Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/450

 426 SKETCHES OF THE

a striking resemblance to the eloquence of lord Chat- ham ; it was a short, but bold and most terrible assault — a vehement, impetuous, and overwhelming burst — a magnificent meteor, which shot majestically across the heavens, from pole to pole, and straight expired in a glorious blaze.

Mr. Henry, on the contrary, however indolent in his general life, was never so in debate, where the occasion called for exertion. He rose against the pressure, with the most unconquerable perseverance. He held his subject up in eveiy light in which it could be placed; yet, always with so much power, and so much beauty, as never to weary his audience, but on the contrary to delight them. He had more art than colonel Innis: he appealed to every motive of interest — urged every argu- ment that could convince — ^pressed every theme of per- suasion — awakened every feeling, and roused every passion to his aid. He had more variety too, in his manner: sometimes he was very little above the tone of conversation; at othei's^ in the highest strain of epic sublimity. His course w^as of longer continuance — his flights better sustained, and more diversified, both in their direction and velocity. He rose like the thunder- bearer of Jove, w^hen he mounts on strong and untiring wing, to sport in fearless majesty over the troubled deep — now sweeping in immense and rapid circles — then suddenly arresting his gi^and career, and hovering aloft in tremulous and terrible suspense — at one instant, plunged amid the foaming waves — at the next, re-ascend- ing on high, to play undaunted among the lightnings of heaven, or soar towards the sun.

He differed too, from those orators of Great Britain, with whom we have become acquainted by their printed speeches. He had not the close method, and high polish '

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