daughter, his only child, (R) holding aloft the sweet sounding timbrel, and attired as became a ruler's daughter, (R) in a robe of divers colors, richly embroidered (R) with gorgeous featherwork, and gold, and silk of varied dyes. (R) A fillet of white roses bound her dark tresses, (R) and her tiny feet were strapped in scarlet sandals. (R) Smiles lighted up her fair face, and her soft dove's eyes (R) beamed with filial tenderness (R) when raised to her lordly father.

(R) Behind her, were the maidens of Gilead, clad in white, with chaplets of red roses; (R) their slender ancles circled with silver bells. (R) Like leaves from a gay parterre* swept onward by a summer h`eeze, (R) these lovely flow'rets floated in mazy whirls (R) until beside the chariot of the conqueror. (R) The daughter of Jepthah approached her father, (R) and when the people looked to see him fold her in his embrace (R) with a frantic start, he rent the bosom of his gilded robe, (R) and covering his head with his mantle (R) he groaned with anguish. (R) "My father!" said a gentle voice beside him. (R) "Alas, my daughter!" (R) cried the conqueror, with a burst of agony (R)—" From my high estate of joy thou hast brought me low down in the dust!" (R) There was deep silence while he spoke-" O God, forgive me! (R) my child, forgive me! (R) When I faced the children of Ammon in battle, (R) I vowed, if the Lord would deliver them into my hands, (R) I would offer up, as sacrifice unto him, (R) the first that came forth from my house to meet me! (R) Thou art the first-my child! my only one!"

(R) A deep consternation fell upon the hearts of all, when this rash vow was heard-(R) on all, save upon that fair and gentle creature who was the victim. (R) With brow unblanched, and with a glow of generous self-devotion, she said to Jepthah—" (R) My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth to the Lord, (R) do unto me as thou hast vowed. (R) Thy God hath made thee conqueror over thy enemies-(R) the children of Ammon have fallen before thee, (R) and if I am to be the price of victory, (R) take me and do unto me according to thy vow. (R) I die for my country and for my father-(R) in that death there is no bitterness."

* Parterre pronounced partare-a flower-garden.

CHAPTER X.

TWENTY-EIGHTH LESSON.

GESTURE.

Fig. 1.

A graceful and impressive action is one of the highest accomplishments of the orator. So it was deemed by the celebrated orators of Athens and Rome. Its importance gives it a just claim to the special attention of teachers of Elocution. But in a volume of this size, a full treatise on this subject cannot be expected.

The following figures are designed to give the pupil a general idea of appropriate gestures, and to enable him to exercise his own taste and judgment, in the use of such other gestures, as may enforce and illustrate the various thoughts and sentiments he may be called upon to utter

SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT GESTURES.

The Head and Face.

The hanging down of the head denotes shame or grief
The holding of it up, pride or courage.

To nod forward implies assent.

To toss the head back, dissent.

The inclination of the head implies bashfulness or languor The head is averted in dislike or horror.

It leans forward in attention

The Eyes

The eyes are raised in prayer.

They weep in sorrow.

They burn in anger.

They are downcast or averted in anger

They are cast on vacancy in thought.

They are thrown in different directions in doubt and anxiety.

The Arms.

The arm is projected forward in authority.
Both arms are spread extended in admiration.
They are both held forward in imploring help
They both fall suddenly in disappointment.

The Hands.

The hand on the head indicates pain or distress
On the eyes, shame.

On the lips, injunction of silence.

On the breast, it appeals to conscience, or intimates strong internal emotion.

The hand waves or flourishes in joy or contempt

Both hands are held supine, applied or clasped in prayer.

Both descend prone in blessing.

They are clasped or wrung in affliction

The Body

The body, held erect, indicates steadiness and courage

Thrown back, pride.

Stooping forward, condescension or compassion.

Bending, reverence or respect.

Prostration, the utmost humility or abasement.

The Lower Limbs.

Their firm position signifies courage or obstinacy
Bended knees, timidity or weakness.
Frequent change, disturbed thoughts

They advance in desire or courage.
Retire in aversion or fear.

Start in terror.

Stamp in authority or anger.

Kneel in submission and prayer.