![Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. From The Introduction Of Christianity Into Britain, To The Consummation Of The Papal Dominion - Introduction, By: William Wordsworth](https://i0.wp.com/poetrycatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ecclesiastical-Sonnets-Part-I-From-The-Introduction-Of-Christianity-Into-Britain-To-The-Consummation-Of-The-Papal-Dominion-Introduction-By-William-Wordsworth.png?resize=750%2C420&ssl=1)
In series, 1821-22.
Part I. 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. Introduction
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.