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Literary
February 23, 1819
The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Petrarch's letter to a friend rejects an offer of preferment at the Pope's Court, affirming contentment with a simple life of books, friends, and basic needs, while decrying avarice, luxury, and ambition, citing Roman exemplars like Cincinnatus.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
ORIGINAL LETTER
From Petrarch to a friend, who pressed him to come to the Pope's Court, where he might have great preferment.
I am content-I have enough of life-I have put a rein on my desires, and I will have no more. Cincinnatus, Fabius, Fabricius, and Regulus, after having subdued whole nations and led Kings in triumph, were not so rich as I am. If I open the door to the passion, I shall always be poor. Avarice, luxury, and ambition know no bounds. But avarice above all is an unfathomable abyss. I have clothes to defend me from the cold, food to nourish me, horses to carry me, a clod of earth to sleep on, to walk on, and to cover me when I die. What more had the Emperor of Rome? My body is healthy; subdued by labour, it is the less rebellious to my soul. I have books of all kinds. They are my wealth; they feast my mind with pleasures not followed by disgust. I have friends whom I consider as principal treasures. I am rich enough for content and quiet. Must more be done to appear rich for the satisfaction of others, or rather to move envy? I should prefer the honour of being conspicuous among persons of merit, to that of being a Pope.
From Petrarch to a friend, who pressed him to come to the Pope's Court, where he might have great preferment.
I am content-I have enough of life-I have put a rein on my desires, and I will have no more. Cincinnatus, Fabius, Fabricius, and Regulus, after having subdued whole nations and led Kings in triumph, were not so rich as I am. If I open the door to the passion, I shall always be poor. Avarice, luxury, and ambition know no bounds. But avarice above all is an unfathomable abyss. I have clothes to defend me from the cold, food to nourish me, horses to carry me, a clod of earth to sleep on, to walk on, and to cover me when I die. What more had the Emperor of Rome? My body is healthy; subdued by labour, it is the less rebellious to my soul. I have books of all kinds. They are my wealth; they feast my mind with pleasures not followed by disgust. I have friends whom I consider as principal treasures. I am rich enough for content and quiet. Must more be done to appear rich for the satisfaction of others, or rather to move envy? I should prefer the honour of being conspicuous among persons of merit, to that of being a Pope.
What sub-type of article is it?
Epistolary
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Temperance
What keywords are associated?
Petrarch Letter
Contentment
Avarice
Ambition
Simplicity
Books
Friends
Roman Virtues
What entities or persons were involved?
Petrarch
Literary Details
Title
Original Letter From Petrarch To A Friend, Who Pressed Him To Come To The Pope's Court, Where He Might Have Great Preferment.
Author
Petrarch
Subject
Declining Invitation To The Pope's Court For Preferment
Key Lines
I Am Content I Have Enough Of Life I Have Put A Rein On My Desires, And I Will Have No More.
Avarice, Luxury, And Ambition Know No Bounds. But Avarice Above All Is An Unfathomable Abyss.
I Have Books Of All Kinds. They Are My Wealth; They Feast My Mind With Pleasures Not Followed By Disgust.
I Have Friends Whom I Consider As Principal Treasures.
I Should Prefer The Honour Of Being Conspicuous Among Persons Of Merit, To That Of Being A Pope.