The flowery style is not unsuitable to public speeches or addresses, which amount only to compliment. The lighter beauties are in their place when there is nothing more solid to say but the flowery style ought to be banished from a pleading, a sermon, or a didactic work.

Summary

This quote emphasizes that flowery or extravagant language is appropriate for public speeches that primarily aim to compliment or flatter an audience. However, when it comes to more serious and substantial contexts such as legal arguments, religious sermons, or instructive works, the use of flowery language should be avoided. Instead, these forms of communication require a more direct and straightforward style. The quote suggests that in these contexts, clarity and substance should be prioritized over decorative language.

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