In respect to physical ability, Otis was happily endowed. One
who knew him well has recorded, that "he was finely formed, and
had an intelligent countenance: his eye, voice, and manner were
very impressive.
"The elevation of his mind, and the known integrity of his
purposes, enabled him to speak with decision and dignity, and
commanded the respect as well as the admiration of his audience.
"His eloquence showed but little imagination, yet it was instinct
with the fire of passion."
"It may be not unjustly said of Otis, as of Judge Marshall, that
he was one of those rare beings that seem to be sent among men
from time to time, to keep alive our faith in humanity.
"He had a wonderful power over the popular feelings, but he
employed it only for great public benefits. He seems to have
said to himself, in the language of the great master of the
maxims of life and conduct:
"This above all,--to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."