Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - IV - Druidical Excommunication

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Mercy and love have met thee on thy road, Thou pilgrim, straying in the midst of snows; The light of Bethlehem above thee glows, A heavenly guide, and Mercy's last abode. But for the soul that hath despised the road, That hath been deaf to Mercy's pleading voice, That hath refused to make the better choice, There is no mercy;—Justice holds the rod, And they are exiled from the fellowship Of God’s pure Saints, who, merciful as just, Despise not mercy, and from God do trust That they, to His pure faith, may closely clip The soul who travels from her destined path, And may return and sue for mercy's bath.
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, Excommunication, Mercy
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series, where Wordsworth reflects on the harshness of Druidical excommunication. The poem contrasts the mercy offered to those who repent with the justice awaiting those who refuse to follow the righteous path, emphasizing the importance of mercy and redemption.

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.