Talk:Alexandrine

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Little agreement seems to exist over the origins of the six iambic footed Alexandrine. Some attribute its origin to Dryden's 17th century poem: 'Ode To The Feast Of Alexander'. This, however, is improbable as the Alexandrine is thought to be much older. Others date it to a 12th century collection of romances on 'Alexander Of Macedon'. Yet others to a poet whose name was Alexander, while others still take it as far back as Alexander Severus, Emperor of Rome. Whatever the truth, there is little doubt that it is a form that has experienced no small degree of popularity. Some examples of this form are as follows, (the second part, after the last comma, is the Alexandrine):

'Man may not augment, Where necessity fair resolves with false content.'

'When first begun, remote seems far away, But continuing much - much nearer seems as day.'

'Vanity, thou art a human failing, First relieved of the gods and next of holiness.'