Select Speeches Forensic and Parliamentary (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1808 Excerpt: ... MR. SHERIDAN S SPEECH, ON SUMMING UP THE EVIDENCE ON THE SECOND) OR BEGUM CHARGE AGAINST WARREN HASTINGS, ESQ.. DELIVERED BEFORE THE HIGH COURT OF PARLIAMENT, JUNE 1788. The two speeches of Mr. Sheridan on the trial of Warren Hastings, are undoubtedly more celebrated than any other productions of modern eloquence. But the " high and diffused renown" which they have acquired, must in a great degree be imputed to the impression excited by them in their delivery. For it is certain, no report of the speeches has hitherto been given to the publick which, as a whole, can aspire either to fidelity or unusual elegance. The second speech, or the one pronounced in the house of lords, in reviewing the evidence on the Begum charge, is here presented in a far more perfect state than it has hitherto appeared. But even now, it is manifestly an abridgment, shorn of half the grace, and order, and beauty of the original. It still retains, however, many passages of the most sublime and exquisitely wrought eloquence. As it is probable that these speeches were written compositions, copies of them may still be in Mr. Sheridan's possession, and we trust, if this be the case, he will be ultimately induced to gratify that desire which has been so often, so strongly, and so generally expressed by the lovers of eloquence to have them published. To withhold them altogether from the publick, he should recollect will be permitting his negligence to do criminal injustice to his own fame, to that of his country, and to the age which is entitled to boast of the glory of having given birth to these extraordinary productions. SPEECH, &c. MY LORDS, I SHALL not waste your lordships' time nor my own, by any preliminary observations on the inv portance of the subject before you, or on the pro.; ...