![Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - II - From False Assumption Rose, By: William Wordsworth](https://i0.wp.com/poetrycatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ecclesiastical-Sonnets-Part-II-II-From-False-Assumption-Rose-By-William-Wordsworth.png?resize=750%2C420&ssl=1)
From false assumption rose, and, fondly hailed
By superstition, spread the Papal power;
Yet do not deem the Autocracy prevailed
Thus only, even in error’s darkest hour.
She daunts, forth-thundering from her spiritual tower,
Brute rapine, or with gentle lure she tames.
Justice and Peace through Her uphold their claims;
And Chastity finds many a sheltering bower.
Realm there is none that if controlled or swayed
By her commands partakes not, in degree,
Of good, o’er manners arts and arms, diffused:
Yes, to thy domination, Roman See,
Tho’ miserably, oft monstrously, abused
By blind ambition, be this tribute paid.