Two: Description of the Metres
2.11 Mattāchandas Periods
It should be noted that in the early texts the most common opening of the odd lines in Vetālīya is −−⏑⏑. In the later period this falls back considerably with the other variations, notably ⏑⏑−⏑⏑ showing a marked increase; also in the later period the syncopated forms almost come to an end, and runs of light syllables start to appear.