[125]
The
period must have at least two cola. The average
number would appear to be four, but it often contains
even more. According to Cicero,1 its length should
be restricted to the equivalent of four senarii or to
the compass of a single breath. It is further essential
that it should complete the thought which it expresses. It must be clear and intelligible and must
[p. 579]
not be too long to be carried in the memory. A
colon, if too long, makes the sentence drag, while on
the other hand, if it be too short it gives an impression
of instability.
1 Or. lxvi. 222. Cicero says hexcameters, not senarii.
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