Si Breve E 'L Tempo E 'L Pensier Si Veloce
The poem explores the fleeting nature of time and thought, lamenting how quickly they pass. The speaker describes how brief moments of joy are lost in the swift current of time, leaving only sorrow and regret. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, emphasizing the brevity of human life.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 183 words
First lines
THE REMEMBRANCE OF HER CHASES SADNESS FROM HIS HEART.
So brief the time, so fugitive the thought Which Laura yields to me, though dead, again, Small medicine give they to my giant pain; Still, as I look on her, afflicts me nought.
Love, on the rack who holds me as he brought, Fears when he sees her thus my soul retain, Where still the seraph face and sweet voice reign, Which first his tyranny and triumph wrought.
As rules a mistress in her home of right, From my dark heavy heart her placid brow Dispels each anxious thought and omen drear.
What this Textopian page supports
Si Breve E 'L Tempo E 'L Pensier Si Veloce 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, Elegy, Philosophical Poetry, Sonnet
- Length: 183 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- O Tempo O Ciel Volubil Che Fuggendo by Francesco Petrarca
- L Aura Mia Sacra Al Mio Stanco Riposo by Francesco Petrarca
- Qui Dove Mezzo Son Sennuccio Mio by Francesco Petrarca
- Geri Quando Talor Meco S Adira by Francesco Petrarca
- S Onesto Amor Puo Meritar Mercede by Francesco Petrarca
- Mente Mia Che Presaga De Tuoi Danni 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 the idealization of the beloved align with Romantic ideals.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, particularly regarding the figure of Laura.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of time and thought indicates a philosophical dimension.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Sonnet · Love Poem · Medieval Literature · Classical Influence · Philosophical Themes · Mortality · Fleeting Nature of Life · Human Emotions · Introspection · Self-Discovery
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