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What's this-" To the Pope?"

The letter, as I live, with all the business

I wrote his holiness!-Nay, then, farewell!
I have touch'd the highest point of all my greatness:
And, from that full meridian of my glory,
I haste now to my setting. I shall fall,
Like a bright exhalation in the evening,
And no man see me more.

Shakspeare.

IX.-Part-Reading.

Part-reading, or the reading of parts, representing different persons or characters, ordinarily assumes one of three forms.

1st. The Dialogue, or part-speaking, in a continuous narrative; as has been already seen in the illustrations of " Point and Wit," and "Emotional Description."

2ndly. The same kind of dialogue, or debate, arranged separately in the parts taken by the several speakers. In prose, this style is seldom adopted, except in the form of reports of conversation, debates, &c., or in compositions intended for religious, moral, or scientific instruction; and even in poetry, where it is somewhat more frequently used, it is not very common.

3rdly. Dramatic Readings; where the parts, which are intended to be fully represented both in acting and speaking, are distinctly marked out, and the special characteristics of each part carefully preserved.

From this division of the subject, it will be obvious, that in order to part-reading being effective, without that pretentious affectation of character and mistake of object and design which render it ridiculous, the reader must duly consider, in the first place, whether it is intended to be the representation of character, or the mere report of a dialogue or debate; and, in the next, how far his delivery, under such circumstances, should be representative or narrative.

In all cases, however, where different persons are introduced, and the effect depends upon characteristic representation, as in the following examples, the natural variations of voice and manner must be carefully maintained; and the reader or speaker must, as much as possible, impersonate the different parts, and express them to the life.

One person reading several parts, must present each proper characteristics, and with proper variations of voice.

in its

(1.) CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE.

1. Interview between two Leaders of the French Revolution

of 1792.

"Subdue the enemies of liberty by terror," said Robespierre; "the government of the Revolution is the despotism of liberty against tyranny." In this speech he denounced the Moderates and the Ultrarevolutionists as both desiring the downfall of the republic.

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After this beginning of hostilities, DANTON (a Moderatist), who had not given up his connexion with ROBESPIERRE, asked for an interview with him. It took place at the residence of Robespierre himself. They were cold and bitter; Danton complained violently; and Robespierre was reserved. "I know," said Danton, "all the hatred the Committee bear me; but I do not fear it." You are wrong," replied Robespierre; "it entertains no ill designs against you; but you would do well to have an explanation.' explanation?" rejoined Danton, "an explanation?— That requires good faith!"-Seeing that Robespierre looked grave at these words, he added-" No doubt it is necessary to put down the royalists, but we ought only to strike blows which will benefit the republic; we must not confound the innocent with the guilty." And who," exclaimed Robespierre sharply," says that an innocent person has been put to death?" Danton

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"An

turned to one of his friends who had accompanied him, and said, with a bitter smile-"What do you say to this? not one innocent person has perished!"

They then separated, and all friendship ceased between them.-Mignet.

2. The Three Warnings.

When sports went round, and all were gay,
On neighbour Dobson's wedding-day,
Death call'd aside the jocund groom
With him into another room;

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And looking grave-" You must," said he,
Quit your sweet bride, and come with me."
"With you! and quit my Susan's side!
With you!" the hapless husband cried:
Young as I am, 'tis monstrous hard!
Besides, in truth, I am not prepar'd;
My thoughts on other matters go;
This is my wedding-day, you know."

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What more he urg'd, I have not heard,
His reasons could not well be stronger;
So death the poor delinquent spar'd,
And left to live a little longer.

Yet calling up a serious look,

His hour-glass trembled while he spoke-
"Neighbour," he said, "farewell, no more
Shall Death disturb your mirthful hour:
And further, to avoid all blame
Of cruelty upon my name,
To give you time for preparation,
And fit you for your future station,
Three several warnings you shall have
Before you're summon'd to the grave;
Willing for once I'll quit my prey,
And grant a kind reprieve,

In hopes you'll have no more to say ;
But when I call again this way,

Well pleas'd the world you'll leave."

To these conditions both consented,
And parted perfectly contented.

What next the Hero of our tale befel,
How long he liv'd, how wise, how well,
How roundly he pursu'd his course,
And smok'd his pipe, and strok'd his horse,
The willing muse shall tell.
He chaffer'd then, he bought and sold,
Nor once perceiv'd his growing old,
Nor thought of death as near:
His friends not false, his wife no shrew,
Many his gains, his children few,
He pass'd his hours in peace.

But while he view'd his wealth increase,
While thus along Life's dusty road
The beaten track content he trod,
Old Time, whose haste no mortal spares,
Uncall'd, unheeded, unawares,

Brought on his eightieth year.

And now, one night, in musing mood,
As all alone he sate,

Th' unwelcome Messenger of Fate
Once more before him stood.

Half kill'd with anger and surprise,
"So soon return'd," old Dobson cries.
"So soon, d'ye call it?" Death replies;
Surely, my friend, you're but in jest!
Since I was here before

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'Tis six-and-thirty years at least,

And you are now fourscore."

"So much the worse," the clown rejoin'd,

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"To spare the aged would be kind :

Beside, you promis'd me Three Warnings, Which I have look'd for nights and mornings, And for the loss of time and ease

I can recover damages."

"I know," cries Death, "that at the best,
I seldom am a welcome guest;

But don't be captious, friend, at least,
I little thought you'd still be able
To stump about your farm and stable;
Your years have run to a great length,
I wish you joy, tho' of your strength!"
"Hold," says the farmer, "not so fast!
I have been lame these four years past."

"And no great wonder," Death replies :
"However, you still keep your eyes;
And sure, to see one's loves and friends,
For legs and arms would make amends."
"Perhaps," says Dobson, "so it might,
But latterly I've lost my sight."

"This is a shocking tale, 'tis true;
But still there's comfort left for you;
Each strives your sadness to amuse;
I warrant you hear all the news."
"There's none," cries he, "and if there were,
I'm grown so deaf, I could not hear."

"Nay, then," the spectre stern rejoin'd,
"These are unjustifiable yearnings,-
If you are lame, and deaf, and blind,
You've had your three sufficient warnings;
So come along, no more we'll part;
He said, and touch'd him with his dart.
And now old Dobson, turning pale,
Yields to his fate-so ends my tale.

Mrs. Thrale.

(2.) CONVERSATIONS IN POETRY.

Lord Bathurst and Mr. Pope, on the use of Riches. Pope. Who shall decide, when doctors disagree, And soundest casuists doubt, like you and me?

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