by Keats · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
Patriotic sonnet content with England’s woods and daughters yet yearning for Italian skies and deeper beauty; patriotism, nature and longing for the South.
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Nationalism and Patriotism, Beauty Forms & Genres: Sonnet Settings: Rural England, Italy, Europe
Testo integrale / Full text
Happy is England! I could be content
To see no other verdure than its own;
To feel no other breezes than are blown
Through its tall woods with high romances blent:
Yet do I sometimes feel a languishment
For skies Italian, and an inward groan
To sit upon an Alp as on a throne,
And half forget what world or worldling meant.
Happy is England, sweet her artless daughters;
Enough their simple loveliness for me,
Enough their whitest arms in silence clinging:
Yet do I often warmly burn to see
Beauties of deeper glance, and hear their singing,
And float with them about the summer waters.