Delsarte System of Oratory by Various
page 45 of 576 (07%)
page 45 of 576 (07%)
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3. It is never necessary to dwell upon the sound we have just left; this would be to fall into that jerky tone we wish to avoid. _Of Respiration and Silence._ We place respiration and silence under the same head because of their affinity, for respiration may often be accounted silence. _Of silence._--Silence is the father of speech, and must justify it. Every word which does not proceed from silence and find its vindication in silence, is a spurious word without claim or title to our regard. Origin is the stamp, in virtue of which we recognize the intrinsic value of things. Let us, then, seek in silence the sufficient reason of speech, and remember that the more enlightened the mind is, the more concise is the speech that proceeds from it. Let us assume, then, that this conciseness keeps pace with the elevation of the mind, and that when the mind arrives at the perception of the true light, finding no words that can portray the glories open to its view, it keeps silent and admires. It is through silence that the mind rises to perfection, for _silence is the speech of God_. Apart from this consideration, silence recommends itself as a powerful agent in oratorical effects. By silence the orator arouses the attention of his audience, and often deeply moves their hearts. When Peter Chrysologue, in his famous homily upon the gospel miracle of the healing of the issue of blood, overcome by emotion, paused suddenly and remained |
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