Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - I - How Soon, Alas!

Author: William Wordsworth

How soon, alas! did Man, created pure—
By Angels guarded, deviate from the line
Prescribed to duty; and in place of love
Seek an unnatural service; be enslaved
To servile impulses; and fear, and hope,
And anger, waste the energy of thought,
Till we repent and groan with piteous voice,
Such as from midnight heart once burst.
But, oh!
No foe to virtue shall defy the laws
Of duty long: Heaven still hath ministers
That govern human actions by the rule
Of good or ill, established in the scale
Of eternal justice; else—where were the doom
Of guilty souls? We fall to rise again.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Human Nature, Virtue, Repentance

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the fallibility of human nature. The poem discusses how quickly mankind can deviate from virtue and fall into sin, but it also emphasizes the possibility of repentance and redemption, guided by the laws of eternal justice.

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.