[Transcriber’s Note:
In this section, forms such as {8} or {16.} represent musical notes:
eighth note, dotted sixteenth and similar.]
2523. A dactyl occurring in 3/8 time did not have the value of 2 _morae_
+ 1 + 1, but was given instead that of 1½ + ¾ + ¾; in other words both
arsis and thesis suffered correption (2517), but the ratio between them
remained unchanged. Such a dactyl is called _cyclic_, and is marked
- ⏖, or musically {8.} {16.} {16.} There is also a _cyclic anapaest_,
marked ⏖ - or {16.} {16.} {8.}
Some scholars, however, hold that the cyclic dactyl had approximately
the value 1½ + ½ + 1, or {8.} {16} {8}, and mark it -⏑ ⏑. In like
manner they mark the cyclic anapaest ⏑ ⏑-. The true nature of these
cyclic feet is very uncertain.