Note 119 — PART II TO THE CLOSE OF THE TROUBLES IN THE REIGN OF CHARLES I.
Reading edition
The following version of this sonnet is from a MS. copy of it in Wordsworth's own handwriting.—Ed.
On false assumption, though the Papal Power Rests, and spreads wide, beduped, by ignorance hailed, A darker empire must have else prevailed, For deeds of mischief strengthening every hour. Behold how thundering from her spiritual tower She daunts brute rapine, cruelty she tames. Justice and charity through her assert their claims, And chastity finds many a sheltering bower. Realm is there none that, if controlled or swayed By her commands, partakes not in degree Of good, on manners arts and arms diffused: To mock thy exaltation, Roman See, And to the Autocracy, howe'er abused Through blind ambition, be this tribute paid.