review the principles of public speaking laid down in the preceding chapters and

put them into practise as you read these passages again and again. _It would be

better to commit each selection to memory._

 

SELECTIONS FOR PRACTISE

 

_FROM MILTON'S "L'ALLEGRO"_

 

Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee Jest, and youthful Jollity, Quips and

Cranks and wanton Wiles, Nods and Becks, and wreathed Smiles, Such as hang on

Hebe's cheek, And love to live in dimple sleek,-- Sport that wrinkled Care

derides, And Laughter holding both his sides.

 

Come, and trip it as ye go On the light fantastic toe; And in thy right hand

lead with thee The mountain nymph, sweet Liberty: And, if I give thee honor due,

Mirth, admit me of thy crew, To live with her, and live with thee, In unreproved

pleasures free;

 

To hear the lark begin his flight, And singing, startle the dull Night From his

watch-tower in the skies, Till the dappled Dawn doth rise; Then to come in spite

of sorrow, And at my window bid good-morrow Through the sweetbrier, or the vine,

Or the twisted eglantine; While the cock with lively din Scatters the rear of

darkness thin, And to the stack, or the barn-door, Stoutly struts his dames

before;