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MODULATION implies those variations of the voice, heard in reading or speaking, which are prompted by the feelings and emotions that the subject inspires.

EXAMPLES.

EXPRESSIVE OF COURAGE AND CHIVALROUS EXCITEMENT.

FULL .- Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, TONE '- Or close the wall up with our English dead! MIDDLE .- In peace, there's nothing so becomes a man, TONE '- As modest stillness and humility; .- But when the blast of war blows in our ears, SHORT | Then imitate the action of the tiger; AND + Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, QUICK '- Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage. .- On, ON, you noblest English, HIGH | Whose blood is fetched from fathers of war-proof! AND + Fathers, that, like so many Alexanders, LOUD | Have, in these parts, from morn till even fought, '- And sheathed their swords for lack of argument. QUICK .- I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, AND | Straining upon the start. The game's afoot; VERY + Follow your spirits, and, upon this charge, LOUD '- CRY—HEAVEN FOR HARRY! ENGLAND! AND ST. GEORGE! SHAKSPEARE.

REMARK.—To read the foregoing example in one dull, monotonous tone of voice, without regard to the sentiment expressed, would render the passage extremely insipid and lifeless. But by a proper modulation of the voice, it infuses into the mind of the reader or hearer the most animating and exciting emotions.

The voice is modulated in three different ways. First, it is varied in PITCH; that is, from high to low tones, and the reverse. Secondly, it is varied in QUANTITY, or in loudness or volume of sound. Thirdly, it is varied in QUALITY, or in the kind of sound expressed.