Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - III - Trepidation Of The Druids

By William Wordsworth

Screams round the Arch-druid's brow the sea-mew—white As Menai's foam; and toward the mystic ring Where Augurs stand, the Future questioning, Slowly the cormorant aims her heavy flight, Portending ruin to each baleful rite, That, in the lapse of seasons, hath crept o'er Dilapidated altars:—When the roar Of elements shall lay their Temple's pride Prostrate, and Nature spread herself before The eye of Man in majesty so wide, That his affections, boundless as the tide, Shall no more from the mean and sordid creep, Till all that may be shunned shall disappear, And Hope be won to meet her with a cheer.
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Druids, Reflection, Trepidation, Nature
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series, where Wordsworth imagines the trepidation of the Druids as they witness the decline of their rituals and temples. The poem reflects on the power of nature to overthrow human constructs and the hope for a future where true majesty is recognized and celebrated.

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.