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When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of Oratory, he
answered, "Action," and which was the second, read more
When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of Oratory, he
answered, "Action," and which was the second, he replied,
"action," and which was the third, he still answered "Action."
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.]
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.
The object of oratory alone is not truth, but persuasion.
The object of oratory alone is not truth, but persuasion.
For rhetoric, he could not ope
His mouth, but out there flew a trope.
For rhetoric, he could not ope
His mouth, but out there flew a trope.
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.
With little art, clear wit and sense
Suggest their own delivery.
[Ger., Es tragt Verstand und rechter read more
With little art, clear wit and sense
Suggest their own delivery.
[Ger., Es tragt Verstand und rechter Sinn,
Mit wenig Kunst sich selber vor.]
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.
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.