Some of the combinations of vowels forming one syllable. is pronounced like ya, as in filial, pronounced fil-yal, ye, as in spaniel, pronounced span ia ie 66 66 66 tial shal or tshel, as in nuptial, pro nounced nup-shal, in bestial, pronounced bes-tsheal, science like shence, as in conscience, pronounced con-shence, patience, pronounced pa-shence, tience tient sier zier sion cious scious tious sure pronounced like shent, as in patient, pronounced pa-shent, pronounced like zhur, as in osier, pronounced o-zhur, pronounced like shun or zhun, as in version, pronounced ver-shun, evasion, pronounced eva-zhun, pronounced like shus, as in specious, pronounced speshus, conscious, pronounced con-shus, factious, pro nounced fac-shus, pronounced like shure or zhure, as in erasure, pro nounced era-zhure, pressure, pronounced preshshure, pronounced like shun or tshun, as in nation, pronounc ed na-shun, fustian, pronounced fus-tshun, pronounced like yur, as in courtier, pronounced kórt-yur tsheous, as in courteous, pronounced tion tier teous 66 dier deur dure kur-tshe-us, pronounced like jur, as in soldier, pronounced sól-jur, grandeur and verdure, pronounced gran-jur and ver-jur The length of these pauses depends upon the nature of the subject, and the circumstances of the case in which they are used, rather than upon invariable rules. The period is supposed to be a pause double the time of the colon; the colon, double that of a semicolon; and the semicolon, double that of the comma, which is generally stated to be long enough for the reader or speaker to count one. The interrogation and exclamation points are said to be indefinite as to their quantity of time, and to mark an elevation of voice; and the parenthesis to mark a moderate depression or lowering of the voice, with a pause shorter than a comma. RHETORICAL PAUSES. Rhetorical Pauses are those pauses which, in addition to the grammatical pauses, are observed by good speakers or readers, to give variety to the tones of the voice, and distinctness, clearness and force to utterance. This pause is marked thus | The duration of the Rhetorical pauses depends upon the same principles as that of the grammatical pauses, although it is usually shorter. The Rhetorical pause should be made. 1st. After the nominative, if it consists of several words. 2d. After the nominative, if it is an important word. 3d. After the objective in inverted sentences. 4th. Before and after an intermediate clause. 5th. Before the relative. 6th. Before and after clauses introduced by prepositions. 7th. Before conjunctions and the adverbs, how, why, when, where, &c. 8th. Before the infinitive mode, if any word intervene between it and the word which governs it. EXAMPLES. The experience of want | enhances the value of plenty. On Linden when the sun was low. Trials in this state of being | are the lot of man. Death is the season | which brings our affections to the test. From the right exercise | of our intellectual powers | arises | one of the chief sources of our happiness. We applaud virtue | even in enemies. Honor and shame | from no conditions rise A public speaker | may have a voice that is musical and of great compass; but it requires much time and labor | to attain its just modulation | and that variety of flexion and tone which a pathetic discourse requires. CHAPTER IV. FOURTEENTH LESSON. THE INFLECTIONS. The monotone is a continuation of sound on the same pitch or key. It is marked thus The monotone has great force and dignity in pronouncing grave, solemn and sublime language. EXAMPLE. Ō thou that rollest above, round as the shield of my fathers! whence are thy beams, Ō Sun! thy everlasting light? Thou comest forth in thy awful beauty; the stars hide themselves in the sky; the moon, cold and pale, sinks in the western wave. But thou thyself movest alone By inflection is meant the turning or slide of the voice upward or downward from any pitch or key. The rising inflection, marked thus is that upward slide of the voice which is used in asking a question beginning with a verb, as, Did he say no? The falling inflection, marked thus is that downward slide of the voice which is usually made in answering a question, as, Did he say no? He did; he said no FIFTEENTH LESSON. TABLE OF INFLECTIONS. Did he say hate or late? He said hate, not late He said beat, not peat He said file, not vile. He said goal, not coal. He said flute, not lute. He said man, not men. He said pin, not fin. He said blot, not plot. He said born, not horn Did he say or turn? He said burn, not turn Did he say bar or far? He said bar, not far Did he say fast or last? Did he say full or pull? Did he say bird or third? He said fast, not last. He said call, not hall. He said bird, not third. The inflections in the foregoing table may be varied from one tone to an octave. Practising long intervals is specially recommended, as tend ing to give firmness, strength and variety to the voice CHAPTER V. SIXTEENTH LESSON. CIRCUMFLEX. By circumflex is meant two slides of the voice. The rising circumflex, marked thus V consists of the downward and upward inflections. The falling circumflex, marked thus Ʌ consists of the upward and downward inflections. The rising circumflex is principally used on words spoken ironically—that is, on words expressing one thing and meaning another. EXAMPLE. Hear him, my lord: he is wondrous condescending. V V V So are they all, all honorable men. The falling circumflex generally is used to express reproach, |