Verse lines

Encoding Instructions (new P5 version)

Verse lines are encoded using l.

Verse lines may often be split into multiple parts for various reasons: for instance where a verse line is shared between two speakers or two verse paragraphs, or where the line is interrupted by an intervening element, as in dramatic exchanges. Where verse lines are split, they are encoded using multiple l elements (with part attributes) to create an aggregate element encoding the complete metrical line. This encoding differs from the encoding of simple line breaks within verse lines, in which a line break within a single metrical line is necessitated by limitations of space. Simple line breaks in verse are encoded with lb. In this case, indentation or alignment for the second part of the line are recorded using the rend attribute of lb.

Example 1. Verse 
            lines split between two speakers and verse lines with line 
            breaks:
            <sp who="SiLab">
              <speaker>Alb.</speaker>
                <l rend="break(no)">Say, what of her? Is there from nature’s
                  <lb rend="indent(2)"/>hand</l>
                <l>So rare a model of transcendent worth?</l>
                <l>The brilliant <name>Hesperus</name> that leads 
                  the day</l>
                <l>Is not so cheering to the pilgrim’s sight</l>
                <l part="I">As she to mine!</l>
            </sp>
            <sp who="SiLmo">
              <speaker>Mont.</speaker>
                <l part="F">Now, Albert, hear me speak:</l>
            </sp>