30. The note of Exclamation is applied to expressions of sudden or violent emotion; such as surprise, grief, joy, love, hatred, etc.
An old lady one day importuning Mahomet to know what {p114} she ought to do, in order to gain Paradise,—“My good lady,” answered the Prophet, “old women never get there.”—“What! never get to Paradise!” returned the matron in a fury. “Never!” says he, “for they grow young by the way!”
Why was this heart of mine formed with so much sensibility! or why was not my fortune adapted to its impulse! Poor houseless creatures! The world will give you reproaches, but will not give you relief.
31. The exclamation point is used in invocations.
Gentle spirit of sweetest humor who erst did sit upon the easy pen of my beloved Cervantes!
32. Several exclamation points are sometimes used together, to express ridicule, or to intensify surprise, etc.
Malherbe observed, that a good poet was of no more service to the church or the state, than a good player at ninepins!!