Laments

audiobook

Laments

by Jan Kochanowski

EN·~27 minutes·22 chapters

Chapters

22 total
1

Kochanowski - Laments

0:15
2

LAMENTS - BY - JAN KOCHANOWSKI - VERSIFIED BY - DOROTHEA PRALL

0:10
3

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

2:17
4

LAMENT I

0:54
5

LAMENT II

1:20
6

LAMENT III

0:38
7

LAMENT IV

0:51
8

LAMENT V

0:36
9

LAMENT VI

1:01
10

LAMENT VII

0:47

Description

A striking collection of lyrical elegies, this work channels a father’s profound grief after the premature loss of his young daughter. Through nineteen deeply personal poems, the poet weaves his sorrow with reflections on mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the clash between human frailty and the desire for meaning. The verses open with a raw, pleading call to ancient mourners, setting a tone that balances personal lament with broader philosophical questioning.

The poems draw on classical references and the stoic teachings of Cicero and Seneca, yet they are softened by a Christian undercurrent of hope and trust. The language, honed by Renaissance learning, remains intimate and accessible, allowing listeners to feel the timeless ache of a parent’s love. Even centuries later, the heartfelt sincerity and universal humanity of these laments continue to resonate, offering both comfort and contemplation to anyone who has known loss.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~27 minutes (26K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by Jimmy O'Regan (Produced from images generously made available by Columbia University Libraries)

Release date

2008-11-06

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Jan Kochanowski

Jan Kochanowski

1530–1584

A leading voice of the Polish Renaissance, this poet helped raise Polish to the level of the great literary languages of Europe. His work ranges from graceful classical verse to deeply personal laments that still feel vivid centuries later.

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