Exercise 23 (§§ 181–187, Pp. 79–82)
Point out the comparatives and the superlatives. Mention any superlatives used for emphasis (§ 200).
1. The Governor-General is the frankest and best-natured of men. 2. The company grew merrier and louder as their jokes grew duller. 3. A knock alarmed the outer gate. 4. At once there came the politest and friendliest reply. 5. Many a poet has been poorer than Burns, but no one was ever prouder.—Carlyle. 6. The last tyrant ever proves the worst.—Pope. 7. The profoundest secrecy was observed in the whole transaction. 8. Earth has not anything to show more fair. 9. The natural principle of war is to do the most harm to our enemy with the least harm to ourselves.—Irving. 10. During the rest of the journey, Rose was in the strangest state of mind. 11. There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony. 12. Little he ate, and less he spake. 13. Our journey hither was through the most beautiful part of the finest country in the world. 14. Meanwhile the throng without was constantly becoming more numerous and more savage. 15. Vain are his weapons, vainer is his force. 16. She might have been more lenient.
17. You’ll have to be more practical. 18. How does a love of gain transform the gravest of mankind into the most contemptible and ridiculous!—Goldsmith. 19. Most authors speak of their fame as if it were quite a priceless matter.
20. Loveliest and best! thou little know’st
The rank, the honor, thou hast lost!
—Scott.
21. Of two such lessons, why forget
The nobler and the manlier one?
—Byron.