It _must_ have been a great, a very great performance, but
whether it was so absolutely unrivalled as I imagined when I was
under the immediate influence of his presence, of his tones, of his
looks, I cannot be sure till I have read it, for it seems to me
incredible.
"I was never so excited by public speaking before in my life. Three
or four times I thought my temples would burst with the gush of
blood; for, after all, you must know that I am aware it is no
connected and compacted whole, but a collection of wonderful
fragments of burning eloquence, to which his whole manner gave
tenfold force. When I came out I was almost afraid to come near to
him. It seemed to me as if he was like the mount that might not be
touched and that burned with fire. I was beside myself, and am so
still."
"_Saturday._--Mr. Webster was in admirable spirits. On Thursday
evening he was considerably agitated and oppressed, and yesterday
morning he had not his natural look at all; but since his entire
success he has been as gay and playful as a kitten.
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