[9]
Further, engaging the hearers'
attention is common to all parts of the speech, if necessary; for attention
slackens everywhere else rather than at the beginning. Accordingly, it is
ridiculous to put this1 at the beginning, at a time when all
listen with the greatest attention. Wherefore, when the right moment comes, one
must say, “And give me your attention, for it concerns you as much as
myself”; and, “I will tell you such a thing as you have
never yet” heard of, so strange and wonderful. This is what Prodicus
used to do; whenever his hearers began to nod, he would throw in a dash of his
fifty-drachma lecture.
1 i.e., to claim the hearer's attention at the beginning, for every one is keen to listen then, but later on attention slackens.
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