“It is said, that he made the most determined efforts to conquer some natural defects which seemed very formidable, and gradually acquired a dignified and manly eloquence. For a time he secluded himself almost entirely from society, that he might form his style on the purest models, and induce a habit of chaste and elegant composition. During this period, he transcribed the history of the Peloponnesian wars, by Thucydides, eight times; so desirous was he of acquiring a style of composition similar to that of the justly-admired historian. But this was not the only advantage derived from the study of Thucydides. Whilst employing himself in copying the works of that historian, Demosthenes imbibed his patriotic spirit; his imagination was filled with the former glory of his country; a generous indignation was kindled in his bosom, in comparing the ancient splendour of Athens with its present state of voluntary degradation; and a noble, but perhaps a romantic ambition possessed his soul, to be the instrument of renovating a decayed republic. Animated with these hopes and various prospects, he appeared in the public assembly; and, in his orations against Philip, poured forth such a strain of eloquence, that none of the venal orators of Athens were able to resist. “The magistrates and common people were borne along by the mighty torrent, ere they were aware: his audience, instead of finding leisure or inclination to admire the splendid corruscations of his genius, found themselves imperceptibly animated by the same patriotic spirit, and roused from their lethargy by the impassioned vehemence of the youthful orator. In those unequalled specimens of ancient eloquence, which have been preserved amid the wreck of ages, we meet with such elevated sentiments, clothed in such glowing language, that, while reading them with delight approaching to admiration, we are no longer surprised at the powerful effect they produced on the popular assemblies of Greece. We cannot wonder that multitudes should throng from every province, to hear him declaim on a subject so deeply interesting to their feelings;—that so many states rose at his hope-inspiring call, from the slumber of inactivity, or the shades of despair, to make a vigorous effort for their expiring liberties;—or that Philip should have confessed, that the eloquence of Demosthenes injured him more than all the armies and fleets of the Athenians. ‘His harangues,’ said the Macedonian monarch, ‘are like the machines of war and distant batteries raised against me, by which all my projects are subverted, and my enterprises ruined, in spite of all my efforts. I believe,’ continued that generous adversary, ‘had I been present and listened to his orations, I should have been the first to conclude on the necessity of waging war with myself.’