13/34 But careful preparation always involves this; and every man must prepare until he is able to think more clearly on his legs than sitting down. It was just the kind of speech which was wanted at a moment when the general air is rent with the rhodomontade and tomfoolery of Ulster. Applying to these wild harangues the destructively quiet wit of _obiter dicta_, Mr.Birrell made the Orangemen look very foolish and utterly ridiculous. Mr, Gladstone was one of Mr.Birrell's most attentive and cordial hearers. Mr.Birrell is going to do great things in the House of Commons. |