226                ORIG I N O F TH P

more cultivated enemies. Expression apt and pointed
-language strong and figurative-comparisons rich and
bold-descriptions correct and picturesque-and gesture
.energetic and gracefulr were the most striking peculiariy
ties of their oratory. The latter rations, accurate mir-
rors of their character; their bravery, immoveable sto&
cism, and a native arandeur, heightened as they are in
expressiveness by the melancholy accompaniment of
approaching extermination, will be as enduring as the
swan-like music of Attica and Reman eloquence, which'
was the funeral song of the liberties of those republics."
   These remarks, which allude to the state of the In-
dians of America, are evidently too true to require any
comments; and as to Indian eloquence, we cannot hesi-
tate a moment to admit the fact, when we consider that
every rude nation whose languages are original, yet
barren, use a style sublime and figurative, full of bold
and beautiful expressions; and such was the style of Os-
sian ; yet his language has never been cultivated, but
left in its original grandeur and simplicity.

   As we intend now to offer here a copious selection of
Indian Orations which wiii speak for themselves, and at
the same time show, that their reasoning was just and
their language frequently sarcastic, however void of our
refined sophistry, the foregoing observations may suffice
for the present.


                 INDIAN SPEECHES.
 fThe iollowing is an extract from "Jefferson's Notes on Virginia,"
 and speaks highly of the Indian character, so fir as moral
 courage and national abilities are concerned.

   "Of their bravery and addressin war, he says, we have
multiplied proofs, because we have been the subjects on
which they were exercised. Of their eminence in oratory,