soon did by asking
a question in the indirect manner so much in use by the border inhabitants. ' You found it
no easy matter to ford the water-courses, and make your way so deep into the prairies, friend,
with teams of horses and herds of horned beasts '?' " Cooper.
Indirect interrogatives are of three kinds.
1. The first does not differ, except in structure, as noticed in
note 1, above, and in the peculiarity noticed in note 2, from definite
interrogatives.
Examples of the first kind.
You will go to the city of New York next week%f You will
convey my message f They never were heard of afterward f He
refused obedience f
2. The second kind is distinguished by being used exclusively in
supplication.
Examples of the second hind.
Lady,
Dear Queen that ended when I but began,
Give me that hand of yours to kiss f
The last line, which is all I quote as an example of simple indirect, is evidently equivalent
to " Will you give me that hand of yours to kiss?" (See Indirect Interrogatives, Ch. VI.)
3. The third kind occurs where a proposition is expressed with
such confidence in its truth, as precludes contradiction, and com-
mands assent.
Examples of the third kind.
Surely, sir, I have seen you before f Truly, this was the Son
of God f
Out jumps the gardener in a fright,
And runs away with all his might ;
And as he runs, impressed with dread,
Exclaims, " Sure Satan's in the shed f "
The exclamation here, which is all that I quote as example, together with the sentences
which precede, are manifestly equivalent to questions : differing only from other questions
in the direct form, in that they take the answer for granted. As the examples show, this
question may be put to another or to one's self. The third kind always, or almost always,
includes some word like sure, surely, truly, certainly, &c, by which it may be distinguished.
CLASS III. SIMPLE EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES.
(See Definition of simple sentence, and also of an exclamatory.)
Simple exclamatory sentences are declarative, interrogative, com-
petitive* and spontaneous.
* We make use of speech only to communicate our thoughts to others ; and consequently
our language is always addressed to some one. That those to whom we speak, may know
that we are addressing them, we call upon them, either by name, or some equivalent ex-
pression, proper to fix their attention. Thus : I say, " Victor, you are not attentive ;" " Lord !
I am thy creature:" "Sir, are you my friend?" These words, "Victor," " Lord," " Sir,"
make no part of the proposition. I shall call this part of speech a Compilative, from a
Latin word which signifies "to address, to accost." (De Sacv. Principles of General
Grammar.)
70 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES.
1. Declarative. These are so called, because they are de-
clarative sentences employed as exclamations. In other words,
they are declarative sentences which, besides expressing a thought,
express it with emotion.
Examples.
He died a madman ! It is impossible ! May that time never
come ! Happy are they ! May the will of the Lord be done !
Not for the world would I peril my soul by such a deed ! God
grant to those few friends courage to declare themselves in oppo-
sition to your formidable enemies ! Thus was felt his despotism
over the heart !
The declarative exclamatory sentence is not always entire : it is often a mere fragment, the
complement of which must be supplied, perhaps interred, from the context : e.g.
Impossible ! Beautiful ! Happy day ! What is life ? A
shadow ! Di$ you, sir, throw up a black crow ? Not I ! Cruel
fortune ! Delusive hopes ! Piercing thought ! This to me !
The complete sentence in each of these cases is as follows: It is impossible! This is a
happy day ! That is beautiful ! Lite is a shadow ! 1 did not throw up a black crow ! This
is a cruel fortune ! These are delusive hopes ! It is a piercing thought ! This is said to me !
Whenever a fragmentary sentence occurs, the student should supply the portion of the
sentence suppressed. This observation, which is an important one, is made once for all.
2. Interrogative ; which are so called, because they assume
interrogative forms. They are definite, indefinite and indirect.
1. THE definite.
Examples.
Do you envy my good fortune ! Are you mad ! Is it indeed
so ! Hath it not burst upon thee ! Seest thou that old man
there ! Art thou my father ! Is this to me ! Could he possibly,
at his years, be guilty of an outrage like that ! Darest thou thus
provoke me !
These, like the declarative, appear very often in fragments.
Are his talents adequate to the occasion ? Adequate ! — Will he
succeed ? Succeed ! — Will you go there? I go there ! Never. —
He is a thief. A thief ! I cannot believe it.
Note. It is not easy to distinguish this sentence, when fragmentary, from the fragmentary
declarative on the one hand, and the fragmentary compact, hereafter to be noticed, on the
other. When it is a mere echo, as in three of the examples above, there is little difficulty ;
but this is not always the case, in a given passage, the only criterion is the sense.
2. THE INDEFINITE.
Examples.
Why do I suffer so many sorrows ! How can I endure them !
When will they cease pressing me to the dust ! What could I
have done to provoke thus the thunderbolts of heaven against my
CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES. 71
defenceless head ! With what feelings must an intelligent heathen
approach his final catastrophe ! How hard would it seem for your
neighbors to neglect your misery ! How pale ! How silent ! How vain !
How and what often appear alone at the beginning of sentences
as exclamations : e. g.
But how and by what means ?
What ! not a word !
What ! shall we be told that the exasperated feelings of a
people were excited ?
How ! will you suffer your glory to be sullied ?
In these and similar instances, they are used to call for a repe-
tition of a previous remark not understood ; or too shocking, won-
derful or absurd to be received in the sense understood : they are
employed not unlike the second interrogative who, in the following
passage :
Who are thine accusers ? Who ?
The living ! they who never felt thy power,
And know thee not !
Note. The expletive why, already noticed, (sec Simple Indefinite Interrogative,) when it
does not represent an indefinite question, is employed, though with less deliberation, in the
same way. This supposition will account for the difference observable in its delivery : it
having sometimes the delivery of a regular indefinite interrogative, and at others, that of
how and what, as above.
3. THE INDIRECT.
1. Examples of the first kind.
You would not screen a traitor from the law ! Thou wouldst
not have me make a trial of my skill upon my child ! Impossible.
2. Examples of the second kind.
Let me not perish in this horrid manner ! Grant me this favor
for once !
Examples of this second kind of indirect interrogative exclamation, are somewhat rare;
though they occur more frequently than is generally supposed : especially in the drama, and
in prose of a colloquial description. In conversation they frequently occur.
3. Examples of the third kind.
You are surely mistaken in that supposition ! She will certainly
get lost in this wilderness of streets ! You surely will not deprive
me of my only pleasure in life !
3. Compellative. These are single names, used in the direct
address.
Examples.
Mary ! Jesus ! Master ! My lord ! Mr. President ! Mr. Chair-
man ! Sir! Gentlemen! Soldiers! Fellow-Citizens! Ye winds!
72 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES.
Ye waves ! Ye Waters ! Hypocrites ! Ye blind leaders of the
blind ! &c. &c.
4. Spontaneous : being so called, because they are, for the
most part, "uttered without deliberation.
They may be divided, with sufficient accuracy, into abbreviations
of simple sentences, (including a few formed from sounds which
they imitate,) and equivalents of simple sentences : the former hav-
ing an invariable, and the latter a variable delivery.
1. Examples of the Abbreviations.
Hold ! Ho ! Shame ! Hail ! Look ! Lo ! Hush ! Hist ! Farewell !
Fie ! Pshaw ! Pish ! Pugh ! Foh ! Hey-day ! Heigh-ho ! Mum !
A vaunt! Avast! Away! Whoh ! Hurra! Halloo! Tush! Tut!
Fudge ! Bah ! Heavens ! My stars ! &c. &c.
Note. The abbreviated character of many of these exclamations, is too obvious to need
illustration: the others, having lost their original meaning, in consequence of being dropped
from the language, except ay mere symbols of certain emotions which they serve to express,
may need explanation. For this the reader is referred to the '• Diversions of Purley," and
Richardson's Dictionary. Be it sufficient to say here, that pshaw and pish, which are dif-
ferent forms of the same word, are abbreviations of the simple sentence, " It is /m'sA," i. e. trum-
pery, trick ; fie, foh faugh, fough, (also different forms of the same word,) of the simple sen-
tence, u It is fough !" i. e. hateful ; and so with the remaining words.
2. Examples of Equivalents.
! Oh ! Ah ! Eh ! Ha ! Hah ! Aha ! Alas ! Alack !
This enumeration comprises, I believe, all that occur.
SEC. II. COMPOUND SENTENCES.
(See Definition of a compoimd sentence.)
Compound sentences are either close, compact or loose.
I. The close sentence contains a single absolute proposition, hav-
ing two or more subjects or verbs, connected by conjunctions, ad-
verbs or relative pronouns, expressed or understood. (See exam-
ples of the close below.)
Note 1. This sentence may have a series of similar members at the beguming, in the
middle, or at the end. (See examples of the close below.)
Note 2. The name of this sentence is derived from its nature : its members being so
closely connected, that they cannot be separated without injury to the sense : in other words,
it makes imperfect sense until the end is reached.
Punctuation. A close sentence excludes, except in cases of
allowable deviation, (see exception 3, below,) every pause longer than
the comma. The following rule will be found, I believe, to be at
once comprehensive and exact : a comma should or may be inserted
before all the copulatives expressed or understood ; or what is the
same thing in other words, between all the simple sentences of
which the compound close is composed.
CLASSIFICATION OE SENTENCES. 73
The exceptions to this rule,* which is too simple to need illustra-
tion, are these :
1. The cases specified in Chap. II, Punct. Comma: Cases of
Omission.
2. When two or more nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs, un-
attended by other words, have the copulative expressed between
them, the comma is omitted : e. g.
Intelligence and beauty and modesty are the principal charms of
woman. Virtue and vice form a strong contrast to each other.
The study of natural history expands and elevates the mind. It
was dexterously and quickly and neatly done. True worth is
modest and retired. Some men sin deliberately and presump-
tuously.
The husband, wife and children suffered extremely. In a letter,
we may advise, exhort, comfort, request and discuss. Success
generally depends on acting prudently, steadily and vigorously, in
what we undertake.
There is a natural difference between merit and demerit, virtue
and vice, wisdom and folly. Truth is fair and artless, simple and
sincere, uniform and consistent. Whether we eat or drink, labor
or sleep, we should be moderate.
It will be observed, that as soon as the copulative is suppressed, as in the second paragraph
of examples, the comma appears.
When the last copulative is expressed, as in the same paragraph, practice, as regards the
omission of the comma, is not uniform. Some insert it notwithstanding the presence of the
copulative; but, in the opinion of the author, incorrectly.
The exception now under consideration, extends no farther than the particular case speci-
fied : when the nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs, are attended by other words, preceding
or following, the comma is inserted before the copulative ; or, though unattended as before,
if the copulative be suppressed, the comma is inserted in its place.
3. An exception to the insertion of the comma, occurs, when it
is superseded, under the necessity of deviating from proper punctu-
ation, by the semicolon. {See Punctuation, Chap. Ill, Deviations
I ; also Plate, figure 9, b.)
II. The compact sentence is distinguished from every other by
consisting of parts, beginning with correlative words expressed or
understood.
The term compact is applied to this sentence, because the parts are, as it were, bound to-
gether, compacted by the correlative words at the beginning of the parts. The name was first
used by Walker. (See Elocution.)
Correlative words are words which mutually relate to each other ; as in the examples
which follow.
The principal of these correlatives, or those which most frequently
occur, are the following : such — as ; so — as ; so — that ; if —
then ; if — yet ; though — yet ; unless — then ; now, then —
while ; where — there ; either — or ; whether — or ; though, al-
* Not to the rule strictly speaking, but rather to the application of the rule by printers.
7
74 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES,
though — nevertheless ; forasmuch as, inasmuch as — insomuch ;
indeed, truly — but ; therefore — because, for, since ; more, rather,
better, richer, stronger, &c. — than.
Note 1. They are usually placed at the beginning of the parts which they qualify, and in
the order in which I have written them ; but their order is frequently reversed, and often,
instead of occupying their appropriate places at the beginning of the parts, they are brought
together in the middle of the sentence: one of them only occupying its proper position. This
is particularly the case with more, rather, <$c — than. e. g.
K Rather than submit this fair land of their inheritance to ravage and dishonor, from hoary
age to helpless infancy, they will form one united bidwark and oppose their breasts to the
opposing foe :" i. e. rather will they form, &c, than submit, &c. Other correlatives also are
sometimes, though less frequently, found transposed in the same way. e. g. " When, if you
see my limbs convulsed, my teeth clenched, my hair bristling, and cold dews trembling on my
brow, seize me ;" i. e., if you see, &c, then seize, &c.
Note 2. Some of these correlatives are idiomatically interchanged. As sometimes takes
the place of when : the correlative of then. e. g. " As Peter knocked at the door of the gate,
a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda ;" i. e. when Peter, &c, then a damsel, &c. K As he
was going there, he met his brother ;" when he, Fig. 2, c.)
Exception to the Rule. I. When emphasis is placed upon the
last, or nearly the last word of a division of imperfect sense, fol-
lowed by a short circumstance, the lower sweep is often developed
on this circumstance, notwithstanding the pause.
JExamples.
But youth, sir, is not my only crime.
We may be assured, gentlemen, that he who really loves the
thing itself, loves its finest exhibitions.
The pillage and bloody devastation of Italy strike us with horror ;
but Italy, we are to believe, is contented with what has befallen
her.
Oh, cease not yet to beat, thou vital urn !
Wait, gushing life, oh, wait my love's return.
There be, perhaps, who barren hearts avow,
Cold as the rocks on Torneo's hoary brow.
Heal war, my friends, is a very different thing from that painted
image of it, which we see on a parade, or at a review.
Exception II. Frequently when emphasis falls on a word in
the first part, or member of the first part of a single or double
compact, the upper and lower sweep are developed on the whole of
that part or member, notwithstanding subdivisions, marked by the
comma. [See 1st sentence under improper use of period: Punctuation.)
III. Though legitimately falling under the preceding rule, it
deserves distinct notice, that when an emphatic word is immediately
preceded and followed by the pause, (preceded by the pause either
of perfect or imperfect sense, and followed by the pause of imper-
116 EMPHASIS.
feet sense,) the emphasis is exhausted upon that word, though a
word of one syllable, and forms the shortest possible development
of the sweeps; viz., the circumflex. (See Plate, Fig. 1.)
Examples.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Delicacy leans more to feeling : correctness more to reason and
judgment.
War is the law of violence : peace the law of love.
The pause after the emphatic words in each of these examples, is produced by the empha-
sis. (See Punctuation, Comma : Cases of Omission 1, Note.)
Nothing certainly could have been further from my thoughts,
than that I should be compelled again to throw myself on the
indulgence of the senate.
Still, it may be well for some proud men to remember that a
fire is lighted in these colonies, which one breath of their king
may kindle into such fury, that the blood of all England cannot
extinguish it.
No doubt the sheep he meant to steal ;
But, hapless, close behind his heel,
Was ploughman Joe ;
Who just arrived in time to stop
The murderous blow.
IV. When emphasis, and partial or perfect close, meet on the
same word, they coincide. Occasionally the emphasis makes the
close proceed from a higher pitch of voice, and descend with
greater force, than usual.
Examples.
Nor is he willing to stop there.
The Americans may become faithful friends of the English, but
subjects, never.
Whose is this image and superscription ? They say unto him,
Cwsar's.
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his para-
bles, they perceived that he spake of them.
Delicacy leans more to feeHng : correctness more to reason and
judgment. The former is the gift of nocture : the latter more the
product of culture and art.
These things I say now, not to insult one who is fallen, but to
render more secure those who stand'' : not to irritate the hearts of
the wounded, but to preserve those who are not yet wounded, in
sound health? : not to submerge him who is tossed on the billows,
but to instruct those who are sailing before a propitious breeze.
EMPHASIS. 117
It is the sacrament of our naHure : not only the duty, but the
indulgence of man. It is his first great privilege. It is among his
last, most endearing delights, when the bosom glows with the idea
of reverberated love x : when to requite on the visitations of nature,
and return the blessings that have been received, what was emo-
tion, is fixed into vital principle ; what was instinct, is habituated
into a master -passion, sways all the sweetest energies of man\
hangs over each vicissitude of all that must pass away\ aids the
melancholy virtues in their last sad task of life', cheers the lan-
guor of decrepitude and age", explores the thought, explains the
aching eye !
V. When emphasis is placed on a word preceding partial or
perfect close, in the same division of sense, the lower sweep is
converted into the falling slide to the close : unless followed by
another emphasis coinciding with partial or perfect close according
to Rule IV. above. An example of this will be found in Ch.
VII. Sec. 1, sentence 9, "Judicious grieve." (See Plate, Fig. 2, d.)
This effect may be traced to the want of room for the development of the sweep before
the influence of the close is felt.
Examples.
Force decided all things.
If the gentleman provoke the war, he shall have war.
The gentleman, sir, in declining to postpone the debate, told the
senate, with the emphasis of his hand upon his heart, that there
was something rankling here, which he wished to relieve. But
the gentleman disclaims having used the word rankling. It would
not be safe, Mr. President, for the honorable member to appeal to
those around him, upon the question, whether he did, in fact,
make use of that word, but he may have been unconscious of it.
But still, with or without the use of that particular word, he had
yet something here, he said, of which he wished to rid himself by
an immediate reply. In this respect, sir, I have a great advan-
tage over the honorable gentleman.
The value of the graphic art consists in its being a medium for
the acquisition of knowledge, and for the communication of it.
Art may diminish, but cannot remove the difficulty.
VI. When emphasis in any part of a sentence is unusually
strong, as in an earnest assertion, in an energetic and pointed
denial, in a stern command, in an imprecation, or in a direct con-
tradiction ; it is followed by the falling slide to the close partial or
perfect, as the case may be. (See ibid.)
The reason of this is obvious : the force of the emphasis is overpowering : it carries every
thing before it.
118 EMPHASIS.
Examples.
Then, patriotism is eloquent : then, self-devotion is eloquent.
The clear conception, outrunning the deductions of logic, the high
purpose, the firm resolve, the dauntless spirit, speaking on the
tongue, beaming from the eye, informing every feature, and urging
the whole man onward, right onward to his object, — this, this is
eloquence ; or rather, it is some-thing greater and higher than all
eloquence : it is action ; noble, sublime, godlike action.
And he began to curse and to swear : saying, I know not this
man of whom ye speak.
It is not true that he played the traitor to his country in the
hour of her trial.
Go to your natural religion.
Answer me to what I ask you.
Infected be the air whereon they ride !
Accursed be the tongue that tells me so !
Pet. How bright and goodly shines the moon !
Kath. The moon ! the sun : it is not moonlight now.
Pet. I say it is the moon that shines so bright.
Kath. I know it is the sun that shines so bright.
VII. When emphasis is placed on any word in a definite inter-
rogative, the only effect caused, is a dip or indentation in the gen-
eral direction of voice, or rising slide. (See Plate, Fig. Q.a.b. c. d.)
Examples.
Were there not ten cleansed '?
Will ye also go away ?
Believe ye that I am able to do this ?
Is Christ divided ? was Paul crucified for you ? or were ye bap-
tized in the name of Paul ?
If his son ask bread, will he give him a stone ? or if he ask a
fish, will he give him a serpent ?
Are ye able to drink the cup that /drink of? and to be baptized
with the baptism that / am baptized with ?
Has a wise and good God furnished us with desires which have
no corresponding objects, and raised expectations in our breasts,
with no other view but to disappoint them ?
VIII. When emphasis is placed on any word in an indefinite
interrogative, it is preceded either by the upper emphatic sweep,
or simply by accentual sweeps, and followed by the falling slide to
EMPHASIS. 119
partial or perfect close ; unless arrested by another emphatic word ;
in which case the voice recovers from the slide to repeat the pre-
vious process. [Plate, Fig. 7.)
Examples.
What think ye of Christ ? whose son is he ?
Who is this ?
Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am ?
Who touched me ?
Why tempt ye me ?
Why, what evil hath he done V
What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the
king of the Jews ?
By what authority doest thou these things ; or who gave thee
this authority ?
Why could not we cast him out ?
When saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or
naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee ?
Who could witness, without indignant desperation, the mother
who bore him, inhumanly murdered in the defence of her infants ?
Where is the youth in this assembly, who could, without ago-
nized emotions, behold the Gallic invader hurling the brand of
devastation into the dwelling of his father, or with sacrilegious
cupidity plundering the communion-table of his God ?
IX. Emphasis in indirect interrogations is preceded by the upper
and followed by the lower sweep : producing the waving slide of
this species of question. (See Plate, Fig. 2, e. /.)
Examples.
Your father gave you permission to go there yesterday f
You saw him after the event occurred f
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
You will ride to town to-day f
X. The effect of emphasis on the first part of a double interroga-
tive is the same as that on definite interrogatives ; and on the
second part, it is the same as that on indefinite interrogatives, ex-
cept that the upper emphatic sweep is scarcely ever developed.
The strong tendency to slide down is almost too strong even for
accentual sweeps. (See Plate, Fig. 6, 7.)
120 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Examples.
Can we see God, or must we believe in him ?
Will you ride to town to-day, or to-morrow ?
Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another 9
CHAPTER VI.
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
The design of the rules which follow, it must be borne in mind,
is to prescribe only the peculiar and therefore characteristic deliv-
ery of the different species of sentences, enumerated in the Classi-
fication. With regard to pitch, force and rate, they are silent ;
and also with regard to emphasis : to the former, because it is a
fundamental assertion in this system of elocution, that whatever
the pitch, force or rate, the sentence is delivered, if delivered cor-
rectly, in the same manner: to the latter, because emphasis merely
modifies the characteristic delivery of a sentence, without changing
it ; and more especially, because it modifies it in conformity to fixed
and invariable rules which have been stated and illustrated with
great care in the preceding chapter : rules, showing that its effects
depend not at all on the structure of sentences, but with one or two
exceptions, upon its position relatively to the pauses. The excep-
tions referred to, relate to its effects when unusually strong and on
the rising and falling slide. {SeeEmph. Sec. 2, VI, VII, VIII.)
Such being the scope of the rules which follow,. I now add that
the consideration of pitch, force, rate and emphasis, is by no means
excluded from the exercises under them. On the contrary, there
is nothing, comprised in the general subject of modulation, which
is not here to be applied. For this purpose the following direc-
tions are given, with great confidence in the tendency of a com-
pliance with them to form a correct, varied and graceful delivery.
1. Describe the sentence before you, as simple or compound ;
declarative, interrogative or exclamatory ; close, compact or loose,
&c. : continually defining what you mean by simple, by compound,
&c. &c.
2. State the proper punctuation ; and why proper, with allow-
able deviations : and in what circumstances allowable.
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 121
3. Give its characteristic delivery under the rule.
4. Deliver it at every variety of pitch ; finally at the true or me-
dium pitch : with every variety of force ; finally with the proper
degree : with every variety of rate ; finally with the proper rate.
5. Show what would be the effect of emphasis on each of the
words in succession, or some of the most important of them ; and
the reason why ; and finally point out the true emphatic word, and
describe the effect of emphasis on it.
6. Now deliver the sentence, as modified by emphasis.
In obeying the last of these directions, the student should be
careful to give as full a development of the emphatic sweeps, as
the nature of the case will allow. No harm will be done, if even
they are a little exaggerated ; that is, if their curves are expand-
ed somewhat beyond the actual demands of the sense. They break
up, and break up effectually, habits of monotony : they give com-
pass and variety to intonation ; flexibility and power to the voice.
SEC. I. SIMPLE SENTENCES.
CLASS I. SIMPLE DECLARATIVE SENTENCES.
Rule I. Simple declarative sentences are delivered with accen-
tual sweeps, the bend, if necessary, at intermediate pauses, and
perfect close.
Accentual sweeps, it will be remembered, are those slight undulations produced in the tenor
of speech by articulatory accents : the bend, a slight upward turn of the voice : perfect close, a
fall of the voice at the end of a sentence to the key, or below it. (See Modulation, ch. iii.)
For the effects of emphasis, see Emphasis, ch. v. sect. ii.
Simple sentences seldom have intermediate pauses, and when they do, the bend is not
always associated with them : a bare suspension of the voice being all that is necessary to
mark the division of sense. (See Plate, Fig. 8, a. b.)
Examples for exercise.
Jesus wept. Rejoice evermore. Birds fly. Remember Lot's
wife. It was the general. All were hushed. Pray without ceas-
ing. It is not ten years ago. The national independence had been
won. Let love be without dissimulation. Be of the same mind
one toward another. Let every one be subject to the higher
powers. Let every one please his neighbor for his good to edifi-
cation. Ye are the light of the world. I was never there in my
life. I have told you the truth. I heard their drowning cry,
mingling with the wind. He Avas distinguished by modesty. That
garment is not well made. Be not forward in the presence of your
superiors. '
He left his father's house for the halls of the academy. We
were up before daylight to enjoy the magnificent spectacle of the
rising sun. His great qualities were attended by a due sense of
11
122 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
his own imperfections. Then shall the innumerable varieties of the
human race worship in her glorious temple. It shall turn to you
for a testimony. Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
He makes a vow to forsake the world. Thus have ye made the
commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. I re-
ceived a letter in time to reply before the departure of the mail
last Saturday morning. Accept the patriotic farewell of an over-
flowing heart. The universe might be poised on a drop of water
kept in a compact state.
Now did Micah begin to see some little glimpses of his own
error. This occasioned his being hissed by the whole audience.
His wit was of the first order. The stores of his mind were inex-
haustible. The army is loaded with the spoil of many nations.
Let no one detract from the influence of woman. Now the God
of peace be with you all. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you. And every man went to his own house. Thou art the
Son of God. Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at
the feast of the passover. Their claim possesses a peculiar title to
our consideration. The contest becomes, at last, a scene of un-
mitigated anguish.
Virtue 7 is the condition of happiness. Ignorance 7 is the mother
of error. One ounce of gold 7 is worth fifteen ounces of silver. To
listen to the voice of reason is always safe. The distinction of his
fortune was the consequence of his temerity. The whole course of
his life has been distinguished by generous actions. The study of
mathematics is an excellent discipline of the mind. Sensitiveness
to the approbation of virtuous men, is laudable.
Of neither of these persuasives 7 have the effects been great. At
the bottom of the garden 7 ran a little rivulet. With his conduct
last evening 7 I was not pleased. That interesting history 7 he did
not read. To the perusal of the authors of the second class I shall
now proceed. To the ancients fire-arms were unknown. That he
is a great man you cannot deny. After a denial of the charge he
withdrew in dignified displeasure to his own house. To pray well
is the better half of study. Over these matchless talents probity
threw her brightest lustre. To the fate of the government is uni-
ted the fate of the country. But on this part of the subject I need
not enlarge. For successive infractions of the law these punish-
ments may be increased up to a certain limit. Of a new truth
then flashed on his mind the first gleams.
Another impediment to excellence is versatility. From the nature
of Christianity this must be so. Like a spectre in the night, the
grandeur of Rome has vanished. Among the most remarkable of
its attributes, is justice. To the necessity of endeavoring to reach
New York by land, this embarrassing circumstance reduced him.
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 123
To her'', many a soldier, on the point of accomplishing his ambi-
tion 7 , sacrifices the opportunity. Vanity, of all the passions, is the
most unsocial. I cannot part with jo\\, fellow- citizens, without
urging the long remembrance of our present assembly. He ought,
therefore, to take the greatest care of the fortune still in his pos-
session. The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. And
very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came
unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
In the autumn of 1783 7 , the war had closed with glory. The
different periods of revolving day seemed each, with cunning magic / ,
to diffuse a different charm over the scene. The loss of reputation
for good management 7 , is, in this case, to be traced to a little cir-
cumstance. Risk not, for a moment, in visionary theories, the solid
blessings of your lot. But on this part of the subject, I need not
enlarge. The less pleasing task now devolves upon me, of bidding
you, in the name of the nation, adieu. The success of one, is the
disappointment of multitudes. The surest evidence of Robert
Hall's greatness, is the very fact of his celebrity.
You may be assured, gentlemen 7 , of my continued regard. You
live, my friends 7 , in an extraordinary age. It is too late, now 7 , to
make a fresh distribution of the honors to the worthies of the Rev-
olution. To all, in truth, the same lesson comes. Suddenly, the
sound of the signal-gun broke the stillness of the night. We will
endeavor to refute, now, his third argument., To a great extent,
the same is true of literary pursuits. But every difference of opin-
ion, is not a difference of principle. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate
the matter. Besides, sir, we have no election. He may not accept
the invitation without the permission of his parents. An orator
may often, by this kind of style, gain great admiration, without be-
ing near to his proper end.
It has been usual, on occasions like the present 7 , to give a his-
tory of the wrongs endured by our fathers. In the prodigious ef-
forts of a veteran army beneath the dazzling splendor of their
array 7 , there is something revolting to a reflecting mind. Sir, I
see no wisdom in making this provision for future changes. Be-
yond that, I seek not to penetrate the veil.
Nations would do well
To extort their truncheons from the puny hands
Of heroes.
With eye askance
I view the muscular proportioned limb
Transformed to a lean shank. '
And still, in memory's twilight bowers,
The spirits of departed hours,
124 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
With mellowing tints, portray
The blossoms of life's vernal flowers
Forever fallen away.
Light o'er the woods of dark brown oak,
The west wind wreathed the hovering smoke
From cottage roofs, concealed
Below a rock abruptly broke
In rosy light revealed.
To the rule above given for the delivery of simple declarative sentences, there are appa-
rently many exceptions ; but it will be found, on examination, that they are merely apparent,
not real. I refer to those sentences which, instead of coming to a perfect declarative close,
terminate with the emphatic lower sweep or with the circumflex. These are not simple
declarative sentences, nor even, in the main, simple sentences ; but simple indirect interroga-
tives incorrectly punctuated ; or the first part of a single compact either incorrectly punctuated
orhaving the second part understood ; or the first part of a double compact incorrectly punc-
tuated. I subjoin examples of each, that when the student meets with them, he may easily
recognise and refer them to their appropriate places in the classification.
Examples.
My dear, you have some pretty beads there. Yes, papa. —
He is not gone. No.
He could go there. But when I asked him to go with me, he
refused. — Surely he was guilty of a great breach of propriety.
Aman. He saw her and gave the letter.
Mar. Well.
Aman. And when he got his answer he returned.
Mar. Well.
Aman. And finding no one at home, came to me.
Mar. Well.
Aman. Well, well : what means this well ?
Mar. It means, tell me all.
It was not on account of his manners. His morals formed the
objection.
I am not the panegyrist of England. I am not dazzled by her
riches, nor awed by her power.
The first two of these examples, though they look very much like simple declarative sen-
tences, are obviously indirect questions.
Again, the first part of the next example looks altogether like a simple declarative ; when
in fact it is the first part of a single compact, of which, but, immediately succeeding, begins
the second. The two parts should have been separated by the comma. The sentence which
follows the dash is a simple indirect interrogative of the third kind.
Well, in the dialogue, three times repeated, is each time the first part of a single compact :
the second part is understood. If complete, it would read thus: "Well, indeed, but what
then 5" Or thus : " He did so far well, indeed, but what did he next 5"
The last pair of examples are first parts of double compacts : the first being followed by the
third part, and the second being one of a series of the first part. The period, in both cases,
incorrectly supplants the semicolon.
THE BEND, SWEEPS SLIDES, AND CLOSES APPLIED. 125
CLASS II. SIMPLE INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES.
1. THE DEFINITE INTERROGATIVE.
Rule II. Simple definite interrogative sentences are delivered
with the rising slide, ending only with the last word. (See Plate,
Fig.Z)
For the effect of emphasis, see Empfu IT. 7. Pauses have so little influsnce on this species
of sentence, that I have thought it unnecessary to notice them in the rule. Unless the sentence
is a long one, they should not have the bend associated with them, but be merely marked by
a suspension of the voice.
Examples.
Can you read ? Shall we go ? Do they sing well ? Have
they gone into the country ? Will you ride to town to-day ?
Will it not afflict your friends ? Did not your submission appease
the anger of your offended father ? Should not merchants be
punctual in paying their debts ? Is not forgiveness honorable to
any man ? Shall we sully a character, rendered illustrious by an
uninterrupted career of virtue ? Should I not have devoted my-
self entirely to the service of my country ? Would you wish to
ruin yourself in public opinion to gratify your resentment ? Would
it be proper to write to his friends, now absent from home, about
this melancholy event ? Are you aware of the discreditable
reports in circulation about you ? May not this disastrous event,
my friend, have, after all, a tendency to advance the interests of
those, at present, most painfully affected by it ? Has any one
called on you, this morning, to invite you to the musical entertain-
ment at the Odeon ? Could you, with your knowledge of his
character, deem him vain enough to aspire to that high degree of
honor ? Are ye without understanding also ? Shall the Turk
still pollute the soil sanctified by the brightest genius ? Will you
not contribute to the release of this people ? Will you make no
effort for their redemption ? Shall they still bend their neck to
the cruel yoke for the want of your assistance ? Did not even-
handed justice, ere long, commend the poisoned chalice to their
own lips ? And has it come to this ? May we fly at the approach
of danger?
Is this a dagger lying now before me,
The handle toward my hand ?
Can the tuned follower of the sacred nine
Soothe, with his melody, insatiate death ?
Can wisdom lend, with all her heavenly power,
The pledge of joy's anticipated hour?
11*
126 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Has nature, in her calm, majestic march,
Faltered with age at last ? — Does the bright sun
Grow dim in heaven ?
When a circumstance succeeds a simple definite interrogative sentence, and is dependent
on it, both are delivered with the same rising slide ; or rather, the slide of the interrogation
is continued to the end of the circumstance.
Examples.
Am I my brother's keeper ? said the unhappy man.
Have you read my Key to the Romans ? said Dr. Taylor, of Nor-
wich, to Mr. Newton.
Do you dread death in my company ? he cried to the anxious
sailors, when the ice on the coast of Holland had almost crushed
the boat that was bearing him to the shore.
Exceptions to the rule.
1. When the same simple definite question is repeated, the re-
petition may adopt the delivery of the indefinite interrogative.
(See Rule III.)
I say may adopt, because, though in most cases, reversing the slide gives variety and in-
creased energy to the delivery, it is not absolutely necessary. This repetition usually takes
place in conversational or dramatic pieces ; when a question, asked for the first time, has not
been distinctly understood ; when the reply is not to the point or evasive ; or when the ques-
tion refers to two different objects antithetically opposed. In formal discourses it is employed
simply for the sake of greater emphasis. Examples of each are subjoined in the order of
enumeration.
Examples.
Is he honest ? Is he faithful ? Is he capable ?
Am. Did you see him there ?
Karl. Sir?
Am. Did you see him there ?
Count. Howe'er, I charge thee,
As Heaven shall work in me for thine avail,
To tell me truly.
Hel. Good madam, pardon me !
Count. Do you love my son ?
Hel. Your pardon, noble mistress !
Count. Love you my son ?
Hel. Do not you love him, madam ?
Count. Go not about : my love hath in't a bond,
Whereof the world takes note. Come, come, disclose
The state of your affections.
Peters, fearful that his companion might overlook some of the
happy hits of the different personages on the stage, soon electrified
the audience by exclaiming, without turning his head, in a suppressed
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES A^ND CLOSES APPLIED. 127
but emphatic voice when particularly pleased, Austin, d'ye hear
that ? and again after a little while, Austin, d'ye hear that ?
Has the gentleman done ? Has he completely done ? He was
unparliamentary from the beginning to the end of his speech.
Will you deny it ? Will you deny it ? said he, repeating the
question in a louder and more emphatic tone.
2. A series of simple definite questions, with or without inter-
mediate answers, may have its last member delivered like an indefi-
nite interrogative. (See Rule III. and Plate, Fig. 4.)
I say may for the same reason as before. The nature of the series will not always admit of
it ; but when it will, reversing the slide has a fine effect.
Examples.
Fie, fie on all tired jades, on all mad masters, and all foul ways.
Was ever man so beaten ? Was ever man so rayed ?* Was ever
man so weary ?
Do you know me, sir ? Am I Dromio? Am I your man ? Am
I my self $
Is he the Gool of the Jews only ? Is he not also of the Gentiles ?
Am I not an Apostle ? Am I not free ? Have I not seen Jesus
Christ our Lord ? Are not ye my work in the Lord ?
Have ye not known ? Have ye not heard ? Hath it not been
told you from the beginning ? Have ye not understood from the
foundation of the world ?
Are all apostles ? Are all prophets ? Are all teachers ? Are
all workers of miracles ? Have all the gifts of healing ? Do . all
speak with tongues ? Do all interpret ?
Shy. Three thousand ducats : well.
Bass. Ay, sir, for three months.
Shy. For three months : well.
Bass. For the which, I told you, Antonio shall be bound.
Shy. Antonio shall become bound : well.
Bass. May you stead me ? Will you pleasure me ? Shall I
know your answer $
Art thou bound to a wife ? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou
loosed from a wife ? Seek not a wife.
The greatest elegance in the delivery of the answers to the questions in most of the exam-
ples which occur in the succeeding form, may be secured by treating each (answer) as an
indirect interrogative, and delivering each with a waving slide except the last : the last like a
Bimple declarative. (See Rule IV. Exception.)
What would content you? Talent? No. Enterprise? No.
* Dirty, bewrayed.
128 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Courage ? No. Virtue ? No. The men whom you would select,
should possess, not one, but all of these.
Are they Hebrews ? So am I. Are they Israelites ? So am I.
Are they the seed of Abraham ? So am I. Are they the ministers
of Christ ? I am more.
I am the king ; for so stands the comparison : thou the beggar;
for so witnesseth thy lowliness : shall I command thy love ? I
may. Shall I enforce thy love ? I could. Shall I entreat thy
love ? I will.
Oh how hast thou with jealousy infected
The sweetness of affiance ! Show men dutiful?
Why so didst thou. Or seem they grave and learned ?
Why so didst thou. Come they of noble family ?
Why so didst thou. Seem they religious ?
Why so didst thou.
Are you ignorant of many things ? The Gospel offers you in-
struction. Have you deviated from the path of duty ? The Gospel
offers you forgiveness. Do temptations surround you ? The Gospel
offers you the aid of heaven. Are you exposed to misery ? It
consoles you. Are you subject to death ? It offers you immortality.
Do you plead the unavoidable consequences of illustrious descent ?
You know some who, with a name still more distinguished than
your own, impart sanctity to splendor. Do you plead the vivacity
of your years ? Every day will show you some who, in the bloom
of youth, and with all the talents suited to this world, have their
minds supremely bent on heaven. Is it the distraction of business ?
You may see those engaged in the same cares with yourself, who,
notwithstanding, make salvation their principal concern. Is pleas-
ure your delight ? Pleasure is the first desire of all men, and of
the righteous ; in some of whom it is even stronger, and whose
natural dispositions are less favorable to virtue, than your own.
Do you plead your afflictions ? There are some good men dis-
tressed. Or prosperity ? There are those to be met with, who,
amid their abundance, devote themselves to God. Or the state of
your health ? You discover some who, in sickly bodies, possess
souls filled with divine fortitude.
Leonato, stand I here ?
Is this the prince ? Is this the prince's brother ?
Is this face Hero's ? Are our eyes our own ?
Art thou ambitious ? Why then make the worm
Thine equal ? Runs thy taste of pleasure high ?
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 129
Why patronize sure death of every joy ?
Charm Riches ? Why choose beggary in the grave,
Of every hope a bankrupt and forever ?
2. THE INDEFINITE INTERROGATIVE.
Rule III. Simple indefinite interrogative sentences are delivered
with accentual sweeps, o*r the upper emphatic sweep, to the em-
phatic word, and the falling slide from it to the close. [See Plate,
Fig. 7, a. b. c. d.)
If the question is not very energetic, accentual sweeps should precede the emphasis : on the
contrary, if the question has energy, and especially, if it has unusual energy the emphatic
sweep should precede. With the former the voice will proceed, of course, nearly on a level
to the emphasis : with the latter move upward to it ; and the higher it ascends to reach the
emphatic word and begin the falling slide, the more earnest and energetic will the question
be.
Examples.
Why? When? Where? Wherefore? How? Who? Which?
What ? Whose ? Whom ? Wherein ? In which ? In whom ?
In whose ? In what ? For which ? For whom ? For whose ?
For what ? Through which ? By whom ? In relation to what ?
In consequence of whose ? With respect to which ? Why so ?
Where then ? Where am I ? What will you do ? Who told you
that ? Who touched me ? How can he succeed ? Who then
can be saved ? In what can I serve you ? Whom will you con-
sult ? To what purpose is this waste ? When will he arrive
there ? Which of these pictures do you prefer ? How long will
you continue abroad ? What shall be the sign of his coming ?
Why are all the works of nature so perfect ? Why, on the con-
trary, are the works of man so imperfect ? How then can the
Scriptures be fulfilled ? Which is the great commandment in the
law ? Who can forgive sins but God only ? Why reason ye-
these things in your hearts ? How then will ye know all parables?
What think ye ? Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies ?
What shall we do to inherit eternal life ? Where are you going ?
From whence hath this man these things ? Why troublest thou
the master any further ? Who hath warned you to flee from the
wrath to come ? To what shall I liken the men of this genera-
tion ? Where is the promised fruit of all his toils ? Whence can
a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness ? In
which way shall I extricate myself ? By whom was this extraor-
dinary work of art executed ? Where shall I eat the passover
with my disciples? What were the unpleasant circumstances
spoken of ? How is it possible in such a case to be impressed by
the solemnity of the divine admonitions? What foreigner is
130 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
sufficiently versed in the English language to discover the excel-
lences of Shakspeare ? Why was he displeased with your con-
duct on the occasion referred to in your interesting letter to me of
last Thursday morning ? Who is this £ How is it to be recon-
ciled to common sense ? To whom is it addressed V To what
interest does it appeal ? What have we in this ode ? Wherein
lies the difference between these two men ?
What are the riches of Mexico's mines
To the riches far down in the deep waters shining ?
What terror can confound me,
With God at my right hand ?
But who the wonders of his hand can trace
Through the dread ocean of unfathomed space ?
Then why to these rude scenes repair,
Of shades the solitary guest I
Where then, ah, where shall poverty reside,
To 'scape the pressure of contiguous pride £
What dost thou mean by shaking of thy head ? —
What means that hand upon that breast of thine ? —
Why holds thine eye that lamentable rheum,
Like a proud river peering o'er its bounds ?
What dotage will not vanity maintain £ —
What web too weak to catch a modern brain ?
Why weeps the muse of England ? — what appears
In England's case, to move the muse to tears ?
The interrogative character of what is usually called ' expletive ' icAy, has been already
alluded to in the Classification ; where it was also intimated that it has a twofold delivery.
In the examples which I subjoin, it should be delivered in conformity to the ride ; but with
the shortest possible falling slide : merely, if I may so speak, with a downward intimation.
Why, what evil hath he done ?
Charles. And what may that be ?
Perm. Why, I depend upon themselves, &c. &c.
Perm. What right hast thou to their lands ?
CJiarles. Why, the right of discovery, to be sure ; &c.
Perm. A kind of strange right, indeed. Now suppose, friend
Charles, that some canoe loads of these Indians, crossing the sea
and discovering thy island of Great Britain, were to claim it as
their own, and set it up for sale over thy head ; what wouldst thou
think of it ?
Charles. Why, — why, — why, — I must confess, I should think
it a piece of impudence in them.
Hoh. Your patriot care, sir, would redress all wrongs
That spring from harsh restraints of law and justice :
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND) CLOSES APPLIED. 131
Your virtue prompts you to make war on tyrants
And like another Brutus free your country.
Alas. Why, if there were some slanderous tool of state,
Some taunting", dull, unmannered deputy,
Some district despot prompt to play the Tarquin,
By Heaven ! I well could act the Roman part,
And strike the brutal tyrant to the earth.
Siv. Here 's rich poverty
Though wrapped in rags : my fifty brave companions,
Who through the force of fifteen thousand foes,
Bore off their king, and saved his great remains.
Gust. Why, Captain,
We could but die alone ; with these we conquer.
The first of these examples is equivalent to, " Why so $"' The next three are respectively
equivalent to the question, " Why should you ask 5" or " Why ask ? " The fourth to, " Why
should it be concealed V or " Why deny it 5" and the fifth to, " Why make such a fuss aboui
it, Captain 5"
When a circumstance follows an indefinite interrogative, it is delivered with a continuation
of the same falling slide ; as,
Who was it ? said the unhappy man to his friend.
An exception to this occurs, when the interrogative is followed by a compellative. The
circumstance is then delivered with the rising slide ; to which the bend, with which the com-
pellative terminates, has a decisive tendency ; as,
Who was it, William ? said the unhappy man to his friend.
The compellative, however, has no influence when the question is one of a very energetic
character. {See Rule below for the delivery of compellative exclamatory sentences : Exception.)
Exception to the Rule. When a simple indefinite is repeated
to obtain a more distinct answer, or when another simple indefinite
is put as if to obtain a repetition of a previous remark or question,
it is delivered with the rising slide. (See Plate, Fig. 3.) Such
repetitions only or mainly occur in conversation or dialogue.
Examples.
When will you finish my picture ? Next week. When will you
finish my picture? Next week.
Falstaff. A plague on all cowards, say I.
Prince H. What's the matter ?
Pal. What's the matter ? Here be four of us have taken a thou-
sand pounds this morning.
Prince H. Where is it, Jack ? Where is it ?
Pal. Where is it ? taken from us, it is.
Br. W. Hark you, fellow ; whom do you live with ?
T. O'K. Whom do I live with ? Why, with my mistress to be
sure.
Dr. W. And pray, sir, how long have you lived with her ladyship ?
T. O'K. How long ? Ever since the day she hired me.
132 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Bowl. Well, then, away goes old Jack to the hospital.
Capt. What's that you say ? &c. &c.
Douglass. Percy : knowest thou that name ?
Baby. How? What of Percy?
What is he ? What ? Touchpaper, to be sure.
Why did I do that ? Why ? Because of wrongs,
Deep, bitter wrongs, which they had done me.
Why, why, I will tell you.
By comparing the last two of these examples, the student may perceive how it is that "ex-
pletive" why may often have a delivery different from that above under the rule.
f
3. THE INDIRECT INTERROGATIVE.
Rule IV. The simple indirect interrogative is delivered with
the waving slide ; that is to say, with the upper sweep to the em-
phatic word and the lower sweep from it. (See Plate, Fig. 2, e.f.)
As this slide is the most difficult to execute with ease and grace, no pains should be spared
to acquire a perfect command of it. The student should, therefore, be detained by the ex-
amples below until every one of them can be delivered at a glance with precision.
It should be remembered that the sweeps are developed relatively to the position of the
emphatic word. If it be the first word, and in proportion to its approximation to the first
word, the upper sweep is curtailed : if the last, &.C., the lower. D' the sentence consists of a
single word, the slide is reduced to a simple circumflex.
No pains should be spared to acquire the proper delivery of this sentence : not more for the
sake of propriety of utterance, than for its connection with emphasis, and its salutary influ-
ence on the voice.
1. Examples of the first kind.
He f She f It f We f You f They f His f Ours f Theirs f
Yours f Both f He went f They fell f So she came f The flock
rose on the wing then f You overcame him in the struggle f The
company saw it f They were gone on your arrival f Hoped for it f
Met them f All were carried off f Without notice all this was done f
He did not deny his share in the unhappy transaction f To strike
your toe with a tight shoe on, then, rather disturbs your equanimity,
my good friend f It was expected of him on that occasion last year f
He never recovered, notwithstanding the most skilful medical as-
sistance, from the effects of that fall from his horse last winter f
Orlando. I pray you, mar no more of my verses with reading
them ill-favoredly.
Jaq. Rosalind is your love's name f
Orl. Yes, just.
Capt. Give it here, my honest fellow.
Bowl. You will take it f
Capt. To be sure I will.
Bowl. And will smoke it f
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 133
Capt. That I will. (Feeling in his pocket.)
Bowl. And will not think of giving me any thing in return f
Capt. ( Withdrawing his hand from his pocket?) No : no : you
are right.
And. You live here, sir f
Mark. Yes, sir.
And. You know Mr. Brown, living the other side of the way f
Mark. I do, sir.
And. He is at home now f
Mark. No ; he left yesterday for Bath.
And. He did not take Emily with him f
Mark. No.
And. She is at home, then f
Mark. Before I answer any more of your questions, sir, I should
like to know who you are.
Exceptions. The last member of a series of simple indirect in-
terrogatives, requires the delivery of a simple declarative sentence.
In some cases I am inclined to believe all the members after the first may be delivered thus
with propriety.
Examples.
My dear, you have some pretty beads there f Yes, papa. And
you seem to be vastly pleased with them f Yes, papa.
Dr. You are not a glutton, sir f
Pat. God forbid ! sir : I'm one of the plainest men living in the
west.
Dr. Then, perhaps, you are a drunkard f
Dr. You take a little pudding, then f
Pat. Yes.
Dr. And afterwards some cheese f
Pat. Yes.
Dr. You west-country people generally take a glass of Highland
whiskey after dinner f
Pat. Yes, we do.
2. Examples of the second kind.
Dear Queen, give me that hand of yours to kiss f Grant me per-
mission to go there this once f Mother, let me stay with you at
home to-day f Forgive me for trespassing upon you f Tell me
the way to the city f Jesus, Master, have mercy on us f Give us
this day our daily bread f
Note. This kind of indirect, as well as that which follows, is very unusual in books ; though
the latter is more frequently found than the former ; but both occur ; and the few examples given
will enable the student to understand their nature. In conversation, they occur perhaps as
often as any other.
12
134 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
3. Examples of the third kind.
Surely you are mistaken in that supposition f Surely the Lord
is in this place f They will surely reverence my son f Certainly
he, at least, complained of such conduct f He undoubtedly entered
a protest against their measures I You surely cannot be ignorant
of the consequences f Unquestionably it was a hard case f Truly
this was the Son of God f Surely thou wilt slay the wicked f
The definite interrogative often follows the indirect in colloquial pieces and in conversation ; as,
You will go there £ will you not ?
He was not intoxicated at the time f was he ?
When this is the case, the definite interrogative sometimes requires the falling slide ; or the
delivery of Rule III ; as,
You didn't do it f did you ?
She does not know every thing f does she ?
This delivery is explained by the supposition that the indirect is a colloquial substitute for a
definite interrogative ; and that the definite is a repetition of this ; and consequently is delivered
according to Rule II, Exception 1 ; as,
Did you do it ? Did you do it ?
Does she know every thing ? Does she know every thing ?
When a circumstance follows an indirect interrogative, it is delivered with a continuation of
the same slide ; as,
Then you never knew the history of the young man f said the
other to him.
MISCELLANEOUS EXAMPLES OF SIMPLE INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES.
What shall I do with my doublet ? What did he ? What said
he ? How looked he ? Wherein went he ? What makes he here ?
Did he ask for me ? How parted he with thee ? When shalt thou
see him again?
Who came ? The king. Why did he come ? To see. Why
did he see ? To overcome. To whom came he ? To the beggar.
What saw he ? The beggar. Who overcame he ? The beggar.
The conclusion is victory. On whose side V The king's. The
captive is enriched. On whose side ? The beggar's. The catas-
trophe is a nuptial. On whose side ? The king's ? [No, on both
in one.] I am the king. Thou art the beggar. Shall I command
thy love ? I may. Shall I enforce thy love ? I could. Shall I
entreat thy love ? I will. What shalt thou exchange for rags ?
Robes.
What sayest thou ? What ? Is she pleased ? — You saw my
master wink upon you f Stands Scotland in its place ? Who
comes there ? Do you mark that ? Shall I doubt his disposition to
approve of the enterprise ?
No pleasure ? Are domestic comforts dead ?
Are all the nameless sweets of friendship fled ?
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 135
No pleasure ? Has some sickly eastern waste
Sent us a wind to parch us at a blast ? —
Can British Paradise no scenes afford
To please ?
Are sweet philosophy's enjoyments run
Quite to the lees ? — And has religion none ?
Then you never knew the history of the young man f What
have you to advance against this charge ? Will you deny it ? By
what name shall I call you ? Shall I call you soldiers ? What
did the British lion do ? Did he whet his tusks ? Did he bristle
up ? Did he shake his mane ? Did he roar ? What power shall
blanch the sullied snow of character ? Can there be an injury
more deadly ? Can there be a crime more cruel ? He did, ay f
Did what ?
Who leads the British senate ? A protestant Irishman. Who
guides the British arms ? A protestant Irishman. Why, then, is
Catholic Ireland, with her quintuple population, stationary ? Have
physical causes neutralized its energies ? Has the religion of Christ
stupified its intellect ? Has the God of mankind become the parti-
san of monopoly ? Has he put an interdict on its advancement ?
How then ? Can honor set a leg ? No. Or an arm ? No.
Or take away the grief of a wound ? No. Honor hath no skill in
surgery, then f No. What is honor ? A word. What is in that
word, honor? What is that honor? Air. Who hath it? He
that died on Wednesday. Doth he feel it ? No. Doth he hear
it? No. Is it insensible, then? Yes, to the dead. But will it
not live with the living ? No. Why ? Detraction will not suffer it.
Can this man have been a prince in Africa ? said I to myself.
But is this absolutely necessary ? But is this absolutely necessary ?
said he, repeating the question.
[Sisters and brothers, little maid,]
How many may you be ?
How many ? [seven in all, she said,
And wondering looked at me.]
Whence this magic of thy mind ? —
Why thrills thy music on the springs of thought ? —
Why, at thy pencil's touch refined,
Starts into life the glowing draught ?
Are we in life through one great error led ? —
Is each man perjured ? — Is each nymph betrayed ? —
Of the superior sex art thou the worst ? —
Am I of mine the most completely curst ?
He would not receive you f He gave you no intimation of good
will f Is not this the son of Joseph ? What went ye out in the
136 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
"wilderness to see ? A reed shaken by the wind ? But what went ye
out to see ? A man clothed in soft raiment ? But what went ye
out to see ? A prophet ? By what authority doest thou these
things ? Who gave thee this authority to do these things ? Hear-
est thou ? Why then did ye not believe on him ? For what pur-
pose did the infinite Creator give existence to this majestic monu-
ment of his almighty power V Was it not to communicate happi-
ness ? Is he not infinitely good ?
Have any alarms been occasioned by the emancipation of our
Catholic brethren? Has the bigoted malignity of any individual
been crushed ? Do you wish to prepare then for the revocation
of these improvident concessions ? Whence that doubt ? exclaimed
Morton. You do not suppose it entirely unfounded f What do
you say to this ? What ? Are you mad ? How ? Will you
persist ? When will this farce terminate ? When ? *
Is any among you afflicted ? Let him pray. Is any merry ?
Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you ? Let him send for
the elders of the church.
Why throw away a needful day
To go in search of yarrow ?
terror ! What hath she perceived ? joy !
What doth she look on ? — Whom doth she behold ?—
Her hero slain upon the beach of Troy ? —
His vital presence ? — His corporeal mould ?
What could he do,
Thus daily thirsting, in that lonesome life,
With blind endeavors ?
May I name
Without offence, that fair-faced cottage-boy ?
Are they not mainly outward ministers
Of inward conscience ?
Grain shall I call it ? Grain of what ?— For whom ?
What could she perform
To shake the burden off?
Can the mother thrive
By the destruction of her innocent sons ?
CLASS III. SIMPLE EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES.
Rule V. Simple exclamatory sentences are delivered like the
corresponding declarative and interrogative sentences from which
they are derived ; except that they express additionally the pecu-
liar effects of the emotions or passions.
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 137
These peculiar effects are perceived in the intonation, not at all in the general direction, of
the voice. For example : the slide in the definite interrogative exclamation is precisely
the same in all respects as in the definite interrogative. The voice proceeds through the
same succession of tones, in the same direction, and to the same limits ; but in the exclama-
tion the succession of tones begins at a lower or higher pitch, succeed each other more slowly
or rapidly, are tremulous or firm, soft or harsh, gentle or violent, &c, according to the nature
of the emotion or passion which they are employed to express. These modifications of tone,
force, pitch and rate, I need scarcely say, can be taught only by nature.
There is, I believe, but one exception to the rule : this will be noticed under the head of
equivalent spontaneous exclamations.*
I. SIMPLE DECLARATIVE EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES. {RuU 1.)
Examples.
Live ! Die ! Be gone ! Away ! Strike ! Make haste ! Re-
tire ! Pursue them ! May he live ! Scorn to be slaves ! Forget
not your fathers ! Forbid it ! Welcome to our shores ! Be ye
blotted from my mind forever ! He is fallen ! The foe is gone !
We meet again this night ! They are gone together ! That was
well ! So said the spectre ! I appeal to history ! The war is
actually begun ! The throne is in danger ! Talk of hypocrisy after
this ! She murmured in a hollow voice ! I shudder to see thee
approach my couch ! Never shall they return ! The serenest
beam of your glory is extinguished in the tomb ! Pour into their
hearts the spirit of departed heroes ! There stands the mighty
Mansfield ! Our brethren are already in the field ! May my
tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ! May I be the last victim
sacrificed to the furious spirit of party ! God grant to those few
friends courage to declare themselves in opposition to your formi-
dable enemies !
My flesh trembles at the prospect ! Behold the French Demos-
thenes ! Look on this massive wedge of gold ! That soldier is a
man ! It is the shriek of America ! Washington is no more !
The sky is changed ! Sin not against thy God ! It was the night
of the soul ! My mind was wrapped in impenetrable gloom ! My
eyelids seemed pressed downward with an invincible burden !
My eyeballs were ready to burst from their sockets ! The whole
endless night seemed filled with one appalling idea ! Think on
my chains ! Let not the blood of heathen millions, in that hour,
be found in our skirts ! All are now vanished ! I will paint the
death-dew on his brow !
The shaft of fate
Strikes the devoted victim to the ground !
* I am inclined, on a review of the text, to believe that there is another. I think I have
heard the indefinite interrogative exclamatory, when expressive of sorrow, turn upward at the
close, like the end of a waving slide, instead of continuing uninterruptedly downward, accord-
ing to Rule HI ; as,
Why do I suffer so many sorrows !
12*
138 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Lo ! unveiled
The scene of those dark ages !
The starless grave shall shine
The portal of eternal day !
Night the pall of gloom had thrown
On Nature's still convexity !
Thus Switzerland again was free ! —
Thus death made way for liberty !
The faithful watchman's cry
Speaks a conflagration nigh !
It gives birth
To sacred thought in souls of worth !
He lay, like a warrior taking his rest,
With his martial cloak around him !
The call of each sword upon liberty's aid,
Shall be written in gore on the steel of its blade !
A parent's curse light on the whole Gipsy race ! —
They have bowed me almost to the grave !
Far along,
From peak to peak, the rattling crags among,
Leaps the live thunder !
Simple declarative exclamations often appear in a fragmentary form ; and when they so
appear, they should be delivered precisely as they would be, if they were complete. Several
examples are given at the beginning above ; but a more enlarged illustration here, will not, I
presume, be thought impertinent. The examples subjoined, are, in several instances, neces-
sarily interwoven with other sentences ; but they will be readily distinguished by the excla-
mation point which succeeds. (See Classification, Simple Definite Interrogative Exclamation,
Note.)
Examples.
Go! Beware! See! Stand! Run! Up! Hear! Make
way! Hark! There! Here! He! She! Them! We! Ours!
Yours !
Back ! back ! It is impossible ! — Hurt thee, darling ? No ! —
How now ? A priest ! What means this most unwelcome visit ?
— Not so ! Mercy on me ! — A trial of skill upon my child ? Im-
possible ! — What is life V A shadow ! — There ! thus do I trample
on the insolence of Gesler. — Well done ! — Thoughtless boy ! — The
foe ! they come.
All. Rest thee content.
Theo. Content ! mockery of grief ! Content !
Oh, must we part forever ? Cruel fortune !
Wilt thou then tear him hence ? Severe divorce !
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 139
Deluded hopes ! — Oh worse than death.
My friend destroyed ! — Oh piercing thought ! —
Oh dismal chance ! — In my destruction ruined ! —
In my sad fall undone !
Without the smile from partial beauty won,
Oh what were man ? A world without a sun !
Under the head of simple declarative sentences, it was shown that a sentence, in conse-
quence of defective construction or incorrect punctuation, is often apparently simple declara-
tive, when in fact it is either a compound sentence or a simple indirect interrogative. The
same is as often the case with simple declarative exclamations.
Examples.
1. Beware ! Think of thy chains. —
2. In vain ! I must give o'er.
In the first of these examples, the exclamation, instead of being simple, as it seems to be, is
either the first member of a close, or the first part of a loose sentence. If treated as the for-
mer, it should be delivered as if written and punctuated thus : Beware, and think of thy
chains : if as the latter, thus : Beware : think of thy chains.
The exclamation in the second example, is either the first part of a compact, or of a loose.
If treated as compact, with both correlative words as— so, understood, it should be delivered
as if written thus : In vain ; I must give o'er : if as a loose sentence, thus : It is in vain : I
must give o'er.
1. You are not all here ! Time and the sword have thinned
your ranks. —
2. Let him not faint ! Rack him till he revives. —
3. I will not be dragged into the defence of my friend from Mis-
souri ! The South shall not be forced into a conflict not its own.
The gentleman from Missouri is able to fight his own battles.
Example 1st, is a double compact, with the first and second proposition expressed. The
exclamation, therefore, is not a simple sentence.
Example 2d, is a double compact, with the first and third proposition expressed.
Example 3d, is a double compact, with the first and second proposition expressed : the first
having two members, of which the first only is pointed as an exclamation. All these ex-
clamations seem to be simple sentences.
1. 'Twas so ! But it is vanished : gone.
2. Rienzi. Ye dare not
Ask for mercy now.
Sav. Yet he is noble !
Let him not die a felon's death.
3. Cat. Would you destroy ?
Aur. Were I a thunderbolt !
Rome's ship is rotten :
Has she not cast you out ; &c. ?
4. Ram. 'Tis very strange !
Hor. As I do live, my honored lord, 'tis true ;
And we did think it writ down in our duty,
To let you know it.
140 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
The exclamation in the first example is the first part of a single compact, followed by the
second part. The exclamation represents the comma, thus: "It was so indeed, but it is
vanished: gone."
The exclamation in the second is the first part of a single compact indirect semi-interroga-
tive exclamation with both the correlative words understood. If complete it would read
thus: Yet because he is noble, therefore let him not die a felon's death! The interrogative
portion is the second kind of indirect: that used in supplication.
The exclamation in the third example is the first part of a single compact, with the second
part understood, thus : If I were a thunderbolt, then I would destroy.
In the fourth and last example, the exclamation is a simple indirect interrogative : having
the reply partly understood, thus :
Ham. 'Tis very strange !
Hor. Yes, indeed, but as I do live, my honored lord, 'tis true ; &c.
II. INTERROGATIVE EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES.
1. THE DEFINITE INTERROGATIVE EXCLAMATORY. (Rule II.)
Examples.
Art thou my father ! Is he dead ! Was it not terrible ! Are
such things possible ! Darest thou thus provoke me, insolent !
Could he think of it in those circumstances ! Has it come to this !
Were they infatuated ! Am I, with undoubted right on my side,
to be thus despoiled ! Will this unhappy contest, already quite
too protracted for the reputation of the parties, never come to an
end ! Can it be possible ! Is that little insignificant creature the
cause of all this turmoil !
This sentence appears for the most part in fragments. 1 subjoin numerous examples.
They are delivered precisely a$ when complete.
Examples.
Liberty ! It is for noble minds. — I am charged with being an
emissary of France. An emissary of France ! — Sell my country's
independence to France ! And for what ? — Not inferior to this
was the wisdom of him who resolved to shear the wolf. Shear a
wolf ! — As their parents are, so are they destined to become.
Destined ! — Is a man possessed of talents adequate to the occa-
sion ? Adequate ! — To send forth the merciless cannibal thirsting
for blood ! Against whom ?
Mr. H. And why were they overworked, pray ?
Stew. To carry water, sir.
Mr. H. To carry water ! And what were they carrying water
for?
Stew. Sure, sir, to put out the fire.
Mr. IT. Fire ! What fire ?
Stew. Oh, sir, your father's house is burned down to the ground.
Mr. H. My father's house burned down ! And how came it
set on fire 1
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 141
Stew, I think, sir, it must have been the torches.
Mr. H. Torches ! What torches ?
Stew. At your mother's funeral.
Mr. H. My mother dead !
Thou here ! And have not prison gloom
And taunting foes, and threatened doom
Obscured thy courage yet ?
2. THE INDEFINITE INTERROGATIVE EXCLAMATORY. (Rule III)
Examples.
What sounds these are ! What a scene is this ! How beauti-
ful it appears ! How he glares ! What an honorable testimony
this from a vanquished adversary ! What a noble idea doth it
give of that wonderful orator's action ! With what force, in par-
ticular, does he maintain the doctrines of grace ! With what feel-
ings must an intelligent heathen approach his final catastrophe !
Oh why am I thus ! Where could my thoughts have been !
How wretched the condition of that infatuated man ! How pleas-
ing is the prospect ! What a deal of pains for little profit ! How
great the command over his passions ! What an affecting grace-
fulness in his instructions !
Who ever thought
In such a homely piece of stuff, to see
The mighty senate's tool !
What bare-faced shifting ! —
Fragmentary indefinite exclamations are common ; but there is too little variety in them to
require much illustration.
Examples.
Who^I When! What! Where! Which! Why !— For what !
A mess of pottage. — How ! To whom ! How beautiful ! What
greatness of conception ! How pale ! What impertinence ! How
shameful ! What a spectacle !
Simple indefinite exclamations, like simple indefinite interrogatives, frequently call for a
repetition of a previous declaration or question either not understood, or of such an extraor-
dinary character as to appeal- improbable if literally understood ; in which case their delivery
is in like manner reversed ; that is to say, instead of taking the falling slide, they take the
rising. (See Indefinite Interrogative.)
Generally, however, such exclamations consist merely of interrogative pronouns and ad-
verbs, as, for the most part, in the examples subjoined.
Examples.
How ! Will you suffer your glory to be sullied ? — What ! Shall
we be told that the exasperated feelings of a people were excited ?
142 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
— What motive, then, could have such influence in their bosom ?
What motive ! That which nature, the common parent, plants in
the bosom of men. — Not inferior to this was the wisdom of him
who resolved to shear a wolf. What ! Shear a wolf ?
But how, and by what means ?
What ! Not a word ! I ask you once again.
How ! Leap into the pit our life to save ?
To save our life, leap all into the grave ?
When ! Why, yesterday,
When all the world were out to play.
3. THE INDIRECT INTERROGATIVE EXCLAMATORY. (Rule IV.)
1. Examples of the first kind.
You will not go there ! He was not a hypocrite ! Then we shall
not see him pass by with chains on his legs ! He went ! Thou wert
unarmed ! Thou hearest him deny the atrocious deed ! t You have
not read it, then ! Thou art not wont to join in idle tales ! You
never met the like but once ! You did not see him, then ! They
were all present in that hour ! Ye will not murder him ! Then saw
you not his face ! You would not screen a traitor from the law !
Thou wouldst not have me make a trial of my skill upon my child !
You witnessed the horrid spectacle ! They saw nothing in that
transaction to disgrace them forever ! You left them on the verge
of the precipice !
These sentences, like the interrogatives from which they are derived, are often fragmentary;
and when so employed, it is difficult to distinguish them from simple declarative and simple
definite interrogative exclamations. If, however, the emotion be either purely or in part that
of contempt, scorn or disgust, the fragment, it is pretty certain, is indirect, and should be de-
livered with the waving slide.
Examples.
Thou wear a lion's hide ! doff it for shame,
And hang a calf-skin on those recreant limbs.
Wal. Alasco, this is wild and mutinous :
An outrage, marking deep and settled spleen
To just authority.
Alas. Authority !
Show me authority in honor's garb,
And I will down upon the humblest knee
That ever homage bent to sovereign sway.
Val. Indeed, when you turned justice into rigor,
And even that rigor was pursued with fury,
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 143
We undertook to mediate for the queen,
And hoped to moderate
Van. To moderate !
What would you moderate ? My indignation ?
To mediate for the queen ! — You undertook ! —
Wherein concerned it you ?
Val. Did not the Romans civilize you ?
Van. No.
Val. We found you naked.
Van. And you found us free.
Val. Would you be temperate once and hear me out —
Van. Speak things that honest men may hear with temper :
Speak the plain truth and varnish not your crimes.
Say that you once were virtuous : long ago
A frugal, hardy people, like the Britons,
Before you grew thus elegant in vice,
And gave your luxuries the name of virtues.
The civilizers ! — the disturbers, say :
The robbers : the corrupters of mankind.
2. Examples of the second kind.
Spare him ! Grant me this favor for once ! Let me not perish in
this horrid manner ! Let me live ! Give us this day our daily bread !
For heaven's sake, permit me to go with you !
The rare occurrence of this exclamation, in books, must be my apology for so few examples,
The interrogative is very scarce, but the exclamation is still more so.
3. Examples of the third kind.
You are surely mistaken in that supposition ! She will certainly
get lost in this wilderness of streets ! You surely will not deprive
me of my only pleasure in life ! Verily, it is a wonderful thing !
Surely I have seen you in very different circumstances ! Surely it
is unnecessary for a man to make a fool of himself to pass for a
man of fashion 1
How is this, my father ?
You are not angry, sure ! What have I done ?
III. COMPELLATIVE EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES.
Compellative exclamations, being imperfect divisions, strictly
speaking, of declarative sentences, form no exception to the rule
that exclamatory sentences are delivered like the corresponding
144 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
declarative and interrogative from which they are derived. Pecu-
culiarities, however, they have, which deserve attention.
1. Whether they occur at the beginning, in the middle, or at the
end of perfect sense, they should always, with an exception to be
noticed in the proper place, terminate with the bend. Ordinary
divisions of imperfect sense at the end of perfect sense, terminate
with partial or perfect close.
2. They are often repeated : sometimes for the purpose of being
heard and sometimes not. When repeated for the purpose of
being heard, the repetition is delivered with perfect close ; and
every succeeding repetition is delivered in the same manner, but
with increased force : when repeated, but not for the purpose of
being heard, the repetition, or the last of the series of repetition,
is delivered with the circumflex.
Examples.
1. Of simple compellatives not repeated.
Gentlemen'', I rise to address you on one of the most interesting
subjects that can engage the human mind.
Ladies 7 , the consequence of such a step on your fame and hap-
piness would be too serious to be lightly incurred.
Wives 7 , submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto
the Lord.
Husbands 7 , love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church.
Children 7 , obey your parents in the Lord ; for this is right.
Servants 7 , be obedient to them that are your masters according
to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as
unto Christ.
When I came here, my friends 7 , I little expected to behold a
scene like this.
I perceive, conscript fathers 7 , that every look, that every eye, is
fixed on me.
Long since, Cataline 7 ! ought the consul to have doomed thy life
a forfeit to thy country.
As to the wealth, Mr. Speaker, which the colonies have drawn
from the sea by their fisheries, you had all that matter opened at
the bar.
To form a just estimate of Caesar's aims, Mr. President, look to
his triumphs after the surrender of Utica.
You are a fool\ Harry 7 .* Your senses leave you v , Caius 7 ! Give
* It is very important to observe, that the compellative is the only reason for the turning
of the voice upward at the end of these sentences. Without it, they properly end with the
perfect close.
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES aWd CLOSES APPLIED. 145
me answer^, Drusus'! Good morning\ uncle'. Good morning\
little man'. Stay thee\ Saladin! Read here, young Arthur!
How now, foolish rheum !
Yes, land of liberty'! thy children have no cause to blush for
thee.
Haughty lord !
Think not I stoop to deprecate your wrath.
Unhappy youth !
Art thou a sufferer too from that same fight ?
Bright angels ! strike your loudest strings :
Your sweetest voices raise :
Let heaven and all created things
Sound our Immanuel's praise.
Arise, King of grace, arise,
And enter to thy rest :
Lo ! thy church waits with longing eyes,
Thus to be owned and blessed.
Here, mighty God, accept our vows :
Here let thy praise be spread :
Bless the provision of thy house,
And fill thy poor with bread.
For heaven's sake, Hubert, let me not be bound !
Nay, hear me, Hubert ! drive these men away.
Are you sick, Hubert ? You look pale to-day.
How now, Rodrigo ?
I pray you, after the lieutenant : go.
Mon. What's the matter, lieutenant ?
Cas. A knave ! — teach me my cluty.
I'll beat the knave into a twiggin bottle.
Des. Let me find a charter in your voice
To assist my simpleness.
Duke. What would you, Desdemona ?
Bra. Come hither, Moor.
I here do give thee that with all my heart
Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart
I would keep from thee. — For your sake, jewel,
I am glad at soul I have no other child ;
For thy escape would teach me tyranny,
To hang clogs on them. — I have done, my lord.
Exception. Single compellatives, when at the end of very
emphatic declarative or indefinite interrogative sentences, or their
13
146 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
derivative exclamations, conform to the delivery of those sen-
tences ; that is, submit to the partial or perfect close of the one,
or the falling slide of the other : e. g.
Get thee behind me, Satan\ Hence ! home ! ye idle creatures'.
This is all idle : there are deeds to do :
Arouse thee, Procida' !
Charge, Chester' ! Charge ! On ! Stanley' ! On !
Were the last words of Marmion.
Love. Get along, you impudent villain'!
James. Nay, sir, you said you wouldn't be angry.
Love. Get out, you dog v ! you
Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites v !
2. Of simple compellatives repeated.
1. For the purpose of being heard.
John 7 , John' ! Mr. Speaker 7 , Mr. Speaker' ! Fellow-citizens 7 ,
fellow- citizens' ! Lord 7 , Lord' ! open unto us. Macbeth 7 , Macbeth',
Macbeth' ! beware Macduff !
Oh, mother 7 , mother v , do not jest
On such a theme as this.
Emil. [Within^] My lord 7 , my lord' ! what! ho! my lord 7 , my
lord' !
Oth. What noise is this S. — Not dead ?~ Not yet quite dead ?
I, that am cruel, am yet merciful :
I would not have thee linger in thy pain. —
So: so.
Emil. What ! ho ! my lord, my lord !
Oth. Who's there ?
Emil. good my lord, I would speak a word with you.
Ham. Hold off thy hand.
King. Pluck them asunder.
Queen. Hamlet, Hamlet!
All. Gentlemen,
Hor. Good my lord, be quiet.
Help me, Lysander !* help me ! do thy best
To pluck this crawling serpent from my breast !
Ah me, for pity ! What a dream was here !
* This should be delivered like the exceptions above. The lady being asleep at this point, ia
not supposed to recollect that she has called on Lysander here. Hence repetition does not
begin until the seventh line, and third Lysander
I
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 147
Lysander, look how I do quake and fear.
Methought a serpent ate my heart away,
And you sat smiling at his cruel prey.
Lysander ! what ! removed ? Lysander ! lord I*
What ! out of hearing ? gone ? no sound, no word ?
2. Repeated, but not for the purpose of being heard.
Oh, my son Absalom! my son! my son Absalom'/ would to
God I had died for thee, Absalom ! my son ! my son' !
Oh ! Raimond, Raymond' !
If it should be that I have wronged thee, say
Thou dost forgive me.
Cromwell, Cromwell',
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, he would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.
Oh monster, monster' !
The brute that tears the infant from its nurse,
Is excellent to tnee, for in his form
The impulse of his nature may be read ;
But thou, so beautiful, so proud, so noble, —
Oh, what a wretch art thou !
Beg. What ! did my father's godson seek your life ?
He whom my father named ? Your Edgar ?
Glo. lady, lady, Shame would have it hid !
IV. SPONTANEOUS EXCLAMATIONS.
1. INVARIABLE SPONTANEOUS EXCLAMATIONS.
These are all fragments of simple declarative sentences, and, of
course, are delivered like simple declaratives. {See the Rule.)
Examples.
See there v ! behold* If bob ! lo !f
If I stand here, I saw him !
And they bowed their knees before him, and mocked him : say-
ing, Hair ! king of the Jews.
* The word lord, being the equivalent of Lysander, is delivered as if it was Lysander ; that
is, it being the second repetition, with increased force, but with perfect close.
+ These two exclamations are of constant occurrence in the Scriptures : they should always
be delivered in the manner here indicated.
148 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
But previously I should have mentioned the very impolite be-
havior of Mr. Burchell ; who, during this discourse, sate with his
face turned to the fire, and at the conclusion of every sentence
would cry out, Fudge ! an expression that displeased us all, and
in some measure damped the rising spirit of the conversation.
Tush x ! tush v ! son, said Cecropia : if you say you love, but withal
you fear, you fear lest you should offend.
Tut v ! man : one fire burns out another.
And he said, tut x ! tut v ! tut x ! shaking his head three or four times.
Rob. I'll make all happy : I'll lower all your rents.
All. Huzza ! Long live lord Robin !
Rob. You shant pay no rent at all.
All. HuzzaM huzzaM Long live lord Bobin !
Rob. I'll have no poor people in the parish, for I'll make them
all rich ; I'll have no widows, for I'll marry them all ; I'll have no
orphan children, for I'll father them all myself ; and if that's not
doing as a lord should do, then I say I know nothing about the
matter : that's all.
All. HuzzaM huzzaM*
Sir H. Upon my word, sir, you must beat me, or I will beat
you : take your choice.
Aid. S. Psha ! psha! you jest.
Pris. Hem ! hem !
Witty. He's dry : he hems : on quickly.
I am your lordship's most obsequious zounds ! what a
peer of the realm !
Rosse. Let not your ears despise my tongue forever,
Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound,
That ever yet they heard.
Macd. Humph ! I guess at it.
Avaunt ! thou witch ! Come, Dromio : let us go.
Mercy ! sir, how the folks will talk of it !
'Tis not his words that shake me thus — Pish !
James. Why, sir, since you will have it, then, they make a jest
of you everywhere : nay, of your servants on your account. One
says, you pick a quarrel with them quarterly, in order to find an
excuse to pay them no wages.
Love. Poh ! poh !
Fie ! daughter : fie ! when my old wife lived, upon
This day, she was both pantler, butler, cook :
Both dame and servant.
* Hurrah, pronounced hooraw, is the same word, differently, but more correctly,
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND^ CLOSES APPLIED. 149
Fie ! fie ! Gratiano ! Where are all the rest V
Yes, forsooth, I will hold my tongue. So your face bids me,
though you say nothing. Mum ! mum !
Hum ! hum ! And so there is no remedy f None ? None.
Hum ! Is this a vision ? Is this a dream ? Do I sleep ? Master
Ford, awake ! awake !
Slender. Whoo ! ho ! ho ! Father Page.
Page. Son ! How now ? how now, son ? Have you de-
spatched ?
Stew. Help, ho ! murder ! help !
Kent. Strike, you slave : stand, rogue : stand : you neat slave,
strike.
Stew. Help, ho ! murder ! help !
Heigh ! sirs,- what a noise you make here.
Heigh ! heigh ! what's the matter ?
I do so : I confess it. Sir, a body would think this was well
counterfeited : I pray you, tell your brother how well I counter-
feited. — Heigh ho !
'Tis almost five o'clock, cousin : 'tis time you were ready : by
my troth, I am exceeding ill : hey ho !
Hey-day ! What Hans Flutterkin is this ? What Dutchman
does build or frame castles in the air ?
2. VARIABLE SPONTANEOUS EXCLAMATIONS.
These exclamations form the only exception to the general rule
of delivery ; namely, that exclamatory sentences are delivered
like the corresponding declarative and interrogative from which
they are derived. Strictly speaking, indeed, even these are not
exceptions ; since, to be exceptions, they should be derivatives,
like other exclamations ; and this they are not. They spring di-
rectly from the passions, as they are exclusively employed by the
passions.
Though I have enumerated them among sentences, it is only by
courtesy that they can receive that title. In the classification, I
have therefore denominated them equivalents ; i. e. of the declara-
tive and different interrogative exclamations which have so far been
noticed : a name, which seems to express with perfect precision
their true character. '
As equivalents, they are delivered exactly like the sentences for
which they are substituted.
13*
150 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Examples.
I. 01 Ah!
1. Ah, when used to express surprise, suspicion, curiosity or tri-
umph, is equivalent to a definite interrogative exclamation : e. g.
What ! so rank ? Ah ! ah ! There is mischief in this man.
'twas most wonderful ! — Ah ! was it so ?
2. When used to express pity, it is equivalent to a declarative,
or an indefinite interrogative exclamation : e. g.
What a pity ! — Ah ! poor thing ! ah !
3. When used to express sorrow, a wish, admiration, sound,
184 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
Save his own dashing ; yet the dead are there ;
And millions in those solitudes, since first
The flight of years began, have laid them down
In their last sleep.
Though you untie the winds and let them fight
Against the churches ; though the yesty waves
Confound and swallow navigation up ;
Though bladed corn be lodged, and trees blown down ;
Though palaces and pyramids do slope
To their foundations ; though the treasure
Of nature's germs do tumble all' together
Even till destruction sicken ; answer me
To what I ask you.
When he rose 7 , every sound was hushed.
When you look into the Bible 7 , you see holiness and purity its
great characteristics.
When it speaks of God 7 , it represents him as the greatest and
holiest being in the universe.
When it speaks of man 7 , it speaks of his primitive integrity with
approbation, and of his subsequent apostacy and sinfulness, with
pity and abhorrence.
When my spirit shall be wafted to a more friendly port 7 ; when
my shade shall have joined the bands of those martyred heroes
who have shed their blood on the scaffold and in the field' ; this is
my hope.
When this mental disease, for so it may be called without a met-
aphor 7 , seizes irrecoverably upon the thoughts of the retiring, the
sensitive and timid lover of books and meditation 7 , his capacity for
useful exertion is ended' : he is thenceforward doomed to lead a life
of fretful restlessness, alternated with querulous dejection.
When the great Earl of Chatham first made his appearance in
the House of Commons, and began to astonish and transport the
British Parliament and British nation by the boldness, the force
and range of his thoughts, and the celestial fire and pathos of his
eloquence ; it is well known that the minister Walpole, and his
brother Horace, from motives very easily understood, exerted all
their wit, all their oratory, all their acquirements of every descrip-
tion, sustained and enforced by the unfeeling insolence of office,
to heave a mountain on his gigantic genius, and hide it from the
world.
When in this almost prodigal waste of life, we perceive that every
being, from the puny insect which flutters in the evening ray, from
the lichen which the eye can easily distinguish on the mouldering
rock, from the fungus that springs up and reanimates ffc** ~*~~
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 185
dead and decomposing substances ; that every living form possesses
a structure as perfect in its sphere, an organization sometimes as
complex, always as truly and completely adapted to its purposes
and modes of existence, as that of the most perfect animal : when
we discover them all to be governed by laws as definite, as immu-
table, as those which regulate the planetary movements ; great
must be our admiration of the wisdom which has arranged, and
the power which has perfected this stupendous fabric.
When, however, we consider the wonderful connection and inter-
dependence of all knowledge, made more and more manifest by
every day's advance in science, so as almost to prove by an accu-
mulation of particular examples the sublime hypothesis of the old
philosophy, " that by a circuit of deduction, all truth out of any
truth may be concluded ;" when we reflect how singularly adapted
the various parts of knowledge are to the individual tastes and
character of different men, so as to seize and draw them as with
an irresistible mental magnetism to their several studies ; we can-
not, I think, doubt that all that is most valuable in science or lite-
rature, will find votaries among us, who, not content to make such
studies the amusements of their leisure, or to devote a life of mo-
nastic gloom to their solitary worship, will make or find for them
a fit application.
When he breathes his master-lay
Of Alloway's witch-haunted wall',
All passions in our frames of clay,
Come thronging at his call.
When the soft hand of sleep had closed the latch
On the tired household of corporal sense,
And fancy, keeping unreluctant watch,
Was free her choicest favors to dispense ;
I saw in wondrous perspective displayed,
A landscape more august than happiest skill
Of pencil, ever clothed with light and shade.
When thoughts
Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud and pall,
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house
Make thee to shudder and grow sick at heart ;
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To nature's teachings.
When to the common rest that crowns our days,
Called in the noon of life, the good man goes',
Or full of years, and ripe in wisdom lays
16*
186 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
His silver temples in their last repose' ;
When o'er the buds of youth, the death- wind blows
And blights the fairest' ; when our bitterest tears
Stream, as the eyes of all that loved us, close' ;
We think on what they were, and leave the coming years.
When man and nature mourned their first decay ;
When every form of death and every woe
Shot from malignant stars to earth below ;
When murder bared his arm, and rampant war
Yoked the red dragons of his iron car ;
When peace and mercy, banished from the plain
Sprung on the viewless winds to heaven again ;
All, all forsook the friendless guilty mind,
But hope, the charmer, lingered still behind.
Where thou goest', I will go.
They could not fairly pretend to reap', where they had not
sowed.
Where a correspondence cannot be obtained', it is necessary to
be content with something equivalent.
Where a community is limited in number, and forms one great
patriarchal family, as in an Indian tribe, the injury of an individual
is the injury of the whole.
Where men speak affection in the strongest terms, and dislike in
the faintest, it is a comical mixture of incidents to see disguises
thrown aside in the one case, and increased on the other, accord-
ing as favor or disgrace attended the respective objects of men's
approbation or disesteem.
Where the demands for competent ability are so pressing, and
the temptations to employ that ability in such occupations as bring
with them instant rewards are so great, it is quite certain that but
few will be found inclined to spend their lives in studies which have
no interest for others, and no perceptible bearing on private or
public good.
Where high the heavenly temple stands,
The house of God not made with hands' ;
A great High Priest our nature wears v :
Our friend and advocate appears.
And where his willing waves yon bright blue bay
Sends up to kiss his decorated brim,
And cradles, in his soft embrace, the gay
Young group of grassy islands born of him,
And, crowding nigh, or in the distance dim,
Lifts the white throng of sails that bear or bring
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 187
The commerce of the world ; with tawny limb
And belt and beads in sunlight glistening,
The savage urged his skiff like wild bird on the wing.
While he is sick', he is penitent.
While he enjoys prosperity', he shows good-nature.
While he remained in the city, and he remained nearly two
weeks', he scarcely went abroad.
While most others were solicitous to procure for themselves
fame or wealth', Wesley seemed only ambitious to do good.
While he delights in enterprise and action, and the exercise of
the stronger energies of the soul, she is led to engage in calmer
pursuits, and seek for gentler employment.
While he is summoned into the wide and busy theatre of a
contentious world, where the love of power and the love of gain,
in all their innumerable forms occupy and tyrannize over the soul,
she is walking in a more peaceful sphere.
While that venerated instrument shall continue to exist ; while
its sacred spirit shall dwell with the people of this nation, or the
free institutions that have grown out of it, be preserved and re-
spected ; our children, and our children's children, to the latest
generation, will bless the names of these illustrious benefactors,
and cherish their memory with reverential respect.
While then we should seek, by every proper influence, to send
abroad the spirit and the blessings of liberty, and hail with en-
thusiasm the arrival on our shores of all men of every name, and
from every clime, who love liberty, and are prepared to enjoy and
preserve it' ; as the depositaries and sentinels of that inestimable
birthright which God has conferred upon us, let us be ever erect
and ever wakeful N : prepared at all times to give up all, rather
than this crown of our country, and glory of our age.
While we perceive with gladness the happy social uses to which
nature has made the passion for power in mankind instrumental, or
rather, to speak with more accuracy, the uses for which nature
has made us susceptible of this passion ; and while we know well,
that the world, therefore, never can be without those who will be
moved by ambition to seek the honors and dignities which it is
necessary for the happiness of the world that some should seek ;
it is pleasing for those, whose fortune or whose wishes lead them
to more tranquil and happier, though less enviable occupations, to
think, that the happiness which so many are seeking, is not confined
by nature to the dignities which so very few only are capable of
attaining ; that it is as wide as the situations of men ; and that
while no rank is too high for the enjoyment of virtue, there is no
rank that can be regarded as too low for it.
188 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
And while that spot so wild and lone and fair,
A look of glad and innocent beauty wore',
And peace was on the earth and in the air',
The warrior lit the pile, and bound the captive there.
Yet while with close delight and inward pride,
Which from the world my careful soul shall hide,
I see thee, lord and end of my desire,
Exalted high as virtue can require,
With power invested and with pleasure cheered,
Sought by the good, by the oppressor feared,
Loaded and blest with all the affluent store
Which human vows at smoking shrines adore ;
Grateful and humble grant me to employ
My life subservient only to thy joy.
Since such is the fact', you have no cause for solicitude.
Since God is a moral governor and must delight in and reward
virtuous tempers', there is a manifest moral propriety in his making
these tempers the antecedent to his bestowment of blessings.
Since any event whatever may be the antecedent to any other
event whatever', we are surely not competent to say that prayer
cannot be the antecedent to the bestowment of favors, any more
than to say this of any thing else.
Since every impure, revengeful, deceitful or envious thought, is
a violation of our obligations to our Maker, and much more, the
words and actions to which these thoughts give rise' ; and since
even the imperfect conscience of every individual accuses him of
countless instances, if not of habits, of such violation' ; if the pre-
ceding observations be just, it is manifest, that our present moral
condition involves the elements of much that is alarming.
Since worth, he cries, in these degenerate days,
Wants e'en the cheap reward of empty praise' ;
In those cursed walls, devote to vice and gain,
Since unrewarded science toils in vain' ;
v Since hope but soothes to double my distress,
And every moment leaves my little less' ;
While yet my steady steps no staff sustains,
And life still vigorous revels in my veins' ;
Grant me, kind Heaven, to find some happier place,
Where honesty and sense are no disgrace.
3d form : with neither of the correlative words expressed.
It is sown in corruption' ; it is raised in incorruption.
It is sown a natural body' ; it is raised a spiritual body.
1 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 189
Were it true that the Gospel constrains men' ; its constraint
would be preferable to that of fashion and vice.
Affected passion, intense expression, the pomp of declamation,
all may aspire after it' ; they cannot reach it.
Had they informed themselves of all the circumstances, hazards
and demands of the enterprise before engaging in it' ; had they
after engaging in it, listened to the advice of those who were better
informed than themselves' ; or had they withdrawn from it, when
they discovered the obstacles to its success' ; they might have es-
caped dishonor.
Did faithful history compel us to cast on all England united,
the reproach of those measures that drove our fathers to arms ;
and were it, in consequence, the unavoidable effect of these cele-
brations to revive the feelings of revolutionary times in the bosoms
of the aged ; to kindle those feelings anew in the susceptible
hearts of the young : it would still be our duty, on every be-
coming occasion, in the strongest colors, and in the boldest lines
we can command, to retrace the picture of the times that tried
men's souls.
Could the genius of our country reveal to our astonished view
the future glories which await the progress of confederated Ameri-
ca ; could he show us the countless millions who will swarm in
the wide-spread valleys of the west, tasting of happiness and
sharing the blessing of equal laws ; could he unroll the pages of
her history, and permit us to see the fierce struggles of her fac-
tions, the rapid mutations of her empire, the bloody fields of her
triumphs and her disasters ; could he crowd these awful visions
upon our souls ; we should see that all the prosperity that awaits
us depends on the supremacy of mind : on the cultivation of intel-
lect : on the diffusion of knowledge and the arts.
Had Milton confined himself to the studies of his library or the
halls of his university ; had he not thrown himself into the hottest
conflicts of the day ; had he not stood forth the terrible champion
of freedom of opinion and of republican liberty, raising on high his
spirit-stirring voice in their defence in worst extremes, and " on the
perilous verge of battle where it raged ;" had he not participated
in counsel, in act, and in suffering with England's boldest spirits ;
had he not thus felt in himself, and seen in others, the " might of
the unconquerable will," the unshaken, unseduced, unterrified con-
stancy of faithful zeal and love ; he would not have gained that
insight into the seemly and generous arts and affairs, that intimate
acquaintance with the nobler parts of human nature that made him
the greatest of poets.
]90 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED
Doubtless he'll see us to the city gates' ;
'Twill be the least respect that he can pay
To his fallen rival.
Would I describe a preacher, such as Paul,
Were he on earth, would hear, approve, and own' ;
Paul should himself direct me.
Hadst thou but shook thy head, or made a pause,
When I spake darkly what I purposed ;
Or turned an eye of doubt upon my face,
And bid me tell my tale in express words ;
Deep shame had struck me dumb, and made me break off;
And those thy fears might have wrought fears in me.
Rejecting the vain systems of the schoolmen', he adhered to the
plain word of God.
Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses', let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us.
Having, therefore, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood
of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for
us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh' ; and having an high
priest over the house of God' ; let us draw near with a true heart v :
in full assurance of faith N ; having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Disappointed and disgusted', they are now tempted to ascribe
their disappointment to the republican institutions of their country.
Trained and instructed', strengthened by wise discipline and
guided by pure principle', it ripens into an intelligence but little
lower than the angels.
Deeply impressed with the greatness of that love of God, which
is from everlasting, the herald of grace adopted a strain of impas-
sioned earnestness in the invitations which he addressed to the
irresolute and fearful.
Vexed at the arbitrary proceedings of the assembly ; willing to
escape from a town where good people pointed with horror at his
freedom ; indignant also at the tyranny of his brother, who, as a
passionate master, often beat his apprentice ; Benjamin Franklin,
then but seventeen years old, sailed clandestinely for New York.
Sent to defend an extensive mountain frontier with forces wholly
inadequate to the object, the sport of contradictory orders from a
civil governor inexperienced in war, defrauded by contractors, tor-
mented with arrogant pretensions of subaltern officers in the royal
army, weakened by wholesale desertions in the hour of danger,
misrepresented by jealous competitors, traduced, maligned; the
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 191
youthful commander-in-chief was obliged to foresee every thing, to
create every thing, to endure every thing, to effect every thing,
without encouragement, without means, without co-operation.
A professed Catholic, he imprisoned the Pope.
The orphan of Saint Louis, he became the adopted child of the
Republic.
Grand, gloomy, and peculiar, he sat upon the throne a sceptred
hermit wrapped in the solitude of his own originality.
A royalist, a republican, and an emperor ; a Mohammedan, a
Catholic, and a patron of the synagogue ; a subaltern and a sov-
ereign ; a traitor and a tyrant ; a Christian and an infidel ; he was
through all his vicissitudes, the same stern, impatient, inflexible
original": the same mysterious, incomprehensible self: the man
without a model and without a shadow.
At that fortunate age when the physical and intellectual powers
are displayed in the highest perfection, and the hasty impulses of
youth, without any loss of its vigor, are brought under control of
large experience in public affairs ; with a mind capable of descend-
ing to minute details, as well as conceiving a grand system of
national policy ; calm and deliberate in judgment, self-possessed and
fluent in debate, of dignified presence, never unmindful of the cour-
tesies becoming social and public intercourse, and of political integ-
rity unimpeachable ; he was admirably fitted for the post of leader
of the 27th Congress.
Confused and struck with silence at the deed',
He flies, but, trembling, fails to fly with speed.
Consulting what I feel within,
In times when most existence with herself
Is satisfied', I cannot but believe,
That, far as kindly nature hath free scope,
And reason's sway predominates, even so far,
Country, society, and even time itself,
That saps the individual's bodily frame,
And lays the generations low in dust,
Do, by the Almighty Ruler's grace, partake
Of one maternal spirit^ : bringing forth
And cherishing with ever constant love,
That tires not, nor betrays.
Seek', and ye shall find.
I was hungry', and ye gave me no meat.
He enjoyed fine opportunities to establish a character', and he
neglected them.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' ; and
all these things shall be added unto you.
192 The bend, sweeps, slides and closes applied.
The idea of God, it is said, may be expunged from the heart of
man ; and that heart will be the seat still of the same constitutional
impulses.
They feel that they have incurred no outrageous forfeiture of
character among men ; and this instils a treacherous complacency
in their own hearts.
Here is a case, in which the voice, that cometh forth from the
tribunal of public opinion, pronounces one thing ; and the voice,
that cometh forth from the sanctuary of God, pronounces another.
Let the sinner then look to God through the medium of such a
revelation ; and the sight which meets him there may well tame
the obstinacy of that heart, which had wrapped itself up in im-
penetrable hardness against the force of every other consideration.
Let me be made to understand,, that God has passed by my
transgressions, and generously admitted me into the privileges and
the rewards of obedience ; I see in this, a tenderness, and a mercy,
and a love, for his xreatures, which, if blended at the same time
with all that is high and honorable in the more august attributes
of his nature, have the effect of presenting him to my mind, and of
drawing out my heart in moral regard to him, as a most amiable
and estimable object of contemplation.
Give me a man who seizes with ravenous approbation all that I
have to bestow, and who hoards it, or feeds upon it, or in any way
rejoices over it, without one grateful movement of his heart toward
me ; and you lay before me a character, not merely unlike, but
diametrically opposite, to the character of him who obtains the very
same gift, and, perhaps, derives from the use of it, an equal, or a
greater degree of enjoyment, to the sensitive part of his nature, but
who, in addition to all this, has thought, and affection, and the
higher principles of his nature, excited by the consideration of the
giver.
The simple truths of the Gospel may enter with acceptance into
the mind of a peasant, and there w^ork all the proper influences on
his heart and character which the Bible ascribes to them ; and yet
he may be utterly incapable of tracing that series of inward move-
ments, by which he is carried onwards from a belief in the truth,
to all those moral and affectionate regards, which mark a genuine
disciple of the truth.
Let him who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
shine into our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of his
own glory, in the face of Jesus Christ ; let us only look upon him
as God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, and not im-
puting unto them trespasses ; let him, without expunging the char-
acters of truth and majesty from that one aspect of perfect excel-
lence which belongs to him ; let him, in his own unsearchable wis-
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 193
dom, devise a way by which he can both bring them out in the eye
of sinners with brighter illumination, and make these sinners feel
that they are safe ; let him lift off from the men of this guilty world,
the burden of his violated law, and make it honorable ; let him
publish a full release from all its penalties, but in such a way as
that the truth which proclaimed them, and the justice which should
execute them, shall remain untainted under the dispensation of
mercy ; let him, instead of awaking the sword of vengeance against
us, awake it against a sufferer of such worth and dignity, that his
blood shall be the atonement of a world, and by pouring out his
soul unto death, he shall make the pardon of the transgressor meet
and be at one with the everlasting righteousness of God ; in a word,
instead of the character of God being lighted up in the eye of the
sinner by the fire of his own indignation, let it through the demon-
stration of the Spirit be illustrated and shone upon by the mild and
peaceful light of the Sun of Righteousness; and then may the sinner
look in peace and safety on the manifested character of God.
GENERAL NOTE. I.
The single compact sentence, with or without correlative words
expressed, often appears in a fragmentary form. If either of the
correlative words is expressed, the nature of the sentence and the
delivery will be obvious ; for the mere fact of its being fragmentary
changes neither the one nor the other. When the correlative words
are wanting, the nature of the sentence may not be at once appar-
ent ; and though the compact delivery should be plainly required,
the cause of this, may not be suspected. I subjoin one or two ex-
amples : they are printed in italic.
Vol. We found you naked.
Van. And you found us free.
Vol. Would you be temperate once, and hear me out'.
Van. Speak things that honest men may hear with temper.
[Enter attendant and Malek Adhel.]
Sal. Leave us together. [Exit attend.] (Aside.) / should know
That form.
Judge Bronson. Well, Mr. Cooper, but he didn't publish it.
Mr. Cooper. That was not necessary to make out the libel.
Judge B. (Smiling.) Pretty near it, though.
The first of these examples, if complete and regularly constructed, would probably read thus :
If you would, &c, then you would, &c. : the second, thus : Therefore I should know that form,
because its proportions or features are familiar : the third thus : Pretty near it, though that wae
not necessary to make out, i. e. absolutely necessary to make out the libel.
17
194
GENERAL NOTE. II.
Single compact sentences, like simple and compound close declar-
atives, are often employed as indirect interrogatives with or without
interrogative punctuation : e. g.
Bos. You 11 marry me, if I be willing f
Phe. That would I, should I die the hour after.
He admitted the validity of the will, when you produced it. Yes,
but with hesitation.
2. Double Compact.
Rule VIII. The first part of a double compact sentence is de-
livered like the first part of a single compact : the remaining part
or parts, like the parts of a perfect loose sentence. (See Loose
Sentence below.)
1. The parts separately considered may have all the varieties of construction which distin-
guish the parts of single compact. (See Remarks under the Rule for the delivery of Single
Compact Sentences, above.)
2. When the first part is employed in connection with the other parts and consists of two or
more members, the last of these, like the last of a similar series in the first part of a single
compact, may be terminated with partial close; in which case, the delivery will conform to
Fig. 14, c : (See Plate :) when the first part is employed alone, the last of the series must neces-
sarily terminate with perfect close.
3. When no or nay ends a series of members in the first part, it should always be delivered
like the first member ; and the member immediately preceding it, should end with partial
close. The reason of this is, that no, in such a case, to all intents begins the sentence auew.
Examples.
1. Of double compact with all the parts.
Swear not by heaven' ; for it is God's throne' ; but let your com-
munication be yea, yea ; and nay, nay v ; for whatsoever is more than
these, cometh of evil.
It was not an eclipse that caused the darkness at the crucifixion
of our Lord' ; for the sun and moon were not relatively in a posi-
tion to produce an eclipse^ ; but a direct interposition of God v ; for
on no other supposition can we account for it.
2. With the fourth part omitted.
And not as it was by one that sinned, so also is the free gift' ;
for the judgment was by one unto condemnation ; but the free
gift is of many offences unto justification.
They had not come hither in search of gain', for the soil was
sterile and unproductive^ ; but they had come that they might wor-
ship God according to the dictates of their own consciences.
It was not enough that our fathers were of England' ; the mas-
ters of Ireland and the lords of Hindostan are of England too v ; but
our fathers were Englishmen, aggrieved, persecuted and banished.
We do not say that his error lies in being a good member of so-
ciety' ; this though only a circumstance at present, is a very fortu-
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 195
nate one* : the error lies in his having discarded the authority of
God, as his legislator* ; or rather, in his never having admitted the
influence of that authority over his mind, heart or practice.
He does not satisfy himself with barely moving on to a higher
point in the scale of human attainment, and then sitting down with
the sentiment that it is enough ; he never counts it enough : the
practical attitude of the believer is that of one who is ever looking
forward: the practical movement of the believer is that of one
who is ever pressing forward.
It is not by an utterance of rash and sweeping totality to refuse
him the possession of what is kind in sympathy, or what is digni-
fied in principle ; this were in the face of all observation : it is to
charge him direct with his utter disloyalty to God : it is to convict
him of treason against the majesty of heaven : it is to press home
upon him the impiety of not caring about God
Note. In double compact sentences of this form, comprising two or more members in the
first part, it is not unusual to find the second part distributed among them ; that is, to find each
of these members followed by a second part of its own : e. g.
It was not their rank which gave the apostles such marvellous
success in spreading Christianity in every part of the Roman em-
pire', for they sprang from the lowest order of the people* ; it was
not their wealth', for they were poor* ; it was not their learning',
for they were unlettered men* ; but it was the miraculous powers
with which they were endowed* ; and the wisdom of God, and the
power of God unto salvation, which attended them.
It is not that we wish our sister church were swept away, for
we honestly think, that the overthrow of that establishment would
be a severe blow to the Christianity of our land ; it is not that we
envy that great hierarchy the splendor of her endowments, for
better a dinner of herbs, when surrounded by the love of parish-
ioners, than a preferment of stalled dignity and strife therewith ; it
is not either that we look upon her ministers as having at all dis-
graced themselves by their rapacity, for look to the encroachments
upon them, and you will see that they have carried their privile-
ges with the most exemplary forbearance and moderation ; but from
these very encroachments do we infer how lawless a human being-
will become, when emancipated from the bond of his own interest.
I am not the panegyrist of England 7 ;„I am not dazzled by her
riches nor awed by her power' ; the sceptre, the mitre, and the
coronet, stars, garters and blue ribands, seem to me poor things for
great men to contend for* ; nor is my admiration awakened by her
armies mustered for the battles of Europe, her navies overshadow-
ing the ocean, nor her empire grasping the farthest east* ; it is
these, and the price of guilt and blood by which tbey are main-
tained, which are the cause why no friend of liberty can salute her
with undivided affections* ; but it is the refuge of free principles,
196 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
though often persecuted^ ; the school of religious liberty, the more
precious for the struggles to which it has been called v ; the tombs
of those who have reflected honor on all who speak the English
tongue x : it is the birthplace of our fathers^ ; the home of the pil-
grims v : it is these which I love and venerate in England.
3. With the third and fourth part omitted.
We must not impute the delay to indifference', for delay may
be designed to promote our happiness.
The present life is not wholly prosaic, precise, tame and finite' ;
to the gifted eye, it abounds in the poetic.
Not all the chapters of human history are thus important' ; the
annals of our race have been filled up with incidents which convey
no instruction.
We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves
with some that commend themselves ; for they measuring them-
selves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves,
are not wise.
It is not true that the poet paints a life which does not exist ;
he only extracts and concentrates, as it were, life's ethereal essence,
arrests and condenses its volatile fragrance, brings together its scat-
tered beauties, and prolongs its more refined, but evanescent joys.
No matter in what language his doom may have been pronoun-
ced ; no matter what complexion, incompatible with freedom, an
Indian or African sun may have burnt upon him ; no matter in
what disastrous battles his liberty may have been cloven down ; no
matter with what solemnities he may have been devoted upon the
altar of slavery ; the moment he touches the sacred soil of Britain,
the altar and the god sink together in the dust; his soul walks
abroad in her own majesty ; his body swells beyond the measure of
his chains, that burst from around him ; and he stands redeemed, re-
generated and disenthralled by the universal spirit of emancipation.
It is not that Christ is set forth a propitiation for their sins ; it
is not that they stagger not at the promise of God, because of un-
belief ; it is not that the love of him is shed abroad in their hearts
by the Holy Ghost ; it is not that they carry along with them any
consciousness whatever of a growing conformity to the image of
the Saviour ; it is not that their calling and election are made sure
to them, by the successful diligence with which they are cultiva-
ting the various accomplishments of the Christian character ; there
is not one of these ingredients, will we venture to say, which enters
into the satisfaction that many feel with their own prospects, and
into the complacency they have in their own attainments, and into
their opinion that God is looking to them with indulgence and
friendship.
THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED. 197
Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret ;
I will be master of what is mine own.
It is not now as it hath been of yore ;
Turn wheresoe'er I may,
By night or day,
The things which I have seen, I now can see no more.
Thou art no child of fancy ; thou
The very look dost wear,
That gave enchantment to a brow,
Wreathed with luxuriant hair.
Grudge not, ye rich, (since luxury must have
His dainties, and the world's more numerous half
Lives by contriving delicates for you,)
Grudge not the cost ; ye little know the cares,
The vigilance, the labor, and the skill
That day and night are exercised, and hang
Upon the ticklish balance of suspense,
That ye may garnish your profuse regales
With summer fruits brought forth by wintry suns.
4. With the second, third and fourth omitted.
You would not select the public firebrand"'; you would not seek
your seconds in the tavern, or in the brother'; you would not in-
quire out the man who was oppressed with debts, contracted by
licentiousness, debauchery, and every species of profligacy. [Who,
sir, were Caesar's seconds in his undertakings ?]
[And what is our country $'] It is not the East with her hills
and valleys, with her countless sails, and the rocky ramparts of her
shores'; it is not the North with her thousand villages, and her
harvest home, with her frontiers of the lake and the ocean'; it is
not the West with her forest-sea, with her beautiful Ohio, and her
majestic Missouri'; nor yet is it the South, opulent in the mimic
snow of the cotton, in the rich plantation of the rustling cane, and
in the golden robes of the rice-fields.
They did not know, that every town and village in America had
discussed the great questions at issue for itself, and in its town-
meetings and committees of correspondence and safety, had come
to the resolution that America must not be taxed by England ; the
English government did not understand, (we hardly understood,
ourselves, till we saw it in action,) the operation of a state of so-
ciety, where every man is or may be a freeholder, a voter for every
elective office, a candidate for every one ; where the means of a
good education are universally accessible ; where the artificial dis-
17*
198 THE BEND, SWEEPS, SLIDES AND CLOSES APPLIED.
tinctions of society are known but in a slight degree ; where glaring
contrasts of condition are rarely met with ; where few are raised
by the extreme of wealth above their fellow men, and fewer sunk
by the extreme of poverty beneath it : the English ministry had
not reasoned on the natural growth of such a soil ; that it could
not permanently bear either a colonial or monarchical government ;
that the only true and native growth of such a soil was a perfect
independence, and intelligent republicanism.
5. With the second and fourth omitted.
I am not come to destroy 7 , but to fulfil.
Labor not for the meat that perisheth', but for that meat which
endureth unto everlasting life.
It was not enough for him to stand on the defensive'; he felt
that he must become the assailant, and return blow for blow.
The method of our salvation is not left to the random caprices
of human thought, and human fancy'; it is a method devised and
made known to us by unsearchable wisdom.
He is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision
which is outward in the fleshy ; but he is a Jew who is one in-
wardly N ; and circumcision is that of the heart v : in the spirit, and
not in the letter ; whose praise is not of men, but of G-od.
We do not recognise in her the Christian who has attained to
the perfect liberty of God's children, but the exact type of those
souls, at all times so numerous, and especially among her sex, who,
drawn powerfully to look to heaven, have not strength sufficient to
disengage themselves entirely from the bondage of earth.
We pay no homage at the tomb of kings to sublime our feelings,
we trace no line of illustrious ancestors to support our dignity, we
recur to no usages, sanctioned by the authority of the great, to
protract our rejoicing^; no';* we love liberty : we glory in the
rights of men : we glory in independence.
His characters are not modified by the customs of particular
places, unpractised by the rest of the world, by the peculiarities of
studies and professions, which can operate but upon small num-
bers, or by the accidents of transient fashions, or temporary opin-
ions ; they are the genuine, progeny of common humanity : such as
the world will always supply, and observation will always find.
No wars have ravaged these lands and depopulated these
villages' ; no civil discords have been felt' ; no disputed succession' ;
no religious rage'; no merciless enemy*; no affliction of Providence,
which, while it scourged for the moment, cut off the sources of re-
suscitation'; no voracious and poisonous monsters^; no';f all this
* We do nothing like this, but, &c. ) See the Second Sentence below, and 3d Note
+ It was not any of these, but all, a single compact of the
third form, the correlative words to be supplied are so — as, thus : " as it is perchance to
dream', so there's the rub^." 1 In this case ay, being by supposition the last word of the first
part, immediately preceding an intermediate pause and under emphasis, will be delivered with
circumflex ; and the pause between it and the second part, should be a semicolon ; because
the correlative words are both understood.
I prefer, however, to treat it as forming by itself a distinct part of the entire sentence ; and
the entire sentence, consequently, as a declarative periect loose in three parts : the first part
comprising ay, a simple declarative sentence, the second, ending with rub, another simple
declarative, and the third with pause ; which is a mixed sentence. I prefer this, because the
delivery of ay under emphasis in combination with partial close, it seems to me, is more
in consonance with the gravity of the train of thought,' than its combination with the bend,
producing circumflex. The latter demands a tone of surprise, irony or exultation; and either
of these is irrelevant.
Q. 2. You say the third part is a mixed sentence : (see Classif., Mixed Sentences :) what
combination does it contain? A. A combination of simple declarative and single compact:
the latter, having the correlative words then — whai^ the last of which only is expressed, forms
the subject, or nominative case, of the former. " In that sleep of death" is a circumstance.
(See Classif. Circumstance.)
Q. 3. What is the general delivery of the whole perfect loose ? A. (See Rule IX.)
Q. 4. What are the emphatic words 5 and the effect of emphasis on them 5' A. Ay, rub,
what and pause. Emphasis on ay, rub and pause coincides with parti;d and periect close:
(see Emph., Sec. II. 4:) on what it has a very full development of the sweeps. (See ibid. Sec.
II. 1.)
5. Deliver the sentence.
8th Sentence.
Q. 1. What is the proper name of this sentence ? A. It is a semi-interrogative sentence;
that is, a sentence in part declarative or exclamatory, and in part interrogative. (See Classif.,
Class II. definitions and examples.)
Q. 2. What is the sentence in the declarative portion I A. Compound close.
Q. 3. In the interrogative portion ? A. Indefinite imperfect loose.
Q. 4. What do you mean by indefinite ? A. See Classification, Class II. 2.)
Q. 5. Why do you say imperfect loose ? A. Because for must be supplied before the
second part. (See definition of Imperfect Loose in Classif.)
Q. 6. Of how many pails does the interrogative portion consist ? A. Two parts.
Q. 7. What is the nature of the sentence in the first f A. It is a compound compact in-
definite of the second form : having the correlative words when — then, reversed.
Q. 8. What is the second part 5 A. A compound perfect loose with two parts : the first
ending with life, and the second with the end of the sentence : the former being a compoimd
close, and the latter a mixed sentence ; combining a compoimd close in the beginning, with a
single compact at the end.
Q. 9. What is the nature of the connection between the declarative and interrogative por-
tions of the semi-interrogative ? A. Loose ; that is to say, the two together form a perfect
ioose sentence. (See Classif, Semi-inter rog. for similar examples.)
Q. 10. What is the general delivery of a semi-interrogative 5' A. (See Rule XVIII., also
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 313
Rule XV. and XIII., and especially the subjoined remark on the modification of the last Rule, by
length of sentence?)
Q. 11. What are the emphatic words in the declarative portion? A. There's, calamity,
life.
Q. 12. The effect on each £ . A. On there's, full development : on calamity, the lower sweep
is confined to the word: a pause being possible after it: (See Punct. Comma: Cases of
Omission, 5 :) and on life, the emphasis coincides with partial close.
Q. 13. What are the emphatic words in the first part of the interrogative portion 5 1 A.
Who, time, wrong, continually, love, delay, office, unworthy, bodkin.
Q. 14. The effect f A. These emphatic words collectively convert the uninterrupted falling
slide into an interrupted descent through a succession of -levels : each of -them having the
same effect on so much of the sentence as lies between it and the preceding emphatic word ;
that is to say, it defers the falling slide on that portion of the sentence until the emphasis is
reached ; when the voice descends to a lower point, and proceeds in the same manner until
the next emphasis is reached ; and thus to the end. (See Emph., Sec. II. 8.)
Q. 15. What are the emphatic words in the second part ? A. Fardels, life, have, others
and of.
Q. 16. What is the effect ? A. The same as in the preceding part ; except that the last
member of the sentence being compact, and the emphasis on have, others and of, antithetic,
it becomes necessary to mark these circumstances by delivering have, immediately preceding
the intermediate pause, with circumflex, and others, not so situated, with a full development
of the emphatic sweeps.
17. Deliver the entire semi-interrogative.
9th Sentence.
Q. 1. Describe this sentence. A. It is a compound declarative perfect loose, with three
parts : the first, ending with all, and the second with thought, are simple declaratives ; and
the third, is a compoimd close. The pails are properly separated by the semicolon, because
the connective and is in both instances expressed. (For the general delivery, see Rule IX.)
The emphatic words are all, thought and action, coinciding with partial and perfect close,
moment having circumflex, and this, full development of the emphatic sweeps. Thus, in
both instances, and with this regard, are circumstances.
Q. 2. Will you deliver the sentence 1
SEC. III. THE SPEECH OF^BRUTUS.
1 Romans, countrymen, and lovers ! hear me for my cause',
and be silent that j^ou may hear N : believe me for mine honor 1 ,
and have respect to mine honor, that you may believe" : cen-
sure me in your wisdom', and awake your senses, that you may
the better judge".
2 If there be any in this assembly 7 , any.dear friend of Ccesar's',
to him, I say, that Brutus 's love to Caesar 7 , was no less than
3 his y . If, then, that friend demand why Brutus rose against
Caesar 7 , this is my answer^ : not that I loved Caesar less', but
4 that I loved Rome more^. Had you rather Caesar were living,
and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all freemen ?
5 As Caesar loved me 7 , 1 weep for him v : as he was fortunate' , I rejoice
at it : as he was valiant', I honor him ; but as he was ambitious',
6 I slew him x . There is tears for his love 7 , joy for his fortune 7 ,
1 honor for his valor', and death for his ambition\ Who 's here
8 so base, that would-be a bondman? If any', speak x ; for him
9 have I offended. Who's here so rude, that would not be a Ro-
10 man ? If any', speak"- ; for him have I offended. 1 1 Who's here
12 so vile, that will not love his country? If any', speafc; for
27
314 EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS.
13 him have I offended\ I pause for a reply. 14 None! —
15 Then none have I offended. 16 I have done no more to Caesar*,
17 than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is en-
rolled in the capitol s : his glory not extenuated, wherein he was
worthy'', nor his offences enforced for which he suffered deaih>.
18 Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony^; who, though
he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dy-
ing" : a place in the commonwealth^; as which of you shall not ? —
With this I depart : that, as I slew my best lover for the good
19 of Rome', I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall
please my country to need my death s .
THE SPEECH OF BRUTUS RHETORICALLY PARSED.
1st Sentence.
The exclamatory part of this sentence is compound compellative ; (See Classification ;) and
what follows is compound declarative perfect loose in three pails, properly separated by the
colon. (Sec Punct. Colon, and Classif. Perfect Loose.) The parts may be treated either as
single compacts of the third form, with when — then or as — so, for correlative words; or as close
declaratives. I prefer the latter. For the general delivery, see Rule IX. The emphatic words
are those marked as such. On cause, honor, wisdom, senses, the lower sweep, confined to the
word : on may it convert? the lower sweep into falling slide : on believe and judge, it coincides
with partial and perfect close.
2d Sentence.
A compound declarative single compact of the second form. For the punctuation, see
Punct. Comma-, and Classsif. Sing. Compact: for the general delivery, see Rule VII. The
emphatic words are Caisar's, him, Brutus^s and his. On the first two, the lower sweep is con-
fined to the word ; on the third, full development ; and on the last, coincides with perfect
close.
id Sentence.
A compound declarative perfect loose in two parts, properly separated by the colon, be-
cause namely is understood. (See Punct., Colon.) In the first part we have a* single compact
of the second form, if— then, correlative words, and in the second part, the same with correla-
tive words indeed— but. For the punctuation, see 2d Sentence. For general delivery, see Rule
IX. The emphatic words are against, ansiccr, not, less, more. On against and not, empha-
sis produces full development : on answer and more, it coincides with partial and perfect close *
on less, it is exhausted on the word.
\ 4th Sentence.
A compound definite interrogative single compact, of the first form: correlative words rather
—than. For the general delivery, see Rale XI. The emphasis on living, slaves, dead, freemen,
antithetic. For its effect, see Emph., Sec. II. 7.
5th Sentence.
A perfect loose declarative, in tour parts ; each of which is a single compact of the first
form : the correlative words so — as, it will be observed, are here equivalent to because — there-
fore. A colon, the proper punctuation between the first and second, and the second and third
part, because the connective is understood : a semicolon between the third and fourth, because
the connective is expressed. Full development of emphasis on loved ; lower sweep exhausted
on fortunate, valiant and ambitious, and on weep, rejoice, honor and slew, converted into the
falling slide.
6th Sentence.
Either a single compact of the thud form, with and substituted for the last of the correlative
words as — so, (as there is tears, &c, so death, &c.,) or a close declarative. Punctuation and
general delivery the same on either hypothesis. Emphasis on all the words marked as em-
phatic, produces full development.
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 315
1th Sentence.
A compound indefinite interrogative close. Emphasis on who and bondman. Who being
the first word of the sentence, the slide, of course, is here not deferred at all. (See Emph., Sec.
II. 8.)
8th Sentence.
A compound decl. perfect loose, in two parts : the first a single compact : the second, a simple
declarative. A semicolon between the parts, because for, the connective, is expressed. Em-
phasis on speak and offended coincides with partial and perfect close : on him, the lower sweep
is exhausted on the word ; for a pause is possible after 'it in consequence of the inversion of the
sentence. (See Punct., Omissions of the Comma, 4.)
9th Sentence.
A compound indefinite interrogative close. (See 1th Sentence.) Emphasis on rude and Ro-
man. The former is in antithesis with base in the preceding question. For the effect, see
Emph., Sect. II. 8.
10th Sentence. (See 8th.)
11th Sentence. (See 9th.)
12th Sentence. (8th and 10th.)
13th Sentence.
A simple declarative sentence. For general delivery, see Rule I. Emphasis on reply, and
coincides with perfect close.
14th Sentence.
This is a fragmentary simple definite interrogative exclamation. For the general delivery,
see Rule II. It receives emphasis as if the sentence was complete. (See Emph., Sec. II. 7.)
15th Sentence.
A simple declarative. Emphasis on none contradictory, and converting the lower sweep into
falling slide. (See Emph., Sec. II. vi.)
16th Sentence.
A compound declarative single compact of the first form : correlative words more— than.
Emphasis on Ccesar and Brutus antithetic : exhausting the lower sweep on the former, and
coinciding on the latter with perfect close.
17th Sentence.
A compound declarative perfect loose, in two parts : the first a simple declarative, and the
second a double compact with the first part only, having two members, expressed. (See
Classify Sect. II. Class I. Double Compact, definition and examples, 3.) For the general de-
livery, see Rule IX. For the proper pauses, see Punct., Comma, and Classif. as above. Em-
phatic words capital, extenuated, enforced, death. Emphasis on capital and death coincides with
partial and perfect close : (see Emph., Sect. II. 4 :) on extenuated, it produces full development :
(see Emph., Sect. II. 1 :) on enforced, the lower sweep confined to the word ; because a pause
may be made after it, for the reason that the sentence may be transposed at that point. (See
Punctuation, Comma, Omissions, 5.)
18th Sentence.
A semi-inteiTogative. The declarative portion is perfect loose, in two parts : properly separ-
ated by the semicolon, because who, the connective, is expressed. Emphasis on Jlntony, death,
dying, commonwealth. On all of them except death, it coincides with partial close : on death
the lower sweep is exhausted on the word.
The interrogative portion is a simple indefinite interrogative, with emphasis on which and not.
19th Sentence.
A compound declarative perfect loose in two parts, separated by the colon, because namely
is understood. The first part a simple declarative ; the second, a mixed sentence combining
two compacts. Emphasis on depart and death coincides with partial and perfect close ; on
lover it produces full development : on myself, the lower sweep limited to the word.
316 EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS.
SEC. IV. THE PROPER LIMITS OF BENEVOLENCE.
1 Kind and amiable people ! your benevolence is most lovely in
its display, but oh ! it is perishable in its consequences. Does
it never occur to you that in a few years this favorite will die ;
2 and that he will go to the place where neither cold nor hunger
will reach him ; but that a mighty interest remains, of which
both of us may know the certainty, though neither you nor I
can calculate the extent ? Your benevolence is too short : it
3 does not shoot far enough ahead : it is like regaling a child with
a sweetmeat or a toy, and then abandoning the happy unre-
flecting infant to exposure. You make the poor old man happy
4 Avith your crumbs and your fragments, but he is an infant on
the mighty range of duration ; and will you leave the soul,
which has the infinity to go through, to its chance ? How comes
it that the grave should throw so impenetrable a shroud over
5 the realities of eternity ? how comes it that heaven, and hell,
and judgment, should be treated as so many nonentities ; and
that there should be as little real and operative sympathy felt
for the soul which lives forever, as for the body after it is dead,
or for the dust into which it moulders ? Eternity is longer than
time ; the arithmetic, my brethren, is all on one side upon this
6 question ; and the wisdom which calculates, and guides itself
by calculation, gives its weighty and respectable support to
what may be called the benevolence of faith. — Chalmers.
Sentence 1st. — A single compact, 2d form: correlatives indeed — but: the first part preceded
by a compellative, and the last including a spontaneous excl. Sentence 2d. — lmperf. loose de-
finite interrog. in three parts: but a poor substitute for and in the third part. Sent. 3d. — Comp.
decl. pert', loose in three parts. Sent. \ih. — Semi-interrog: declar. portion single compact, 2d
form : indeed — but : the interrog. definite close : the declar. and interrog. have a loose con-
nection. Sent. 5th. — Perfect loose indef. interrog. : the second part, iniperf. loose. Sent. 6th. —
Pert, loose declar. in three parts.
SEC. V. A TWOFOLD PEACE.
1 There is a twofold peace. 2 The first is negative. 3 It is
relief from disquiet and corroding care : it is repose after con-
4 flict and storms. But there is another and a higher peace, to
which this is but the prelude : " a peace of God which passeth
understanding," and properly called " the kingdom of God within
5 us." This state is any thing but negative. It is the highest and
most strenuous action of the soul ; but an entirely harmonious
6 action, in which all our powers and affections are blended in a
beautiful proportion, and sustain and perfect one another. It is
V more than silence after storms : it is as the concord of all melo-
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 317
dious sounds. Has the reader never known a season, when, in
the fullest flow of thought and feeling, in the universal action
8 of the soul, an inward calm, profound as midnight silence, jet
bright as the still summer noon, full of joy, but unbroken by
one throb of tumultuous passion, has breathed through his
spirit, and given him a glimpse and presage of the serenity of a
9 happier world ? Of this character is the peace of religion. It
is a conscious harmony with God and the creation : an alliance
10 of love with all beings : a sympathy with all that is pure and
happy : a surrender of every separate will and interest : a par-
ticipation of the spirit and life of the universe : an entire con-
11 cord of purpose, with its Infinite Original. This is peace, and
the true happiness of man; and we think that human na-
12 ture has never lost sight of this its great end. It has always
sighed for a repose, in which energy of thought and will
might be tempered with an all-pervading tranquillity. We
13 seem to discover aspirations after this good, a dim consciousness
of it, in all ages of the world. We think we see it in those
14 systems of Oriental and Grecian philosophy, which proposed as
the consummation of present virtue a release from all disquiet,
and an intimate union and harmony with the divine mind. We
even think, that we trace this consciousness, this aspiration, in
15 the works of ancient art which time has spared us; in which
the sculptor, aiming to embody his deepest thoughts of human
perfection, has joined with the fulness of life and strength, a
repose, which breathes into the spectator an admiration as calm
16 as it is exalted. Man, we believe, never loses the sentiment of
his true good. There are yearnings, sighings, which he does
not himself comprehend ; which break forth alike in his pros-
perous and adverse seasons ; which betray a deep, indestructible
1*7 faith in a good he has not found ; and which, in proportion as
they grow distinct, rise to God, and concentrate the soul on
him, as at once his life and rest : the fountain at once of energy
and repose. Channing.
Sent. 1st, Qd, 5t h— Simple declar. Sent. 3d, 4th, 6th.— Comp. declar. perf. loose. Sent. 1th.—
Single compact, 3d form : therefore— for. Sent. 8th.— Compound def. interrog. mixed sentence :
then — when, though — yet, indeed — but, as — so, happier — than. Sent. 9th. — Simple declar. trans-
posed. Sent. 10th. — Compound decl. imperf. loose in six parts. Sent. 11th. — Pert', loose decl.
Sent 12th.— Decl. close. Sent. 13th.— The same Sent, lith— Mixed (close and singie com-
{act so — as) decl. Sent. 15th. — Decl. perf. loose in two parts. Sent. VSth. — Close decl. Sent.
1th.— Imperf. loose decl. : the last part imperf. loose.
SEC. VI. THE VALUE OF PUBLIC FAITH.
1 To expatiate on the value of public faith may pass with some
men for declamation : to such men I have nothing to say. To
27*
318 EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS.
others, I will urge, can any circumstance mark upon a people
2 more turpitude and debasement ? can any thing tend more to
make men think themselves mean ; or to degrade to a lower
point their estimation of virtue, and their standard of action ?
It would not merely demoralize mankind ; it tends to break
3 all the ligaments of society ; to dissolve that mysterious charm
which attracts individuals to the nation ; and to inspire in its
stead a repulsive sense of shame and disgust.
4 What is patriotism '? Is it a narrow affection for the spot
5 where a man was born ? are the very clods where we tread
entitled to this ardent preference because they are greener ?
6 No, sir; this is not the character of the virtue, and it soars
higher for its object : it is an extended self-love : mingling with
all the enjoyments of life, and twisting itself with the minutest
7 filaments of the heart. It is thus we obey the laws of society,
because they are the laws of virtue. In their authority we see,
8 not the array of force and terror, but the venerable image of
9 our country's honor. Every good citizen makes that honor his
own, and cherishes it, not only as precious, but as sacred. He
10 is willing to risk his life in its defence, and is conscious that he
gains protection while he gives it; for what rights of a citizen
will be deemed inviolable when a state renounces the principles
11 that constitute their security? Or, if his life should not be in-
vaded, what would its enjoyments be in a country, odious in
the eye of strangers and dishonored in his own? Could he
12 look with affection and veneration to such a country as his
13 parent? The sense of having one would die within him: he
would blush for his patriotism, if he retained any ; and justly,
14 for it would be a vice. He would be a banished man in his
native land. Ames.
Sent. 2d. — Semi-interrog. : interrog. portion def. interrog. perf. loose. Sent. 3d. — Single
compact, 3d form: therefore— for : the second part iuiperf. loose, or close. Sent. 5th. — Def.
interrog. perf. loose. Sent. 6th. — JVb is followed by its equivalent: and after virtue clearly
used for for. The sentence is then a double compact : first and second parts expressed : two
members in the first part: the second part perfect loose. Sent. 1th. — Single comp. 2d form:
therefore — because. Sent. &th. — Mixed : part simple decL ; part double compact, first and
third part expressed. Sent. 9th. — Mixed: close, and three single compacts: indeed — but, so —
as, so — as. Sent. 10th. — Semi-interrog. : loose connection between decl. and interrog. portion ;
the latter indef. interrog. single compact : then — when.
SEC. VII. PERPETUITY OF THE UNIOX.
I have not allowed myself, sir, to look beyond the union, to
see what might lie hidden in the dark recess behind ; I have not
coolly weighed the chances of preserving liberty, when the
bonds that unite us together shall be broken asunder ; I have
not accustomed myself to hang over the precipice of disunion,
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 319
to see whether, with my short sight, I can fathom the depth
of the abyss below ; nor could I regard him as a safe counsellor in
the affairs of this government, whose thoughts should be mainly-
bent on considering, not how the union should be best preserved,
but how tolerable might be the condition of the people when it
shall be broken up and destroyed.
2 While the union lasts, we have high, exciting, gratifying
3 prospects spread out before us, for us and our children. Be-
yond that I seek not to penetrate the veil. God grant that, in
4 my day at least, that curtain may not rise : God grant, that on
my vision never may be opened what lies behind. When my
eyes shall be turned to behold, for the last time, the sun in
heaven, may I not see him shining on the broken and dishonored
fragments of a once glorious union ; on states dissevered, dis-
cordant, belligerent ; on a land rent with civil feuds, or drenched,
5 it may be, in fraternal blood ! let their last feeble and lingering
glance, rather, behold the gorgeous ensign of the republic, now
known and honored throughout the earth, still full high ad-
vanced : its arms and trophies streaming in their original lustre:
not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single star obscured : bear-
ing for its motto, no such miserable interrogatory as, What is
all this worth ? nor those other words of delusion and folly,
liberty first, and union afterwards ; but everywhere, spread all
over in characters of living light, blazing on all its ample folds
as they float over the sea and over the land, and in every wind
under the whole heavens, that other sentiment dear to every
true American heart : libert}? - and union ; now and forever ; one
and inseparable !
Sent. 1st. — Double compact : first part only, comprising four members, expressed. Sent.
2d. — Decl. close. Sent. 3d. — Simple decl. transposed. Sent. 4th. — Decl. loose in two parts.
Sent. 5th. Mixed sent. (See Ciassif. Mixed Scut., where this sent, will be found.)
SEC. VIII. VIRTUE AND PIETY ARE CONFORMITY TO NATURE.
1 I find myself existing upon a little spot, surrounded every way
2 by an immense unknown expansion. Where am I ? what sort
of place do I inhabit ? Is it exactly accommodated, in every
3 instance, to my convenience ? is there no excess of cold, none of
heat, to offend me ? am I never annoyed by animals either of
my own kind, or a different ? is every thing subservient to me,
4 as though I had ordered all myself ? No ; nothing like it ; the
5 farthest from it possible. The world appears not then origi-
6 nally made for the private convenience of me alone ? It does not.
1 But is it not possible so to accommodate it, by my own particu-
8 lar industry ? If to accommodate man and beast, heaven and
320 EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS.
9 earth, if this be beyond me, it is not possible. What conse-
10 quence then follows ? Can there be any other than this : if I seek
an interest of my own detached from that of others, I seek an
interest which is chimerical, and can have no existence ? How
12 then must I determine ? 11 Have I no interest at all ? If I
13 have not, I am a fool for staying here : 'tis a smoky house ; and
14 the sooner out of it the better. But why no interest? Can I
15 be contented with none, but one separate and detached? is a
social interest joined with others such an absurdity as not to be
16 admitted? The bee, the beaver, and the tribes of herding ani-
mals, are enough to convince me that the thing is, somewhere at
17 least, possible. How then am I assured, that it is not equally
18 true of man? Admit it, and what follows? 19 If so, then
honor and justice are my interest : then the whole train of
moral virtues are my interest ; without some portion of which,
not even thieves can maintain society.
20 But farther still: I stop not here; I pursue this social inter-
21 est as far as I can trace my several relations. I pass from my
own flock, my own neighborhood, my own nation, to the whole
22 race of mankind, as dispersed throughout the earth. Am I not
related to them all by the mutual aids of commerce : by the
general intercourse of arts and letters : by that common nature,
of which we all participate ?
23 Again : I must have food and clothing. 24 Without a
25 proper genial warmth, I must instantly perish. Am I not re-
lated in this view to the very earth itself : to the distant sun
from whose beams I derive vigor : to that stupendous course
and order of the infinite host of heaven, by which the times and
26 seasons ever uniformly pass on? Were this order once con-
founded, I could not probably survive a moment : so absolutely
do I depend on this common welfare.
27 What then have I to do but to enlarge virtue into piety ?
28 Not only honor and justice, and what I owe to man is my inter-
est, but gratitude also ; acquiescence ; resignation ; adoration ;
and all I owe to this great polity, and its greater Governor, our
common parent.
29 But if all these moral and divine habits be my interest, L«need
not, surely, seek for a better ; I have an interest compatible with
the spot on which I live : I have an interest which may exist,
without altering the plan of Providence ; without mending or
marring the general order of events. I can hear whatever hap-
30 pens with manlike magnanimity, can be contented and fully
happy in the good which I possess, and can pass through this
turbid, this fickle, this fleeting period, without bewailings or
envyings or murmurings or complaints. — Harris.
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 321
Sent. 1st. — Close Decl. : " which is" understood before surrounded. Sent. 2d.— Perf. loose
hidef. interrog. Sent. 3d. — Perf. loose def. interrog. Sent. 4th. — Double compact: first and
third pait expressed : first part has two members : semicolon between the parts, because both
correlatives are understood. (See Sing: Compact, Punctuation.) Sent. 5th. — Indirect interrog.
Sent. 8th. — Single compact, 2d form : two members in the first part. Sent. 10th.— Compound
perf. loose def. interrog. Sent. 13th.— Decl. loose with three parts. Sent. 18th. — Semi-inter-
rog. : connection between the decl. and interrog. compact, 3d form, 3d var. Sent. 19£A. — Decl
loose with two parts : 1st part imperf. loose or sing, compact. Sent. 20th. — The same, with a
double compact in the second part. Sent. 22d and 25th. — Compoiuid def. interrog. imperfect
loose. Sent. 29th.— Mixed : if— then, therefore— because : the last part of the second compact
beginning with because, perf. loose in two parts : last, imperf. loose.
SEC. IX. TRUTH INVINCIBLE IF LEFT TO GRAPPLE WITH FALSEHOOD ON
EQUAL TERMS.
1 Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon
the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licens-
2 ing and prohibiting, to doubt her strength. Let her and False-
hood grapple : who ever knew Truth put to the worse in a free
and open encounter ? who knows not that Truth is strong, next
3 to the Almighty ? She needs no policies, nor stratagems, nor
licensings, to make her victorious ; those are the shifts and de-
fences that error uses against her power. Give her but room,
4 and do not bind her when she sleeps ; for then she speaks not
true, but then rather she turns herself into all shapes, except
her own, and perhaps tunes her voice according to the time,
until she be adjured into her own likeness. — Milton.
Sent. 1st. — Mixed sent, though — yet, if— then : so stands for if. Sent. 2d. — Semi-interrog. :
loose connection between decl. and interrog. : the interrog. perf. loose. Sent. 3d. — Double
compact, 1st and 2d part expressed. Sent. 4th— Perf. loose.
SEC. X. THE RESULTS OF FREE DISCUSSION.
When the cheerfulness of the people is so sprightly up, as that
it hath not only wherewithal to guard well its own freedom and
safety, but to spare and to bestow upon the solidest and sub-
1 limest points of controversy, and new invention ; it betokens us
not degenerated, nor drooping to a fatal decay, but casting off
the old and wrinkled skin of corruption, to outlive these pangs,
and wax young again : entering the glorious ways of truth and
virtue ; destined to become great and honorable in these latter
ages. Methinks I see, in my mind, a noble and puissant nation
2 rousing herself, like a strong man after sleep, and shaking her
invincible locks : methinks I see her as an eagle mewing her
mighty youth, and kindling her endazzled eyes at the full mid-
day beam; purging and unsealing her long-abused sight, at
the fountain itself of heavenly radiance, while the whole noise
322 EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS.
of timorous flocking birds, with those also that love the twilight,
nutter about, amazed at what she means, and would prognosti-
cate a year of sects and schisms. — Milton.
Sent. Is*.— Mixed ; as a whole single compact, 2d form : when— then : the first part of this
contains two other compacts : so — cs and nuked— but : the second, a double compact : 1st and
3d part expressed : of which again the third part, is loose. Sent. 2d. — Decl. pert', loose in two
parts : the first ending at locks ; the second, imperf. loose.
SEC. XI. THE INFLUENCE OF ELEGANT LITERATURE.
There also are the eloquence, the literature, the poetry of all
times and tongues ; those glorious efforts of genius that rule,
1 with a never-dying sway, over our sympathies and affections :
commanding our smiles and tears; kindling the imagination;
warming the heart; filling the fancy with beauty; and awing
the soul with the sublime, the terrible, the powerful, the infinite.
Ye grand inventions of ancient bards ! ye gay creations of
2 modern fancy ! ye bright visions ! ye fervid and impassioned
thoughts ! serve ye all for no better purpose than the pastime
of an idle hour ?
3 Ah ! not so : not so. It is yours to stir to the bottom the
dull and stagnant soul : ye can carry man out of himself and
4 make him feel his kindred with his whole race : ye can teach
him to look beyond external and physical nature for enjoyment
and for power ; ye rouse him from the deep lethargy of sense,
raise him above " the worthless thing we are," and reveal to
him his capacity for purer purposes, and a nobler state of being.
Verplanck.
Sentence 1st. — Perf. loose decl. in two parts : the first ending with affections, imperf. loose ;
the second, loose or close as it may be treated. Sentence 2d. — Semi-interrogative : first part com-
pound compellative exclamatory ; and the second, compound definite compact. The two parts
relatively form a close sentence. The exclamation points represent commas. Sentence '3d. — A
compound declarative perfect loose, preceded by the spontaneous exclamation ah ! which is
here merely the key-note of the sentence. Sentence ith. — Perf. loose decl. : together with sent.
3d, it may form a double compact : 1st and 2d parts expressed. In which case, there should
of course be semicolons after the two sos instead of the colon and period, and each so will be
delivered with the bend.
SEC. XH. A VEHEMENT ATTACK ON THE ALIEN AND SEDITION LAW.
But, as if this were not enough, the unfortunate victims of
1 this law are told, in the next place, that, if they can convince
the President that his suspicions are unfounded, he may, if he
pleases, give them a license to stay. But how can they remove
2 his suspicions, when they know not on what act they were
founded? how take proof to convince him, when he is not
3 bound to furnish that on which he proceeds? Miserable
mockery of justice ! Appoint an arbitrary judge, armed with
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 323
4 legislative and executive powers added to his own ; let him con-
demn the unheard, the unaccused object of his suspicions ; and
then, to cover the injustice of the scene, gravely tell him, "You
ought not to complain ; you need only disprove facts you never
heard ; remove suspicions that have never been communicated
to you ; it will be easy to convince your judge, whom you shall
not approach, that he is tyrannical and unjust ; and when you
have done this, we give him the power, he had before, to pardon
you, if he pleases !" Edw. Livingston.
Sentence 1st. — Mixed sent. " But so — as, then — if— then — if." Sentence 3d. — Simple decl. ex-
clam. : fragmentary. Sentence 4th. — As a whole, a mixed sentence : a compound declarative
single compact, third form : correlative words, when — then, in the portion preceding the quota-
tion : then begins another singie compact with correlative words, therefore — because ; which
introduces a third, with correlative words, as — so : the whole linked thus : " when you appoint
— then gravely tell him, therefore you ought not, because, as you need — so it will be easy," &c.
The second part of this last compact is perfect loose, and concludes with a single compact :
correlative words, when — then.
SEC. XIII. EVILS OF THE OLD CONFEDERATION.
1 Need I call to your remembrance the contrasted scenes of
which we have been witnesses ? On the glorious conclusion of
2 our conflict with Britain, what high expectations were formed
concerning us, by others ! what high expectations did we form
3 concerning ourselves ! Have those expectations been realized ?
4 No. 5 What has been the cause ? 6 Did our citizens lose
1 their perseverance and magnanimity? No. Did they become
8 insensible of resentment and indignation at any high-handed
attempt that might have been made to injure or enslave them?
9 No. 10 What then has been the cause? 11 The truth is, we
dreaded danger only on one side : this we manfully repelled.
But on another side, danger, not less formidable, but more
12 insidious, stole in upon us; and our unsuspicious tempers were
not sufficiently attentive either to its approach or to its operations.
13 Those, whom foreign strength could not overpower, have well
nigh become the victims of internal anarchy.
14 If we become a little more particular, we shall find that the
foregoing representation is by no means exaggerated. When
15 we had baffled all the menaces of foreign power, we neg-
lected to establish among ourselves a government that could
16 ensure domestic vigor and stability. What was the conse-
iVquence? The commencement of peace was the commence-
ment of every disgrace and distress that could befall a people
in a peaceful state. Devoid of national power, we could
18 not prohibit the extravagance of our importations, nor could
we derive a revenue from their excess. Devoid of national im-
19 portance, we could not procure for our exports a tolerable sale
at foreign markets. Devoid of national credit, we saw our
324 EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS.
20 securities melt in the hands of the holders, like snow before the
sun. Devoid of national dignity, we could not, in some in-
21 stances, perform our treaties on our part ; and, in other instances,
we could neither obtain nor compel the performance of them on
22 the part of others. Devoid of national energy, we could not
carry into execution our own resolutions, decisions, or laws.
23 Shall I become more particular still ? 24 The tedious detail
would disgust me ; nor is it now necessary. Wilson.
Sentences 4th,7th, 9th. — JVb maybe treated either as a simple decl. sentence, or a compound
decl. double compact, with the third proposition understood, thus : No, but the reverse. If
treated as a simp, decl., it will be delivered with perfect close ; but if as a double compact,
with circumflex, just as if the third proposition was expressed.
Sentences 19-22. — Each of these is a single compact of the third form ; or the whole may be
treated as a comp. decl. perf. loose : perhaps it should be.
SEC. XIV. THE ADVOCATES OF CHARLES I. PROPERLY CHASTISED.
The advocates of Charles, like the advocates of other male-
1 factors, against whom overwhelming evidence is produced, gen-
erally decline all controversy about the facts, and content them-
2 selves with calling testimony to character. He had so many
private virtues ! and had James II. no private virtues ? was even
Oliver Cromwell, his bitterest enemies themselves being judges,
3 destitute of private virtues ? And what, after all, are the vir-
tues ascribed to Charles ? A religious zeal, not more sincere
4 than that of his son, and fully as weak and narrow-minded, and
a few of the ordinary household decencies, which half the tomb-
5 stones in England claim for those who lie beneath them. A
6 good father ! a good husband ! Ample apologies, indeed, for
fifteen years of persecution, tyranny, and falsehood !
7 We charge him with having broken his coronation-oath, and
we are told that he kept his marriage-vow ! We accuse him of
8 having given up his people to the merciless inflictions of the most
hot-headed and hard-heaited of prelates, and the defence is, that
he took bis little son on his knee and kissed him ! We censure
9 him for having violated the articles of the Petition of Right,
after having, for good and valuable considerations, promised to
observe them, and we are informed that he was accustomed to
hear prayers at six o'clock in the morning ! It is to such con-
10 siderations as these, together with his Vandyke dress, his hand-
some face, and his peaked beard, that he owes, we verily believe,
most of his popularity with the present generation.
For ourselves, we own that we do not understand the common
11 phrase, " a good man, but a bad king;" we can as easily conceive
a good man and an unnatural father; or a good man and a
treacherous friend. We cannot, in estimating the character of
EXERCISES ON PARAGRAPHS. 325
12 an individual, leave out of our consideration his conduct in the
most important of all human relations ; and if, in that relation,
we find him to have been selfish, cruel, and deceitful, we shall
take the liberty to call him a bad man, in spite of all his tem-
perance at table, and all his regularity at chapel. Macaulay.
Sentence 'id,— A semi-interrog., with a perf. loose def. interrog. in one part, and a fragmen-
tary compound close decl. excl. in the other. The complement of the latter supplied, it would
probably read thus : " It is said that he had," &c. Sentences 7th, 8th and 9th, are respectively
single compact declar. exclam., of the third form, third var. " If we charge, As it is well that you hear, so th;;t*s a pretty flood, &c." Sentence 16th. — Mr.
C. is supposed to have said the umbrella would be returned. A double compact declar. excl. :
thus made out. " Don't think me fool enough to believe it ; don't insult my understand-
ing by calling on me to believe it ; for he will n> ver return the umbrella." The second propo-
sition is virtually negative, though it has an affirmative form. Sentence 21st. — u It rains cats
and dogs, and so it will rain for six weeks ;" that is, M as it rains, so it will rain, &c." Sen-
tence 23d. — A double compact, with the first and second proposition expressed : " They shall not,
&.C., for on that I'm determined." Sentence 2ith. — They shall not.
g»»™«s«aKBa
H