Poetical Construction
When the verb separates its nominatives, it agrees with that which precedes it.
“Forth in the pleasing spring, Thy beauty walks, thy tenderness, and love.”—Thomson.
Or, Nor, As well as, But, Save
When two or more nominatives in the singular are separated by such words as the preceding, the verb must be singular.
“Veracity, as well as justice, is to be our rule of life.”—Butler.
“Not a weed nor a blade of grass were to be seen.” Change were to was.
“Nothing but wailings were heard.” Transpose. “Nothing was heard but wailings.” The verb should be was.
“Either one or the other of them are in the wrong.” The verb should be is.
If, however, one or more of the nominatives are plural, the verb must be plural.