Kitap 9
2.97
The dochmiac, again, which consists of a bacchius and an iambus, or of an iambus and a cretic, forms a solid and severe conclusion. The spondee, so frequently employed in this position by Demosthenes, is used with varying effect. It is most impressive when preceded by a cretic, as in the following instance: De qua ego nihil dicam, nisi depellendi criminis causa. pro Cael. xiii. 31. Concerning which I will say nothing except for the purpose of refuting the charge. Again there is a point, of the importance of which I spoke above, namely that it makes a considerable difference whether two feet are contained in a single word or whether they are both detached. Thus criminis causa makes a strong and archipiratae See § 64. a weak ending, while tile weakness is still further increased if the first foot be a tribrach, as for instance in words like facilitates or temeritates.
2.98
For the mere fact that words are separated from each other involves an imperceptible length of time: for instance, the spondee forming the middle foot of a pentameter must consist of the last syllable of one word and the first of another, otherwise the verse is no verse at all. It is permissible, though less satisfactory, for the spondee to be preceded by an anapaest: e.g. muliere non solum nobili, verum etiami nota. pro Cael. xiii. 31. A woman, not only of noble birth, but even notorious.
