In IE poetry it seems that quantities were regulated only
towards the end of the verse and free otherwise. A relic of this
freedom is seen in certain Aeolic metres where (in the Lesbian
poets) the verse begins with two anceps positions, a combina-
tion known as the Aeolic base. But otherwise all Greek verse is
so regulated that most positions are long or short, and anceps
positions occur only singly. The long positions--I call them
(loci) principes--are generally spaced, separated either by two
short positions or by single positions which are alternately short
and anceps. The basic rhythmical movements, therefore, are
... - ̮ ̮ - ̮ ̮ - ...
or ... - ̮ - × - ̮ - ... (symmetrical rhythms), or a
combination of these,
... - ̮ ̮ - × - ̮ - ...
or ... - ̮ - × - ̮ ̮ - ... (asymmetrical rhythms).

Each sequence may begin either 'rising' (× - ̮ or ̮ ̮ -; not,
however, ̮ - ×) or 'falling' (- ̮), and it may end either 'blunt'
(̮ -) or 'pendant' (̮ - ×).

A princeps position, provided it is not the last of its kind in
the period, may sometimes be resolved, i.e. occupied by two
short syllables, especially in single-short rhythm. Where three
or more consecutive short syllables occur within a colon it is
nearly always a sign of resolution.

Two consecutive short positions before a princeps may
sometimes be contracted, i.e. occupied by a single long syllable,
especially in symmetrical rhythm. It is therefore convenient to
consider ̮ + ̮ + ̅ as a unity, and we call it a biceps. Where three
consecutive long syllables occur within a colon, the second one
will usually represent either a contracted biceps (notated - + ̈) or
an anceps, depending on the metrical context. Where there are
more than three consecutive long syllables, alternate ones will
usually represent bicipitia, except that if one of them is at
period-end it will represent an anceps.

Resolution and contraction are possible because a long
syllable in ancient Greek had a duration which was nearer to
that of two short syllables than to that of one. The actual ratio
may be estimated as approximately 5:3. This means that in the
metrical sequence - ̮ + ̮ + ̅ (princeps + biceps), recited in ordinary
speech rhythm, the princeps occupied a slightly shorter time

-6-