After the folly and fall of Rienzo, it is probable that our poet's attachment to his old friends of the Roman aristocracy revived.

At least, he thought it decent to write, on the death of Cardinal Colonna, a letter of condolence to his father, the aged Stefano, who was now verging towards his hundredth year.

Soon after this letter reached him, old Stefano fell into the grave.
The death of Cardinal Colonna was extremely felt at Avignon, where it left a great void, his house having been the rendezvous of men of letters and genius.

Those who composed his court could not endure Avignon after they had lost their Maecenas.

Three of them were the particular friends of Petrarch, namely, Socrates, Luca Christine and Mainardo Accursio.