Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXVI - Apology

Author: William Wordsworth

Think not that I would check your graceful tears,
Or bid you cease to hover o’er the page
That tells the story of those ancient years,
The most effectual triumphs of your age,
That passed the bounds of human hopes and fears.
But by all sacred thoughts that humbly wait
Upon the hour when hope her station keeps,
And grateful tears are shed by conscious sleeps,
Think of those who, through perilous toils and pains,
Have long maintained your honour; and, if dreams
Disturb, or evil augury appears,
Hope in the God of Justice, and give ear
To the memorial words of holy seers.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Apology, Tears, Hope

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth offers an apology for those who may be troubled by the recounting of ancient stories and their emotional impact. The poem encourages hope and faith in the God of Justice, urging readers to remember those who have upheld honor through trials and to trust in divine guidance.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.