Go Back To Antique Ages, If Thine Eyes

Author: William Wordsworth

Go back to antique ages, if thine eyes
The genuine traits of Error can despise;
Oh, stand thou firm! Through such an awful strife
Shall grow the rugged, manly heart of life,
And from its brow lift up the veil of lies.

Yet is the tale not ended. There shall be
No bitterness within the hearts of men,
Nor in the days of yore. The Past is free,
And o’er the present and the future reigns.

True are the instincts of our nature, yet
The heart of man is made by these alone
To grow and ripen with the hopes of heaven.
Therefore, O spirit! be not overthrown.

But trust the kindly fellowship of men
Till those great bonds of friendship are renewed,
Which, severed in the past, shall bind again
A new-born race to future good.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1819-01-01

Date Published: 1819-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: History, Reflection, Human Nature, Hope

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet that urges the reader to look back to the past with a critical eye, but also with hope for the future. The poem emphasizes the importance of understanding history while maintaining faith in the potential for human goodness and progress.

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.