[369]. 1. The Dactylic Pentameter consists of two parts, each of which contains two dactyls, followed by a long syllable. Spondees may take the place of the dactyls in the first part, but not in the second. The long syllable at the close of the first half of the verse always ends a word. The scheme is the following:—
2. The Pentameter is never used alone, but only in connection with the Hexameter. The two arranged alternately form the so-called Elegiac Distich. Thus:—
Vergilium vīdī tantum, neo amāra Tibullō
Tempus amīcitiae fāta dedēre meae.
IAMBIC MEASURES.
[370]. 1. The most important Iambic verse is the Iambic Trimeter ([§ 366], 11), called also Senarius. This is an acatalectic verse. It consists of six Iambi. Its pure form is:—
Beātus ille quī procul negōtiīs.
The Caesura usually occurs in the third foot; less frequently in the fourth.