Of the other Sorts of Verses that are us'd in our Poetry.
After the Verses of 10 Syllables, those of 8 are most frequent, and we have many intire Poems compos'd in them.
In the Structure of these Verses, as well as of those of 10 Syllables, we must take care that the most prevailing Accents be neither on the 3d nor 5th Syllables of them.
They also require a Pause to be observ'd in pronouncing them, which is generally at the 4th, or 5th Syllable; as,
I'll sing of Heroes,—and of Kings,
In mighty Numbers—mighty things;
Begin, my Muse,—but lo the Strings,
To my great Song—rebellious prove,
The Strings will sound—of nought but Love. Cowl.
The Verses of 7 Syllables, which are call'd Anacreontick, are most beautiful when the strongest Accent is on the 3d, and the Pause either there, or at the 4th, as,
Fill the Bowl—with rosy Wine,
Round our Temples—Roses twine;
Crown'd with Roses—we contemn
Gyges wealthy—Diadem.Cowl.
The Verses of 9, and of 11 Syllables, are of two sorts, one is those that are accented upon the last save one, which are only the Verses of double Rhyme that belong to those of 8 and 10 Syllables, of which Examples have already been given. The other is those that are accented on the last Syllable, which are employ'd only in Compositions for Musick, and in the lowest sort of Burlesque Poetry; the disagreeableness of their Measure having wholly excluded them from grave and serious Subjects. They who desire to see Examples of them, may find some scatter'd here and there in our Masks, and Operas, and in our Burlesque Writers. I will give but two.
Hilas, O Hilas, why sit we mute?
Now that each Bird saluteth the Spring.Wall.