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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 1: 33. THE COUNCIL OF CLERMONT by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: AND SHALL,' THE PONTIFF ASKS, 'PROFANENESS FLOW ...'
Last Line: "THROUGH ""NATURE'S HOLLOW ARCH"" THAT VOICE RESOUNDS."

"AND shall," the Pontiff asks, "profaneness flow
"From Nazareth -- source of Christian piety,
"From Bethlehem, from the Mounts of Agony
"And glorified Ascension? Warriors, go,
"With prayers and blessings we your path will sow;
"Like Moses hold our hands erect, till ye
"Have chased far off by righteous victory
"These sons of Amalek, or laid them low!" --
"GOD WILLETH IT," the whole assembly cry;
Shout which the enraptured multitude astounds!
The Council-roof and Clermont's towers reply; --
"God willeth it," from hill to hill rebounds,
And, in awe-stricken Countries far and nigh,
Through "Nature's hollow arch" that voice resounds.




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