L' Alto Signor, Dinanzi a Cui Non Vale
The poem describes the speaker's longing for a distant beloved, addressing an unnamed noble lord who stands before whom it is worthless to plead their case. The speaker laments their fate, feeling helpless and unworthy in the presence of this powerful figure, who seems oblivious to their suffering.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet · 175 words
First lines
HIS SORROW FOR THE ILLNESS OF LAURA INCREASES, NOT LESSENS, HIS FLAME.
The sovereign Lord, 'gainst whom of no avail Concealment, or resistance is, or flight, My mind had kindled to a new delight By his own amorous and ardent ail: Though his first blow, transfixing my best mail Were mortal sure, to push his triumph quite He took a shaft of sorrow in his right, So my soft heart on both sides to assail.
A burning wound the one shed fire and flame, The other tears, which ever grief distils, Through eyes for your weak health that are as rills.
But no relief from either fountain came My bosom's conflagration to abate, Nay, passion grew by very pity great.
What this Textopian page supports
L' Alto Signor, Dinanzi a Cui Non Vale 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, Sonnet, Religious Poetry, Elegy
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for L' Alto Signor, Dinanzi a Cui Non Vale by Francesco Petrarca
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering L' Alto Signor, Dinanzi a Cui Non Vale?
- 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
- Fu Forse Un Tempo Dolce Cosa Amore by Francesco Petrarca
- Pien Di Quella Ineffabile Dolcezza by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Amai Sempre Ed Amo Forte Ancora by Francesco Petrarca
- Vive Faville Uscian De Duo Bei Lumi by Francesco Petrarca
- Quando Dal Proprio Sito Si Rimove by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Canterei D Amor Si Novamente by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional intensity align with Romantic ideals.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it is a sonnet, a common form in Petrarch's work.
- Religious Poetry — The reference to a 'sovereign Lord' indicates spiritual themes and a connection to divine love.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Sonnet · Love Poem · Courtly Love · Medieval Romance · Literary Classic · 14th Century · Florentine · Tuscan · Romance Language · Lyrical Poetry
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