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[2]
The style of written compositions
is most precise, that of debate is most suitable for delivery. Of the latter
there are two kinds, ethical and emotional; this is why actors are always
running after plays of this character, and poets after suitable actors. However,
poets whose works are only meant for reading are also popular, as Chaeremon, who
is as precise as a writer of speeches, and Licymnius1 among dithyrambic poets. When
compared, the speeches of writers appear meagre in public debates, while those
of the rhetoricians, however well delivered, are amateurish when read. The
reason is that they are only suitable to public debates; hence speeches suited
for delivery, when delivery is absent, do not fulfil their proper function and
appear silly. For instance, asyndeta and frequent
repetition of the same word are rightly disapproved in written speech, but in public debate even rhetoricians make use of them, for they lend themselves to acting.2
repetition of the same word are rightly disapproved in written speech, but in public debate even rhetoricians make use of them, for they lend themselves to acting.2
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