Heroic couplet

A heroic couplet is a traditional form for English poetry, particularly for epic and narrative poetry. It corresponds 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.