Orso, E' Non Furon Mai Fiumi Ne Stagni
The poem is a lamentation of the loss of a loved one, with the speaker describing their grief and sorrow. The title translates to "If they were never rivers nor stagnant pools," suggesting that even the smallest amount of comfort or solace would be welcome in this time of mourning. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and longing, with the speaker expressing their deep emotional pain and yearning for the deceased.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1344 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet · 194 words
First lines
HE COMPLAINS OF THE VEIL AND HAND OF LAURA, THAT THEY DEPRIVE HIM OF THE SIGHT OF HER EYES.
Orso, my friend, was never stream, nor lake, Nor sea in whose broad lap all rivers fall, Nor shadow of high hill, or wood, or wall, Nor heaven-obscuring clouds which torrents make, Nor other obstacles my grief so wake, Whatever most that lovely face may pall, As hiding the bright eyes which me enthrall, That veil which bids my heart "Now burn or break," And, whether by humility or pride, Their glance, extinguishing mine every joy, Conducts me prematurely to my tomb: Also my soul by one fair hand is tried, Cunning and careful ever to annoy, 'Gainst my poor eyes a rock that has become.
MACGREGOR.
What this Textopian page supports
Orso, E' Non Furon Mai Fiumi Ne Stagni is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1344 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: 1344 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet, Elegy, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 194 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Rapido Fiume Che D Alpestra Vena by Francesco Petrarca
- Se L Sasso Ond E Piu Chiusa Questa Valle by Francesco Petrarca
- Deh Porgi Mano All Affannato Ingegno by Francesco Petrarca
- La Vita Fugge E Non S Arresta Un Ora by Francesco Petrarca
- Del Mar Tirreno Alla Sinistra Riva by Francesco Petrarca
- Mentre Che L Cor Dagli Amorosi Vermi by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal emotion and reflection, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of unrequited love and idealized beauty align with Romantic ideals.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it is a sonnet, focusing on a single theme or emotion.
- Elegy — The tone of lamentation and longing for Laura suggests elements of elegy.
Tags
Italian literature · Renaissance poetry · Sonnet collection · Love poems · Nature imagery · Allegory · Symbolism · Classical influences · Medieval themes · Courtly love · Elegy · 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