Page:Modern Eloquence - Volume 1.djvu/22

Rh is presented in alphabetical order, according to its title. Reference to each subject will be found under the general classification to which the subject in question belongs. An entry will be found of every person, place, or event cited on any page of the entire work. Thus the analytical index comprises a general index, an index of speakers, an index of subjects, an index of illustrations, an index of stories, an index of wit and eloquence, and an index of events. The type, paper, and press-work are all in keeping with the standard of excellence required in a work of this character.

The Editors of "Modern Eloquence" have endeavored to preserve for the present and future generations the best spoken thought of the century. Lectures that entertained and electrified large audiences all over the country, responses to toasts that struck the right chord at some momentous banquet, and occasional addresses of "piercing wit and pregnant thought" are worthy of preservation in lasting form.

True eloquence is irresistible. It charms by its images of beauty, it enforces an argument by its vehement simplicity. Orators whose speeches are "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing," only prevail where truth is not understood, for knowledge and simplicity are the foundation of all true eloquence. Eloquence abounds in beautiful and natural images, sublime but simple conceptions, in passionate but plain words. Burning words appeal to the emotions, as well as to the intellect; they stir the soul and touch the heart.

Eloquence, according to the definition of Lyman Beecher, is "logic on fire." Sweet and honeyed sentences, a profusion of platitudinous phrases, a roll of resounding periods, may tickle the ear for the time being, but no speech of this order is worthy of permanent preservation. The language of eloquence is founded on thought, emotion, earnestness, humor, and enthusiasm. Above all, it requires innate talent, for the secret of verbal magic was never acquired in a school of oratory. In its higher forms eloquence requires natural genius, profound knowledge, a lofty imagination, and an unusual command of the power of language.

Men of literary genius have often been gifted with the talent of thoughtful, cultured, and impressive speech, and some of the speeches of this class which have been