What's this-" To the Pope?" The letter, as I live, with all the business I wrote his holiness!-Nay, then, farewell! 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. 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 66 "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, 66 And looking grave-" You must," said he, 66 What more he urg'd, I have not heard, Yet calling up a serious look, His hour-glass trembled while he spoke- In hopes you'll have no more to say ; Well pleas'd the world you'll leave." To these conditions both consented, What next the Hero of our tale befel, But while he view'd his wealth increase, Brought on his eightieth year. And now, one night, in musing mood, Th' unwelcome Messenger of Fate Half kill'd with anger and surprise, 66 'Tis six-and-thirty years at least, And you are now fourscore." "So much the worse," the clown rejoin'd, 66 "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, But don't be captious, friend, at least, "And no great wonder," Death replies : "This is a shocking tale, 'tis true; "Nay, then," the spectre stern rejoin'd, 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? |