Robert Bridges' Theory of Elision - Milton's Later Relaxation of The Rules of Elision

Milton's Later Relaxation of The Rules of Elision

Bridges notes that the Milton's concept of elision is broadened in Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes. Specifically, he observes the following types of elision:

  • through an M (where preceding and succeeding syllables are unstressed)
  • via synaloepha of a final vocalic y with an initial consonantal y
  • from a short unaccented i, where the following vowel is unstressed, through the following consonants:
    • through a T (4 instances)
    • through a M (1 instance)
    • through a F (1 instance)
    • through a D (1 instance)
    • through a SH (1 instance)
    • through a ST (1 instance)

These last two, Bridges describes as "quite abhorrent to the style of Paradise Lost"

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