Favorite Songs and Hymns For School and Home, page: 0194

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194	FAVORITE SONGS FOR SCHOOL AND HOME.

It Is all very well to analyze vocalization, and to school and develop the organs of speech; but if the expression be lifeless, or hypocritical, there exists a want that no skill whatsoever can supply. We express ourselves in our actions; but there is no tell-tale of the soul like the voice. Encourage sweetness of temper, and the voice will catch the cadences of persuasiveness. The laugh is very expressive. It may be merry, scorn�ful, encouraging, or the reverse. It may be empty, or very full of significance; hearty or affected. Explosive, loud laughter, like all inordinate laughter, in fact, is proof of no very good breeding. A spirit that has been long subjected to ennobling occupations, when		merriment is in order, is not overpowered by the sud�den emotion. Those who " burst out laughing " on slight provocation should school their inclinations, and certainly not laugh in a repulsive voice. It is not affectation to improve the tone of the voice. It is the simplicity of good nature. So also of speech. Who is willing to offend ? No one who is worthy of respect; no one who respects himself. As social beings, we are under obligation to make ourselves as agreeable as possible to those around us, and as few things are more annoying to a sensitive ear than an unpleasant voice either in laughter, in speech, or in singing, all should endeavor to use this marvelous organ in its best tones.

KATHLEEN.		W. Williams.