Our poet never lost sight of his favourite chimera, the re-establishment of Rome in her ancient dominion.

It was what he called one of his principles, that Rome had a right to govern the world.

Wild as this vision was, he had seen Rienzo attempt its realization; and, if the Tribune had been more prudent, there is no saying how nearly he might have approached to the achievement of so marvellous an issue.

But Rienzo was fallen irrecoverably, and Petrarch now desired as ardently to see the Emperor in Italy, as ever he had sighed for the success of the Tribune.

He wrote to the Emperor a long letter from Padua, a few days after the departure of the Cardinal.
"I am agitated," he says, "in sending this epistle, when I think from whom it comes, and to whom it is addressed.