to what Extent, and how most readily attainable 2” 243 
gree modernized. Its ultimate character was peculiar: sweet 
gravity was its main constituent. 
Our native composition was next essayed. Improvement was 
striking and decided, although certain vestiges of original asso- 
ciations were still perceptible. For the perfect obliteration then 
of all these, a finishing exercise appeared desirable—and for this 
purpose the accentual or muscular signs were evidently the most 
effectual. ! 
Some eighty or a hundred lines from “Leland’s Demosthenes” 
and ‘* The Spirit of Patriotism,” together with the “ Apostles’ 
Creed*” were therefore accented; not regularly indeed and ac- 
cording to ancient method, but rather in an arbitrary manner— 
these English exercises having but two objects in view; namely, 
the changing of original associations, and accustoming theSpeaker- 
to unusual attempts at elevation, depression and repetition, even. 
with temporary rant, which imperfection the judicious practi- 
tioner should however, as much as possible, avoid. The exordium 
of the first Philippic will serve for an example. 
Philippic the first. 
[For the definite application of the accentual signs, see Ma- 
gazine for January. ] 
‘Had wé been convéned Athénians updn sdme new subject 
of débate, I had waited until mdst 6f the tistial+ pérsons had de- 
clared their opinions. If I hdd approved of any thing préposed 
by’ them, I shotild have continued silent: if not, I hdd thén at- 
témpted to expréss my’ sentiments. But since those véry points 
upon which thése spéakers have 6ftentimes been heard alréady, 
aire at this time té be considered; thd I have arisen first, I 
presume I may expéct your pardon ; for if théy, on former oc- 
casions had advised the necéssary méasures, you would not have: 
found it néedful t6 consult at présent.” 
During the prosecution of these latter exercises, Music was 
once more introduced. The Speaker, as I have elsewhere ob- 
served, was, notwithstanding his almost incredible improvement, 
still too unchaste and even too monotonous in his modulation to 
satisfy the discriminating judges by whom he was occasionally — 
* This Creed was chosen for its supposed susceptibility of superior mo- 
dulation. Of this hereafter. 
t The general incapacity of the Speaker to sustain the letter « occasioned 
these consecutive acutes on “ fisial.” [In words like usefulness ” &c. this 
defect was highly detrimental.) The several almost-consecutive acutes to- 
wards the conclusion of the period, were also intended as preventives of 
precipitation, 
With regard to the word “ péints,” it was intentionally circumflexed—to 
destroy that contemptible affectation, now xrowing into custom, of genteelly 
squeezing to death the noblest of our diphthongs. 
2 examined : 
