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and a quicker movement; and the close of the parenthesis is marked by a return to the same time, pitch and inflection of voice as the sense had at the point immediately preceding the parenthesis: so that,

2. If the sense of the main sentence be suspended and interrupted by parenthesis, its close shall be marked with the rising inflection: if the sense of the main sentence be complete, the parenthesis shall be closed with the falling inflection.

NOTE.-The more logical form of these rules would be thusIf the parenthetical members suspend the sense, they shall be read with suspension: if they do not, they shall be read as independent members.

EXAMPLES.

1. Parenthesis suspending the sense.

Gentlemen, if you make out this case by evidence, (and if I do not, forget every thing you have heard, and reproach me for having abused your honest feelings,) I have established a claim for damages that has no parallel.—Erskine.

If there's a Power above, (and that there is
All nature cries aloud in all her works,)

He must delight in virtue.

2. Parenthesis-in addition without a suspension.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest,-which are these, &c.

I hope to be pardoned for yielding to this high authority, in preference to submitting my judgment to the opinion of those who now deny the power (however respectable that opinion may be.)

EXCEPTION.

This rule is (like all others) subject to be varied by the inflection of the Emphasis of force-which, concurring in the parenthesis, over-rules the inflection proper to suspension; as in the following passage from Mr. Burke's speech on the impeachment of Warren Hastings:

EXAMPLE.

Growing from crime to crime, ripened by cruelty for cruelty, these fiends, at length, outraging sex, decency, nature, applied lighted torches and slow fire-(I cannot proceed for shame and horror!)—these infernal furies planted death in the source of life, &c.

Here, though the sense is suddenly broken and suspended by the introduction of the parenthesis, yet, as the closing phrase of that parenthesis is marked with the emphasis of force, it is an exception to the general rule, which would otherwise require a rising inflection to mark the suspension of the sense.

PRONOUNS-PRONOMINAL PHRASE.

We are taught in Grammar that a pronoun is used to avoid the repetition of a noun.

In Elocution, when the noun is repeated, and the use of the pronoun rejected, we call the word so repeated pronominal; that is, of the nature, or in place of a pronoun; as,

He advanced the doctrine; he maintained the doctrine; he propagated the doctrine.

In this example, "the doctrine," in every instance

of its repetition, is clearly pronominal; standing in place of the pronoun "it." "it." For, according to the usual construction of such a sentence, it would have stood

He advanced the doctrine; he maintained it; he propagated it.

Hence, being so nearly of the same nature, they follow the same rule of Elocution: viz.

RULE.

Pronouns and pronominal phrases have no proper inflection; but merge in that of the inflected word with which they stand.

EXAMPLES.

(The pronouns and pronominal phrases are in brackets.)

Henry told [me] the truth [about it].

I asked [him] if he had finished [it].

[It] struck [me] that I had seen [him] before.

In these sentences, the pronouns have no inflection; but are subjected to, and over-ridden by the inflection of the word which governs them, or to which they are immediately allied. So of a pronominal phrase.

EXAMPLES.

As you have shown mercy, you shall receive [mercy].

Your cruelty merits [cruelty].

Your goodness deserves [goodness].

He repaid your kindness with [kindness].

We observe that the pronominal phrase in each in

stance follows the rule on the pronoun; and is subjected to the inflection of the verb or preposition by which it is governed.

Except

Demonstrative and interrogative pronouns ;* and pronouns or pronominal phrases when emphatic: as,

This is my book, not that.

Who said so? What did he say?

Henry told me the truth.

warned him: he saved me.

He is a good boy James.

COMMON PHRASE (quasi pronominal.)

The same rule applies to the repetition of any phrase which is common to two or more verbs, adverbs, &c. Such repeated common phrase is read as pronominal.

EXAMPLES.

He speaks truly, and [he speaks] wisely.

It was truly said, and wisely [said].

If we live in the spirit, let us also walk [in the spirit].

PRONOMINAL PHRASE in reply.

The rule holds, also, on repetition of a common phrase in reply, in dialogue, or in reference to previously spoken words by another party.

* Pronouns of these two classes are generally emphatic, and therefore the exception.

EXAMPLE.

Question. Is that your firm opinion?

Reply. It is [my firm opinion.]

Nor need the repetition be literal; if the idea or sense be repeated, the phrase is read as pronominal.

EXAMPLE.

The gentleman boasts that he is actuated by motives the most pure and honorable. Sir, the boast is needless; Who questioned [his integrity and honor]?

EMPHASIS with pronominal phrase.

It will be observed that the verb or other word governing, or in conjunction with, the pronominal phrase, becomes emphatic: this is made still more clear in the case of a negative with such phrase.

EXAMPLES.

To be, or not to be?

Question. Why do you express yourself so angrily?
Reply. I did not [express myself angrily].

The gentleman insinuates that I have acted a double part, and therefore forfeited the confidence of the house.

Sir, if I had [done so] I should deserve [to lose your confidence], but I shall prove that I have not [acted as he says]; and therefore I expect to retain [your good opinion], (or) to retain your good opinion.

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