On the other hand, as the last line of the Spenserian and similar stanzas the alexandrine has proved very melodious and effective, largely by contrast with the shorter lines. A few isolated examples will illustrate some of its powers, but of course the whole stanza should be read together.
And streames of purple bloud new die the verdant fields.
Spenser, Faerie Queen, I, 2, 17.
Which from a sacred fountain welled forth alway.
Ibid., I, 1, 34.
Swinges the scaly horror of his folded tail.
The wakeful trump of doom must thunder through the deep.
With thousand echoes still prolongs each heavenly close.
Milton, On the Morning of Christ's Nativity.
Dart follows dart; lance, lance; loud bellowings speak his woes.
Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, I, lxxvi.
Where'er the surge may sweep, the tempest's breath prevail.
Ibid., III, ii.
As though a rose should shut, and be a bud again.
Keats, Eve of St. Agnes, xxvii.
Countless and swift as leaves on autumn's tempest shed.
Shelley, Revolt of Islam, I, iv.
Month follow month with woe, and year wake year to sorrow.
Shelley, Adonais, xxi.
With sparkless ashes load an unlamented urn.
Ibid., xl.