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ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 1: 1. INTRODUCTION by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I, WHO ACCOMPANIED WITH FAITHFUL PACE
Last Line: IMMORTAL AMARANTH AND PALMS ABOUND.

(FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY INTO BRITAIN, TO THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE PAPAL DOMINION)

"A verse may catch a wandering Soul, that flies
Profounder Tracts, and by a blest surprise
Convert delight into a Sacrifice."

I, WHO accompanied with faithful pace
Cerulean Duddon from his cloud-fed spring,
And loved with spirit ruled by his to sing
Of mountain quiet and boon nature's grace;
I, who essayed the nobler Stream to trace
Of Liberty, and smote the plausive string
Till the checked torrent, proudly triumphing,
Won for herself a lasting resting-place;
Now seek upon the heights of Time the source
Of a HOLY RIVER, on whose banks are found
Sweet pastoral flowers, and laurels that have crowned
Full oft the unworthy brow of lawless force;
And, for delight of him who tracks its course,
Immortal amaranth and palms abound.




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