He was just beginning to be convalescent, when, on the 9th of September, 1355, a friar, from the kingdom of Naples, entered his chamber, and gave him a letter from Barbato di Salmone.

This was a great joy to him, and tended to promote the recovery of his health.

Their correspondence had been for a long time interrupted by the wars, and the unsafe state of the public roads.
This letter was full of enthusiasm and affection, and was addressed to _Francis Petrarch, the king of poets_.

The friar had told Barbato that this title was given to Petrarch over all Italy.

Our poet in his answer affected to refuse it with displeasure as far beyond his deserts.