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This stanza had been used by
Chaucer and the Elizabethans, and recently by Hookham Frere in _The
Monks and the Giants_ and by Byron in _Don Juan_.

Word:

adapted

Question:

Why was this stanza used by Chaucer, the Elizabethans, Hookham Frere, and Byron in their respective works?

Answer (optional):

This stanza, called ottava rima, was used by Chaucer, the Elizabethans, Hookham Frere, and Byron in their respective works because it was a popular Italian stanza form that naturally resulted from their turn to Italy for inspiration in their storytelling. The form was particularly suitable for satire, mock-heroic, and romantic poetry.