Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - III - Charles The Second

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Who comes with rapture greeted, and caressed With frantic love—his hand, the royal hand Hath slain a father, to usurp the throne! If e’er the Courtier in his heart possessed One drop of England’s blood, the dire disease Of loyal sympathy, the sovereign grace Of mercy, would have washed away the stain, And peace returned—but, oh! what vile disgrace It is, to bow before the insolent lust Of guilty Tyranny! to gild the sin, And in hypocrisy, before his feet, To kneel, and worship that detested thing, Who hath no power but what is wrung by force, And bears no sway but what corrupts the soul!
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Charles II, Tyranny, Loyalty
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part III of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on Charles II. The poem criticizes the restoration of Charles II to the throne and the hypocrisy of those who supported him, portraying it as a betrayal of England’s true values and a submission to tyranny and corruption.

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.