Comb down his hair!-look! look! it stands upright, VI.-Impassioned Sentiment. Shakspeare. The passions have their origin in the constitutional nature of man, but their exciting cause is generally to be found in the sympathies of virtue or the incitements of vice. To a like source we may trace many sentiments of a highly emotional character, which, although not expressing themselves in the language of passion, are frequently its precursor, and evince great depth of feeling. Such sentiments require, in reading, that the excitement of passion should be avoided, but feeling and expression be duly regarded. The following Examples will sufficiently illustrate subjects of this class : 1. A noble-minded Abhorrence of Slavery. I would not have a slave to till my ground, And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth I had much rather be myself the slave, And wear the bonds, than fasten them on him. Cowper. 2. A high regard for Woman's Reputation. A woman's name is linked to something holy! To honour-to defend; a woman's name! All other strength, all other vigour-weakness! The charm, the grace, the sweetness of her being; Is villain deeper stained than language finds C. Swain. VII.-Point and Wit. Point and Wit require a ready perception of the word or words on which their force depends, and also a happy mode of expression and intonation to read with effect, and do justice to the author's meaning. The Epigram, Repartee, Sarcasm, Facetia, and Anec. dote, may be regarded as subjects of this kind. When different persons are represented as speaking, there must be a corresponding difference of voice in their respective parts. (1.) EPIGRAM. The Epigram is always concluded with some pointed remark, often witty, but always forcible, whether humorous or serious; and requires to be read in that unpretentious manner, which lays due stress upon the main points, and gives them pungency and quick effect, without the appearance of a studied purpose. 1. Wit Described. As in smooth oil, the razor best is whet, Their want of edge, from their offence is seen; 2. An Epigram described. One day in Chelsea meadows walking Be like a jelly-bag." "Your simile, I own, is new, Young. But how wilt make it out?" says Hugh. To hold a budget full of wit, And point it at the end." Anon. 3. The Manchester Millers, named Bone and Skin. That flesh and blood can't bear it. Dr. Byrom. 4. On seeing the Leaves of a well-bound Book Worm-eaten. Burns. 5. "Dum vivimus vivamus." (While we live, let us live.) "Live whilst you live," the epicure would say, "And taste the pleasures of the passing day," "Live whilst you live," the sacred preacher cries, "And give to God each moment as it flies." Lord! in my life let both united be; I live to pleasure, if I live to Thee. 6. On Robert Bloomfield. Dr. Doddridge. Bloomfield, thy happy-omen'd name Both sense and truth this verdict give,- H. Kirke White. 7. Waller's Excuse to Charles II. When Charles, at once a monarch and a wit, Some smooth, soft flatt'ry read, by Waller writ, (Waller, who erst to sing was not asham'd, That "Heaven in storms, great Cromwell's soul had claim'd,") Turn'd to the bard, and with á smile, said he— "Your strains for Crom. excel your strains for me." : The wit, his cheeks with conscious blushes red, 8. On Interfering in the Quarrels of others. Too wise to take counsel, too proud to take warning, That he sent to all three a challenge next morning : Three duels he fought, thrice he ventur'd his life; Went home-and was cudgell'd again by his wife. Dean Swift. (2.) REPARTEE. The Repartee is a short, sharp, witty reply, partaking very much of the character of an epigram, and, like it, depending for effect on the skill and tones with which the points are brought out. 1. Dispute between Dr. Radcliffe and Sir Godfrey Kneller. Sir Godfrey and Radcliffe had one common way Into one common garden-and each had a key. Quoth Kneller, "I'll certainly stop up that door, If ever I find it unlock'd any more.' "Your threats," replied Radcliffe, "disturb not my ease, And so you don't paint it, e'en do what you please." "You're smart," rejoins Kneller, "but say what you will, I'll take any thing from you,-save potion and pill." 2. Reproof of Vanity. Anon. Says a beau to a lady, "Pray, name if you can, Anon. |