INVOLUNTARY VERSIFICATION IN THE SCRIPTURES.
The hexametric cadence in the authorized translation of the Bible has been pointed out in another portion of this volume. It is very noticeable in such passages as these, for example, from the Second Psalm:—
Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?
Kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together.
The anapæstic cadence prevalent in the Psalms is also very remarkable:—
That will bring forth his fruit in due season.—v. 6.
Whatsoever he doth it shall prosper.—v. 4.
Away from the face of the earth.—v. 5.
Be able to stand in the judgment.—v. 6.
The way of th’ ungodly shall perish.—v. 7.
Couplets may be drawn from the same inspired source, as follows:—
Great peace have they that love thy law:
And nothing shall offend them.—Psalm, cxix. 165.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on thee.—Isaiah, xxvi. 3.
When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves,
Ye know that the summer is nigh.—Matthew, xxiv. 32.