Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 2: 41. DISTRACTIONS, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 2: 41. DISTRACTIONS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Men, who have ceased to reverence, soon defy
Last Line: For every wave against her peace unites.
Subject(s): Anglican Church


MEN, who have ceased to reverence, soon defy,
Their forefathers; lo! sects are formed, and split
With morbid restlessness; -- the ecstatic fit
Spreads wide; though special mysteries multiply,
'The Saints must govern', is their common cry;
And so they labour, deeming Holy Writ
Disgraced by aught that seems content to sit
Beneath the roof of settled Modesty.
The Romanist exults; fresh hope he draws
From the confusion, craftily incites
The overweening, personates the mad --
To heap disgust upon the worthier Cause:
Totters the Throne; the new-born Church is sad,
For every wave against her peace unites.






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