![Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XX - Other Influences, By: William Wordsworth](https://i0.wp.com/poetrycatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ecclesiastical-Sonnets-Part-I-XX-Other-Influences-By-William-Wordsworth.png?resize=750%2C420&ssl=1)
Ah, when the Body, round which in love we clung,
Is chilled by death, does mutual service fail?
Is tender pity then of no avail?
Are intercessions of the fervent tongue
A waste of hope? From this sad source have sprung
Rites that console the Spirit, under grief
Which ill can brook more rational relief:
Hence, prayers are shaped amiss, and dirges sung
For Souls whose doom is fixed! The way is smooth
For Power that travels with the human heart:
Confession ministers the pang to soothe
In him who at the ghost of guilt doth start.
Ye holy Men, so earnest in your care,
Of your own mighty instruments beware!