Article #39 - Meaning of Poetic Feet

Please explain the meaning of Poetic feet

All workmen must have a rule to govern them if they work systematic or scientific[al]ly. The workman has his foot and by it his work is perfected in system and order. The poet has his, comprising a certain number of accented and nonaccented syllables and if harmony and melody is

observed the same order of feet will pervade his verse. Critics of course will measure it by their rule of feet.

                                    H. B.