Sonnets, Songs, and Triumphs

Preface of the distinguished Orator and poet Master Francesco Filelfo to the Most Illustrious and Most Invincible prince Filippo Maria Anglo The Visconti dukes of Milan claimed descent from "Anglus," a mythical Trojan ancestor, to enhance their noble prestige., Duke of Milan, concerning the interpretation made by him on the Sonnets and Songs of Master Francesco Petrarch.

Ferhaps there will be some, O Most Illustrious prince and Most Invincible Duke, by whom I shall be not a little blamed for this my new labor—that I, having left behind many and most worthy literary works Filelfo was famous for his Latin translations of Greek classics; here he defends working on Italian poetry instead., have chosen to put my hand to the interpretation of the present vernacular original: uolgare. This refers to the Italian language, which at the time was often considered less prestigious than Latin for scholarly commentary. work. And this is not because any person of good mind can deny to me that the Sonnets and Songs of the most eloquent poet Master Francesco Petrarch are eloquent, learned, and full of every elegance; but because it may perhaps be the opinion of many people that the present volume is for the most part understood, such that its exposition does not require too much studious inquiry. It seems to me not a little necessary to make a response to such an objection before I proceed to the understanding of the said work.

I do not consider it any less a worthy work and painstaking diligence to aid common errors and to eradicate poorly-formed opinions than to strive to give notice to the common people of learned and wise men, who are accustomed to inviting others into their presence for their own good. Therefore, although many unlearned people believe they understand well the intention of the most learned Petrarch in this work of his—people who barely know where their own heads are—it will nonetheless be of no small fruit either to provide medicine for their disease or to turn others away from their pestilent conversation.

I have interpreted this all the more willingly because I have been not only invited by your Excellent Lordship, but requested, flattered, and urged. From your prudence—which is more divine than human and everlasting—and your celestial counsel, I understand nothing proceeds except that which is most wisely thought, most modestly spoken, and ordered with great foresight. I must, with all my wit, all industry, all vigor, and strength, adapt myself to that which I understand to be pleasing to so glorious a prince.

I shall perhaps be briefer than pertains to the dignity of the work and the multitude of the most polished words and most learned sentences of the present poet. But it should be no less dear to your Highness, who is occupied in most ample and worthy governments and rule, if what can be easily understood by itself is not dilated by me into a long commentary. To those rough minds who say it is not fitting for learned men to speak of lascivious love, a sufficient response shall be made: that a work is all the more laudable when, under a light husk, a heavy marrow A common Renaissance metaphor: the "husk" is the literal story, while the "marrow" is the deep philosophical or moral meaning. is hidden. Nor can it be reproached that sometimes, distracting oneself from the difficulty and continuation of one's studies for some pleasant interval, one does something not alien to moral living or the dignity of one's status. This happened to the most wise poet Petrarch with singular observance of every honesty, and he produced most savory fruit from it. To whose food—so that your Excelled Lordship may prepare yourself with no tedious words, and rendering you attentive to my interpretation—read as follows.