Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXXVI - Emigrant French Clergy

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Even while I speak, the sacred roofs of France Are shattered by the cannon’s peal, and lorn Have all her altars been, her shrines o’erthrown, And yet, amid the storm of war’s advance, And fields that meet the eye like fields of grief, Thy priests, amid the warfare of despair, Do still their faith maintain. O sacred grief, Thou art more holy than the joy of earth, When man, whose piety is blended still With awe, beholds his cherished altars fall Before the arm of tyranny. That truth Shall be thy portion; for the mighty stream Of time, that rolls for ever in its might, Shall bear thy monuments on high, And they, like stars that deck the summer sky, Shall keep their place through all the years of change.
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, French Clergy, War, 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 plight of the emigrant French clergy during the turmoil of the French Revolution. The poem honors their steadfast faith amidst the destruction of war, emphasizing the enduring power of truth and the sacredness of their grief.

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.