Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XII - The Vaudois

Author: William Wordsworth

But whence came they who for the Saviour Lord
Have long borne witness as the Scriptures teach?—
They through the desert of the world have trod,
Yet not alone; some trace hath been supplied,
Some secret path, from one who suffered there,
Of woe or want, of anguish or despair;
And oft the yearning heart hath been restored
From those dead walks by living springs, whose voice
Hath borne them onward till the desert bloom
And verdure deck the walls that frowned so grim.
The Bard hath sung in thrilling strains, "My flock
This hermit leads through the dim vale of tears."
But why prolong the strain? The time is come,
When Angels shall have charge, and Faith shall win.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Vaudois, Witness, Faith

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 Vaudois, a group of Christians who bore witness to their faith despite persecution. The poem describes their journey through the harshness of the world, sustained by faith and the promise of divine guidance, ultimately leading to spiritual victory.

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.