Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XLVI - Ejaculation

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Glory to God! and to the Power who came In visible shape; who, faithful to His word, Up from the Mount of Transfiguration brought His Church; the human race redeeming Lord! Vouchsafe, O Rock of Ages, that we claim Thine aid; and grant that men, who lie in sin, Baptized in the name of the Holy One, May yet be cleansed; and, in the final hour, Behold, with eyes that open into light, A life beyond this transient life; and see Thee, who dost hide in cloud, but live in fire.
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, Glory, Redemption, Salvation
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 offers a brief prayerful ejaculation of praise to God. The poem calls for divine aid and redemption, invoking the imagery of the Transfiguration and expressing hope for salvation and eternal life.

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.