Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXIX - The Commination Service

Author: William Wordsworth

Shall this commanding voice be heard again,
Of Him who scourged the heathen, and laid low
Their proudest temples? Lo! where sin was bred,
The ground itself is withering; and, behold,
Even now the arm of vengeance, where it points,
The sword is bared, and desolation reigns!
But spare thy people, Lord, and let us turn
To Thee in penitence, and thou wilt spare.
And from the altar comes the healing balm
Of pardon, and the soul, refresh’d by grace,
Leaps from its burden, and with gladness bears
The joyful tidings to the house of God.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Commination Service, Penitence, Grace

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 Commination Service. The poem contemplates the power of divine judgment and the importance of penitence, urging the faithful to seek forgiveness and find solace in the grace offered by God through the Church.

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.