REASON, RHYME, AND RHYTHM.
'All arts are one, howe'er distributed they stand,
Verse, tone, shape, color, form, are fingers on one hand.'
PREFACE TO VOLUME SECOND.
Our first volume having been devoted to the Reason or Theory of Art in
general, it is our intention in the second, Rhyme and Rhythm, to bring
these comprehensive thoughts to a focus, and concentrate their light
upon the art of Versification. Indeed, this volume is to be considered
as a _manual_ of poetic Rhythm. Practical rules are given for its
construction and criticism; simple solutions offered of its apparent
irregularities and anomalies; and examples of sufficient length are
quoted from the best poets to afford just ideas of the scope and power
of the measure under consideration. The numerous citations given under
their appropriate metrical heads are intended not only to assist the
student in the analysis of verse, but to aid him in the choice of forms
in accordance with his subject, in case he should himself wish to create
Poems.
By its extrication from the entanglement of quantity and syllabic
accent, under which it has been almost buried, an effort has been made
to simplify the study of Rhythm: by tracing its origin and
characteristics, and by the citation of poems in which its power and
beauty are conspicuous, we have endeavored to render the subject one of
vivid interest.
CHAPTER FIRST.
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