He Bewails his Double Loss in the Deaths of Laura, and of Colonna

He Bewails his Double Loss in the Deaths of Laur

The poem "He Bewails his Double Loss in the Deaths of Laura, and of Colonna" by Francesco Petrarca is a lament for the loss of two important figures in the poet's life. The first stanza describes the death of Laura, who was the object of Petrarch's unrequited love. The second stanza mourns the death of Cardinal Giovanni Colonna, a close friend and patron of Petrarch. Throughout the poem, Petrarch expresses his grief and despair at these losses, as well as his fear that he will never find happiness again.

By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1342 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Renaissance Literature · 373 words

First lines

Fall'n that proud Column, fall'n that Laurel tree, Whose shelter once relieved my wearied mind; I'm reft of what I ne'er again shall find, Though ransack'd every shore and every sea: Double the treasure death has torn from me, In which life's pride was with its pleasure join'd; Not eastern gems, nor the world's wealth combined, Can give it back, nor land, nor royalty.

But, if so fate decrees, what can I more, Than with unceasing tears these eyes bedew, Abase my visage, and my lot deplore? Ah, what is life, so lovely to the view! How quickly in one little morn is lost What years have won with labour and with cost!

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He Bewails his Double Loss in the Deaths of Laura, and of Colonna is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1342 CE.

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loss · grief · mourning · love · death · poetry · elegy · romanticism · human emotion · nostalgia · sorrow · reflection

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