Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XLII - Cathedrals, Etc

Author: William Wordsworth

Open your gates, ye everlasting Piles!
Types of the spiritual Church which God hath reared;
Not loth we quit the newly-hallowed sward
And humble altar, ’mid your sumptuous aisles
To kneel, or thrid your intricate defiles,
Or down the nave to pace in motion slow;
Watching with upward eye the tall tower grow
And mount, at every step, with living wiles
Instinct—to rouse the heart and lead the will
By a bright ladder to the world above.
Open your gates, ye Monuments of Love!
Ye builded Stones, nations to bind and thrill,
Ye Temples, that, as if by magic stroke
Of the enchanter’s wand, in grandeur broke!
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Cathedrals, Spirituality, Worship

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 grandeur and spiritual significance of cathedrals. The poem celebrates these monumental structures as symbols of the spiritual Church, guiding the faithful towards a higher understanding and deeper connection with the divine.

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.