Book 11
1.31
For there is good reason for the saying we so often hear, He must be a barbarian or a Greek : since we may discern a man's nationality from the sound of his voice as easily as we test a coin by its ring. If these qualities be present, we shall have those harmonious accents of which Ennius Ann. ix. 305 (Vahlen). expresses his approval when he describes Cethegus as one whose words rang sweetly, and avoid the opposite effect, of which Cicero Brut. xv. 58. expresses his disapproval by saying, They bark, not plead. For there are many faults of which I spoke in the first book I. i. 37; v. 32; viii. 1 and xi. 1 sqq. when I discussed the method in which the speech of children should be formed, since I thought it more appropriate to mention them in connexion with a period of life when it is still possible to correct them.
1.32
Again, the delivery may be described as correct if the voice be sound, that is to say, exempt from any of the defects of which I have just spoken, and if it is not dull, coarse, exaggerated, hard, stiff, hoarse or thick, or again, thin, hollow, sharp, feeble, soft or effeminate, and if the breath is neither too short nor difficult to sustain or recover.
