  In this paper we build on earlier observations and theory regarding word
length frequency and sequential distribution to develop a mathematical
characterization of some of the language features distinguishing isometrically
lineated text from unlineated text, in other words the features distinguishing
isometrical verse from prose. It is shown that the frequency of syllables
making complete words produces a flat distribution for prose, while that for
verse exhibits peaks at the line length position and subsequent multiples of
that position. Data from several verse authors is presented, including a
detailed mathematical analysis of the dynamics underlying peak creation, and
comments are offered on the processes by which authors construct lines. We note
that the word-length sequence of prose is random, whereas lineation
necessitates non-random word-length sequencing, and that this has the probable
consequence of introducing a degree of randomness into the otherwise highly
ordered grammatical sequence. In addition we observe that this effect can be
ameliorated by a reduction in the mean word length of the text (confirming
earlier observations that verse tends to use shorter words) and the use of
lines varying from the core isometrical set. The frequency of variant lines is
shown to be coincident with the frequency of polysyllables, suggesting that the
use of variant lines is motivated by polysyllabic word placement. The
restrictive effects of different line lengths, the relationship between
metrical restriction and poetic effect, and the general character of metrical
rules are also discussed.
