Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XXXIX - Papal Dominion

Author: William Wordsworth

Shepherds of people, wielding high command,
How steadfastly would they maintain their sway,
If all they did to govern, could display
The calmness and the magnanimity
Of Rome, when, in her pomp, she sent away
The Northmen from her walls, and offered grace
To conquering Goths, through withering years of stress,
Not questioning, if aught they did, might sway.
The pious works which had so long repelled
Barbarian force, and check’d a world gone mad,
Now languish, sunk, or utterly decayed;
In vain the Church her strength renews, and tries
To stem the Torrent in its headlong course,
That sweeps and undermines with ruthless force.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Papal Dominion, Church, Power

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 Papal Dominion and the challenges faced by the Church. The poem contrasts the once-mighty power of Rome with the decline and decay of its influence, highlighting the Church’s struggle to maintain its authority against the forces that seek to undermine it.

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.