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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SONNETS UPON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH: 12, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: See the condemned alone within his cell
Last Line: On old temptations, might for ever blast.
First Line: See the condemned alone within his cell
Last Line: On old temptations, might for ever blast.
SEE the Condemned alone within his cell
And prostrate at some moment when remorse
Stings to the quick, and, with resistless force,
Assaults the pride she strove in vain to quell.
Then mark him, him who could so long rebel,
The crime confessed, a kneeling Penitent
Before the Altar, where the Sacrament
Softens his heart, till from his eyes outwell
Tears of salvation. Welcome death! while Heaven
Does in this change exceedingly rejoice;
While yet the solemn heed the State hath given
Helps him to meet the last Tribunal's voice
In faith, which fresh offences, were he cast
On old temptations, might for ever blast.
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