passions, however essential on the stage, are
but of a secondary importance in a school. It is plain, open, distinct,
and forcible pronunciation which school-boys should aim at; and not that
quick transition from one passion to another, that archness of look, and
that _jeu de theatre_, as it is called, so essential to a tolerable
dramatic exhibition, and which actors themselves can scarcely arrive at.
In short, it is speaking rather than acting which school-boys should be
taught, while the performance of plays is calculated to teach them
acting rather than speaking.

But there is a contrary extreme into which many teachers are apt to run,
and that is, to condemn every thing which is vehement and forcible as
_theatrical_. It is an old trick to depreciate what we can not attain,
and calling a spirited pronunciation _theatrical_, is but an artful
method of hiding an utter inability of speaking with force and energy.
But though school-boys ought not to be taught those nice touches which
form the greatest difficulties in the profession of an actor, they
should not be too much restrained from an exertion of voice, so
necessary to strengthening the organs of sound, because they may
sometimes be too loud and vociferous. Perhaps nine out of ten, instead
of too much confidence, and too violent a manner of speaking, which
these teachers seem so much to dread, have as Dr. Johnson calls it, a
frigid equality, a stupid languor, and a torpid apathy. These must be
roused by something strong and excessive, or they will never rise even
to mediocrity; while the few who have a tendency to rant, are very
easily reclaimed; and ought to be treated in pronunciation and action,
as Quintillion advises to do in composition; that is, we should rather
allow of an exuberance, than, by too much correctness, check the vigour
and luxuriancy of nature.

[Illustration: PLATE IV.]

Though school-boys, therefore, ought not to be taught the finesses of
acting, they should as much as possible be accustomed to speak such
speeches as require a full, open, animated pronunciation: for which
purpose, they should be confined chiefly to orations, odes, and such
single speeches of plays, as are in the declamatory and vehement style.
But as there are many scenes of plays, which are justly reckoned among
the finest compositions of the language, some of these may be adopted
among the upper class of boys, and those more particularly who have the
best deportment: for