2. The half-lines consist of two accented and a varying number of unaccented syllables. Each half-line contains at least four syllables. Occasional half-lines are lengthened to three accented syllables, possibly for the purpose of producing an effect of solemnity. 3. The two half-lines are bound together by beginning-rime or alliteration; _i.e._, an agreement in sound between the beginning letters of any accented syllables in the line. For example, in the line _G_uthhere there _g_ave me a _g_oodly jewel the _g_'s form the alliteration. The third accent sets the alliteration for the line and is known as the "rime-giver." With it agree the first and the second accent, or either of them. The fourth accent must not, however, agree with the rime-giver. Occasionally the first and third accents will alliterate together and the second and fourth, as, The _w_eary in _h_eart against _W_yrd has no _h_elp; or the first and fourth may have the alliteration on one letter, while the second and third have it on another, as, Then _h_eavier _g_rows the _g_rief of his _h_eart. These two latter forms are somewhat unusual. The standard line is that given above: _G_uthhere there _g_ave me a _g_oodly jewel, or A _h_undred generations; _h_oary and stained with red, or With rings of _g_old and _g_ilded cups. All consonants alliterate with themselves, though usually _sh_, _sp_, and _st_ agree only with the same combination. Vowels alliterate with one another. In the following passage the alliterating letters are indicated by italics: [transcriber's note: enclosed by underscore characters] Then a _b_and of _b_old knights _b_usily gathered, _K_een men at the _c_onflict; with _c_ourage they stepped forth, _B_earing _b_anners, _b_rave-hearted companions, And _f_ared to the _f_ight, _f_orth in right order, _H_eroes under _h_elmets from the _h_oly city At the _d_awning of _d_ay; _d_inned forth their shields A _l_oud-voiced a_l_arm. Now _l_istened in joy The lank _w_olf in the _w_ood and the _w_an raven, _B_attle-hungry _b_ird, _b_oth knowing well That the _g_allant people would _g_ive them soon A _f_east on the _f_ated; now _f_lew on their track The _d_eadly _d_evourer, the _d_ewy-winged eagle, _S_inging his war _s_ong, the _s_wart-coated bird, The _h_orned of beak. _Judith_, vv. 199-212.