Se L' Onorata Fronde, Che Prescrive
The poem describes the poet's longing for a noble and virtuous lady who has rejected him. He praises her beauty, honor, and virtue, acknowledging that she has rightly judged him unworthy of her love. The poet accepts his fate, recognizing that he cannot attain her love, but continues to admire and reverence her from afar.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Humanism · 176 words
First lines
TO STRAMAZZO OF PERUGIA, WHO INVITED HIM TO WRITE POETRY.
If the world-honour'd leaf, whose green defies The wrath of Heaven when thunders mighty Jove, Had not to me prohibited the crown Which wreathes of wont the gifted poet's brow, I were a friend of these your idols too, Whom our vile age so shamelessly ignores: But that sore insult keeps me now aloof From the first patron of the olive bough: For Ethiop earth beneath its tropic sun Ne'er burn'd with such fierce heat, as I with rage At losing thing so comely and beloved.
Resort then to some calmer fuller fount, For of all moisture mine is drain'd and dry, Save that which falleth from mine eyes in tears.
MACGREGOR.
What this Textopian page supports
Se L' Onorata Fronde, Che Prescrive 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, Elegy, Humanism, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Quel Rosignuol Che Si Soave Piagne by Francesco Petrarca
- I Mi Vivea Di Mia Sorte Contento by Francesco Petrarca
- Mente Mia Che Presaga De Tuoi Danni by Francesco Petrarca
- Spirto Felice Che Si Dolcemente by Francesco Petrarca
- Morte Ha Spento Quel Sol Ch Abbagliar Suolmi by Francesco Petrarca
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — Themes of loss and longing are prevalent, aligning with the characteristics of elegiac poetry.
- Humanism — The text reflects humanist ideals, focusing on individual experience and the value of classical knowledge.
- Romanticism — The emotional intensity and focus on nature and personal feelings resonate with Romantic themes.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Sonnet · Love Poem · Courtly Love · Medieval Literature · Lyrical Poetry · Romanticism · Classical Influence · Philosophical Themes · Moral Reflections · Spiritual Quest
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