How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
Now inside the same cage
the savage beasts there with the gentle flocks
are nested, so the best are made to groan (39-41)
The poet uses an apt metaphor to describe the position of the everyday people ("the gentle flocks") who are trying to live with the violence and chaos brought on by warring bodies ("the savage beasts"). And yes, he's pretty much calling Italy a "cage" here.
Quote #5
It seems—who knows by what malignant stars—
that now the heavens hate us,
and thanks to you, to whom so much was trusted. (52-54)
Is it fate that has brought Italy to such a place? Or is it something more like the stupidity and shortsightedness of the nobility? Since Petrarch is pretty clear about who is at fault ("thanks to you"), we're going to vote for the second option.
Quote #6
[...] if that fury up there, that savage race,
conquer our intellect,
the sin is ours, and not the course of nature. (78-80)
Yes, this is Petrarch being xenophobic, but he kind of has good reason: he's only ever seen the Germans at their bloodiest. Notice that he's not shedding tears over them—he's disappointed in the Italian lords. No one else can be blamed for what the people suffer at the hands of warring noble houses.