To Laura In Death. Sonnet XLI.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Sonnet
    L' alto e novo miracol ch' a dì nostri.     IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DESCRIBE HER EXCELLENCES.         The wonder, high and new, that, in our days,     Dawn'd on the world, yet would not there remain,     Which heaven but show'd to us to snatch again     Better to blazon its own starry ways;     That to far times I her should paint and praise     Love wills, who prompted first my passionate strain;     But now wit, leisure, pen, page, ink in vain     To the fond task a thousand times he sways.     My slow rhymes struggle not to life the while;     I feel it, and whoe'er to-day below,     Or speak or write of love will prove it so.     Who justly deems the truth beyond all style,     Here silent let him muse, and sighing say,     Blessèd the eyes who saw her living day!     MACGREGOR.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem takes us on a journey of admiration and longing, utilizing the theme of unattainable beauty. The speaker marvels at a "wonder" that briefly graced the world before heaven reclaimed it, a metaphor likely for a beloved woman now lost to him. The theme of impossible love is communicated with a tone of deep reverence and melancholy, as the speaker is unable to fully encapsulate his adoration in words.

Structure-wise, the poem follows a sonnet form, which is often used to express strong emotions, fitting for the theme of intense love. The poet uses literary devices, such as personification, to convey the idea that Love itself commands him to praise this wonder. There's also a sense of self-awareness, with the poet acknowledging the inadequacy of his "wit, leisure, pen, page, ink" to do justice to his feelings. The final lines bring a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker suggests that those who understand the depth of his emotion would remain silent in awe of her beauty. The phrase "Blessèd the eyes who saw her living day!" serves as a poignant endnote, highlighting the speaker's yearning and the woman's transcendent beauty.

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.