“Feel For The Wrongs To Universal Ken”

Published 1842

[This Sonnet is recommended to the perusal of those who consider that the evils under which we groan are to be removed or palliated by measures ungoverned by moral and religious principles.--I.F.]

One of the “Sonnets dedicated to Liberty and Order.”--ED.

Feel for the wrongs to universal ken Daily exposed, woe that unshrouded lies; And seek the Sufferer in his darkest den, Whether conducted to the spot by sighs And moanings, or he dwells (as if the wren Taught him concealment) hidden from all eyes In silence and the awful modesties Of sorrow;--feel for all, as brother Men! Rest not in hope want’s icy chain to thaw By casual boons and formal charities; Learn to be just, just through impartial law; Far as ye may, erect and equalise; And, what ye cannot reach by statute, draw Each from his fountain of self-sacrifice!

1845.

… Men!-- Feel for the Poor,--but not to still your qualms By formal charity or dole of alms; Learn …

1842.

IN ALLUSION TO VARIOUS RECENT HISTORIES AND NOTICES OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

Published 1842

One of the “Sonnets dedicated to Liberty and Order.”--ED.

Portentous change when History can appear As the cool Advocate of foul device; Reckless audacity extol, and jeer At consciences perplexed with scruples nice! They who bewail not, must abhor, the sneer Born of Conceit, Power’s blind Idolater; Or haply sprung from vaunting Cowardice Betrayed by mockery of holy fear. Hath it not long been said the wrath of Man Works not the righteousness of God? Oh bend, Bend, ye Perverse! to judgments from on High, Laws that lay under Heaven’s perpetual ban All principles of action that transcend The sacred limits of humanity.

Wordsworth wrote this sonnet against Carlyle’s French Revolution in particular. Carlyle knew it, and this may in part--although only in part--account for Carlyle’s indifference to Wordsworth.--ED.