It is laid down as a general rule, that amendments proposed at the second reading shall be twice read, and those proposed at the third reading thrice read; as also all amendments from the other House.--_Town. col._ 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. It is with great, and almost invincible reluctance, that amendments are admitted at this reading, which occasion erasures or interlineations. Sometimes the proviso has been cut off from a bill; sometimes erased.--9 _Grey_, 513. This is the proper stage for filling up blanks; for if filled up before, and now altered by erasure, it would be peculiarly unsafe. At this reading, the bill is debated afresh, and for the most part is more spoken to, at this time, than on any of the former readings.--_Hakew._ 153. The debate on the question, Whether it should be read a third time? has discovered to its friends and opponents the arguments on which each side relies, and which of these appear to have influence with the House; they have had time to meet them with new arguments, and to put their old ones into new shapes. The former vote has tried the strength of the first opinion, and furnished grounds to estimate the issue; and the question now offered for its passage, is the last occasion which is ever to be offered for carrying or rejecting it. When the debate is ended, the Speaker, holding the bill in his hand, puts the question for its passage, by saying, "Gentlemen, all you who are of opinion that this bill shall pass, say ay;" and after the answer of ayes, "All those of the contrary opinion, say no."--_Hakew._ 154. After the bill has passed, there can be no further alteration of it in any point.--_Hakew._ 159. SECTION XLI. DIVISION OF THE HOUSE. The affirmative and negative of the question having been both put and answered, the Speaker declares whether the yeas or nays have it by the sound, if he be himself satisfied, and it stands as the judgment of the House. But if he be not himself satisfied which voice is the greater, or if, before any other member comes into the House, or before any new motion is made, (for it is too late after that,) any member shall rise and declare himself dissatisfied with the Speaker's decision, then the Speaker is to divide the House.--_Scob._ 24; 2 _Hats._ 140.