Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XXV - Missions And Travels

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Not sedentary all: there are who roam To scatter seeds of life on barbarous shores; Or quit with zealous step their knee-worn floors To seek the general mart of Christendom; Whence they, like richly-laden merchants, come To their beloved cells; or shall we say That, like the Red-cross Knight, they urge their way, To lead in memorable triumph home Truth, their immortal freight? Or when they meet, A few sad Pilgrims, on the journey bent To some far shrine, they softly say, “Deplored The wish that, in this temple, such to greet Whose prayers, by their meek penitence, are sent To heaven in Christ’s name. Do they ask reward? Enough that we can feed them with the word.”
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, Missions, Travels, Pilgrimage
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 missionaries and travelers who spread the Christian faith across the world. The poem honors those who leave their monasteries to fulfill their sacred duties, likening them to knights on a holy quest, bringing truth and spiritual nourishment to distant lands.

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.