Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XI - Sacheverel

Author: William Wordsworth

A sudden conflict rises from the breast
Of Simeon, as with eager gaze he sought
His country’s weal; and who shall stand confessed
As the best champion of that glorious lot?
Sacheverel! That name the sound is fraught
With conflict of a turbulent career,
And brings a crowd of images, distraught,
That float upon the troubled atmosphere.
The period passed—yet no memorial dates
To mark the hour—no wreath that ever graced
Heroic brows; but there shall come a time
When Truth shall raise her undivided voice,
And give to those who from the Church of Christ
Dared boldly to depart, a martyr’s fame.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Sacheverel, Conflict, Martyrdom

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part III of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the figure of Henry Sacheverell. The poem evokes the conflict and turbulence associated with Sacheverell’s career and suggests that, in time, the truth will reveal his actions as worthy of martyrdom, despite the controversy that surrounded him.

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.