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and now that he is on his feet, let the eye be thrown around the audience, and all will be seen on the tip-toe— all will be still to the ear. The first feeling in operation in the breasts of previous speakers, refers as much to themselves as the subject; and the first thought in the mind of the mere hearer, is inadvertently directed to the same quarter, and is followed up with anxiety or pleasure -looking forward to see how it will fare with such as have thus entered the arena of debate, as well as toward the fate of the question in which he himself may have an interest, and which absolutely hangs upon the breath, and is to be decided by him upon whom every eye is now fixed, as by fascination. Listen to him: he takes, perhaps, at first, a dispassionate view of the general question, then gives you his own opinion; next goes on to establish certain positions; notices the remarks of previous speakers, so far as they seem to interfere with his own sentiments; and, lastly, proceeds to the formal reply, in which he often takes upon himself the onus probandi, either classifying the arguments of his opponents, or taking up their objections separately, as may best suit his purpose; encircling himself all the while in a tower of strength, from whose impregnable walls he nods defiance to all his assailants. Very often, at a moment when a man is congratulating himself on the probability of a happy escape, or of finding his arguments valid, by a less early notice, he will come down upon him in an instant, like an unexpected flash of lightning, broad and vivid, shivering to pieces, by a single stroke, the whole superstructure he had reared, and upon which he had long gazed with the fondness of a parent on a favourite child-compelling him at the time by its glare to shrink back into himself. On

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

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