Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - VIII - Crusaders

Author: William Wordsworth

FURL we the sails, and pass with tardy oars
Through these bright regions, casting many a glance
Upon the dream-like issues, ere they fade:
Such triumphs are no more; the distant shores
Of Palestine no more command the view;
No more the hills of Syria crown the war.
Though morning’s noonday ray, as clear as truth,
Looks calmly on those conquered shores, and where
Each phalanx, facing to the dawn, proclaims
Their order, and obeys the sovereign Lord,
That truth and justice may uphold their sway,
Through the mild noon, and to the fading day.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Crusaders, Palestine, War

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 Crusaders and the fading glory of their conquests. The poem captures the transition from the triumphs of the past to a present where the fervor of the Crusades has faded, leaving behind only the memory of their once-commanding presence in the Holy Land.

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.