Greek Grammar

mutes are nine: β, γ, δ, κ, π, τ, θ, φ, χ. Into how many are the nine mutes divided? Into three: into smooth, into aspirated, and into middle. How many smooth? Three: κ, π, τ. How many aspirated? Three: θ, φ, χ. How many middle? Three: β, γ, δ. The aspirated are corresponding to the smooth: φ to π, χ to κ, and θ to τ. And β is the middle of π and φ; γ is the middle of κ and χ; and δ is the middle of θ and τ.

On the Syllable.

What is a syllable? A collection of at least two letters. But improperly, even single-letter syllables are called such, for example α, ω. Into how many is the syllable divided? Into three: into long, into short, and into common. In how many ways is the long syllable spoken? In two ways: either by nature or by position. By nature, whenever it has one of the long vowels or a diphthong, or one of the two-time vowels extended. By position, when after the naturally short vowel within it, two consonants follow in any way, except for a mute before an immutable liquid; for then it becomes common, as the same can be long and short.