Note 5 — Chapter V

The rime scheme of the Italian type divided each sonnet into two parts, the first one of eight lines, the second of six. In the first eight lines the rimes usually went a, b, b, a, a, b, b, a; but sometimes a, b, a, b, a, b, a, b: in both cases using only two rimes for the eight lines. In the second or six-line part there were several different arrangements, of which the following were the most common: (1) c, d, e, c, d, e; (2) c, d, c, d, c, d; (3) c, d, e, d, c, e. All of these rime-schemes alike were intended, by their constant repetition and interlocking of the same rimes, to give the whole poem an air of exquisite workmanship, like that of a finely modeled vase. Here is an English sonnet of Milton's, imitating the form of Petrarch's and illustrating its rime scheme:—

"When I consider how my light is spent (a) Ere half my days in this dark world and wide, (b) And that one talent which is death to hide (b) Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent (a) To serve therewith my Maker, and present (a) My true account, lest He returning chide, (b) Doth God exact day-labour, light denied? (b) I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent (a) That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need (c) Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best (d) Bear his mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state (e) Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed, (c) And post o'er land and ocean without rest; (d) They also serve who only stand and wait." (e)