§ 529. _Analysis of a pair of rhyming syllables._--Let the syllables _told_ and _bold_ be taken to pieces, and let the separate parts of each be compared. Viewed in reference to metre, they consist of three parts or elements: 1. the vowel (o); 2. the part _preceding_ the vowel (t and b respectively); 3. the parts _following_ the vowel (ld). Now the vowel (o) and the parts following the vowel (ld) are alike in both words (_old_); but the part preceding the vowel is different in the different words (_told_, _bold_). This difference between the parts preceding the vowels is essential; since, if it were not for this, the two words would be identical, or rather there would be but one word altogether. This is the case with _I_ and _eye_. Sound for sound (although different in spelling) the two words are identical, and, consequently, the rhyme is faulty. Again--compared with the words _bold_ and _told_, the words _teeth_ and _breeze_ have two of the elements necessary to constitute a rhyme. The vowels are alike (ee), whilst the parts preceding the vowels are different (br and t); and, as far as these two matters are concerned, the rhyme is a good one, _tee_ and _bree_. Notwithstanding this, there is anything rather than a rhyme; since the parts following the vowel (th and ze) instead of agreeing, differ. _Breathe_ and _beneath_ are in the same predicament, because the th is not sounded alike in the two words. Again--the words _feel_ and _mill_ constitute only a false and imperfect rhyme. Sound for sound, the letters f and m (the parts preceding the vowel) are different. This is as it should be. Also, sound for sound, l and ll (the parts following the vowel) are identical; and this is as it should be also: but ee and i (the vowels) are different, and this difference spoils the rhyme. _None_ and _own_ are in the same predicament; since one o is sounded as o in _note_, and the other as the u in _but_. From what has gone before we get the notion of true and perfect rhymes as opposed to false and imperfect ones. For two (or more) words to rhyme to each other, it is necessary a. That the vowel be the same in both. b. That the parts following the vowel be the same. c. That the parts preceding the vowel be different. Beyond this it is necessary that the syllables, to form a full and perfect rhyme, should be accented syllables. _Sky_ and _lie_ form good rhymes, but _sky_ and merri_ly_ bad ones, and _merrily_ and _silly_ worse. Lines like the second and fourth of the following stanza are slightly exceptionable on this score: indeed, many readers sacrifice the accent in the word _mérrily_ to the rhyme, and pronounce it _merrilý_. The wítch she héld the haír in her hánd, The réd flame blázed hígh; And roúnd aboút the cáldron stoút, They dánced right mérri_lý_.--KIRKE WHITE.