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1. SOFT, OR SUBDUED TONES, are those which range from a whisper to a complete vocality, and are used to express fear, caution, secrecy, solemnity, and all tender emotions.

EXAMPLES.

1.

We watched her breathing through the night,

Her breathing soft and low,

As in her breast the wave of life

Kept heaving to and fro.

HOOD.

2.

Softly, peacefully,

Lay her to rest;

Place the turf lightly,

On her young breast.

D.E. GOODMAN.

3.

The loud wind dwindled to a whisper low,

And sighed for pity as it answered,—"No."

2. A MIDDLE TONE, or medium loudness of voice, is employed in reading narrative, descriptive, or didactic sentences.

EXAMPLE.

I love my country's pine-clad hills,

Her thousand bright and gushing rills,

Her sunshine and her storms;

Her rough and rugged rocks that rear

Their hoary heads high in the air,

In wild fantastic forms.

3. A LOUD TONE, or fullness and stress of voice, is used in expressing violent passions and vehement emotions.

EXAMPLES.

1.

STAND! the ground's your own, my braves,— Will ye give it up to slaves? Will ye look for greener graves? Hope ye mercy still? What's the mercy despots feel? Hear it in that battle-peal,— Read it on yon bristling steel, Ask it—ye who will!

PIERPONT.

2.

"HOLD!" Tyranny cries; but their resolute breath

Sends back the reply: "INDEPENDENCE or DEATH!"