1. In the first part of this verse spread your hands forward, then outward with the palms downward, to indicate the map of Italy which is lying before the great general. In a tone of triumph, accompanied with firmness and decision, Napoleon says, “I will capture him there.” Use the gesture for defiance, [Figure 23, in Typical Gestures]. Your body must be immediately relaxed as you ask the question, “Who, sir?” Let the answer be given with utterance somewhat rapid, still indicating firmness and decision.
2. This verse is easy narrative and should be recited as you would tell it to a friend in conversation. The words “masterly plan” in the last line are emphatic.
3. In the first line of this verse use the gesture shown in [Figure 24 of Typical Gestures], indicating that Napoleon’s scheme was rejected by God and brought to nought. The style of narrative here is very concise and the sentences should follow one another in quick succession. “Milas, pushed to the wall,” should be expressed by [Figure 4 of Typical Gestures]. When you come to the words “the well-planned victory was a terrible defeat,” stretch forth your right arm as in [Figure 6 of Typical Gestures], dropping it to your side heavily on the last word. Point to the boy general sweeping across the field and to the eminence where Napoleon stood. Champeaux is pronounced Shon-po; Desaix is pronounced De-say.
4. Here you drop again into easy narrative until you come to the words, “Beat a retreat!” These are to be shouted as if you were the officer on the battlefield giving the command. Put intense expression into the boy’s appeal, as he states that he does not know how to beat a retreat, and pleads to be permitted to beat a charge. There is opportunity here for grand effect as you deliver these lines.
5 and 6. Use the gesture for Defiance on the words, “Up! the charge!” You are ordering an advance, resolved to win the victory. The remainder of this verse and the following is narrative and demands quite a different rendering from the words of command in other parts of the selection. If you recite it in such a way as to express the full meaning it will captivate your hearers.
THE WEDDING FEE.
One morning, fifty years ago—
When apple-trees were white with snow