In this illuminating study of English poetry, critic Joseph B. Mayor offers a detailed and insightful analysis of the principles of meter and rhyme that underlie some of the greatest works of literature in the English language. Drawing on examples from Shakespeare, Milton, and other classic poets, Mayor shows how the rhythms of poetry can shape, enhance, and enliven the emotional impact of language, and offers practical advice to aspiring writers seeking to master these essential techniques. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.