Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 3: 7. SCOTTISH COVENANTERS, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 3: 7. SCOTTISH COVENANTERS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When alpine valleys threw forth a suppliant cry
Last Line: Against a champion cased in adamant.


WHEN Alpine Vales threw forth a suppliant cry,
The Majesty of England interposed
And the sword stopped; the bleeding wounds were closed;
And Faith preserved her ancient purity.
How little boots that precedent of good,
Scorned or forgotten, Thou canst testify,
For England's shame, O Sister Realm! from wood,
Mountain, and moor, and crowded street, where lie
The headless martyrs of the Covenant,
Slain by Compatriot-protestants that draw
From councils senseless as intolerant
Their warrant. Bodies fall by wild sword-law;
But who would force the Soul, tilts with a straw
Against a Champion cased in adamant.






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