Institutio Oratoria

For vowels frequently coalesce and some consonants disappear when followed by a vowel. I have already [*](ix. iv. 40.) given an example of both these occurrences:— mullum ille et terris. [*](Aen. i. )

Further, we avoid placing two consonants near each other when their juxtaposition would cause a harsh sound; thus, we say pellexit and collegiate and employ other like forms of which I have spoken elsewhere. [*](IX. iv. 37.) It is with this in mind that Cicero [*](Brut. lxxiv. 259. suavitas vocis et lenis appellatio literarum ( the sweetness of his voice and the delicacy with which he pronounced the various letters. ) ) praises Catulus for the sweetness with which he pronounced the various letters. The second essential for clearness of delivery is that our language should be properly punctuated, that is to say, the speaker must begin and end at the proper place. It is also necessary to note at what point our speech should pause and be momentarily suspended (which the Greeks term ὑποδιαστολὴ and ὑποστιγμὴ [*](A slight stop, corresponding to our comma ) and when it should come to a full stop.