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Third. The loose or disconnected, which contains periods or sentences not properly linked together.

Fourth. The dry and languid, (rightly termed the drowsy style,) which is deprived of vividness of thought, and ornament of diction.

CHAPTER II.

OF THE NATIONAL, LACONIC, AND ENGLISH STYLE, AND OF OTHER SUBJECTS RELATING THERETO.

We shall divide this chapter into three articles. In the first, we shall consider the National style; in the second, the Laconic; and in the third, the English style and language, with other kindred subjects.

ARTICLE I.

OF THE NATIONAL STYLE.

1. The general definition of style, that it is "a peculiar mode of expressing ideas in language," and the division of the same into sublime, low, and middle, applies equally to all languages.

2. But, as almost every nation, whether ancient or modern, had, or has a particular and different mode of conceiving and expressing ideas ; it follows, that the style of every nation is likewise different.

(1.) Does the foregoing definition and division of style equally apply to all languages?

(2.) Is the style of every nation alike?

Hence, the peculiar style of a nation, differing from that of another, may, like its language, be justly called the national style.

3. The same theory applies to individuals, whose character and temperament often lead them to conceive and express ideas in a peculiar manner. Hence, we find that some writers are concise, others profuse, others forcible, others enervated, etc., in their style; whence, various appellations of style arise, all of which may be comprised under the generic name of individual style.

4. The existence of a countless multitude of styles in the literary world is a providential dispensation; for, thereby individual writers are distinguished from each other, as particular individuals are recognized by the peculiar features of their faces. Moreover, so great a variety affords pleasure to the student in the art of composition, and furnishes an incontestable proof, that barrenness in composition does not arise from dryness of the subject, but from inability of expressing ideas in different modes, on account of the ignorance of the art.

How may the style of a nation be called?

(3.) Can the same theory be applied to individuals ?

Explain how.

(4.) What advantage is derived from so great a multitude of

different styles?

5. To resume then: as the languages, so also the styles of nations and individuals that have existed, and do exist, are almost innumerable. However, they may be arranged into two principal classes. First, with regard to the time of their existence, into style of the Ancient, Middle and Modern Age; second, with regard to the place of their existence, into Oriental and Occidental stýle.

6. Under this primary division, style may again be classified according to each nation that has existed, or now exists upon earth. Thus, in the occidental hemisphere, as designed by the ancient geography, the principal nations that now exist, and therefore the principal modern languages and styles are, the English, French, German, Russian, Italian and Spanish.

7. Since every nation has a peculiar and different style, it follows that the rules of acquiring it must vary for each nation, and require a particular study.

8. As the present work is designed especially for the English language, we shall speak of the English style and language only, excepting a few remarks on the Laconic style, which is used by all nations even in modern times.

(5.) How may the different styles of nations be chiefly classified? Give a general division. (6.) Give a secondary division. (7.) Are the rules of style the same for every nation?

ARTICLE II.

OF THE LACONIC STYLE.

1. The Laconic style is an ancient style, peculiar to the Lacedemonians or Spartans, and consists in "a peculiar mode of expression, containing several ideas in a few comprehensive words."

2. The Laconic style may be well termed the concise style. Thus, Cleomenes, a Spartan leader, replied to the Samii, in the Laconic style, as follows:

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Of your speech, I do not remember the first part, do not understand the middle, do not approve the last." And Archidamus to the Eleos, who were preparing for war, wrote as follows: "Archidamus to the Eleos: It is well for us to rest." So also Cæsar wrote to the Roman Senate, after conquering Pharnax, the King of Pontus: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

3. The Laconic or concise style is chiefly used: first, when the subject is of high importance, and admits of no delay, or demands. secresy; second, when it is proposed that every

(1.) What is the Laconic style?

(2.) What may the Laconic style be termed ? Illustrate it by examples.

(3.) When is the Laconic style chiefly used?

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