Enough! for see, with dim association
The tapers burn; the odorous incense feeds
A greedy flame; the pompous mass proceeds;
The Priest bestows the appointed consecration;
And, while the Host is raised, its elevation
An awe and supernatural horror breeds;
And all the people bow their heads, like reeds
To a soft breeze, in lowly adoration.
This Valdo brooks not. On the banks of Rhone
He taught, till persecution chased him thence,
To adore the Invisible, and Him alone.
Nor are his Followers loth to seek defense,
‘Mid woods and wilds, on Nature’s craggy throne,
From rites that trample upon soul and sense.
Read all of William Wordsworth's poems · About William Wordsworth
More by William Wordsworth
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XII - The Vaudois
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XIII - Praised Be The Rivers, From Their Mountain Springs
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XIV - Waldenses
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XIX - Abuse Of Monastic Power
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XL - The Same
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