The harshness of a language does not always and absolutely depend upon the number of consonants, but rather upon the manner of their association.

We might even assert, that in consequence of the absence of well-determined and strongly marked sounds, some languages have a dull and cold coloring.

It is the frequent repetition of certain consonants which gives shadow, rhythm, and vigor to a tongue; the vowels imparting only a kind of light clear hue, which requires to be brought out by deeper shades.

It is the sharp, uncouth, or unharmonious clashing of heterogeneous consonants which strikes the ear painfully.

It is true the Sclavic languages make use of many consonants, but their connection is generally sonorous, sometimes pleasant to the ear, and scarcely ever entirely discordant, even when the combinations are more striking than agreeable.