into the crucible of politics, with gems gathered from every glittering grotto, and fragrance distilled from every blooming field; and, lo! there issued from the fusion, many substantial and splendid formulas, beside much excellence that was palpable only to the most delicate sense.

But the best strength of this enthusiastic patriot is never taxed to the utmost except when he feels that real and fearful dangers threaten the welfare of his own State or the Union at large. He loves his country deeply, passionately, and we sincerely believe that no man is more willing to make greater sacrifices for the general weal, or more competent to promote it. Few excel him in gentler strains, "the sway of social, sovereign peace;" but absolutely none like him can effectively command that more fiery eloquence that rings on the startled world like a clarion, and is "swift, in use diverse, as is a warrior's spear." He then breathes all the firm resoluteness of the martial-god, while "his red shield drips before him." He who is not sincerely patriotic, lacks a fundamental private virtue, and is as unworthy of public confidence as he will be certainly destitute of popular power. Practical experience and undoubted love of country are essential to inspire respect and excite affectionate sympathy. Thus qualified, the orator will speak instinctively and exactly as all true men would feel, speak, and act in the circumstances he anticipates or describes. In all inspired eloquence, the results will be identical in kind, but diversified in degree, tinged with the individuality of the orator, and measured as to its influence by the depth and durability of his actual

emotions. For instance, Eschylus was a Marathonian hero-Sophocles a philosopher; and their works exactly comport with their respective characters.

The

Webster and Preston used to sit close to each other in the American Senate. How unlike! Listening to one, is like going from solemn, swelling music, into a stately sculpture-gallery, where you are surrounded with god-like forms, which give you the impression of distinct proportion and severest beauty, and which yet, by their majesty, bend you low in awful reverence. other resembles an Italian parterre in full bloom, melodious with sparkling fountains, embellished with graceful vases and dancing fawns, redolent of sweet odors, and resounding with happy voices chatting and singing near, while the volcano burns on the view, and a fearful thunder-gust is beginning to obscure the sun.

CHAPTER IX.

THOMAS CORWIN,

THE NATURAL ORATOR.

To sketch the life of Mr. Corwin, analyze his mind, and describe his person, constitute the general purpose of this chapter, the execution of which will be attempted under these three general heads.

In the first place, it will be desirable to present such biographical facts as are requisite to elucidate the public career of the distinguished orator of Ohio, and in doing this, we shall rely mainly on the accuracy and refined taste of William Green, Esq. of Cincinnati. An article from his pen contributed to the American Review, Sept. 1847, gives the following details:

Thomas Corwin was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, July 29th, 1794. At the age of four years, he was made a permanent resident of Ohio, by the removal of his parents to Warren county, in that State, in the year 1798. His father, for many years, was one of the most respectable and honored men of Ohio. For a long time a member of the legislature of the State, he was distinguished for the dignity and impartiality with which he presided, for several years, over its upper