6. Be not lulled, my countrymen, with vain imaginations or idle fancies. To hope for the protection of Heaven, without doing our duty, and exerting ourselves as becomes men, is to mock the Deity. Wherefore had man his reason, if it were not to direct him? wherefore his strength, if it be not his protection? To banish folly and luxury, correct vice and immorality, and stand immovable in the freedom in which we are free indeed, is eminently the duty of each individual at this day. When this is done, we may rationally hope for an answer to our prayers--for the whole counsel of God, and the invincible armor of the Almighty.
7. The quality of mercy is not strained: It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed,-- It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown: His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. But mercy is above this sceptred sway: It is enthroned in the hearts of kings; It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice.
Fulness of voice is necessary, that, when you are speaking in a large hall, your voice may be powerful. Most persons could make themselves heard, and, with good articulation, understood; but yet they would lack power, because the voice wants fulness. The extracts given below will suggest to you the necessity of a full voice to express them well. Observe these directions in trying to get a full, energetic tone:--
1st, Correct speaker's position, take active chest, and keep it.
2d, Take full breath, breathe often, and control it. (See "Holding Breath.")
4th, Use conversational and lower tones of the voice.
5th, Fix the mind on some distant spot, and speak as if you wished to make some one hear at that point.
6th, Remember to be very energetic, and yet have it seem to a looker-on or listener to be done without the slightest effort.
1. O'Brien's voice is hoarse with joy, as, halting, he commands, "Fix bay'nets--charge!" Like mountain-storm rush on these fiery bands. On Fontenoy, on Fontenoy! hark to that fierce huzza! "Revenge! remember Limerick! dash down the Sassenagh!" Like lions leaping at a fold when mad with hunger's pang, Right up against the English line the Irish exiles sprang. The English strove with desperate strength, paused, rallied, staggered, fled: The green hill-side is matted close with dying and with dead. On Fontenoy, on Fontenoy, like eagles in the sun, With bloody plumes the Irish stand: the field is fought and won.