Dicemi Spesso Il Mio Fidato Speglio
The poem is a sonnet that explores the theme of self-reflection and introspection. The speaker describes their trusted mirror as a faithful advisor that reveals their true self, unmasked by external appearances or social pretenses. Through this mirror, the speaker sees their own flaws and weaknesses, but also their inner beauty and virtues.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Elegy · 364 words
First lines
HE AWAKES TO A CONVICTION OF THE NEAR APPROACH OF DEATH.
My faithful mirror oft to me has told -- My weary spirit and my shrivell'd skin My failing powers to prove it all begin -- "Deceive thyself no longer, thou art old. " Man is in all by Nature best controll'd, And if with her we struggle, time creeps in; At the sad truth, on fire as waters win, A long and heavy sleep is off me roll'd; And I see clearly our vain life depart, That more than once our being cannot be: Her voice sounds ever in my inmost heart.
What this Textopian page supports
Dicemi Spesso Il Mio Fidato Speglio is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1343 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1343 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Sonnet
- Length: 364 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Soleano I Miei Pensier Soavemente by Francesco Petrarca
- I Ho Pien Di Sospir Quest Aer Tutto by Francesco Petrarca
- Signor Mio Caro Ogni Pensier Mi Tira by Francesco Petrarca
- I Pur Ascolto E Non Odo Novella by Francesco Petrarca
- Stanci Gia Di Mirar Non Sazio Ancora by Francesco Petrarca
- Se Mai Foco Per Foco Non Si Spense by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — It explores themes of mortality, existence, and the passage of time, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
- Elegy — The tone reflects mourning and contemplation of loss, typical of elegiac poetry.
- Romanticism — The focus on individual emotion and nature's influence aligns with Romantic themes.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Sonnet Collection · Love Poems · Courtly Love · Medieval Romance · Lyrical Poetry · Classical Influence · Philosophical Themes · Moral Reflections · Personal Musings · Introspection
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca