Final answer:
In Phillis Wheatley's poem, the rhyme scheme of the provided lines can be denoted as 'aabbccdd', reflecting the poet's mastery in rhyme and rhythm, as well as her strategic use of diacritical marks to emphasize themes in her work.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Phillis Wheatley's poem "To the King's Most Excellent Majesty," the rhyme scheme is as follows for the given verse: aabbccdd. This analysis is based on the ending sounds of each line where lines with similar ending sounds are given the same letter. The lines "long" and "strong" for instance, both end with an '-ong' sound, hence they are labeled 'a'. It is important to note that Wheatley often used diacritical marks and capitalized certain words to emphasize and control the text in her poems, as observed in many of her manuscripts. These stylistic choices also offer multiple levels of meaning within her work. Furthermore, her poems often addressed the complexities of her experiences as a former slave, and she expertly used her voice to communicate poignant messages, such as in her works to the University of Cambridge and the Earl of Dartmouth.