Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXXIX - Eminent Reformers

Author: William Wordsworth

Methinks that I could trip o’er heaviest ground,
Light as a buoyant bark from wave to wave,
Were mine the trusty staff that Jew once gave
To youthful Christian clad in armor sound;
Or had I other emblem high renowned,
Or bore a Blazoned Shield, or magic glaive,
Or Censer, ever-laden with rich steam
Of incense;—such the elevating power
Of holy works, and triumphs over sense,
Such golden visions high in regions serene,
How glorious to ascend from earth’s rude bower,
Where thorns and thistles still infest the green!
Yet, do I err in this?—for earth can best
But pluck the roses that from heaven descend.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Reformers, Faith, Triumph

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 reflects on the eminent reformers of the Church. The poem celebrates their spiritual strength and the heavenly inspiration that guided their actions, portraying their achievements as triumphs over earthly challenges and temptations.

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.