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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 2: 44. TROUBLES OF CHARLES I by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: EVEN SUCH THE CONTRAST THAT, WHERE'ER WE MOVE
Last Line: HER BLESSINGS CURSED -- HER GLORY TURNED TO SHAME!
Subject(s): CHARLES I, KING OF ENGLAND (1600-1649);

EVEN such the contrast that, where'er we move,
To the mind's eye Religion doth present;
Now with her own deep quietness content;
Then, like the mountain, thundering from above
Against the ancient pine-trees of the grove
And the Land's humblest comforts. Now her mood
Recalls the transformation of the flood,
Whose rage the gentle skies in vain reprove;
Earth cannot check. O terrible excess
Of headstrong will! Can this be Piety?
No -- some fierce Maniac hath usurped her name;
And scourges England struggling to be free:
Her peace destroyed! her hopes a wilderness!
Her blessings cursed -- her glory turned to shame!




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