nultimate is final, since _e_ mute is
not pronounced.

2. The length of initial vowels depends upon the value of the initial
consonants which they precede.

A word cannot contain two long vowels unless it begins with a vowel. In
this case, the vowel of the preceding word is long, and prepares for the
enunciation of the consonant according to its degree.

Every first consonant in a word is strong, as it constitutes the radical
or invariable part of the word.

The force of this consonant is subordinate to the ruling degree of the
idea it is called to decide. But every vowel which precedes this first
consonant is long, since it serves as a preparation for it. But to what
degree of length may this initial vowel be carried? The representative
figure of the consonant will indicate it.

Usually, the first consonant of every word is radical. Still there might
be other radical consonants in the same word. But the first would rise
above the others.

The radical designates the substance of being, and the last consonant
the manner.

The whole secret of expression lies in the time we delay the
articulation of the initial consonant. This space arrests the attention
and prevents our catching the sound at a disadvantage.

_Latin Prosody._

1. The final of a word of several syllables is usually short.

2. In words of two syllables, the first is long. In Latin words of two
syllables, the first almost always contains the radical.

3. In words of three and more syllables, there is one long syllable:
sometimes the first, sometimes another. We rest only upon this, all the
others being counted more or less short.

In compound words no account need be made of prefixes; There are many
compound words; and, consequently, it is often the last or next to the
last consonant which is the radical.

The last consonant represents always, in variable words, quality,
person, mode or time. The radical, on the contrary, represents the sum
and substance.

4. Monosyllables are long, but they have, especially when they follow
each other, particular rules, which result from the sense of the
phrases, and from the mutual dependence of words.

Chapter VI.

Method.

_Dictation Exercises._

A subject and text being given, notes may be written under the nine
following heads:

1. Oratorical value of ideas.

2. The ellipse.

3. Vocal inflections.

4. Inflective affinities, or relation to the preceding inflections.

5.