Io Pensava Assai Destro Esser Sull' Ale
The poem explores the speaker's realization that they were mistaken about their own moral character and judgment. They thought they were on the right path, but now understand they were misguided. The speaker acknowledges their past errors and expresses a desire to change their ways, seeking redemption and forgiveness.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 198 words
First lines
UNWORTHY TO HAVE LOOKED UPON HER, HE IS STILL MORE SO TO ATTEMPT HER PRAISES.
I thought me apt and firm of wing to rise (Not of myself, but him who trains us all) In song, to numbers fitting the fair thrall Which Love once fasten'd and which Death unties.
Slow now and frail, the task too sorely tries, As a great weight upon a sucker small: "Who leaps," I said, "too high may midway fall: Man ill accomplishes what Heaven denies. " So far the wing of genius ne'er could fly -- Poor style like mine and faltering tongue much less -- As Nature rose, in that rare fabric, high.
What this Textopian page supports
Io Pensava Assai Destro Esser Sull' Ale 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, Philosophical Poetry, Sonnet, Allegorical Poetry
- Length: 198 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Io Son Gia Stanco Di Pensar Siccome by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Son Dell Aspectar Omai Si Vinto by Francesco Petrarca
- Datemi Pace O Duri Miei Pensieri by Francesco Petrarca
- Poscia Che Mia Fortuna In Forza Altrui by Francesco Petrarca
- Era Si Pieno Il Cor Di Maraviglie by Francesco Petrarca
- Quel Sol Che Mi Mostrava Il Cammin Destro by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and the struggle between aspiration and reality align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of existential themes and the nature of love reflects philosophical inquiry.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it is a sonnet, a common form in Petrarch's work.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Sonnet · Love Poem · Philosophical Themes · Medieval Influences · Courtly Love · Lyrical Style · Personal Reflections · Moral Dilemmas · Spiritual Quest · Autobiographical Elements
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