these occasions he can be sarcastic, solemn, playful, or otherwise. But he never approaches a subject without illuminating it, and rarely retires from the field without conquest; followed by the smiles of his friends, and leaving the opposing powers in a state of suspense or blank astonishment. We feel unwilling to leave this part of his character, and yet we are afraid to proceed with it, owing to our incompetency to do it justice. We have heard pleaders at the bar, and statesmen in the senate, (a place, by the way, which he is very fond of attending;) but we solemnly aver, that, for reply, we never heard a near approach to him. His replies are like the set speeches of some of our first speakers; so full, so regular, so neat, so consecutive, so pertinent, so easy, so ready! He has no set time for emphasis, but rises in feeling with the importance of his subject, and the people go up with him, till both gain the summit of the mount, and the latter feel it difficult to descend again, or stoop to common things. His eloquence is irresistible. Had he been brought up to the bar, or been trained for the senate, he would never have paused in his upward career, till he had either been premier or lord high chancellor; and where he is, he is a king among his subjects. His presence of mind never forsakes him. No man makes fewer mistakes, and he never leaves an advantage unimproved. It is dangerous for an adversary to slumber or be off his guard in his presence. He is always awake himself, and, like the famous Erskine, is as daring as he is skilful; taking advantage of the least opening, and defending himself with caution. His fine spirit and courage, when let out, give vigour and direction to the whole, bearing down all resistance. He is not like some speakers, full |
