Latin might be all very well for inscriptions on mausoleums, but it was not suited for the ears of beauty and the bowers of love.

The Italian language acquired, under his cultivation, increased elegance and richness, so that the harmony of his style has contributed to its beauty.

He did not, however, attach himself solely to Italian, but composed much in Latin, which he reserved for graver, or, as he considered, more important subjects.

His compositions in Latin are--Africa, an epic poem; his Bucolics, containing twelve eclogues; and three books of epistles.
Petrarch's greatest obstacles to improvement arose from the scarcity of authors whom he wished to consult--for the manuscripts of the writers of the Augustan age were, at that time, so uncommon, that many could not be procured, and many more of them could not be purchased under the most extravagant price.

This scarcity of books had checked the dawning light of literature.