Wise Thomas Macaulay!

He had made a reputation as a writer by his first article, and after his
maiden speech all London chanted his praises as an orator. He practised
self-restraint and knew better than to dilute his fame by holding argument
with small men on little topics.

His first speech at the next session of Parliament only served to fix his
place as an orator more firmly. The immediate excuse was the "Reform
Bill"; but the subject was liberty, and literature and history were called
upon to furnish fire and supply the fuel for pyrotechnics. After its
delivery the Speaker sent for Macaulay and personally congratulated him on
making the most effective address to which he had listened for twenty-five
years. The House of Commons, ever willing and anxious to appropriate a
genius, being glutted by the dull and commonplace, sought in many ways
from this time forward to do honor to Macaulay.

The elder members grew reminiscent and said the good old times were coming
back, and talked of Burke, Fox, Canning and Lord Plunket.

Jeffrey, feeling a sense of guardianship over Macaulay, having launched
him, as he rightfully claimed, was on hand to hear the speech, and made
haste to embrace his ward, kissing him on both cheeks.

Judging from this distance, there was nothing especially peculiar or
distinctive about Macaulay's oratory, save his intense personality and
vivid earnestness. An educated man, thoroughly alive on any one theme, is
always interesting. And it was Macaulay's policy never to speak in public
on a theme that did not bring out his entire armament, and yet with it all