Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - X - Struggle Of The Britons Against The Barbarians

Author: William Wordsworth

Rise!—they have risen: of brave Britons born,
Or wedded to their cause, with hearts as brave,
Those who have worn through time, and storm, and war,
The hand of slavery, and her fetters scorn,
And struggled nobly, yet their country gave
A better lesson than they could bestow;
Saxon and Norman, Scot and Englishman,
In liberty have struggled, and we know
That England first the glorious fight began,
When first the men of might, who battled long,
Against the darkness of her ancient foe,
Led the brave charge, and bade the world be free,
By deeds that shall endure to future men.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Britons, Barbarians, Struggle, Liberty

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the struggle of the Britons against the barbarians. The poem celebrates the bravery and resilience of the Britons, highlighting their fight for liberty and the lasting impact of their struggle on future generations.

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.