" So much in his opinion do the tone of voice
and the action contribute to gain the speaker credit in what he affirms.
His action pleased the commonalty much; but people of taste (among whom
was Demetrius the Phalerean) thought there was something in it low,
inelegant, and unmanly. Hermippus acquaints us, Aesion being asked his
opinion of the ancient orators and those of that time, said, "Whoever
has heard the orators of former times must admire the decorum and
dignity with which they spoke. Yet when we read the orations of
Demosthenes, we must allow they have more art in the composition and
greater force." It is needless to mention that in his written orations
there was something extremely cutting and severe; but in his sudden
repartees there was also something of humour. . . .
When a rascal surnamed Chalcus attempted to jest upon his late studies
and long watchings, he said, "I know my lamp offends thee. But you
need not wonder, my countryman, that we have so many robberies, when we
have thieves of brass [_chalcus_] and walls only of clay." Though more
of his sayings might be produced, we shall pass them over, and go on to
seek the rest of his manners and character in his actions and political
conduct.
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