How Beautiful The Queen Of Night

Author: William Wordsworth

How beautiful the Queen of Night, on high
Her throne of stars, and, with her crescent shield,
Lifts her calm look to heaven; and the wide field
Of radiance spreads; and Nature, till the sigh
Of human grief is hushed, sleeps peacefully
Under her softening influence. Then, unsealed
By her, the eyes of spirits wandering yield
A gaze of tender love and sympathy.

O! when the splendour of the earth shall fade,
And its last tribes of men shall be no more;
When other worlds shall glitter in its shade,
And Time's vast realm be lost to human lore,
The memory of this Queen, on her high throne,
Shall live—when all the rest have past, unknown.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1820-01-01

Date Published: 1820-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Moon, Nature, Reflection, Night

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet that celebrates the beauty of the moon, referred to as the Queen of Night. The poem reflects on the calming influence of the moon and its enduring presence in the night sky, suggesting that its memory will live on even after the earth and its inhabitants have faded away.

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.