It is to you that I owe this obligation.

Return a thousand thanks to the holy father in your own name and in mine." The Pope was so anxious to see Petrarch that he wrote to him with his own hand, reproaching him for refusing his invitation.

Our poet, after returning a second apology, passed the winter in making preparations for this journey; but before setting out he thought proper to make his will.

It was written with his own hand at Padua.
In his testament he forbids weeping for his death, justly remarking that tears do no good to the dead, and may do harm to the living.

He asks only prayers and alms to the poor who will pray for him.