Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XV - Paulinus

Author: William Wordsworth

But, to remote Northumbria’s royal Hall,
Where thoughtful Edwin, tutored in the school
Of sorrow, still maintains a heathen rule,
Who comes with functions apostolical?
Mark him, of shoulders curved, and stature tall,
Black hair, and vivid eye, and meagre cheek,
His prominent feature like an eagle’s beak;
A Man whose aspect doth at once appall
And strike with reverence. The Monarch leans
Toward the pure truths this Delegate propounds,
Repeatedly his own deep mind he sounds
With careful hesitation,—then convenes
A synod of his Councillors:—give ear,
And what a pensive Sage doth utter, hear!
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Paulinus, Northumbria, Conversion

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth portrays Paulinus, the missionary who played a key role in converting Northumbria to Christianity. The poem reflects on Paulinus’s impact on King Edwin, emphasizing the weighty decisions and deep thoughts that accompanied the conversion process.

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.