but can only be made out by constantly breaking words, as in
[a]εις ἡν αναλων ουκ εφε-]
[a]ξεις ουδε ναυπηγουμενος.]
Stirpe decens, elegans specie,
Sed magis actibus atque fide,
Terrea prospera nil reputans
Jussa Dei sibi corde ligans.
This, which is still fourth century, is important as showing couplet rhyme. Hilary had rhymed in fours.
[164] It may be added that while the ancient trimeter is very largely patient of substitution, the French Alexandrine positively refuses any, and the English is, for an English line, distinctly intolerant of it.
And somewhat of that tree, they bond until his hands.
[166] As thus:
[Et] me|um est | propo|situm | [hac] in | taber|na mori.