French Sonnet, Rondel Prime or Rondel Supreme

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French Sonnet, Rondel Prime, Rondel Prime Sonnet or Rondel Supreme is simply a Rondel with a second refrain added to the end of the poem. This verse form unlike most sonnets is usually syllabic. The sonnet was introduced to France in the 16^th century by Clemont Marot (?-1544).

The elements of the Rondel Prime or French Sonnet are:

1. a quatorzain, an octave made up of 2 quatrains followed by a sestet.
2. isosyllabic, the classic French sonnet is written in Alexandrine lines but this sonnet form can also be found in 8 syllable lines or the lines can be an number of syllables as long as the measure is consistent throughout the poem. In English it is found written in iambic pentameter or Alexandrine lines.
3. rhymed ABba abAB abbaAB, A and B being refrains.
4. composed with 2 refrains. L1 is repeated in L7 and L13, L2 is repeated in L8 and L14.
5. composed with a pivot or turn somewhere after L8.

   Note: I found The Wanderer by Henry Austin Dobson in several places on the internet written with only 13 lines and a perfect example of the Rondel. At World of Poets I found the same poem with an added line at the end which converts the frame to a Rondel Prime or French Sonnet. I am unsure when and by whom the 14th line was added but I think I like it better with the stronger L2 ending the poem.

   THE WANDERER by Henry Austin Dobson                                         Love comes back to his vacant dwelling, - The old, old Love that we knew of yore! We see him stand by the open door, With his great eyes sad, and his bosom swelling. He makes as though in our arms repelling, He fain would lie as he lay before; - Love comes back to his vacant dwelling, - The old, old Love that we knew of yore! Ah, who shall keep us from over-spelling That sweet forgotten, forbidden lore! E'en as we doubt in our hearts once more, With a rush of tears to our eyelids welling, Love comes back to his vacant dwelling. The old, old Love that we knew of yore!

   Come Along by DC Martinson I want to ride the sea, O, won't you come along? But we must leave erelong O, do you not agree? Waves will be so bonny, So peaceful yet so strong; I want to ride the sea, O, won't you come along? Her froth will set me free! This goal I can't prolong: On boats I do belong, On land I am not me! I want to ride the sea, O, won't you come along?

   
   Arab traders influence Cornish poets Cornish Sonnet