I would avoid estimating him too highly; but it seems to me that it may be said without extravagance, that to much of the firmly knit strength and unassailable logic of a Webster he unites all the fire and fervor of an Otis, with the grace and classic elegance of an Everett.
Sumner compares a prominent figure's qualities to those of historical orators, highlighting their strengths.
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Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
It applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
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