What is a Balassi Stanza?

Definition of Balassi Stanza

Balassi Stanza can be defined as,

“A stanza or verse form, consisting of nine line, with syllable counts 667667667. The rhyming structure for a Balassi Stanza is bbaccadda”.

History and Origin

The Balassi stanza is named after the Hungarian Balint Balassi (1554-1594), regarded as the first great lyricist of the Hungarian language.  This form of stanza has been extensively used in most of Balassi’s works.

Balassi was developed from the existing three line form, consisting of 19 syllables per line and modified it by adding the internal rhyming structure.

Example of Balassi Stanza Poems

Your sandwich problems solved!
Our menu has evolved
Till all can be satisfied.
Now we’ve reached perfection.
Natural selection
Has been working on our side.
Both sides of the river
We’ll gladly deliver
Our bikes can rove city-wide.

Do you prefer cheese bap
Or Cajun chicken wrap?
We have just the thing for you.
Tomatoes with rocket
In a pitta pocket?
No problem! We do that too.
And you shouldn’t forget
Our minted lamb baguette –
Though a touch pricey, it’s true.

-Darwin’s Deli