This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891 edition. Excerpt: ... PART IV. VERSIFICATION. CHAPTER L POETIC DICTION-RHYTHM. "The object of prose," says Abbott, "is, in general, to convey information; that of poetry, to give pleasure. Hence the prose-writer, in his choice of a word, will prefer that which conveys his meaning most successfully: the poet will prefer that which gives most pleasure. It is true that each sort of writer will keep both objects in view at once, but what is the primary object to the one will be the secondary object to the other, and vice versa." Prom this general principle arise the following CHARACTERISTICS OF POETIC DICTION: --Note.--In revising pupils' paraphrases from verse to prose, it is often desirable to call the writer's attention to some case of poetic diction; hence these characteristics are numbered consecutively after the principles of style, and may be used similarly by placing the desired number in the margin of an essay for reference. 223. (1) It is Archaic.--It employs such words as "hallowed" (for holy), and "woe," "ken," "dire," "ire," "thrall," "steed," "charger," and many other such words that are not found in ordinary modern prose. "English Lessons for English People," p. 54. Abbott says further: "The explanation of the archaism of poetic diction seems to be this. Poetry, being less conversational than prose, is less affected than is prose by the changes of a living language, and more affected by the language and traditions of the poetry of past ages. Not all words are adapted for metre, and therefore the limitations of metre in themselves are sufficient to explain the preference in poetry for certain forms and words. These forms and words, constantly repeated by successive poets, become, as it were, the legitimate inheritance of all who write poetry. Thus...