Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XVI - Bishops And Priests

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
By chain yet stronger must the soul be tied; One duty more, last stage of her career! Though peradventure with a voice severe, The Priest, and Prelate, beckon to the bride. O let not this the Aged Saint deride, Or doubt if in the fading of the year Such ample promise of a harvest mere Could be fulfilled. Then may she cast aside Her leaves, her flowers, and with full insight, Sitting serenely in the central sun, The sun in which the works of God begin, Boldly confront the shades which multiply As brooding night draws nearer to the west, And take with them the Holy Ghost’s behest.
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, Bishops, Priests, 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 roles of bishops and priests. The poem emphasizes the spiritual duties and responsibilities of clergy, urging them to guide the faithful with insight and resolve as they face the challenges of life’s final stages.

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.