Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 2: 34. LATIMER AND RIDLEY by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW FAST THE MARIAN DEATH-LIST IS UNROLLED!
Last Line: IN CONSTANCY, IN FELLOWSHIP MORE FAIR!
Subject(s): LATIMER, HUGH (1485-1555); RIDLEY, NICHOLAS (1503-1555);

HOW fast the Marian death-list is unrolled!
See Latimer and Ridley in the might
Of Faith stand coupled for a common flight!
One (like those prophets whom God sent of old)
Transfigured, from this kindling hath foretold
A torch of inextinguishable light;
The Other gains a confidence as bold;
And thus they foil their enemy's despite.
The penal instruments, the shows of crime,
Are glorified while this once-mitred pair
Of saintly Friends the "murtherer's chain partake,
Corded, and burning at the social stake:"
Earth never witnessed object more sublime
In constancy, in fellowship more fair!




Home: PoetryExplorer.net