Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XIV - Glad Tidings

Author: William Wordsworth

For ever hallowed be this morning fair,
Blest be the unconscious shore on which ye tread,
And blest the silver Cross, that shall be spread
Where'er ye move; the Omen well may bear
Favour to you and to your enterprise,
The love of God, and holy charities.

Blest be the Church, that, watching o'er the land,
Hath poured her many plenteous gifts abroad,
To bind the world in the most holy band
Of peace and love, and blessed be the hour
That hears the first weak voice of infant prayer
Ascend for them, and bless the gentle hand
That leads to Heaven the Virgin’s dowry fair.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Glad Tidings, Church, Blessings

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth celebrates the spreading of glad tidings by the Church. The poem reflects on the blessings brought by the Church, the love of God, and the holy charities that bind the world together in peace and love, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith.

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.