He Extols the Virtue of Laura
The poem "He Extols the Virtue of Laura" by Francesco Petrarca is a sonnet that praises the virtues of his beloved, Laura. The speaker extols her beauty, grace, and virtue, comparing her to angels and saints. He also expresses his deep love for her and his desire to be with her always.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1342 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Classical · 344 words
First lines
Tree, victory's bright guerdon, wont to crown Heroes and bards with thy triumphal leaf, How many days of mingled joy and grief Have I from thee through life's short passage known.
Lady, who, reckless of the world's renown, Reapest in virtue's field fair honour's sheaf; Nor fear'st Love's limed snares, "that subtle thief," While calm discretion on his wiles looks down.
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He Extols the Virtue of Laura is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1342 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1342 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Classical, Philosophical, Medieval
- Length: 344 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- He Recalls Her Many Graces Tacer Non Posso E Temo Non Adopre by Francesco Petrarca
- To A Madonna by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- He Finds Her Image Everywhere In Quella Parte Dov Amor Mi Sprona by Francesco Petrarca
- The Eyes Of Beauty by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- He Attempts To Paint Her Beauties But Not Her Virtues Quella Per Cui Con Sorga Ho Cangiat Arno by Francesco Petrarca
- To Aubrey De Vere by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around love and admiration for Laura.
- Classical — The work draws on classical references and traditions, such as the laurel tree symbolizing victory.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of virtue, wisdom, and the nature of true beauty.
Tags
love · poetry · romanticism · beauty · idealization · nature · longing · desire · melancholy · inspiration · feminine · spirituality
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