But he soon turned his attention to politics. In 1766 he was elected to Parliament, of which he remained a member for twenty-eight years. He held many other positions under the Government, and his actions were always distinguished by the strictest integrity. He labored earnestly in the cause of humanity, against the slave trade and the oppression of India and the American Colonies. His most widely read works are his "Speech at the Trial of Warren Hastings," and the speech on "Conciliation with America." But owing to his increasing conservatism he failed to appreciate the causes of the French Revolution and his "Reflections on the Revolution in France" is of little critical value. Burke was distinguished by great nobility of mind and purity of life, both public and private. He possessed great oratorical powers, a vigorous imagination, a rare gift of observation, and prodigious industry. Yet on the other hand, he appears not to have known how to contain himself, but scattered his eloquence on all occasions, until the public ear became dulled. He was also of a passionate and intractable disposition, qualities which in the course of time left him in political isolation. Among his friends were Dr. Johnson, Goldsmith, Boswell, Sir Joshua Reynolds, the famous painter, and Garrick, the great actor. These were members of the Club, a society of the most brilliant intellects in England at that day. Burke's learning and power were greatly venerated by them, and by none more than by Johnson, who admitted that he must be at his best to meet Burke in argument. THE MAN 1. Of what city was Burke a native? 2. In what branches of learning did he achieve distinction? 3. State the mode he adopted for completing his education. 4. Were his first years in England devoted to oratory? 5. What was the extent of his connection with the British Parliament? 6. Give his views with regard to contemporary conditions in India, France, and the American Colonies. 7. Where did he die? 8. What was his social environment? STYLE AND WORKS 1. What qualities distinguished Burke's oratory? V, 424. 2. Taking his utterances out of their forensic setting, how would they compare with the finest of Milton's prose passages? VIII, 394. 3. Were his rhetorical sallies always in good taste? XI, 199. 4. What great service did he render to the British Constitution? XI, 204. 5. Aside from his oration on Conciliation with the Colonies, what evidence have we that Burke was thoroughly informed on American affairs? 6. What great works did he compose in addition to speeches? 7. What are the principal elements of beauty and power in his productions? 8. What characteristics detracted from permanent popularity? 9. Is his work characteristic of the Age of Classicism? FROM "CONCILIATION WITH THE AMERICAN COLONIES" 1. What reasons does Burke give for concession on England's part toward the American colonies?