Word: speaking
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Dates: during 1870-1879
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Long study of the conversation-book had rendered me confident of my ability to speak the language with native elegance and fluency. But my confidence was destined to meet with a rude shock. I had been wandering about the city, and on returning to the wharf asked a boatman to "take me to the ship," in what I fondly supposed was the choicest Portuguese. "Si, si, Mr. Merican man, me understand you," was the encouraging rejoinder. That was enough for me. I confined myself to pantomime afterwards, except in one instance, when my success was still more startling...
...will probably seem nonsensical to many to speak of any practical use to which boxing may be put as a means of self-defence in this law-abiding country, in this age of the "frequent peeler." It is likely that many of us will never fight a battle with our fists; yet there is a strong possibility that the time may come, once at least, in each of our lives, when the ability to knock a man down without fear of his "returning the compliment" will be well worth all the time and trouble spent in practice...
...tournaments - so to speak - in boxing and fencing, occasionally held in private rooms, are good in that they promote a friendly rivalry, and afford chances for practice with many different men. The only thing to be regretted is that they are such rare occurrences...
...speak good Attic Greek...
...sentiments and freshness of heart. A wrong selection (as has once or twice occurred) does not dishonor the office, but the class. He stands as their prayer to heaven, - if it be a curse, they must bear it; if a blessing, they must receive it. And though he should speak but the thought of one or two beside himself in his class, let us have him, for he is the title-page to our book of life, the Nunc Demitis to our college days; if it be a lie, we deserve to suffer its consequences, and if the truth...