Editors

A voice, from long-expecting thousands sent,Shatters the air, and troubles tower and spire;For Justice hath absolved the innocent,And Tyranny is balked of her desire:Up, down, the busy Thames, rapid as fireCoursing a train of gunpowder it went,And transport finds in every street a vent,Till the whole City rings like one vast quire.The Fathers urge the People to be still,With … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – VIII – Acquittal Of The Bishops, By: William Wordsworth

When Alpine Vales threw forth a suppliant cry,The Majesty of England interposedAnd the sword stopped; the bleeding wounds were closed;And Faith preserved her ancient purity.How little boots that precedent of good,Scorned or forgotten, Thou canst testify,For England's shame, O Sister Realm! from wood,Mountain, and moor, and crowded street, where lieThe headless martyrs of the … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – VII – Persecution Of The Scottish Covenanters, By: William Wordsworth

Nor shall the eternal roll of praise rejectThose Unconforming; whom one rigorous dayDrives from their Cures, a voluntary preyTo poverty, and grief, and disrespect.And some to want, as if by tempests wreckedOn a wild coast how destitute! did TheyFeel not that Conscience never can betray,That peace of mind is Virtue's sure effect.Their altars they forego, their homes they … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – VI – Clerical Integrity, By: William Wordsworth

There are no colours in the fairest skySo fair as these. The feather, whence the penWas shaped that traced the lives of these good men,Dropped from an Angel's wing. With moistened eyeWe read of faith and purest charityIn Statesman, Priest, and humble Citizen:Oh could we copy their mild virtues, thenWhat joy to live, what blessedness to die!Methinks their very names shine still … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part III. – V – Walton’s Book Of Lives, By: William Wordsworth