Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET ON ALFRED OF ENGLAND, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET ON ALFRED OF ENGLAND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: There rose, from out a most discordant age
Last Line: Brings on himself like shame and misery on the land.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Alfred The Great (849-1899); Courts & Courtiers; Law & Lawyers; Alfred, King Of Wessex


THERE rose, from out a most discordant age,
A mind attuned to that slow harmony,
With which the Former of Humanity
Unfolds his book of will, from page to page.
War, with that generous passion, he did wage,
Which was the soul of Christian chivalry, --
But governing, his wise humility
Against high Heaven threw down no venturous gage.
He knew, how staidly moves the Spirit of Law,
Even as the dial-shade, -- that men with awe
May recognise the one law-giving hand;
And thus the Ruler, whom his own proud will
Urges unbridled, be it for good or ill,
Brings on himself like shame and misery on the land.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net