"O Maree Druse, patrem appello."
Here are two clauses, each of two feet. Then he gave us some more periods:
"Tu dicere solebas, sacram esse rempublicam."
Here each clause consists of three feet. Then comes the conclusion:
"Quicunque eam violavissent ab omnibus esse ei poenas persolutas."
Here is the dichoreus;—for it does not signify whether the last syllable is long or short. Then comes,
"Patris dictum sapiens, temeritas filii comprobavit."
And this last dichoreus excited such an outcry as to be quite marvellous. I ask, was it not the rhythm which caused it? Change the order of the words; let them stand thus:
"Comprobavit filii temeritas:"
there will be no harm in that, though temeritas consists of three short syllables and one long one; which Aristotle considers as the best sort of word to end a sentence, in which I do not agree with him. But still the words are the same, and the meaning is the same. That is enough for the mind, but not enough for the ears. But this ought not to be done too often. For at first rhythm is acknowledged; presently it wearies; afterwards, when the ease with which it is produced is known, it is despised.