Summary

The poem begins by asking God to "avenge" the deaths of the Waldensians (1). Their bones now lie among the mountains, in spite of their purity in keeping their faith alive. In an era when Catholicism – which is seen as a form of idolatry, the worship of "stocks and stones" – took hold, these martyrs kept their faith (4). The speaker says that God must remember this loyal flock. The horrible details of their deaths, including the murder of mothers and children, deserves eternal commemoration on Earth and Heaven alike. Though the Church that caused their deaths still has power, the speaker concludes by hoping the massacre will inspire others to learn from their example and repent before the apocalypse.

Analysis

To understand this poem, it is necessary to first have a working knowledge of the historical events about which Milton was writing. This poem recalls the...