The Poetry Corner

Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XXXIX - Papal Dominion

By William Wordsworth

Unless to Peter's Chair the viewless wind Must come and ask permission when to blow, What further empire would it have? for now A ghostly Domination, unconfined As that by dreaming Bards to Love assigned, Sits there in sober truth, to raise the low, Perplex the wise, the strong to overthrow; Through earth and heaven to bind and to unbind! Resist the thunder quails thee! crouch rebuff Shall be thy recompense! from land to land The ancient thrones of Christendom are stuff For occupation of a magic wand, And 'tis the Pope that wields it: whether rough Or smooth his front, our world is in his hand!