In such passions, therefore, which we would represent as true copies of real ones, let us be ourselves like those who unfeignedly suffer, and let our speech proceed from such a disposition of mind as that in which we would have the judge be.  Will he grieve who hears me speak with an expressionless face and air of indifference?  Will he be angry when I, who am to excite him to anger, remain cool and sedate?  Will he shed tears when I plead unconcerned?  All this is attempting impossibilities.  Nothing warms nor moistens but that which is endued with the quality of heat or moisture, nor does anything give to another a color it has not itself.  The principal consideration, then, must be that we, ourselves, retain the impression of which we would have the judges susceptible, and be ourselves affected before we endeavor to affect others.

THE POWER OF MENTAL IMAGERY

But how shall we be affected, the emotions or passions being not at our command?  This may be done by what we may call visions, whereby the images of things absent are so represented to the mind that we seem to see them with our eyes and have them present before us.  Whoever can work up his imagination to an intuitive view of this kind, will be very successful in moving the passions.

If I deplore the fate of a man who has been assassinated, may I not paint in my mind a lively picture of all that probably happened on the occasion?  Shall not the assassin appear to rush forth suddenly from his lurking place?  Shall not the other appear seized with horror?  Shall he not cry out, beg for his life, or fly to save it?  Shall I not see the assassin dealing the deadly blow, and the defenseless wretch falling dead at his feet?  Shall I not picture vividly in my mind the blood gushing from his wounds, his ghastly face, his groans, and the last gasp he fetches?

When there is occasion for moving to compassion, we should believe and, indeed, be persuaded that the distress and misfortunes of which we speak have happened to ourselves.  Let us place ourselves in the very position of those for whom we feel sorrow on account of their having suffered such grievous and unmerited treatment.  Let us plead their cause, not as if it were another’s, but taking to ourselves, for a short time, their whole grief.  In this way we shall speak as if the case were our own.  I have seen comedians who, when they have just appeared in a mournful character, often make their exit with tears in their eyes.  If, then, the expression given to imaginary passions can affect so powerfully, what should not orators do, whose inner feelings ought to sympathize with their manner of speaking, which can not happen unless they are truly affected by the danger to which their clients are exposed.

RULES FOR PRACTISE