What do Celtic scribes do to ensure text reaches the end of the margin?

Celtic scribes employed various techniques to enhance their manuscript presentations, one of which was to elongate certain letters to ensure that the text reached the end of the margin. This stylistic approach not only filled the space more effectively but also added a unique aesthetic quality to the writings. By stretching particular characters, they could create a visually pleasing and balanced line of text, which is emblematic of Celtic art and writing traditions. This method was especially important in decorative manuscripts, as it contributed to both the readability and the artistic expression within the constraints of the written page.

The other methods mentioned might not specifically address the goal of aligning text with margin requirements. Abbreviating words, for instance, reduces content rather than extending it, while using thinner pens would not necessarily aid in achieving a margin completion. Writing more slowly could affect the overall flow and rhythm of the writing, but it wouldn't have a direct impact on the alignment of the text with the margins. Thus, elongation of letters stands out as the most effective and characteristic practice among Celtic scribes for maintaining text alignment.