orator's hands were clasped and raised; he moved more rapidly across
the stage; the words were spoken with artistic energy, and loudly
applauded.

Thus far the admirable clearness of statement and perfect propriety of
speech, added to the personal prestige which surrounds any man so
distinguished as the orator, had secured a well-bred attention. But
there was not yet that eager, fixed intentness, sensitive to every
tone and shifting humor of the speaker, which shows that he thoroughly
possesses and controls the audience. There was none of that charmed
silence in which the very heart and soul seem to be listening; and at
any moment it would have been easy to go out.

But when leaving the purely historical current the orator struck into
some considerations upon the views of our affairs taken by foreign
nations, the vivacious skill of his treatment excited a more vital
attention. There was a truer interest and a heartier applause. And
when still pressing on, but with unchanged action, he glanced at the
consequences of a successful rebellion, the audience was, for the
first time, really aroused.

Let us suppose, said the orator, that secession is successful, what
has been gained? How are the causes of discontent removed? Will the
malcontents have seceded because of the non-rendition of fugitive
slaves? But how has secession helped it? When, in the happy words of
another, Canada has been brought down to the Potomac, do they think
their fugitives will be restored? No: not if they came to its banks
with the hosts of Pharaoh, and the river ran dry in its bed.

Loud applause here rang through the building.