The Corsair: Sonnet I
To Genevra
The Corsair: Sonnet I - form Summary
A Sonnet's Comparative Turn
This 14-line sonnet uses its compact form to set up a contrast between outward melancholy and inner purity. The speaker describes Genevra's sorrowful appearance, then turns to insist her heart contains "unalloy'd and stainless thought," elevating her above images of repentance. The poem’s tight structure focuses a brief narrative shift—a volta—so the final lines reframe the initial impression into moral praise and distinction.
Read Complete AnalysesThine eyes blue tenderness, thy long fair hair, And the wan lustre of thy features—caught From contemplation—where serenely wrought, Seems Sorrow's softness charm'd from its despair— Have thrown such speaking sadness in thine air, That—but I know thy blessed bosom fraught With mines of unalloy'd and stainless thought— I should have deem'd thee doom'd to earthly care. With such an aspect by his colours blent, When from his beauty-breathing pencil born, (Except that thou hast nothing to repent) The Magdalen of Guido saw the morn— Such seem'st thou—but how much more excellent! With nought Remorse can claim—nor Virtue scorn.
December 17, 1813.
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