The melting snows and the overflowing river had made the roads nearly impassable; but he reached the place in time to avail himself of the invitation.

His hosts gave him a magnificent reception.
The supper was exquisite, the dishes rare, the wines delicious, and the company full of gaiety.

But a small matter, however, will spoil the finest feast.

The supper was served up in a damp, low hall, and all sorts of insects annoyed the convivials.

To crown their misfortune an army of frogs, attracted, no doubt, by the odour of the meats, crowded and croaked about them, till they were obliged to leave their unfinished supper.
Petrarch returned next day for Parma.