Editors

Hail, Virgin Queen! o'er many an envious barTriumphant, snatched from many a treacherous wile!All hail, sage Lady, whom a grateful IsleHath blest, respiring from that dismal warStilled by thy voice! But quickly from afarDefiance breathes with more malignant aim;And alien storms with home-bred ferments claimPortentous fellowship. Her silver car,By sleepless prudence ruled, … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part II. – XXXVIII – Elizabeth, By: William Wordsworth

Scattering, like birds escaped the fowler's net,Some seek with timely flight a foreign strand;Most happy, re-assembled in a landBy dauntless Luther freed, could they forgetTheir Country's woes. But scarcely have they met,Partners in faith, and brothers in distress,Free to pour forth their common thankfulness,Ere hope declines: their union is besetWith speculative notions rashly … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part II. – XXXVII – English Reformers In Exile, By: William Wordsworth

Aid, glorious Martyrs, from your fields of light,Our mortal ken! Inspire a perfect trust(While we look round) that Heaven's decrees are just:Which few can hold committed to a fightThat shows, ev'n on its better side, the mightOf proud Self-will, Rapacity, and Lust,'Mid clouds enveloped of polemic dust,Which showers of blood seem rather to inciteThan to allay. Anathemas are … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part II. – XXXVI – General View Of The Troubles Of The Reformation, By: William Wordsworth

Outstretching flameward his upbraided hand(O God of mercy, may no earthly SeatOf judgment such presumptuous doom repeat!)Amid the shuddering throng doth Cranmer stand;Firm as the stake to which with iron bandHis frame is tied; firm from the naked feetTo the bare head. The victory is complete;The shrouded Body to the Soul's commandAnswers with more than Indian fortitude,Through … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part II. – XXXV – Cranmer, By: William Wordsworth

Methinks that I could trip o'er heaviest soil,Light as a buoyant bark from wave to wave,Were mine the trusty staff that Jewel gaveTo youthful Hooker, in familiar styleThe gift exalting, and with playful smile:For thus equipped, and bearing on his headThe Donor's farewell blessing, can he dreadTempest, or length of way, or weight of toil?More sweet than odours caught by him who … [Read more...] about Ecclesiastical Sonnets – Part II. – XXXIX – Eminent Reformers, By: William Wordsworth