68. Cato's Speech over his Dead Son.. 70. Black Hawk's Address to General Street.. 72. Rights of the Indians defended. 73. Lines to a Fallen Leaf...... 78. The Fire-Worshippers-(From "Lalla Rookh").. 82. Influence of Pagan Classics on Religion.. 83. Pagan and Christian Classics..... 84. Christian Orators-Fathers of the Church. 98. Appeal for the Crusaders, to the People of Franconia. 105. On the Small Number of the Elect 106. Exordium at St. Sulpice.... 107. Song of the Angels over the Skeptic's Conversion. From an unpublished Poem by Judge Arrington 634 108. Character of Champlain.... 109. Heroism of the Hospital and the Prison.. THE FIFTH READER. PART I. ELOCUTION. WE PRINCIPLES AND DEFINITIONS. E define Elocution to be a knowledge of the principles which govern the outward expression of the inward workings of the mind. Science is knowledge systematized so as to be easily comprehended. The science of elocution, then, includes the whole theory of delivery. It is the embodying form or representative power of eloquence in speech. Oratory is the vital existence resulting from the perfect harmony and combination of Elocution and Eloquence. We study elocution in order to improve in oral expression, and to cultivate every external grace or accomplishment with which the delivery of language should be accompaniedwhether in reading, speaking, recitation, or extemporaneous discourse; and this is the art of elocution. In our preparation for the delivery of thought, we must understand First. The vocal organs, and the muscles which act on them. Second. The power of separate elements, and the meaning of the words to be read or spoken. Third. We must be diligent in the practice or delivery of the best models of oratorical composition. The right use of the vocal organs depends upon our knowledge of their relation to the body. We must learn to sit properly, stand in an easy and graceful position, and attend to the manajement of the breath. The sitting position, for reading aloud and singing, may be learned from the cut. SITTING POSTURE-PROPER AND IMPROPER. Sit erect, with the head thrown back, that the chest may expand and contract freely in the operation of breathing. Place the feet upon the floor. Do not sit with the limbs crossed in reading, speaking, or singing. The student should be careful to keep the body erect. A good voice depends upon it. An instrument, to produce a good tone, must be kept in tune. 1 The celebrated Curran was accustomed to declaim the letters of Junius before a mirror; and the speech of Mark Antony over the body of Cæsar was an especial favorite. Though never satisfied with his rendering of the latter, he always recommended it to law-students. The practice of Position and Gesture will prove a valuable aid in physical culture, and in acquiring a graceful address. FIRST POSITION. THIRD POSITION, OR FIRST We have but two Primary positions of the feet. First-The body rests on the right foot, the left a little advanced, left knee bent. Second-The body rests on the left foot, right a little advanced, right knee bent. We have two other positions, which are called Secondary. They are assumed in argument, appeal, or persuasion. The first secondary position is taken from the first primary, by advancing the unoccupied foot, and resting the body upon it, leaning forward, the right foot brought to its support. SECOND POSITION. FOURTH POSITION, OR SECOND SECONDARY. The second secondary position is the same as the first, the body resting upon the right foot. In assuming these positions, all movements should be made. with the utmost simplicity, avoiding "the stage strut and parade of the dancing-master." Advance, retire, or change with ease, except when the action demands energy or marked decision. Adopt such positions only as consist of manly and simple grace, and change as the sentiment or subject changes, or as you address yourself to different parts of the audience. Avoid moving about, or "weaving," or moving the feet or hands while speaking. EXERCISES IN BREATHING. Deep breathing with the lips closed, inhaling as long as possible, and exhaling slowly, is very beneficial. Having inflated the lungs to their utmost capacity, form the breath into the element of long o, in its escape through the vocal organs. This exercise should be frequently repeated, as the voice will be strengthened thereby, and the capacity of the chest greatly increased. Do not raise the shoulders or the upper part of the chest alone when you breathe. Breathe as a healthy child breathes, by the expansion and contraction of the abdominal and intercostal muscles. Such breathing will improve the health, and be of great assistance in continuous reading or speaking. Great care is necessary in converting the breath into voice. Do not waste breath; use it economically, or hoarseness will follow. Much practice on the vocal elements, with all the varieties of pitch, then the utterance of words, then of sentences, and, finally, of whole paragraphs, is necessary in learning to use the breath, and in acquiring judgment and taste in vocalizing. Never speak when the lungs are exhausted. Keep them well inflated. GESTURE. It is understood that practice in the use of the hands and arms, to secure ease of movement and appropriateness in gesture, is the object to be gained in studying this part of Elocution. We have seen no system so complete as that given by Rev. Gilbert Austin in his Chironomia. For the present it may be sufficient to call attention to the Sphere bounded by Circles. The human figure is supposed to be so placed within the sphere that the centre of the breast shall coincide with its centre. The motions and positions of the arms are refe: red to and de termined by these circles and their intersections. |