A
heroic couplet is a traditional form for English poetry, particularly for epic and narrative poetry. It correspond to a two line stanza in
iambic pentameter; a quatrain as such would be a heroic
stanza.
A frequently-cited example illustrating the use of heroic couplets is this passage from Cooper's Hill by John Denham[?], part of his description of the Thames:
- O could I flow like thee, and make thy stream
- My great example, as it is my theme!
- Though deep, yet clear, though gentle, yet not dull,
- Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full.