O Passi Sparsi, o Pensier Vaghi E Pronti
The poem describes the speaker's scattered thoughts and fleeting feelings, which are both vague and urgent. The speaker is torn between the desire to be free from worldly cares and the longing for a distant beloved. The poem expresses a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the transience of life and the elusiveness of happiness.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 184 words
First lines
EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF HIS PASSION IS A TORMENT TO HIM.
O scatter'd steps! O vague and busy thoughts! O firm-set memory! O fierce desire! O passion powerful! O failing heart! O eyes of mine, not eyes, but fountains now! O leaf, which honourest illustrious brows, Sole sign of double valour, and best crown! O painful life, O error oft and sweet! That make me search the lone plains and hard hills.
O beauteous face! where Love together placed The spurs and curb, to strive with which is vain, They prick and turn me so at his sole will.
O gentle amorous souls, if such there be! And you, O naked spirits of mere dust, Tarry and see how great my suffering is!
What this Textopian page supports
O Passi Sparsi, o Pensier Vaghi E Pronti 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, Meditative Poetry, Sonnet
- Length: 184 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, desire, and personal suffering align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of passion and memory suggests philosophical underpinnings.
- Meditative Poetry — The introspective nature of the text indicates a meditative quality.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Love Poems · Sonnet Collection · Classical Influence · Lyrical Poetry · Medieval Inspiration · Courtly Love · Philosophical Themes · Nature Imagery · Emotional Intensity · Personal Reflections
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