PREFACE The power of eloquence has been recognized from the earliest times. It has occupied a foremost place in influencing human conduct and persuading men to action. In ancient Greece oratory was as seriously regarded and studied as any of the arts and sciences. It was this art, indeed, which gave to Athenians much of their polished grace and superior culture. It is true that not every one can be a great orator, yet to have a place even in the second or third rank is a worthy ambition. A man may become excellent, tho he may not become great. As an old writer has said, even if we have little hope of surpassing great men, we may deem it an honor to follow them. The student of public speaking should remember that all great speakers began as students, and in many instances owed their ultimate distinction, not so much to natural endowments as to earnestness and diligence. Demosthenes and Cicero studied ceaselessly; Chatham, Fox, Burke, Brougham, Gladstone, and other British orators were close students of classical eloquence; while Webster, Lincoln, Clay, and many others renowned in American oratory were indefatigable. True eloquence is not, as some think, an artificial thing. It has to do with all the natural resources of mind and body, and seeks as its ultimate end the highest development of man's God-given powers. "Let us with all the affections of our heart," says Quintilian, "endeavor to attain the very majesty of eloquence, than which the immortal gods have not imparted anything better to mankind, and without which all would be mute in nature, and destitute of the splendor of a perfect glory and future remembrance. Let us likewise always make a continued progress toward perfection. By so doing we shall either reach the height, or at least shall see many beneath us. It will be profitable to every man, whether or not he aspires to become a great speaker, to develop his gifts to the highest proficiency of which they are capable. No other talent will win for him such honor, friendship and lasting fame. New York City, September, 1911. GRENVILLE KLEISER. AFTER-DINNER SPEECH. By Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer 150 THE QUALITIES THAT WIN. By Charles Sumner BEHOLD THE AMERICAN. By Thomas DeWitt Talmage 160 WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION. By Chauncey M. Depew 169 |