Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - V - Waltons Book Of Lives

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
There are no colours in the fairest sky So fair as these. The feather whence the pen Was shaped that traced the lives of these good men, Dropped from an Angel’s wing. With moistened eye We read of faith and purest charity In Statesman, Priest, and humble Citizen. O could the change that banners now defy, Blending the past with auguries of peace, Yield meaner aspects to an inward view; Nor could this Earth no purer forms embrace, Than those recorded in that book of truth, Fit, year by year, the gazer’s soul to fill With deeper holiness of mind and will.
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, Walton, Lives, Charity
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 Izaak Walton’s "Book of Lives". The poem praises the work for its portrayal of faith, charity, and virtue in various individuals, presenting them as exemplary figures that inspire deeper holiness in the reader.

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.