2598. (1). The anacrustic scheme (see 2529) of the choliambus is:
⏑̆͐ ⁝ -́ ⏑ | -̇ ⏑͐ | -́ ⏑ | -̇ ⏑ | ⏗́ | -́ ⏑
⁝ ⏑́ ⏑ | ⏑̇ ⏑ | ⏑́ ⏑ | ⏑̇ ⏑ |
i.e. trochaic trimeter with anacrusis (2529), syncope (2541), and
protraction (2516).
2599. (2.) Resolutions and substitutions are less common in the
choliambus than in the ordinary trimeter. No monosyllable except #est#
is admitted at the end of the line. The tribrach in the first foot is
rare, and the fifth foot is regularly an iambus.
2600. (3). The verse is named _Choliambus_ (i.e. “lame” or “limping
iambus”) or _Scazon_ (“hobbler”) from its odd, limping movement. It is
sometimes called Hipponactean from its inventor Hipponax, and is chiefly
used to produce a satiric or ludicrous effect. It was introduced into
Roman poetry by Cn. Mattius, and was employed by Varro, Catullus,
Persius, Petronius, Martial, and others.