Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XXXVI - An Interdict

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Realms quake by turns: proud arbitress of grace, Thine is the hold and privilege of dread; Thou canst pluck honor from a monarch’s head, And make his footstool of his power abase. Then might the Church her great commandments trace, In fearful characters of cross and crown, On hostile men,—on those whom thou wouldst frown Down to the dust of this most abject place. O may the conscience of the dying lord, The parting tribute of the humble thrall, The prayers of saints,—the sword of the adorer Appease thy wrath!—but lo! the spell is broke; At thy command, the gathered clouds are flown, And human passion frets and rages 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, Interdict, Church, Power, Conflict
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 power of the Church to impose an interdict, a form of ecclesiastical censure. The poem captures the fear and authority wielded by the Church through such measures, as well as the eventual dissolution of that power as human passions and conflicts resume.

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.