The following example consists of a condition or supposition followed by a question. The question at the end being asked emphatically, the interrogative tone is stronger than the conditional; but if the two be carefully compared, it will be perceived, that they have considerable resemblance to each other. So, if one of two partners in trade commits a fraud, by forgery, so as to subject himself or false indorsements, to death, or other punishment, by indictment, Common geometrical demonstrations abound in conditional clauses; e. g. If A be to B as C is to D, then, &c. Such are of ten introduced by the word let; e. g. Let A be to B as C to D, then E will be to F, &c. Further examples of conditional clauses, will be given in the subsequent chapter on Emphasis. CIRCUMFLEX INFLEXIONS. These begin with a falling, and end with a rising inflexion. We indicate them by placing the marks for each close together, and over the accented syllable of an emphatic word. The falling part has the same significance as if it were used alone. It is this first portion which gives circumflex inflexions their logical force and use. By a slight alteration in the con- . struction of the sentence, every circumflex may be superseded by a falling inflexion. In many cases also, it is merely a matter of taste which of these two to employ. What then is the office of the last or rising slide of the circumflex? In most cases, this is called for simply by the grammatical construction, which is such as to suspend the sense at the end of the clause. Sometimes also the rising part is required to exhibit a contrast with another word which has a falling inflexion. It is a general rule of good taste in reading or speaking, to emphasize by circumflexes as little as possible, and to substitute simple falling inflexions. The incessant employment of the former, produces a disagreeable style of animation in the reading of some, who in other respects possess great merit. It is going to an extreme, however, to endeavor wholly to avoid them. Circumflexes are as easy of execution as either rising or falling inflexions. Indeed in no sort of delivery do they so much abound, as in conversation. No practical direction is required for their management, further than the following: In emphasizing with a circumflex, endeavor to express the logical turn of the idea, by means of a falling inflexion then suffer the voice to end with a suspensive tone, in reference to the connexion with what follows, or for the purpose of expressing a contrast. When a circumflex occurs on an emphatic word, which consists but of a single syllable, it is always what is called a wave. That is, the voice slides first in one direction, and then in another, without any break in the continuity of sound. A wave may be either downwards and upwards, or upwards and downwards. The first is of most importance, and is that which we take care occasionally to mark. The second may mostly be dispensed with, so far as the sense is concerned, and in place of it the simple downward inflexion employed. It is used to prolong a syllable and give it a more earnest expression. In very powerful delivery, especially of argumentative composition, the increase of power given to falling slides, by sliding instead of skipping up to the point where they commence, is of perpetual occurrence. But as this mode of managing downward inflexions, depends not on the logic and grammar of a passage, but on the degree of earnestness in the reading or speaking, we frequently dispense with marking it.. One of the most common uses of the circumflex, is the following. In statement or argument, a word is emphasized in the way of pointed designation. The speaker by his tone and gesture, insists that his hearers shall take especial notice of that particular word. This pointing out is effected by means of a falling slide of the voice. But on the other hand, the word on which this is done is so situated, that it must end with a rising inflexion, on account of a contrast, or of a suspension of the sense. Thus it happens that two different objects are to be accomplished; and it is done by a circumflex. EXTRACT FOR PRACTICE. In the following glowing extract from Burke, the descending part of every circumflex proceeds from this principle. It keeps up throughout the extract, the tone of pointedly and strongly inculcating the leading doctrines. Without the circumflexes which we have marked, the argument will be delivered with di minished force and point. Although we have introduced a considerable number of circumflexes, we might have inserted still more. Each reader may increase or diminish the number, to suit his own taste and judgment. In a few instances, as will be observed, we have marked the upward and downward wave. It will be perceived that by means of it, a speaker will be enabled to set off the contrasts with more force and power. As this is one of the most magnificent passages of argument ever written, we shall not only mark the emphatic words and inflexions, but the emphatic slowness of rhythm which occasionally occurs, and which is so striking a characteristic of Burke's wonderful mastery of style. The whole will illustrate the most important uses of all the inflexions. The clauses included in brackets are conditional, and each must exhibit the conditional tone in a striking and spirited manner. The clause beginning with "As long as you have the wisdom," &c. is also included in a bracket, although the introductory words, "As long as," do not in strict propriety introduce a condition. The clause ought not therefore, by the laws of language, to be read with the conditional tone. Yet if such a tone be given, it will be an allowable license. will be of power to tear them from their allegiance. But let it be once understood, the chosen race and sons of liberty worship freedom, they will turn their faces towards you. The more they multiply, the more friends you will have. The more ardently they love liberty, the more perfect will be their obedience. they can have any where. |