Papal Allocution

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    "Popule mi, quid tibi feci?"     What hast thou done? Hark, till thine ears wax hot,     Judas; for these and these things hast thou done.     Thou hast made earth faint, and sickened the sweet sun,     With fume of blood that reeks from limbs that rot;     Thou hast washed thine hands and mouth, saying, "Am I not     Clean?" and thy lips were bloody, and there was none     To speak for man against thee, no, not one;     This hast thou done to us, Iscariot.     Therefore, though thou be deaf and heaven be dumb,     A cry shall be from under to proclaim     In the ears of all who shed men's blood or sell     Pius the Ninth, Judas the Second, come     Where Boniface out of the filth and flame     Barks for his advent in the clefts of hell.1

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a passionate denunciation, drawing heavily on biblical imagery and allusions, particularly the figure of Judas Iscariot, infamous for betraying Jesus Christ. The poet employs this Judas metaphor throughout, using it as a symbol of betrayal and corruption. The first half of the poem is an indictment, listing the various wrongs committed by the metaphorical 'Judas'. There's a powerful use of sensory language, particularly in the description of the 'fume of blood that reeks from limbs that rot,' which adds a visceral quality to the poem's moral outrage.

The second half of the poem continues this tone of accusation, but introduces an element of prophecy, as the speaker predicts a reckoning for those who 'shed men's blood or sell.' Historical figures like 'Pius the Ninth' and 'Boniface' are summoned, suggesting a critique of institutional corruption and abuses of power. The structure of the poem is tightly controlled, with the poet's anger and moral fervor contained within a consistent rhyme scheme. This contrast between the vehemence of the poem's content and the formal restraint of its structure creates a dynamic tension that infuses the poem with a sense of urgent, righteous indignation. This poem's blend of religious symbolism, historical reference, and moral outrage makes it a powerful critique of societal and institutional betrayal.

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.