Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNETS UPON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH: 4, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH



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SONNETS UPON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH: 4, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Is death, when evil against good has fought
Last Line: In the weak love of life his least command.


IS 'Death', when evil against good has fought
With such fell mastery that a man may dare
By deeds the blackest purpose to lay bare?
Is Death, for one to that condition brought,
For him, or any one, the thing that ought
To be 'most' dreaded? Lawgivers, beware,
Lest, capital pains remitting till ye spare
The murderer, ye, by sanction to that thought
Seemingly given, debase the general mind;
Tempt the vague will tried standards to disown,
Nor only palpable restraints unbind,
But upon Honour's head disturb the crown,
Whose absolute rule permits not to withstand
In the weak love of life his least command.






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