The Lifeboat A Tale of the Dover Express The Death of Absalom The Inchcape Rock Beth Gelert The Glove and the Lions The Raven The Bridge of Sighs RECITATIONS. THE POPULAR ELOCUTIONIST AND RECITER. PART I.-ELOCUTION. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. IF English Grammar be truly defined as "the art of speaking and writing the English Language with propriety," then, assuredly, the practice of elocution should form a component part of the curriculum of every school and college. That such has not been the case until a very recent period, and is even now only partially so, is evidenced by the fact that among all classes of society there is no complaint more general than that of the rarity of good readers. 66 "And how," asks a writer in a recent number of the English Churchman, can it be otherwise? The laity complain, and most justly, of the bad reading inflicted on them Sunday after Sunday. Candidates for the ministry have no proper instruction, either in public schools or universities. They enter on their professional duties with provincialisms and cockneyisms uncorrected, and positively read worse than many members of their congregation. These evils are the necessary consequence of the inadequate estimate of the end in view, and the means to be employed for its attainment." Some take half a dozen lessons, perhaps, from a strolling player, or trust to one lecture on church reading, given by the examining chaplain at the close of the examination for holy orders! The only true mode is a regular course of instruction." As far as regards the requirements of the clergy, the evil may be cured in after life, but B |