He writes to one of his Italian friends, "When I left my native country, I promised to return to it in the autumn; but time, place, and circumstances, often oblige us to change our resolutions.

As far as I can judge, it will be necessary for me to remain here for two years.

My friends in Italy, I trust, will pardon me if I do not keep my promise to them.

The inconstancy of the human mind must serve as my excuse.

I have now experienced that change of place is the only thing which can long keep from us the _ennui_ that is inseparable from a sedentary life." At the same time, whilst Vaucluse threw recollections tender, though melancholy, over Petrarch's mind, it does not appear that Avignon had assumed any new charm in his absence: on the contrary, he found it plunged more than ever in luxury, wantonness, and gluttony.