of its repetition, is clearly pronominal; standing in place of the pronoun "it." For, according to the usual construction of such a sentence, it would have stood He advanced the doctrine; he maintained it; he propagated it. Hence, being so nearly of the same nature, they follow the same rule of Elocution: viz. RULE. Pronouns and pronominal phrases have no proper inflection; but merge in that of the inflected word with which they stand. EXAMPLES. (The pronouns and pronominal phrases are in brackets.) Henry told [me] the truth [about it]. I asked [him] if he had finished [it]. [It] struck [me] that I had seen [him] before. In these sentences, the pronouns have no inflection; but are subjected to, and over-ridden by the inflection. of the word which governs them, or to which they are immediately allied. So of a pronominal phrase. As you EXAMPLES. have shown mercy, you shall receive [mercy]. Your cruelty merits [cruelty]. Your goodness deserves [goodness]. He repaid your kindness with [kindness]. We observe that the pronominal phrase in each in stance follows the rule on the pronoun; and is subjected to the inflection of the verb or preposition by which it is governed. Except Demonstrative and interrogative pronouns ;* and pronouns or pronominal phrases when emphatic: as, This is my book, not that. Who said so? What did he say? Henry told me the truth. warned him: he saved me. He is a good boy James. COMMON PHRASE (quasi pronominal.) The same rule applies to the repetition of any phrase which is common to two or more verbs, adverbs, &c. Such repeated common phrase is read as pronominal. EXAMPLES. He speaks truly, and [he speaks] wisely. It was truly said, and wisely [said]. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk [in the spirit]. PRONOMINAL PHRASE in reply. The rule holds, also, on repetition of a common phrase in reply, in dialogue,—or in reference to previously spoken words by another party. * Pronouns of these two classes are generally emphatic, and therefore the exception. EXAMPLE. Question. Is that your firm opinion? Reply. It is [my firm opinion.] Nor need the repetition be literal; if the idea or sense be repeated, the phrase is read as pronominal. EXAMPLE. The gentleman boasts that he is actuated by motives the most pure and honorable. Sir, the boast is needless; Who questioned [his integrity and honor]? EMPHASIS with pronominal phrase. It will be observed that the verb or other word governing, or in conjunction with, the pronominal phrase, becomes emphatic: this is made still more clear in the case of a negative with such phrase. EXAMPLES. To be, or not to be? Question. Why do you express yourself so angrily? The gentleman insinuates that I have acted a double part, and therefore forfeited the confidence of the house. Sir, if I had [done so] 1 should deserve [to lose your confidence], but I shall prove that I have not [acted as he says]; and therefore I expect to retain [your good opinion], (or) to retain your good opinion. This Emphasis belongs to "THE EMPHASIS OF SENSE, (see ante, EMPHASIS,) and may be distinguished as the “Emphasis with pronominal phrase.” [See SERIES-Pronominal Series.] SERIAL SENTENCES. THE SERIES, in rhetoric, (a succession of words or phrases linked together in construction,) constantly occurs; its delivery puzzles the reader who has no certain rule to guide him,-and his, consequently, confused and unconnected manner, in turn, puzzles his hearers. There are, therefore, Rules in Elocution for the delivery of serial sentences,-certain and easy. FORM OF SERIES. The Series is-(first), 1. SIMPLE.-2. COMPOUND. 1. Simple, when it consists of single words (or single ideas) in succession. . 2. Compound, when it is composed of members in succession, each composed of several words-conveying several ideas. These, again, are—(second,) 1. COMMENCING.-2. CONCLUDING. 1. Commencing, when they commence a sentence, or where the sense is unfinished at their close. 2. Concluding, when they conclude or perfect the sense. EXAMPLES. SIMPLE, commencing, Series. Faith, hope, and charity, are cardinal virtues. May faith, hope, charity, peace, and patience COMPOUND, commencing Series. An amiable disposition, virtuous principles, a liberal education, and industrious habits, lead to contentment, happiness, and honor. COMPOUND, Concluding. Contentment, happiness, and honor, are the reward of an amiable disposition, virtuous principles, a liberal education, and industrious habits. We have also the Negative Series, Interrogative Series, Antithetical Series, and other variations on the regular series, which we shall take in their proper order. So much for the rhetorical form of the Series; now we proceed to the Elocutionary |