trial-ground

But each of these combatants had felt — without daring to announce a hope on the subject among themselves — that the present arena was only a trial-ground for some possible greater amphitheatre, for some future debating club in which debates would lead to action, and in which eloquence would have power, even though persuasion might be out of the question.

Phineas Finn 2004

But each of these combatants had felt, — without daring to announce a hope on the subject among themselves, — that the present arena was only a trial-ground for some possible greater amphitheatre, for some future debating club in which debates would lead to action, and in which eloquence would have power, even though persuasion might be out of the question.

Phineas Finn Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882 1869

But each of these combatants had felt -- without daring to announce a hope on the subject among themselves -- that the present arena was only a trial-ground for some possible greater amphitheatre, for some future debating club in which debates would lead to action, and in which eloquence would have power, even though persuasion might be out of the question.

Phineas Finn 1867

But each of these combatants had felt, -- without daring to announce a hope on the subject among themselves, -- that the present arena was only a trial-ground for some possible greater amphitheatre, for some future debating club in which debates would lead to action, and in which eloquence would have power, even though persuasion might be out of the question.

Phineas Finn The Irish Member Anthony Trollope 1848