I' Piansi, or Canto; Che 'L Celeste Lume
The poem describes the poet's longing for a distant beloved, addressing the heavens and celestial bodies to convey his emotions. He invokes the moon, asking it to carry his sighs and tears to his loved one, expressing his deep sadness and yearning. The poem explores the theme of unrequited love, emphasizing the poet's emotional pain and sense of isolation.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Religious Poetry · 179 words
First lines
AT HER RETURN, HIS SORROWS VANISH.
I wept, but now I sing; its heavenly light That living sun conceals not from my view, But virtuous love therein revealeth true His holy purposes and precious might; Whence, as his wont, such flood of sorrow springs To shorten of my life the friendless course, Nor bridge, nor ford, nor oar, nor sails have force To forward mine escape, nor even wings.
But so profound and of so full a vein My suff'ring is, so far its shore appears, Scarcely to reach it can e'en thought contrive: Nor palm, nor laurel pity prompts to gain, But tranquil olive, and the dark sky clears, And checks my grief and wills me to survive.
MACGREGOR.
What this Textopian page supports
I' Piansi, or Canto; Che 'L Celeste Lume 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, Romanticism, Religious Poetry, Sonnet, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for I' Piansi, or Canto; Che 'L Celeste Lume by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering I' Piansi, or Canto; Che 'L Celeste Lume?
- How does this poem by Francesco Petrarca fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Quando Fra L Altre Donne Ad Ora Ad Ora by Francesco Petrarca
- Conobbi Quanto Il Ciel Gli Occhi M Aperse by Francesco Petrarca
- Lasso Ch I Ardo Ed Altri Non Mel Crede by Francesco Petrarca
- Mia Ventura Ed Amor M Avean Si Adorno by Francesco Petrarca
- I Begli Occhi Ond I Fui Percosso In Guisa by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Temo Si De Begli Occhi L Assalto by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, sorrow, and the beauty of nature align with Romantic ideals.
- Religious Poetry — The text references divine light and virtuous love, indicating a spiritual dimension.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it may be part of a sonnet sequence.
Tags
poetry · Italian literature · Renaissance · lyric poetry · love · nature · melancholy · spirituality · human emotion · sonnet · beauty · philosophy
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