Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 1: 20. OTHER INFLUENCES, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 1: 20. OTHER INFLUENCES, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah, when the body, round which in love we cling
Last Line: Of your own mighty instruments beware!


AH, when the Body, round which in love we clung,
Is chilled by death, does mutual service fail?
Is tender pity then of no avail?
Are intercessions of the fervent tongue
A waste of hope? -- From this sad source have sprung
Rites that console the Spirit, under grief
Which ill can brook more rational relief:
Hence, prayers are shaped amiss, and dirges sung
For Souls whose doom is fixed! The way is smooth
For Power that travels with the human heart:
Confession ministers the pang to soothe
In him who at the ghost of guilt doth start.
Ye holy Men, so earnest in your care,
Of your own mighty instruments beware!






Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net