Poetry · Chapter
XIX explained
The speaker addresses Boccaccio, asking for forgiveness for venturing to write on a piteous theme that ill suits the quiet glooms of his poetic legacy.
What happens
The speaker addresses Boccaccio, asking for forgiveness for venturing to write on a piteous theme that ill suits the quiet glooms of his poetic legacy.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Poetry
The speaker directly addresses Boccaccio, acknowledging the power and legacy of his poetic works.
Sorrow and Melancholy
The theme is described as 'piteous' and the glooms are 'quiet,' evoking a somber, mournful atmosphere.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker who addresses Boccaccio and reflects on the solemnity of the theme.
Key passages
“O eloquent and famed Boccaccio! Of thee we now should ask forgiving boon, And of thy spicy myrtles as they blow, And of thy roses amorous of the moon, And of thy lilies, that do paler grow Now they can no more hear thy ghittern’s tune, For venturing syllables that ill beseem The quiet glooms of such a piteous theme.”
O eloquent and famous Boccaccio! We should now ask your forgiveness, and that of your fragrant myrtles as they bloom, and your roses that love the moon, and your lilies that grow paler now they can no longer hear your lute's music, for daring to write words that do not suit the quiet sorrow of such a sad subject.
The speaker apologizes to Boccaccio for attempting to write on a mournful theme that contrasts with the beauty of his poetic imagery.