They think less of the few hearers than of the innumerable readers.

At Athens the case was different; there the only object of the speaker was immediate conviction and persuasion.

He, therefore, who would justly appreciate the merit of the Grecian orators should place himself, as nearly as possible, in the situation of their auditors: he should divest himself of his modern feelings and acquirements, and make the prejudices and interests of the Athenian citizen his own.

He who studies their works in this spirit will find that many of those things which, to an English reader, appear to be blemishes,--the frequent violation of those excellent rules of evidence by which our courts of law are regulated,--the introduction of extraneous matter,--the reference to considerations of political expediency in judicial investigations,--the assertions, without proof,--the passionate entreaties,--the furious invectives,--are really proofs of the prudence and address of the speakers.

He must not dwell maliciously on arguments or phrases, but acquiesce in his first impressions.