OCRed data provided
for searching only. CICERO: TOPICfI 137
teach, but orators persuade. In general, however, Shakspere's view is Ciceronic. By way of concrete illustration, Shakspere has given us an interesting picture of Queen Elizabeth as a delighting orator. Bassanio says to Portia
Madam, you have bereft me of all words, Only my blood speaks to you in my veins; And there is such confusion in my powers, As, after some oration fairly spoke By a beloved prince, there cloth appear Among the buzzing pleased multitude; Where every something, being blent together, Turns to a wild of nothing, save of joy, Express'd and not express'd lot
This speech was doubtless intended for the ears of Queen Elizabeth at court performance. If we knew the occasion upon which it was delivered, we would probably also be able to determine upon what particular speech Shakspere was complimenting Queen Elizabeth as the ideal orator.
Shakspere was no doubt thoroughly drubbed in 4d Herennium and Topica, and probably was referred to parallel passages in the other oratorical works of Cicero. There was nothing to prevent his mastery of all of Cicero's writings on oratory if he desired. I know nothing to indicate that he had any such consuming desire. His thirst for Cicero's rhetorical works was probably completely satisfied long before he finished grammar school.
1Q Merchant of Venice, III, 2,177--185.
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