Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVIII - Visitation Of The Sick

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
The prayer that hath been heard and granted, Lord, Is one with every other holy prayer; But most of all, that which the heart doth move, When the soul is in sorrow, and in fear Of thy dread presence; for then Faith and Love, With Hope, are lifted to the throne of Heaven, And, though the soul be struggling in the dark, Light breaks upon it from the opened sky. Blest is the man whose sickness is a guide To light and peace; and, if with tears he die, The tear that falls shall be an offering meet For thy acceptance, who dost save the meek, And bring them to the land where sorrow ends.
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, Visitation, Sick, 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 Visitation of the Sick. The poem emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith during times of illness, highlighting the hope and peace that come from divine guidance and the promise of eternal life for those who suffer and trust in God.

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.