It was at this time, 1326, that his merit procured him the friendship and patronage of James Colonna, who belonged to one of the most ancient and illustrious families of Italy.
"About the twenty-second year of my life," Petrarch writes to one of his friends, "I became acquainted with James Colonna.

He had seen me whilst I resided at Bologna, and was prepossessed, as he was pleased to say, with my appearance.

Upon his arrival at Avignon, he again saw me, when, having inquired minutely into the state of my affairs, he admitted me to his friendship.

I cannot sufficiently describe the cheerfulness of his temper, his social disposition, his moderation in prosperity, his constancy in adversity.

I speak not from report, but from my own experience.