Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XV - Concluded. American Episcopacy

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Patriots informed with Apostolic light Were they, who, when their country had been freed, Bow’d lowly unto Christ’s prevailing creed, And made their peace with God. Or if such might Falter, they died in peace: nor grieved that day To whom the blessing of the sword was given, And many saints whom no church steeple calls, By dauntless constancy or seal, were driven Through their own wills to glorify the cross; And through fierce struggles where no mortal pause, Stood up for the cause of Christ and 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, Episcopacy, America, 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 American Episcopacy. The poem honors those patriots who embraced Christianity after the country’s freedom, acknowledging their commitment to faith and the challenges they faced in upholding the cross.

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.