A Mount of rocky Diamond did rise.Blac.
Hence the blue Violet and blushing Rose.Blac.
And set soft Hyacinths of Iron Blue.Dryd.
When they are us'd but as two Syllables they suffer an Elision of one of their Vowels, and are generally written thus, Di'mond, Vi'let, &c.
This Contraction is not always made of Syllables of the same Word only; for the Particle A being plac'd after a Word that ends in a Vowel, will sometimes admit of the like Contraction: For Example, after the Word many; as,
Tho' many a Victim from my Folds was bought,
And many a Cheese to Country-Markets brought.Dryd.
They many a Trophy gain'd with many a Wound.Dav.
After To; as,
Can he to a Friend, to a Son so bloody grow.Cowl.
After They; as,
From thee, their long-known King, they a King desire.Cowl.
After By; as,
When we by a foolish Figure say.Cowl.