its variety within certain limits. * * *

1st. The line must always commence with a _long_ syllable, and
close with two long preceded by two short.

2d. More than two short syllables can never be found together, nor
_fewer_ than two.

3d. Two long syllables which have been preceded by two short can
not also be followed by two short.

These few rules fulfill all the conditions of an Hexameter line with
relation to order of arrangement."--_Lord Kames, "Elements of
Criticism."_ One who attempts to write English Hexameter, under
the Greek and Latin rules, will speedily be made aware that the English
language "super-abounds in short syllables." Why then should we rigidly
adhere to rules repugnant to the genius of our language, if they can
be modified so as to adapt the sonorous Hexameter to the structure
of our mother-tongue? Can they be so modified? I have attempted it.
I venture to change them as follows:

1st. By beginning each line with a _short_ syllable instead of
a long one. And it will be seen that I often begin a line with two
short syllables.

2d. By often using one short syllable unaccompanied by another.

3d. I have increased the average number of syllables in
the line to better adapt it to our super-abundance of short syllables.