Median is the appropriate stress for the utterance of pathos, solemnity, sublimity, reverence, grandeur and devotion. It is heard in different degrees, varying with the depth and power of the emotion. Serious, solemn and tranquil thought require only the milder forms of the Median; while reverence, grandeur, sublimity and devotion require the fullest form. EXAMPLES: I. TRANQUILLITY. Median Stress, Subdued Force, Pure Tone, Effusive Form. 'Tis twilight now: How deep is the tranquillity! The trees Are slumbering through their multitude of boughs, Even to the leaflet on the frailest twig! A twilight gloom pervades the distant hills, An azure softness mingling with the sky. II. SOLEMNITY Median Stress, Subdued Force, Pure Tone, Effusive Form. Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath, Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death! We know when moons shall wane, When summer birds from far shall cross the sea, III. SUBLIMITY AND GRANDEUR. Median Stress, Moderate and Energetic Force, Orotund, Effusive Form. [From "Ossian's Address to the Sun."-Macpherson.] O thou that rollest above, round as the shield of my fathers! whence are thy beams, O sun! thy everlasting light! Thou comest forth in thy awful beauty: the stars hide themselves in the sky; the moon, cold and pale, sinks in the western wave. But thou thyself movest alone: who can be a companion of thy course? The oaks of the mountain fall; the mountains themselves decay with years; the ocean sinks and grows again; the moon herself is iost in the heavens; but thou art forever the same, rejoicing in the brightness of thy course. When the world is dark with tempests, when thunders roll, and lightnings fly, thou lookest in thy beauty from the clouds, and laughest at the storm. But to Ossian thou lookest in vain; for he beholds thy beams no more, whether thy yellow hair floats on the eastern clouds, or thou tremblest at the gates of the west. But thou art, perhaps, like me, for a season: thy years will have an end. Thou wilt sleep in thy clouds, careless of the voice of the morning. IV. REVERENCE AND ADORATION. Median Stress, Moderate and Energetic Force, Orotund, Effusive Form. [From "Morning Hymn in Paradise."-Milton.] These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good, Thus wondrous fair. Thyself how wondrous then! To us invisible or dimly seen, 'Midst these thy lowest works. Yet these declare thy goodness beyond thought The median stress is one of the greatest beauties in reading. It prevents the drawling and lifeless style so prevalent in the reading of the Bible and the Church service, and gives a most impressive beauty, power and grandeur to the utterance of pathos, sublimity, reverence, devotion and adoration. Destitute of its ennobling effect, the reading of many passages in prose and poetry sinks into a monotonous and tedious utterance. It is indispensable to the highest success in Elocution. Carried to excess it becomes a fault. The habit of mouthing, so prevalent on the stage among stock actors, has for one of its principal elements an excessive median stress. Like every element of utterance, it must be judiciously used. SECTION XXI. FINAL STRESS. The final stress is the application of the force of the voice to the last part of the word or sound. The force, at first but slight, is gradually increased, until it closes in an abrupt and violent sound. In its effect on the ear it is not unlike the report of a pistol when it hangs fire. To acquire control of this style of stress practice the elements and words as directed. Repeat each of the elements, beginning with a slight sound, which gradually increase, and close with an abrupt and forcible sound. FINAL STRESS-FIRST EXERCISE. 1. ē, as heard in me, see. Slave, FINAL STRESS-SECOND EXERCISE. wretch, coward, great, The final stress is employed in the expression of determined purpose, earnest resolve, stern rebuke, contempt, astonishment, horror, revenge, hate, and similar passions. It is usually combined with the Expulsive and Explosive Forms of Voice, and; in the expression of passion, with the Aspirate, Pectoral, or Guttural Qualities. EXAMPLES: I. EARNEST RESOLVE. Final Stress, Energetic Force, Orotund, Expulsive Form. [From "Supposed Speech of John Adams."— Webster.] Sir, before God, I believe the hour is come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I began, that, live or die, survive or perish, I am for the declaration. It is my living sentiment, and, by the blessing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment; independence now, and independence forever. II. DETERMINED PURPOSE. Final Stress, Impassioned Force, Orotund Aspirate Quality, Expulsive and Explosive Forms. [From "Speech on Writs of Assistance."-Otis.] Let the consequences be what they may, I am determined to proceed. The only principles of public conduct that are worthy of a gentleman or a man are to sacrifice ease, estate, health, happiness, and even life itself, at the sacred call of his country. III. STERN REBUKE. Final Stress, Impassioned Force, Orotund Pectoral Quality Expulsive and Explosive Forms. [From "Speech against American War."— Chatham.] I cannot, my lords, I will not, join in congratulation on misforture and disgrace. This, my lords, is a perilous and tremendous moment. It is not a time for adulation; the smoothness of flattery cannot save us in this rugged and awful crisis. It is now necessary to instruct the throne in the language of truth. We must, if possible, dispel the delusion and darkness which envelop it, and display, in its full danger and genuine colors, the ruin which is brought to our doors. Can ministers still presume to expect support in their infatuation? Can Parliament be so dead to its dignity and duty as to give their support to measures thus obtruded and forced upon them? Measures, my lords, which have reduced this late flourishing empire to scorn and contempt! IV. MOCKERY, CONTEMPT AND SCORN. Final Stress, Impassioned Force, Orotund Pectoral Guttural Quality, Expulsive and Explosive Forms. [From Queen Constance to the Archduke of Austria.-Shakspeare.] Thou slave!l thou wretch! thou coward! Thou little valiant, great in villainy ! Thou ever strong upon the stronger side! Thou Fortune's champion, that dost never fight But when her humorous ladyship is by To teach thee safety! V. DETERMINED STUBBORN WILL. Final Stress, Impassioned Force, Pectoral and Guttural Qualities, Expul sive and Explosive Forms. [From Shylock's Refusal.-Shakspeare.] I'll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak: |