A Dead King

Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

    Ferdinand II entered Malebolge May 22nd, 1859.


    Go down to hell. This end is good to see;
    The breath is lightened and the sense at ease
    Because thou art not; sense nor breath there is
    In what thy body was, whose soul shall be
    Chief nerve of hell's pained heart eternally.
    Thou art abolished from the midst of these
    That are what thou wast: Pius from his knees
    Blows off the dust that flecked them, bowed for thee.
    Yea, now the long-tongued slack-lipped litanies
    Fail, and the priest has no more prayer to sell
    Now the last Jesuit found about thee is
    The beast that made thy fouler flesh his cell
    Time lays his finger on thee, saying, "Cease;
    Here is no room for thee; go down to hell."
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, using the historical context of Ferdinand II's entrance into Malebolge, a part of Dante's Inferno, on May 22nd, 1859, offers a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy and corruption. The tone is one of righteous indignation and bitter satisfaction, as the speaker reflects on the fate of what appears to be a corrupt religious figure.

The structure of the poem, with its relatively consistent rhyme scheme, serves to reinforce its themes. The repetition of the phrase "go down to hell" at both the beginning and end of the poem gives it a strong sense of symmetry and finality. The use of historical and religious references, and the personification of hell as having a "pained heart," contribute greatly to the overall sense of moral outrage. The incorporation of time as an active force that ultimately brings an end to the figure's corruption is a strikingly effective device, underscoring the poem's theme of inevitable justice. The word choice and imagery, particularly in the phrases "long-tongued slack-lipped litanies" and "the beast that made thy fouler flesh his cell," further serve to paint a vivid and damning picture of the figure in question.

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.