Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - VII - Persecution Of The Scottish Covenanters

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
When Alpine vales threw forth a suppliant cry, The majesty of England interposed And the sword stopped; the bleeding wounds were closed, And faith preserved in Christian liberty. From us the blessings of the fruitful sky Receive they not whom the woods and waves enclose, And that wide realm where Scythian meteors rose? We send their priests, and send them light whereby They live like men who at the trumpet’s call Are all awake, because their hearts are whole; But some there are who with a duteous will Kneel down before a Pictish, barbarous throng; And, where the flood begins to roar and swell, They seize the cross, and shout the glorious song.
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, Persecution, Covenanters, Faith
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 the persecution of the Scottish Covenanters. The poem highlights the courage and faith of those who stood firm in their beliefs despite facing persecution, drawing attention to the support they received from England and their unyielding commitment to Christian liberty.

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.