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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I CANNOT BE AT PEACE YET NEED NOT FIGHT, by                     Poet's Biography
Last Line: Through thee, madonna, I endure this strife!
Alternate Author Name(s): Petrarca, Francesco
Subject(s): Perseverance


I cannot be at peace yet need not fight,
I fear, I hope, I burn, I suffer cold,
I fall to earth, I scale the Heavens in flight,
Have empty hands and yet all things do hold;
I am not free though unconstrained, although
None holdeth me I may not cast my chains;
Love harms me not, yet will not let me go,
Will neither slay me nor console my pains;
I plead for mercy yet desire the end,
I speak without a tongue, see without eyes,
I love another yet myself despise,
I eat my bread in bitterness and blend
Laughter and tears, I hate both death and life;
Through thee, Madonna, I endure this strife!





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