LESSON XXXI. CHARACTER OF CLAY. SEWARD. 1. HE was indeed eloquent - all the world knows that He held the keys to the hearts of his countrymen, and he turned the wards within them with a skill attained by no other master. But eloquence was nevertheless only an instrument, and one of many that he used. His conversation, his gestures, his very look, was magisterial, persuasive, seductive, irresistible. And his appliance of all these was courteous, patient, and indefatigable. 2. Defeat only inspired him with new resolution. He divided opposition by his assiduity of address, while he rallied and strengthened his own bands of supporters by the confidence of success which, feeling himself, he easily inspired amóng his fol lowers. His affections were high, and pure, and generous, and the chiefest among them was that one which the great_Italian poet designated as the charity of native land. In him that charity was an enduring and overpowering enthusiasm, and it influenced all his sentiments and conduct, rendering him more impartial between conflicting interests and sections, than any other statesman who has lived since the revolution. 3. Thus with great versatility of talent, and the most catho lic equality of favor, he identified every question, whether of domestic administration or foreign policy, with his own great name, and so became a perpetual Tribune of the people. He needed only to pronounce in favor of a measure or against it, here, and immediately popular enthusiasm, excited as by a ma ic wand, was felt, overcoming and dissolving all opposition in ne senate-chamber. 4. In this way he wrought a change in our political system. that I think was not foreseen by its founders. He converted this branch of the legislature from a negative position, or one equilibrium between the executive and the house of repre sentatives, into the active, ruling power of the republic. Only time can disclose whether this great innovation shall be benefi cent, or even permanent. 5. Certainly, sir, the great lights of the senate have set. The obscuration is no less palpable to the country than to us, who are left to grope our uncertain way here, as in a labyrinth, oppressed with self-distrust. The time, too, presents new embarrassments. We are rising to another and more sublime stage of national progress—that of expanding wealth and rapid territorial aggrandizement. 6. Our institutions throw a broad shadow across the St. Lawrence, and, stretching beyond the valley of Mexico, reach even to the plains of Central America, while the Sandwich Islands and the shores of China recognize their renovating influence. Wherever that influence is felt, a desire for protection under those institutions is awakened. Expansion seems to be regulated not by any difficulties of resistance, but by the moderation which results from our own internal constitution. No one knows how rapidly that restraint may give way. can tell how far or how fast it ought to yield? Who 7. Commerce has brought the ancient continents near to us, and created necessities for new positions perhaps connections or colonies there—and with the trade and friendship of the elder nations their conflicts and collisions are brought to our doors and to our hearts. Our sympathy kindles, or indifference extinguishes, the fires of freedom in foreign lands. Before we shall be fully conscious that a change is going on in Europe, we may find ourselves once more divided by that eternal line of separation that leaves on the one side those of our citizens who obey the impulses of sympathy, while on the other are found. those who submit only to the counsels of prudence. Even prudence will soon be required to decide whether distant regions, east and west, shall come under our own protection, or be left to aggrandize a rapidly spreading domain of hostile despotism. 8. Sir, who among us is equal to these mighty questions? I fear there is no one. Nevertheless, the example of Henry Clay remains for our instruction. His genius has passed to the realms of light, but his virtues still live here for our emulation. With them there will remain also the protection and favor of the Most High, if by the practice of justice and the maintenance of freedom we shall deserve them. 9. Let, then, the bier pass on. We will follow with sorrow, but not without hope, the reverend form that it bears to its final resting place; and then, when that grave opens at our feet to receive so estimable a treasure, we will invoke the God of our fathers to send us new guides, like him that is now withdrawn, and give us wisdom to obey their instructions. The bright sun rises to his course, and lights A race of slaves! By the full tide of He sets, and his last beam not such as, swept along power, the conqueror leads To crimson glory and undying fame; But base, ignoble slaves - slaves to a horde Of petty tyrants, feudal despots, lords, Rich in some dozen paltry villages Strong in some hundred spearmen only great In that strange spell, a name. Each hour, dark fraud, Or open rapine, or protected murder, Cries out against them. But this very day, An honest man, my neighbor there he stands struck like a dog, by one who wore Was struck The badge of Ursini; because, forsooth, Nor lifted up his voice in servile shouts, Full of gentleness, of calmest hope, Of sweet and quiet joy; there was the look Was greater than a king! And once, again,—. Of either Brutus ! - once again, I swear, The eternal city shall be free! LESSON XXXIII. SOLILOQUY FROM MANFRED. BYRON. 1. THE spirits I have raised abandon me-- It hath no power upon the past, and for The future, till the past be gulfed in darkness, is not of my search. My mother earth! And theu, fresh hreaking day; and you, ye mountains, 2. And thou, the bright eye of the universe, 3. I feel the impulse-yet I do not plunge; |