Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XVIII - Pastoral Character

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
A genial hearth, a hospitable board, And a refined rusticity, belong To the neat mansion, where, his flock among, The learned Pastor dwells, their watchful lord. Though meek and patient as a sheathed sword; Though pride’s least lurking thought appear a wrong To human kind; though frequent in his song Be self-approving, while the heart is wrung By pangs unutterable and cold neglect; Yet, does he spare no pain, divine or bard, From earthly wants and comforts, to protect The humble servant of his Father’s yard; And, while the lambs he fosters with a care Blest as the eagle broods o’er infant ones, Gives all their treasure to the nest they rear.
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, Pastoral, Character, 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 pastoral character. The poem describes the learned pastor’s dedication to his flock, emphasizing his humility, care, and the nurturing environment he creates for those in his charge, likening his protection to that of an eagle over its young.

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.