Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNETS UPON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH: 13. CONCLUSION, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH



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SONNETS UPON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH: 13. CONCLUSION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes, though he well may tremble at the sound
Last Line: Oh, speed the blessed hour, almighty god!


YES, though He well may tremble at the sound
Of his own voice, who from the judgment-seat
Sends the pale Convict to his last retreat
In death; though Listeners shudder all around,
They know the dread requital's source profound;
Nor is, they feel, its wisdom obsolete --
(Would that it were!) the sacrifice unmeet
For Christian Faith. But hopeful signs abound;
The social rights of man breathe purer air,
Religion deepens her preventive care;
Then, moved by needless fear of past abuse,
Strike not from Law's firm hand that awful rod,
But leave it thence to drop for lack of use:
Oh, speed the blessed hour, Almighty God!






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