Where tho' the Syllable now be added to the Verse, it has no more than its due number of Syllables, which plainly proves it wanted it.
But if the Accent be upon the first of these Syllables, they cannot be contracted to make a Diphthong, but must be computed as two distinct Syllables: Thus Poet, Lion, Quiet, and the like, must always be us'd as two Syllables: Poetry and the like, as three.
And it is a fault to make Riot, for Example, one Syllable, as Milton has done in this Verse.
Their Riot ascends above their lofty Tow'rs.
The same Poet has in another place made use of a like Word twice in one Verse, and made it two Syllables each time.
With Ruin upon Ruin, Rout on Rout.
And any Ear may discover that this last Verse has its true Measure, the other not.
But there are some Words that may be excepted; as Diamond, Violet, Violent, Diadem, Hyacinth, and perhaps some others, which, though they are accented upon the first Vowel, are sometimes us'd but as two Syllables; as in the following Verses,
From Diamond Quarries hewn, and Rocks of Gold.Milt.
With Poppies, Daffadils, and Violets joyn'd.Tate.
With vain, but violent Force their Darts they flung.Cowl.
His Ephod, Mitre, well-cut Diadem on.Cowl.
My blushing Hyacinths, and my Bays I keep.Dryd.
Sometimes as three; as