70. Commemorative of the First Settlement of New Eng- 71. In Behalf of Catholic Emancipation, 81. Peroration to the Invective against Warren Hastings, Sheridan. 196 47. The Seventh Plague of Egypt. The Tempest, 52. The Destruction of Sennacherib, 53 Hymn before Sun-rise, in the Vale of Chamouny, THE ELOCUTIONIST. PRINCIPLES OF ELOCUTION. ELOCUTION, as a department of ornamental education, is the art of speaking and reading according to a certain established standard of elegance. Instruction in the art may be said to have two objects, good colloquial or conversational speech, and the power of reading aloud and making formal addresses with effect. Some persons, when called upon to read or speak before a considerable multitude, deliver themselves in an ungainly manner; while others charm all who are present. It must be obvious, that to bring out the best powers of the voice, and extend the gift of agreeable speaking beyond the comparatively small circle in which it is usually found, are objects of considerable importance. Elocution is divided into I. ARTICULATION and PRONUNCIATION; under which are comprehended, distinctness, force, and freedom from pro vincialisms. II. INFLECTION and MODULATION, which have a regard to the slides, shifts, and pauses of the voice, natural to certain constructions of language, and suited, with other modifications of the voice, as to force, height, and time, to the expression of certain sentiments and passions. III. EMPHASIS, which is to be guided by the comparative importance of words in a sentence. IV. GESTURE, Comprehending those attitudes, motions, and looks, which are suitable to certain passions, and lend force or embellishment to the meaning of the speaker. |