XXXV.  Let him, therefore, come to his causes prepared in this kind of way; and he will in the first place be acquainted with the different kinds of causes.  For he will be thoroughly aware that nothing can be doubted except when either the fact or the language gives rise to controversy.  But the fact is doubted as to its truth, or its propriety, or its name.  Words give rise to dispute if they are ambiguous or inconsistent.  For it ever appears to be the case, that one thing is meant and another expressed; then that is one kind of ambiguity which arises from the words which are employed; and in this we see that two things are meant, which is a property of all ambiguous sentences.

As there are not many different kinds of causes, so also the rules for arguments to be used in them are few.  Two kinds of topics are given from which they may be derived; one from the circumstances themselves, the others assumed.  The handling, then, of the matters themselves makes the speech better; for the matters themselves are usually easy to be acquainted with.  For what remains afterwards, which at least belongs to art, except to begin the speech in such a manner that the hearer may be conciliated, or have his attention roused, or may be made eager to learn? then after that to explain with brevity, and probability, and clearness, so that it may be understood what is the question under discussion; to establish his own arguments; to overturn those of the opposite party; and to do all that, not in an irregular and confused manner, but with separate arguments, concluded in such a manner, that everything may be established which is a natural consequence of those principles which are assumed for the confirmation of each point:  and after everything else is done, then to wind up with a peroration which shall inflame or cool the hearers, as the case may require.

Now, how the consummate orator handles each separate division of his subject, it is hard to explain in this place; nor, indeed, are they handled at all times in the same manner.  But since I am not seeking a pupil to teach, but a model to approve of, I will begin by praising the man who sees what is becoming.  For this is above all others the wisdom which the eloquent man wants, namely—­to be the regulator of times and persons.  For I do not think that a man ought to speak in the same manner at all times, or before all people, or against every one, or in defence of every one, or to every one.

XXXVI.  He, then, will be an eloquent man who can adapt his speech to whatever is becoming.  And when he has settled that point, then he will say everything as it ought to be said; nor will he speak of rich subjects in a meagre manner, nor of great subjects in a petty manner, and vice versa; but his oration will be equal to, and corresponding to, his subject; his exordium will be moderate, not inflamed with exaggerated expressions, but acute in its sentiments, either in the way of exciting his hearers against