_The Colon._
THE COLON consists of two periods placed one above the other, thus =:=
Sometimes the passage ending with a colon is to be read with the voice
suspended; but it should generally be read with the falling inflection
of the voice.
The general rule, when you come to a colon, is to stop just long enough
to count three; or three times as long as you are directed to pause at a
comma.
EXAMPLES.
Law and order are forgotten: violence and rapine are abroad: the golden
cords of society are loosed.
The temples are profaned: the soldier's curse resounds in the house of
God: the marble pavement is trampled by iron hoofs: horses neigh beside
the altar.
Blue wreaths of smoke ascend through the trees, and betray the
half-hidden cottage: the eye contemplates well-thatched ricks, and barns
bursting with plenty: the peasant laughs at the approach of winter.
[The following passages ending with a colon are to be
read with the voice suspended:]
Do not flatter yourselves with the hope of perfect happiness: there is
no such thing in the world.
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