Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XIX - The Liturgy

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Yes, if the intensities of holy prayer Could pierce to Heaven, and if the soul, in need Of heavenly succor, must for mercy plead, As to a parent’s ear, in anguish rare; Or if, when sinners tremble at their fate, Or when the souls of just men are denied, With streaming eyes, to feel the frown of Fate, They call on God, the Lord, to calm their dread; Or if, by every soul that feels its want Of holy comfort, it is craved, as food Of angels, then the Liturgy is given, With power to stir the heart, to rouse the mind, To shape and guard the soul, with might to move, And is, in truth, the noblest gift of Heaven.
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, Liturgy, Prayer, Mercy
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 power of the Liturgy. The poem praises the Liturgy as a divine gift that stirs the heart, rouses the mind, and shapes the soul, emphasizing its role in connecting believers with heavenly mercy and comfort.

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.