Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XI - Transubstantiation

Author: William Wordsworth

Enough! for see, with dim and troubled eye,
That fatal power the Church hath dared assume,
How France beneath the yoke of infamy
Bows her proud head, and finds, or seems to find,
A palliative for her unbounded crime
In the soul-sickness of a withering bloom.
But oh! who hath not heard the piteous sighs
Of one who, kneeling by a sick man’s side,
By thought of kindred blood and ancient ties
Of holiest kindred, hath been heard to cry
For that life-restoring Sacrament?
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Transubstantiation, Faith, Sacrament

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 doctrine of transubstantiation and its impact on faith. The poem describes the deep longing for the sacrament by those who seek spiritual healing, highlighting the tension between human frailty and the divine power of the Eucharist.

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.