Alexandrian

The mystical school of Yogis was established by Patanjali, the founder of one of the six philosophical systems of ancient India. It is supposed that the Neo-platonists of the second and third Alexandrian Schools were the followers of Indian Yogis, more especially was their theurgy brought from India by Pythagoras, according to the tradition.

the Alexandrian library

Theſe Triplets and Alexandrians were brought in by Dryden, and other Poets in the Reign of Charles II. They were the mere Effect of Haſte, Idleneſs, and want of Money; and have been wholly avoided by the beſt Poets, ſince theſe Verſes were written.

The Fall of Troy is in blank verse, and may pass muster; but the Dido is in Alexandrians, a most monotonous measure, quite unsuited to a long piece in English.

It follows the pompous versification (the elegant, rhyming Alexandrians), the proverb-like diction, the courteous form of address, and the antithetical reasoning in the portrayal of the struggle in the soul of the hero.

Usually the Alexandrian breaks into two phrases of three iambic feet each.