THE

RHETORICAL SPEAKER;

AND

POETICAL CLASS BOOK.

COMPRISING

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS

ON

THE STRUCTURE OF LANGUAGE,

AN ANALYSIS OF POETRY,

DIRECTIONS FOR THE MODULATION OF THE VOICE,
THE DELINEATION OF THE PASSIONS, &c.

TOGETHER WITH

A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OF PIECES

FROM THE MOST ESTEEMED AUTHORS,

FOR

RECITATION AND READING,

WITH COPIOUS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEIR DELIVER

BY

IBL

LONDON:

J. SOUTER, SCHOOL LIBRARY,

73, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD.

1833

OTHE

R. T. LINNINGTON,

Author of the "Companion to the Globes," and the "Compendium of Astronomy."

"Lapides et ligna ab aliis accipio, auificii tamen extructio ct forma tota nostra est. Archi-
tectus ego sum, sed materiam varie undique conduxi. Nec arenarum sane textus ideo melior,
quia ex se fila gignunt, nec noster vilior quia ex alienis libamus ut apes."-Lipsius.

BODI

C. E. KNIGHT, HOLLOWAY, MIDDLES X.

TO SIR HUGH PALLISER PALLISER,

OF CASTLE-PALLISER: BARONET.

DEAR SIR HUGH, .

It is with infinite pleasure, and much confidence, that I submit the present work for public approbation, under the patronage of one, whom, from having had the honour of instructing, I know to possess talent to appreciate, and kindness of disposition to encourage any literary effort, however humble. With the most sincere regard, and greatest respect,

I am,

Dear SIR HUGH,

Your much obliged, most obedient, and very humble Servant,

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

IT cannot but be admitted, that a correct and graceful Elocution is the most useful accomplishment that can be possessed; and it is equally a fact, that unless a foundation be laid in the early part of life for the acquirement of this bewitching art, it will be in vain to expect to arrive at any great degree of excellence in after years.

Although Oratory may not be now in such high estimation as it was in ancient times, when, as it has been justly observed, the tongue of an Orator could do more than the sword of the Warrior, or the sceptre of the Monarch, and when some thousands of pounds were given for a single speech; yet there is no respectable station of life in which it may not be the means of obtaining the most decided advantages, while to all who are called upon to address large assemblies, whether in the Parliament, at the Bar, or in the Pulpit, its value is inestimable. Should a