It was there, also, that I sought to moderate my passion for Laura, which, alas, solitude only cherished.
In short, this lonely valley will for ever be pleasing to my recollections.

There is, nevertheless, a sad change, produced by time.
Both the Cardinal and everything that is dear to me have perished.

The veil which covered my eyes is at length removed.

I can now perceive the difference between Vaucluse and the rich mountains and vales and flourishing cities of Italy.

And yet, forgive me, so strong are the prepossessions of youth, that I must confess I pine for Vaucluse, even whilst I acknowledge its inferiority to Italy." Whilst Petrarch was thus flattering his imagination with hopes that were never to be realized, his two friends, who had proceeded to cross the Apennines, came to an untimely fate.