Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-06-16
From the Bunker Hill Aurora.
ELOQUENCE.

Fewer, perhaps have attained emi-
nence in this than in any other art
Men generally believe it to be gift of
nature, and neglect its cultivation, when,
by exertion, they might acquire this use
full accomplishment. The truth is, no
man ever became eminent in any depart
ment, without diligence and application ;
he must bend all his faculties to the sub
lject with which he proposes to acquaint
himself, and rise gradually, step by step,
towards popularity; he must be content
to deliver up himself to long and unremit-
ting study, and wait patiently for the re-
wards of his industry; he must not ex-
pect popular favor in moment, nor look
for the consummation of his hopes in the
morrow-but in the distant future, when
he shall have wrought his way laborious-
tly, to fame and renown. TO illustrate
this, many examples might be brought
forward, but one or two, will be sufficient
In the first place, I shall quote that of
one, who has ever claimed the admira-
ton of the world, by his perfection, in the
art of eloquence. Imean Demosthenes.
This renowned Athenian, was the son of
a blacksmith of the same name when
he was but seven years of age, his father
died and left him extensive possessions,
which were embezzlcd by his guardians,
who totally neglected his education; and
for whatever attainmcnts he made, he
was indebted to his own industry and
application. He becomc the pupil of
Isacus and Plato; and gave up himself
to study the orations of Isocrates. We
do not learn however, that he became en-
incnt at once-yet on the contrary, he
had many difficulties to contend with
and overcome, before he reached the
zenith Of his glory; he advanced slowly,
and laboriously, towards the eminence,
from which he possessed such unbound
cd influence over his countrymcn. No
man, ever enlisted the attention of an
audience, more than he; he could sway
them at his will, he united with an easy
and flowing style, power of reasoning,
which carried conviction to the soul, and
like torrent bore away all opposition in
its course his mind, strong by nature,
was cultivated, and well stored with the
various learning of the day; his great
aim, was force and energy of expression;
and that he might a::ain them in an en-
incnt degree, he transcribed eight, or
ten times, the history of the renowned
Thucididcs, whose writings are celebrat-
ed for purity, elegance and energy; not
valuing any exertion, when so great an
object was to be obtained. 1t is related,
that he once lamented to Satyrus, a stage
actor, saying that he was the most labo-
rious of those who spoke in public, and
received no applause Tor his industry and
application; that he was neglected, whilst
riotous and unlearned men were admir-
ed. Satyrus, promised to remedy the
faults of his speaking, if he would attend
to his directions, and requesting him to
speak from memory, passage from Eu-
ripides; he commenced and having gone
through with it-Satyrus repeated the
same in such manner, that Dcmosthe-
nes scarcely recognized it. And being
convinced how much true cloquonce
added to production, he determined to
cultivate the art, with all the ardor ant
enthusiasm of his soul. He immediate
ly erected for himself subterraneou'
dwelling, where he spent month aitc