It is often said that extemporaneous speaking is
the distinction of modern eloquence. But the whole
language of Cicero’s rhetorical works, as well as
particular terms in common use, and anecdotes recorded
of different speakers, prove the contrary;
not to mention Quinctilian’s express instructions on
the subject. Hume, also, tells us from Suidas, that
the writing of speeches was unknown until the time
of Pericles.
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Nemo potest de eâ re, quam non novit, non
turpissime dicere. Cic. de Or.
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