the g’s form the alliteration. The third accent sets the alliteration for the line and is known as the “rime-giver.” With it agree the first and the second accent, or either of them. The fourth accent must not, however, agree with the rime-giver. Occasionally the first and third accents will alliterate together and the second and fourth, as,
The weary in heart against Wyrd has no help;
or the first and fourth may have the alliteration on one letter, while the second and third have it on another, as,
Then heavier grows the grief of his heart.
These two latter forms are somewhat unusual. The standard line is that given above:
Guthhere there gave me a goodly jewel,
or
A hundred generations; hoary and stained with red,
or
With rings of gold and gilded cups.