PHAP7'Eh IYC. 135 iellucidowas a very great genius; when he spoke in the seitàte be was wont to convey his ideas in so simple and happy a manner As to instruct and convince every hearer; and to inforée the con- viction through the whole illustrious assembly ; and that with so 'much evidence, that you would have been ready té wonder, that 'every one who spoke had not said the same things ; but Pellucido was the only man that could do it, the only speaker who had Attained this art andhonour: Such is the writer óf whomHorace would say; Út sibi qüivis, Speret idem; endet multum, frustraque taboret Ausus idem. De Art. Poet, Smooth beyour stylé, and plain and natural, To strike the sons of trapping or Whitebait ;; While others think this easy to attain, Let them but try, and with their utmost pain 'they'll sweat and strive to imitate in vain. XII. If any thing seem dark in the discourse of your cötn- panion, so that you have not a clear idea of what is spoken, en- deavour to obtain a clearer conception of it by a decent manner of enquiry. Do not charge the speaker with obscurity either in his sense or his words, but intreat his favour to relieve your Own want of penetration, or to add an enlightening word or two, that you may take up his whole meaning. If difficulties arise in your mind, and constrain your dissent to the things spoken, " re- present what objections some persons would be ready to make against the sentiments of the speaker," without telling him you oppose. This manner of address carries something more modest and obliging in it, than to appear to raise objectionsof your own by way of contradiction to him that spoke. XIII. When you are forced to differ from him who delivers his senseon any point, yet " agree as far as you can, and repre- sent how far you agree ;" and if there be any room for it, explain the words of the speaker in such a sense to which you can in general assent and so agree with him ; or at least by a small ad- dition or alteration of his sentiments shew your own sense Of things. It is the practioe and delight of a candid hearer, to make it appear how oiï'wiiling he is to differ from him that speaks. Let the speaker know that it is nothing but truth constrains you to oppose him, and let that difference be always exprest in few and civil, and chosen words, such as give the least offence. And be careful always to take Solomon's rule with you, and Iet your correspondent fairly finish his speech before you reply ; for he that answereth a matter before be lteareth it, it is folly and shame unto him; Prov. xviii. -I3. A little watchfulness, care, and practice, in younger life, will render all these things more easy, familiar, and natural to you, and will grow into habit. Vez.. ttt E.
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