Address to Sleep. from the Italian of Vincenzio
The poem "Address to Sleep" by Vincenzio Filicaia, translated into English by George Borrow, is a beautiful and poignant piece of literature that explores the themes of sleep, dreams, and the human condition. The speaker in the poem addresses sleep as if it were a person, begging for its return after a long absence. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Filicaia captures the essence of what it means to be human - our hopes, fears, desires, and struggles. This timeless work continues to inspire readers today with its universal message about the importance of rest, reflection, and self-discovery.
By George Borrow · First published 1842 · Genre: Poetry, Translation, Classical Literature · 796 words
First lines
Sweet death of sense, oblivion of ill, Sleep! who from war, from time to time, dost bear Poor, wretched mortals, and in peace dost still -- Compose the discords, which my bosom tear, For a brief space, and kindly interpose Thy soothing wings betwixt me and my care.
These eyes, which seem in love with weeping, close!
What this Textopian page supports
Address to Sleep. from the Italian of Vincenzio Filicaia is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Borrow, dated 1842 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Borrow
- Date: 1842 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Translation, Classical Literature, Philosophical, Romanticism
- Length: 796 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Nocturne by C. J. Dennis
- Late In The Nicht In Bed I Lay by Robert Louis Stevenson
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- The Cottage by Robert Graves
- Stop And See by Edward Dyson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery to convey its themes.
- Translation — The text is a translation from Italian, maintaining the original's poetic form and themes.
- Classical Literature — The style and themes reflect classical influences, focusing on universal human experiences and emotions.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential themes such as the nature of sleep, death, and the human condition.
Tags
poetry · Italian literature · translation · 19th century · lyricism · sleep · dreams · nature · serenity · reflection · philosophy · emotions