Feelings Of A French Royalist, On The Disinterment Of The Remains Of The Duke D’Enghien

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Dear relic! mark’d by many a fond regret, Here we behold thee, mouldering in the dust; Yet all the honor that did once befit Thy princely state, returns; for, thus enshrined, Thy sacred ashes, though in earth they lie, Are hallow’d by the breath of memory. Ah, what can now revive the look, the tone, The aspect, that so dignified and graced Thy noble brow? They perish, one by one, As when the autumn leaves, by tempest placed, Are scattered to the wind, and left alone. Yet, while the world holds sway, and nations rise To break their chains, or stand in proud amaze, Thy name, thy memory, with the stars shall rise, And live, to be the theme of future lays.
Written: 1810-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1810-01-01
Date Published: 1810-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Reflection, Royalty, Memory, Remains
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet reflecting on the disinterment of the remains of the Duke D’Enghien, a French royalist. The poem honors the memory of the Duke, emphasizing the enduring significance of his name and legacy, even as his physical remains return to dust.

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.