Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XI - Saxon Conquest

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Nor wants the cause the charm of tragic song; Nor yet from the lamenting strings withheld Is the deep knowledge of the heart’s strong core, The base whereon the towering fabric stands. But who shall breathe their more than mortal power, And who shall speak their triumphs, who shall tell How, from the barbarous North, the Saxons came, And, with their savage instruments of war, Mowed down the Britons to their mountain fastnesses? Thus did the Saxons break the British power; But, ere they won their own barbaric pride, A thousand Christian shrines with holy light Were kindled, and the sacred fire passed on.
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, Reflection, Saxons, Conquest, Christianity
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth recounts the Saxon conquest of Britain. The poem reflects on the tragic and violent nature of the conquest, as well as the subsequent spread of Christianity, which ultimately brought light and sacred fire to the land.

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.