To Laura In Death. Sonnet LXIX.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Sonnet
    Dolce mio caro e prezioso pegno.     HE PRAYS HER TO APPEAR BEFORE HIM IN A VISION.         Dear precious pledge, by Nature snatch'd away,     But yet reserved for me in realms undying;     O thou on whom my life is aye relying,     Why tarry thus, when for thine aid I pray?     Time was, when sleep could to mine eyes convey     Sweet visions, worthy thee;--why is my sighing     Unheeded now?--who keeps thee from replying?     Surely contempt in heaven cannot stay:     Often on earth the gentlest heart is fain     To feed and banquet on another's woe     (Thus love is conquer'd in his own domain),     But thou, who seest through me, and dost know     All that I feel,--thou, who canst soothe my pain,     Oh! let thy blessed shade its peace bestow.     WROTTESLEY.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant exploration of longing and loss, with the speaker expressing a deep yearning for the "precious pledge" that has been "snatch'd away." The theme of unattainable love is central, possibly suggesting the loss of a loved one. The tone is one of melancholic yearning, evoking a sense of the speaker’s desolation and despair.

The structure of the poem is a well-crafted sonnet, following the traditional 14 line format, which allows the poet to effectively convey his feelings in a concise manner. The sonnet form is often associated with love and romance, making it an apt choice for this poem's themes. The use of rhetorical questions in the middle of the poem ("why is my sighing unheeded now?") heightens the sense of the speaker's frustration and longing, while the plea for the loved one's "blessed shade" to bestow peace in the final lines underscores the depths of his sorrow. The use of the phrase "thy blessed shade" also suggests a spiritual or supernatural element, indicating that the loved one is beyond the mortal realm.

The diction throughout the poem is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of melancholy and longing. Words like "snatch'd," "tarry," "sighing," and "banquet on another's woe" paint a vivid picture of the speaker's emotional state. The poet's use of contrast, between the earthly realm and the "realms undying," between the past ("time was") and the present, highlight the speaker's sense of displacement and loss. Despite its sorrowful theme, the poem is elegant in its expression of emotion, making it a touching tribute to unattainable love.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.