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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 12 by PETRARCH

First Line: NOW WHILE THE WIND AND EARTH AND HEAVENS REST
Last Line: AND PEACE OF HEART AND MIND ESCAPES ME STILL.
Subject(s): ITALIAN RENAISSANCE;

Now while the wind and earth and heavens rest,
While sleep holds beast and feathered bird in fee
And high above a calm and aweless sea
The silent stars obey the night's behest,

Lie awake and yearning, sore distressed
And racked by thoughts of my sweet enemy,
Yet though her face recalled brings death to me
'Tis only with such dreams I soothe my breast.

So from one living fountain, gushing clear,
Pour forth alike the bitter and the sweet,
And one same hand can deal me good or ill.

Whence every day I die anew of fear
And live again to find the hope's a cheat,
And peace of heart and mind escapes me still.



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