“In such cases as the preceding, it is obvious that there can be no difficulty with regard to emphasis; because the words which are opposed to each other in the sentence are expressed. But when only one of the contrasted terms is expressed, as in the following examples, the careless or injudicious reader is apt to overlook its antithetic import, and will consequently fail to give it the emphatic pronunciation which is necessary to bring out the full meaning of the sentence.
1. A child might understand it. [The antithesis implied or suggested in this sentence is obviously—not merely a man or a person of mature judgment, but even a child.]
2. Exercise and temperance will strengthen even an indifferent constitution. [That is, not merely an ordinary or good constitution, but even an indifferent one.]
3. He that runs may read. [That is, not merely a person who walks, and who has therefore leisure to observe, but even he that runs.]
4. We know the passions of men: we know how dangerous it is to trust the best of men with too much power. [That is, not merely bad or ordinary men, but even the best of men.]
5. Tubal. One of them showed me a ring which he had of your daughter for a monkey.
Shylock. Out upon her! Thou torturest me, Tubal: it was my turquoise,—I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys. [That is, so far from giving it for one monkey, I would not have given it for a whole wilderness of monkeys.]
6. Can a Roman senate long debate
Which of the two to choose, slavery or death!