for others, and eluding the snares set for his own feet by kindred
spirits. As far as the teaching of this country could afford me
the means and opportunity, I endeavored to procure a knowledge of
universal law--its sources--its true objects--its just principles--its
legitimate dicta. Mere authorities never satisfied me, unless,
passing behind the black gowns, I could follow up the reasoning
to the first fountains--the small original truths, the nicely
discriminated requisitions of immutable justice--the clearly-defined
and inevitable wants of a superior and prosperous society. Everything
that could illustrate law as well as fortify it; every collateral
aid, in the shape of history or moral truth, I gathered together,
even as the dragoon whose chief agent is his sabre, yet takes care
to provide himself with pistols, that may finish what the other
weapon has begun. Nor did I content myself with the mere acquisition
of the necessary knowledge. Knowing how much depends upon voice,
manner and fluency, in obtaining success before a jury, I addressed
myself to these particulars with equal industry. My voice, even
now, has a compass which your unexercised lungs, though quite as
good originally as mine, would fail entirely to contend with. I
do not deceive myself, as I certainly do not seek to deceive you,
when I say, that I acquired the happiest mastery over my person."

"Ah! sir--we see that now--that must have been the case!" said the
youth interrupting him. The other continued, sadly smiling as he
heard the eulogy which the youth meant to speak, the utterance of
which was obviously from the heart.

"My voice was taught by various exercises to be slow or rapid, soft
or strong, harsh or musical, by the most sudden, yet unnoticeable
transitions. I practised all the arts, which are recommended by