Sentences are classified into Periodic, Loose, Balanced, Short and Long.
A sentence that is so constructed that the complete meaning is delayed
till the close, is called a =periodic sentence=; as, _From many lands,
comes the cry for help. Even on the driest day this vapor is never
absent from our atmosphere._
A sentence that is so constructed that it may be stopped before the end,
sometimes in several places, and still be complete in sense, is called a
=loose sentence=; as, _Those scenes, rude and humble as they are, have
kindled beautiful emotions in his soul,_ | _noble thoughts, and definite
resolves;_ | _and he speaks forth what is in him, not from any outward
call of vanity or interest, but because his heart is too full to be
silent._—_Carlyle._
A sentence that is so constructed that the different elements are made
to answer to each other and set each other off by similarity of form, is
called a =balanced sentence=; as, _In peace, children bury their
parents; in war, parents bury their children. He defended him when
living, amidst the clamors of his enemies; and praised him when dead,
amidst the silence of his friends._
A short sentence is more easily understood and more animated than a long
sentence.
A long sentence gives more scope than a short one, for the addition of
particulars, and for the expansion of the main thought.
_Note._—The loose sentence is adapted to ordinary composition,
being simple and clear. The periodic sentence is suitable to
compositions of a forcible nature; the balanced sentence to
compositions in which characters or subjects are compared.
Variety is secured by the due alternation of long and short
sentences.
=Emphatic places of the Sentence.= The natural emphatic places of a
sentence are the beginning and the end. If we wish to give special
distinction to some particular word or phrase, it must occupy one of
these positions. Since the beginning and the end of a sentence are the
natural places for the subject and predicate respectively, the subject
is made emphatic by placing it at the end, and the predicate by placing
it at the beginning of the sentence; as, _Flashed_ all their sabres
bare.
* * * * *
=LESSON LXIX.=