Questo Nostro Caduco E Fragil Bene
The poem explores the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death. It describes the beauty and fragility of human existence, emphasizing the transience of worldly pleasures and the importance of spiritual pursuits. The speaker reflects on the brevity of life, urging the reader to seek eternal salvation and abandon earthly desires.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1345 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 193 words
First lines
NATURE DISPLAYED IN HER EVERY CHARM, BUT SOON WITHDREW HER FROM SIGHT.
This gift of beauty which a good men name, Frail, fleeting, fancied, false, a wind, a shade, Ne'er yet with all its spells one fair array'd, Save in this age when for my cost it came.
Not such is Nature's duty, nor her aim, One to enrich if others poor are made, But now on one is all her wealth display'd, Ladies, your pardon let my boldness claim.
Like loveliness ne'er lived, or old or new, Nor ever shall, I ween, but hid so strange, Scarce did our erring world its marvel view, So soon it fled; thus too my soul must change The little light vouchsafed me from the skies Only for pleasure of her sainted eyes.
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Questo Nostro Caduco E Fragil Bene is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1345 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: 1345 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry, Sonnet
- Length: 193 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Questo Nostro Caduco E Fragil Bene by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Liete E Pensose Accompagnate E Sole by Francesco Petrarca
- In Qual Parte Del Cielo In Quale Idea by Francesco Petrarca
- Se Bianche Non Son Prima Ambe Le Tempie by Francesco Petrarca
- Tempo Era Omai Da Trovar Pace O Tregua by Francesco Petrarca
- La Sera Desiar Odiar L Aurora by Francesco Petrarca
- O Dolci Sguardi O Parolette Accorte by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, nature, and fleeting moments align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of transient beauty and existence reflects philosophical inquiries.
- Nature Poetry — Nature is a central theme, showcasing its beauty and impermanence.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Love Poems · Sonnet Collection · Classical Influence · Medieval Inspiration · Courtly Love · Philosophical Themes · Moral Reflections · Spiritual Quest · Humanism · Lyrical Style
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