Here Pause: The Poet Claims At Least This Praise

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Here pause: the Poet claims at least this praise, That virtuous Liberty hath been the scope Of his pure song, which did not shrink from hope In the worst moment of these evil days; From hope, the paramount duty that Heaven lays, For its own honour, on man’s suffering heart. Never may from our souls one truth depart— That an accursed thing it is to gaze On prosperous Tyrants with a dazzled eye; Nor—touched with due abhorrence of their guilt For whose dire ends tears flow, and blood is spilt, And Justice labours in extremity— Forget thy weakness, upon which is built, O wretched man, the throne of Tyranny!
Written: 1807-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1807-01-01
Date Published: 1807-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Liberty, Reflection, Hope, Tyranny
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet that reflects on the poet’s dedication to the theme of virtuous liberty. Wordsworth emphasizes the importance of hope, even in the darkest times, and the moral duty to resist tyranny and uphold justice, no matter the cost.

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.