THE principles of elocution which are found in the first part of this book embrace nearly all that has been said on the subject of elocutionary training in the pre
ceding volumes of this series, with such additions as - are deemed necessary in a work of this character.
With a few exceptions, the rules and definitions for emphasis, inflection, &c., which have been used in the previous Readers, are here presented without any change in their phraseology. By thus expressing the same rule or definition in the same language wherever it occurs, an advantage will be secured when the books are used in connection; for the pupil, having learned a principle in one book, will not be obliged to bestow additional labor upon the same principle when he finds . it in another.
The best authorities have been consulted in the compilation of this brief treatise on elocution; and, although it does not comprise every thing that could be written upon the subject, yet it is believed to include all that can be successfully taught in the highest classes of public and private schools. If the principles which it contains are completely mastered and intelligently applied throughout the remainder of the book, they will contribute much to the attainment of a correct and graceful delivery.
The reading-lessons in the second part have been selected from the writings of
of the best
the best English and