How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
Your disagreeing wills
despoil the fairest part of all the world (55-56)
Petrarch's disgust at the destructive behavior of the Italian princes is in direct proportion to his admiration for his Italy. She really is the fairest one of all.
Quote #5
Is this not the first soil my body touched?
Is this not my own nest
In which I found myself so sweetly nourished?
Is this not my own country I have trust in,
kind mother, merciful,
who serves to shelter both of my dear parents? (81-86)
If Petrarch seems overly defensive and prideful when it comes to his country, this might be the reason. He presents this speech of admiration as a general one that any Italian might be able to speak. In this emotional address, we see that the poet's loyalty lies with the land, not with the political mess its nobility has made of it.
Quote #6
[...] then virtue against rage
will take up arms, and battle will be short,
for all that ancient valor
in the Italian heart is not yet dead. (93-96)
Petrarch still seems to be optimistic about the Italians' ability to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Why? Because they have that good, ancient blood with old Roman values (like civic responsibility) in it. Better than vitamins...