Rhyming Hymns and Sequences
Count the stresses, and listen for the rhyme at the end of the line.
How It Works
| Line | Stresses |
|---|---|
| Dies irae, dies illa | DI-es I-rae, DI-es IL-la: 8 syllables, stress on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th |
| Luna lucet, nox est clara | LU-na LU-cet, NOX est CLA-ra: the same pattern |
| stella micat, pax est cara | STEL-la MI-cat, PAX est CA-ra: the next line, with the same pattern |
The rhyme comes from the last two syllables: clara and cara end alike. Classical verse had no rhyme.
The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable if it is long or closed, and otherwise on the third-to-last. The same rule holds in both pronunciations.
Examples (3)
- Dies irae, dies illa.
Day of wrath, that day.
The first line of the Dies irae. Eight syllables, with a stress on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th.
- Luna lucet, nox est clara; stella micat, pax est cara.
The moon is shining, the night is clear; a star twinkles, peace is dear.
A practice couplet written for this course in the same style. Clara and cara rhyme.
- Pastor bonus oves ducit.
The good shepherd leads his sheep.
Another practice line in the same style, written for this course: PAS-tor BO-nus O-ves DU-cit, eight syllables.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Hymn verse counts stress, so word stress comes first.
Related Patterns
Practice Rhyming Hymns and Sequences in Bubblegum
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