ABSTRACT
The youth of Petrarch was obscure in point of fortune, but it was attended by all the happiness that springs from family concord, and the excellent character of his parents. Under these circumstances Petrarch entirely abandoned law, as it occurred to both him and his brother that the clerical profession was their best resource in a city where the priesthood reigned supreme. Petrarch shed tears as he spoke; but the old man encouraged him with sagacity and kindness. Petrarch beheld the loveliness and sweetness of the young beauty, and was transfixed. The passion of Petrarch was purified and exalted at the same time. Petrarch endeavoured to merge the living passion of his soul into this airy and unsubstantial devotion. Petrarch had always a great predilection for travelling: the paucity of books rendered this a mode, – in his eyes, almost the only mode, – for the attainment of the knowledge for which his nature craved.
