| Regarding the word order of the modal auxiliary (M) and its infinitive complement, a non-finite verb (V) in the subordinate clauses of OE prose, Ohkado argues the choice between MV and VM orders depends largely on the presence of an extra element (i.e. besides S, M, V). This theory is useful for OE prose; however, my recent study of Beowulf, shows no such influence of the extra element. Instead, the far more important factor is the distribution of alliteration.
The current survey indicates that the influence of alliteration is a similarly discernable and telling factor on word order in subordinate clauses of another OE alliterative poem, Genesis A. Thus, the VM order is always observed when only V alliterates, and both appear within the same half-line boundary. Conversely, the MV order prevails either when the alliteration pattern differs from the above or when both are separated by a half-line boundary. This phenomenon can also generally be observed in main clauses. However, the distribution of the MV/VM orders in main clauses of eaf-verse presents a different picture from ebf-verse, as is the case in Beowulf. Thus, a clear distinction between the main clauses of eaf-verse and ebf-verse should be made in the syntactical investigation of OE verse. |