But it is not in my power.

You may probably think there is some affectation on my part, in pretending inability to address you, knowing as many of you do, that I have often addressed assemblies like this.

But I hope for greater indulgence from you than this.

I trust you will consider that I have seen and spoken to multitudes like that now before me, but that these multitudes had frowning faces.

Those I could meet, and to those I could speak.