King Edward, it is true, sent him a second time to the Pope, two years afterwards, on important business.

The seeds of discord between France and England began to germinate strongly, and that circumstance probably occasioned De Bury's second mission.

Unfortunately, however, Petrarch could not avail himself of his return so as to have further interviews with the English scholar.

Petrarch wrote repeatedly to De Bury for his promised explanations respecting Thule; but, whether our countryman had found nothing in his library to satisfy his inquiries, or was prevented by his public occupations, there is no appearance of his having ever answered Petrarch's letters.
Stephano Colonna the younger had brought with him to Avignon his son Agapito, who was destined for the church, that he might be educated under the eyes of the Cardinal and the Bishop, who were his uncles.
These two prelates joined with their father in entreating Petrarch to undertake the superintendence of Agapito's studies.

Our poet, avaricious of his time, and jealous of his independence, was at first reluctant to undertake the charge; but, from his attachment to the family, at last accepted it.