He Cannot Live Without Seeing her, but Would not

Name: He Cannot Live Without Seeing her, but Would not Die that he May Still Love her (Ben MI Credea Passar Mio Tempo Omai)
Author: Francesco Petrarca

The poem "He Cannot Live Without Seeing her, but Would not Die that he May Still Love her" by Francesco Petrarca is a sonnet written in Italian. It expresses the speaker's intense love for his beloved and his desire to see her again. The poem uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions, such as comparing his heart to a burning flame that cannot be extinguished without seeing his beloved. Overall, the poem is a beautiful expression of passionate love and longing.

By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1342 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Classical Literature · 1,136 words

First lines

As pass'd the years which I have left behind, To pass my future years I fondly thought, Amid old studies, with desires the same; But, from my lady since I fail to find The accustom'd aid, the work himself has wrought Let Love regard my tempter who became; Yet scarce I feel the shame That, at my age, he makes me thus a thief Of that bewitching light For which my life is steep'd in cureless grief; In youth I better might Have ta'en the part which now I needs must take, For less dishonour boyish errors make.

What this Textopian page supports

He Cannot Live Without Seeing her, but Would not Die that he May Still Love her (Ben MI Credea Passar Mio Tempo Omai) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1342 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: 1342 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Classical Literature, Philosophical, Drama
Length: 1,136 words
Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery.
Romance — The central theme revolves around unrequited love and the emotional turmoil it causes.
Classical Literature — The style and themes are characteristic of classical literature, reflecting the period's literary conventions.
Philosophical — The text explores deep existential and emotional questions about love, life, and suffering.