McGuffeys Sixth Eclectic Reader | Page 7

I am
now ready', here, to stake' upon it.
RULE III.--Interrogative sentences and members of sentences, which
can not be answered by yes or no, generally require the falling
inflection.
EXAMPLE. (22)
1. How many books did he purchase'?
2. Why reason ye these things in your hearts'?

3. What see' you, that you frown so heavily to-day'?
4. Ah! what is that flame which now bursts on his eye'?
5. Whence this pleasing hope', this fond desire', This longing after
immortality'?
Exception.--When questions usually requiring the falling inflection are
emphatic or repeated, they take the rising inflection.
EXAMPLES. (22)
1. Where did you say he had gone'?
2. To whom did you say the blame was to be imputed'?
3. What is' he? A knave. What' is he? A knave, I say.
RISING INFLECTION. (23)
RULE IV.--The rising inflection is generally used where the sense is
dependent or incomplete.
REMARK.--This inflection is generally very slight, requiring an acute
and educated ear to discern it, and it is difficult to teach pupils to
distinguish it, though they constantly use it. Care should be taken not to
exaggerate it.
EXAMPLES. (23)
1. Nature being exhausted', he quietly resigned himself to his fate.
2. A chieftain to the Highlands bound', Cries', "Boatman, do not tarry!"
3. As he spoke without fear of consequences', so his actions were
marked with the most unbending resolution,
4. Speaking in the open air', at the top of the voice', is an admirable
exercise.

5. If then, his Providence' out of our evil, seek to bring forth good', our
labor must be to prevent that end.
6. He', born for the universe', narrowed his mind, And to party gave up
what was meant for mankind.
REMARK.--The names of persons or things addressed, when not used
emphatically, are included in this rule.
7. Brother', give me thy hand; and, gentle Warwick!, Let me embrace
thee in my weary arms.
8. O Lancaster', I fear thy overthrow.
9. Ye crags' and peaks', I'm with you once again.
Exception 1.--Relative emphasis often reverses this and the first rule,
because emphasis is here expressed in part by changing the usual
inflections.
EXAMPLES. (23)
1. If you care not for your property', you surely value your life'.
2. If you will not labor for your own' advancement, you should regard
that of your children'.
3. It is your place to obey', not to command'.
4. Though by that course he should not destroy his reputation', he will
lose all self-respect'.
Exception 2.--The names of persons addressed in a formal speech, or
when used emphatically, have the falling inflection.
EXAMPLES. (24)
1. Romans, countrymen, and lovers', hear me for my cause, etc.

2. Gentlemen of the jury', I solicit your attention, etc.
3. O Hubert', Hubert', save me from these men.
RULE V.--Negative sentences and parts of sentences, usually require
the rising inflection.
EXAMPLES. (24)
1. It is not by starts of application that eminence can be attained'.
2. It was not an eclipse that caused the darkness at the crucifixion of
our Lord'; for the sun and moon were not relatively in a position' to
produce an eclipse'.
3. They are not fighting': do not disturb' them: this man is not expiring
with agony': that man is not dead': they are only pausing'.
4. My Lord, we could not have had such designs'.
5. You are not left alone to climb the steep ascent': God is with you,
who never suffers the spirit that rests on him to fail.
Exception 1.--Emphasis may reverse this rule.
EXAMPLE. (24)
We repeat it, we do not' desire to produce discord; we do not' wish to
kindle the flames of a civil war.
Exception 2.--General propositions and commands usually have the
falling inflection.
EXAMPLES. (25)
God is not the author of sin'. Thou shalt not kill.
RULE VI.--Interrogative sentences, and members of sentences which
can be answered by yes or no generally require the rising inflection.

EXAMPLES. (25)
1. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and
reconciliation'?
2. Does the gentleman suppose it is in his power', to exhibit in Carolina
a name so bright' as to produce envy' in my bosom?
3. If it be admitted, that strict integrity is not the shortest way to success,
is it not the surest', the happiest', the best'?
4. Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens, To wash this crimson
hand as white as snow'?
Exception.--Emphasis may reverse this rule.
EXAMPLES. (25)
1, Can' you be so blind to your interest? Will' you rush headlong to
destruction?
2. I ask again, is' there no hope of reconciliation? Must' we abandon all
our fond anticipations?
3. Will you deny' it? Will you deny' it?
4. Am I Dromio'? Am I your man'? Am I myself'?
RULE VII.--Interrogative