Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RESOLUTION; A SONNET, by PETRARCH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RESOLUTION; A SONNET, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh time! Oh rolling heavens, that fly so fast
Last Line: Virtue's no chance, but is acquir'd by skill.
Alternate Author Name(s): Petrarca, Francesco


OH Time! Oh rolling Heavens, that fly so fast,
And cheat us mortals ignorant and blind!
Oh fugitive Day, swifter than bird or wind!
Your frauds I see, by all my suff'rings past.

But pardon me, 'tis I myself must blame,
Nature that spreads your wings, and makes you fly,
To me gave eyes, that I my ills might spy:
Yet I retain'd them to my grief, and shame.

Time was I might, and Time is still I may
Direct my steps in a securer way,
And end this sad infinity of ill;
Yet 'tis not from thy yoke, O Love, I part,
But the effects; I will reclaim my heart:
Virtue's no chance, but is acquir'd by skill.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net