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POETIC LICENCES. 100 |
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to be observed that, as in familiar discourse we use without scruple those which we should not allow in the solemn recital of a grave composition, so in familiar verse we may admit those which are to be excluded from the higher species—from epic and lyric poems and the like.
The elisions which we meet with as frequently as any are of the verbs, substantive and auxiliary. Many of these are improper in grave poetry.
From Paran's height the One that's holy came.
But have evoked them oft, I'm sure in vain.
Kill him, and thou'rt secure ; 'tis only he.
These elisions of the verb substantive are none of them suitable to the rank of the poems in which they sfand ; neither are those made of the auxiliary verbs, as I'll, for I will, he'd, for he would, &c, but they might all enter into light pieces without offence; as into satires, as here:
'Tis sad To say you're curious when we say you're mad.
I'm very sensible he's mad in law.
We find in some of our poets other elisions which are faulty, because the letters which are left do not meet and coalesce, as they ought, into one syllable The following is such :
We' allow'd you beauty, and we did submit, Shame and woe to us. if we' our wealth obey. |
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