Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XIII - Praised Be The Rivers, From Their Mountain Springs

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Praised be the Rivers, from their mountain springs, Praised be the seasons, and the stars above, And the fair light of Heaven’s eternal love, That comes, like dew on heaven-descended wings, On growths of purest human love to shed The freshness of the morning! Praised be Each Infant’s voice, that through the mystery Of being doth by its glad utterance spread A solemn joy, and praise be given to man, Whether the stream of time from mortal life Bear fruitless leaves, or, gathered into strife Of life and death, the innocent are fed On justice and on mercy! Be it so: For these the laws of God were first ordained.
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Rivers, Praise, Love
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth praises the natural world and its connection to divine love. The poem celebrates the rivers, seasons, stars, and the innocent voices of children, all of which reflect the freshness of divine love and the laws of God that sustain justice and mercy.

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.