On the same principle the rising inflection is used on the negative statements of persuasive argument as in the Apology of Socrates (p. [145]).
But I thought that I ought not to do anything common or mean, in the hour of danger: nor do I now repent of the manner of my defence.
For neither in war nor yet at law ought any man to use every way of escaping death.
Not so; the deficiency which led to my conviction was not of words—certainly not.
Doubt and hesitation also imply incompleteness:
He surely would do desperate things to show his love of me! King, ladies, lovers, all look on; the chance is wondrous fine; I'll drop my glove to prove his love; great glory will be mine!
Note the rising inflection on the first two lines where the lady is still in doubt as to what shall be the test of De Lorge's love, and the falling inflection on the last one when she has reached a decision.
Pleading and entreaty also convey a sense of incompleteness and take the rising inflection:
Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up To such a sudden flood of mutiny. Good Sir Richard, tell us now, For to fight is but to die!
A direct interrogation, that is, one that can be answered by "Yes" or "No", implies incompleteness in the mind of the questioner and requires a decided rising inflection: