Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. From The Introduction Of Christianity Into Britain, To The Consummation Of The Papal Dominion - Introduction

Author: William Wordsworth

I, who descended with glad step to chase
Cerulean insects of the painted mead,
A green and gilded dragon-fly, and bear
As sweet a prize as ever tempted swain
From heights by passion guarded, scarcely won,
Where from the tangled mountain's face a brook
Betrays its birth, a spot for childhood’s play;
Not seldom in our woodland nook have I,
Lone wanderer, heard a viewless river sing,
And carried thence its voice to my pure thoughts.
Or stooped, with ear close-shut, beside a pool,
To hear faint echoes from the noisy world.
But, now for me such strolls are over,—not
For this can I resign the glorious hope
Of ruling with a storm—a nobler world,
And being a lightning-gaze, through clouds and storms.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Introduction, Christianity, Hope

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: An introduction to the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the early introduction of Christianity into Britain. The poem captures the innocence and purity of nature contrasted with the lofty aspirations of spreading a new faith, hinting at the challenges and hope that come with such a transformative mission.

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.