The works of Horace : with English notes, critical and ... - Cristo Raul

METRES OF HORiCE.
1. DACTYLIC HEXAMETER.
Lauda\bunt dlt\i cld\rdm KhddBn\ aUt Myu\lenin.
The structure of this species of verse is sufSciently well
known ; it consists of six feet, the fifth of which is a dactyl, and
the sixth a spondee, while each of the other four feet may be
either a dactyl or spondee. Sometimes, however, in a solemn,
majestic, or mournful description, or in expressing astonish-
ment, consternation, vastuess of size, &c., a spondee is admit-
ted in the fifth foot, and the line is then denominated spondaic.
The hexameters of Horace, in his Satires and Epistles, are
written in so negligent a manner as to lead to the opinion that
this style of composition was purposely adopted by him to suit
the nature of his subject. Whether this opinion be correct or
not must be considered elsewhere. It will only be requisite
here to state, that the peculiar character of his hexameter versi-
fication will render it unnecessary for us to say any thing re
specting the doctrine of the csesural pause in this species of
verse, which is better explained with reference to the rhythm
and cadence of Virgil.
2. DACTYLIC TETRAMETER a posteiiore.'
The tetrameter a posteriore, or spondaic tetrameter, con
sists of the last four feet of an hexameter ; as,
CertHs e.\ntm pro\mlsit A\pdlls.
Sometimes, as in the hexameter, a spondee occupies the last
place but one, in which case the preceding foot ought to be a
dactyl, or the line will be too heavy ;
as,
Mensd\rem cdM\bent Ar\chyta.
1. The expression a posteriore refers to the verse being considered as taken fron
the latter part of an hexameter line (a posteriore parte versus hexametri), and is, conse
quently, opposed to the daclylic tetrameter apriore. This last is taken from the Jirs-
part (a iviore parte) of an hexameter, and must always have the last foot a dactyl.