1810.] 
capital divisions of an idea, whether sim- 
ple or complex, are marked with pro- 
portionate distinction of sound in the 
pronunciation ; the one whereim the train 
of thought is partly discoverable, the 
other wherein the idea is perfectly known. 
If the example above quoted be altered 
thus, “ A man NEVER detects a pleasing 
error,” the logical deduction of the pro- 
position appears false or doubtful ; and 
the qualifying clause, “ ’till reflexion 
Operates,” is requisite to be added, that 
the thought may be rendered just and 
true. By this single instance, it must 
appear evident to the most negligent ob- 
server, how close is the connexion be- 
tween sense and sound, when, while 
pronouncing the passage, the modifica- 
tion of voice signifying completion on 
the word “ error,” as in the first instance, 
would entirely destroy the thought. The 
student will perceive, that the distinction 
spoken of, will shift from the first nomi- 
Native to the division of clauses. “ Aman 
mever detects a pleasing Ee 
till reflexion operates.” 
_ Every word of more than one syllable, 
individually pronounced, is accompanied 
with a peculiar stress, called accentu- 
ation. Ifthe accent be placed after the 
first syllable of a word, each single word 
€xemplifies the two inflexions of voice, 
altering at the “‘accentuation.” If we 
advert to the pronunciation of the forego- 
ing example, we shall find that it natu- 
rally adopts first the rising, and then 
the falling, inflexion. 
4) 
“la — Slee 
But if the same word, 
—y) 
<4 £lLEq7 6-74, aks ots 
be made the subject of a verb, the ac- 
cented vowel as naturally adopts a diffe- 
rent inflexion; the modifications of voice, 
therefore, are determined by the propor- 
tions which they bear to the beginning 
or conclusion of the period.* As our 
senses convince us that certain bodies, 
used separately, are only of comparative 
utility, but, by admixture, their efficacy 
a a en ee 
* Independent of the contrary figures of 
g>etoric. 
« 
Defence of Couniry Banks, 
419 
may be altered or improved; so, by the 
study and practice of elocution, do we 
perceive that though words, indepen- 
dent of each other; convey only certain 
limited ideas, by adunation their signifis 
cation may be either restrained or ene 
larged. ‘The union of words conveys to 
the student the true nature of accented: | 
inflexion: the most significant of the 
words which are united, adopts the ac« 
ceutuation; but the sounds* of inflexion 
are governed by the progréss, or com- 
pletion, of the sense. 
‘¢ Let us proceed then by recollection,?* 
In the above sentence there are but two 
accents; and this at ence illustrates the 
adunation upon which we aré now come 
menting. The separate meanings of the 
four first and the two last words, are 
modified into distinct classes ; the former, 
in point of accentuation and infexion, 
raay with accuracy be termed a word of 
five syllables; aud the latter, a word of 
six syllables: consequently, there can be 
only two accents in the sentence. The 
one indicates that the sense is to be con 
tinued, the other that itis finished. This 
pronunciation of the sentence appears to 
agree with the general meaning deduced 
from the construction of its parts; but if, 
by the context, there be an opposition 
implied, and some more of its words 
are intended to convey particular mean. 
ings, they must be introduced to che ear 
with suitable force of utterance, This 
change of stress, however, does not at alt 
affect the general principle of adunation; 
for, certain single words, forming distiact 
classes of themselves, are liablé to the 
same alteration of accent, when placed - 
in the manner of contradistinction. This 
additional stress on words, is termed 
EMPHASIS: but, as we have not yet tho- 
roughly defined the more subordinate 
class of accented inflexion, we will dis 
miss for the present the subject of con 
traricty. James WRIGHT, 
35, Bedford-street, Covent Garden. 
—— ee 
For the Monthly Magazine. 
ON COUNTRY BANKS. 
A ND pray, sir, (said I,) what do you 
A think of the odium lately thrown 
upon country bankers? 
Why, (said he,) it is ungenerous, and £ 
think, in many respects, unfounded. 
But do you not, (I observed,) consider 
such an overflow of paper-currency as 
highly dangerous? 
® Sounds as to high and low; inflexion xising 
es falling, ; a, 
