Its Constitution--the glittering and sounding generalities of
natural right which make up the Declaration of Independence.

Its Constitution--the glittering and sounding generalities of
natural right which make up the Declaration of Independence.

I asked of my dear friend Orator Prig:
"What's the first part of oratory?" He said, "A great wig."
read more

I asked of my dear friend Orator Prig:
"What's the first part of oratory?" He said, "A great wig."
"And what is the second?" Then, dancing a jig
And bowing profoundly, he said, "A great wig."
"And what is the third?" Then he snored like a pig,
And puffing his cheeks out, he replied, "A great wig."

You'd scarce expect one of my age
To speak in public on the stage;
And if I read more

You'd scarce expect one of my age
To speak in public on the stage;
And if I chance to fall below
Demosthenes or Cicero,
Don't view me with a critic's eye,
But pass my imperfections by.
Large streams from little fountains flow,
Tall oaks from little acorns grow.

Fire in each eye, and papers in each hand,
They rave, recite, and madden round the land.

Fire in each eye, and papers in each hand,
They rave, recite, and madden round the land.

Yet through delivery orators succeed,
I feel that I am far behind indeed.
[Ger., Allein der Vortrag read more

Yet through delivery orators succeed,
I feel that I am far behind indeed.
[Ger., Allein der Vortrag macht des Redners Gluck,
Ich fuhl es wohl noch bin ich weit zuruck.]

It makes a great difference whether Davus or a hero speaks.
[Lat., Intererit multum Davusne loquatur an heros.]

It makes a great difference whether Davus or a hero speaks.
[Lat., Intererit multum Davusne loquatur an heros.]

Very good orators, when they are out, they will spit; and for
lovers, lacking--God warn us!--matter, the cleanliest shift read more

Very good orators, when they are out, they will spit; and for
lovers, lacking--God warn us!--matter, the cleanliest shift is to
kiss.

Solon wished everybody to be ready to take everybody else's part;
but surely Chilo was wiser in holding that read more

Solon wished everybody to be ready to take everybody else's part;
but surely Chilo was wiser in holding that public affairs go best
when the laws have much attention and the orators none.

He mouths a sentence as curs mouth a bone.

He mouths a sentence as curs mouth a bone.