"The imitate his manner-or to express sorrow correctly, study the conduct of the parent at the grave of a child. ancient Grecian actor, Polus, who, when he had the part of Electra to perform, and was to represent the princess weeping over the ashes of her brother Orestes, ordered the urn which contained the ashes of his dear and only son to be brought upon the stage, and by this means excited in himself the pitch of grief with which he wished to affect his audience." THE READING OF POETRY. The rules which apply to the reading of prose may likewise be used with propriety and effect with reference to poetry. In the more difficult passages of poetry, the proper reading is decided by transposition. In these statements the majority of elocutionists agree. FINALLY. If a person expects to become a good elocutionist without labor, he will be disappointed.. Practice, and constant persevering practice, is the only certain path to perfection in this branch of culture. Remember this, and act accordingly. REMARKS. THIS work, compared with many, contains but few selections for elocutionary practice; yet they are sufficiently numerous to be of use to the teacher or student. The smaller the number, with patient study, the more marked the improvement. (24) SELECTIONS IN PROSE. I. THE ELOCUTION OF THE PULPIT. I CANNOT forbear regretting here, that a matter of such vast importance to preaching, as delivery, should be so generally neglected or misunderstood. A common apprehension prevails, indeed, that a strict regard to these rules would be deemed theatrical; and the dread, perhaps, of incurring this imputation, is a restraint upon many. But is it not possible to obtain a just and expressive manner, perfectly consistent with the gravity of the pulpit, and yet quite distiuct from the more passionate, strong, and diversified action of the theatre? And is it not possible to hit off this manner so easily and naturally, as to leave no room for just reflection? An affair this, it must be owned, of the utmost delicacy; in which we shall probably often miscarry, and meet with abundance of censure at first. But still, I imagine, that through the regulations of taste, the improvements of experience, the corrections of friendship, the feelings of piety, and the gradual mellowings of time, such an elocution may be acquired, as is above delineated; and such as, when acquired, will make its way to the hearts of the hearers, through their ears and eyes, with a delight to both, that |