Illi inter sese magnâ vi brachia tollunt.
Georg. iv. 174.
On the other hand, swift motion is imitated by a succession of short syllables:
Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.
Again:
Radit iter liquidum, celeres neque commovet alas.
Thirdly, a line composed of monosyllables, makes an impression, by the frequency of its pauses, similar to what is made by laborious interrupted motion:
With many a weary step, and many a groan,
Up the high hill he heaves a huge round stone.
Odyssey, xi. 736.
First march the heavy mules, securely slow;
O’er hills, o’er dales, o’er craggs, o’er rocks, they go.
Iliad, xxiii. 138.
Fourthly, the impression made by rough sounds in succession, resembles that made by rough or tumultuous motion. On the other hand, the impression of smooth sounds resembles that of gentle motion. The following is an example of both.
Two craggy rocks projecting to the main,
The roaring wind’s tempestuous rage restrain;
Within, the waves in softer murmurs glide,
And ships secure without their haulsers ride.
Odyssey, iii. 118.