The poem is a sonnet that describes the beloved's beauty and its effect on the speaker. The first eight lines describe the beloved's radiant appearance, comparing it to a shining star. The final six lines express the speaker's longing and desire for the beloved, who is absent. The poem explores the themes of love, beauty, and longing.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1344 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Allegory