The way was long the wind was cold.

Lay of the Last Minstrel.

2. Heroics.—Five measures x a. This is the common measure in narrative and didactic poetry.

To err is human, to forgive divine.

3. Alexandrines.—Six measures x a. This name is said to be taken from the early romances on the deeds of Alexander the Great.

He lifted up his hand | that back againe did start.—Spenser.

4. Service metre.—Seven measures x a. This is the common metre of the psalm-versions. Thence its name.

But one request I made to him | that sits the skies above,

That I were freely out of debt | as I were out of love.

Sir John Suckling.