There was a time when, from the ferocity of their manners, the French were reckoned barbarians.
At present the case is wholly changed.

A gay disposition, love of society, ease, and playfulness in conversation now characterize them.
They seek every opportunity of distinguishing themselves; and make war against all cares with joking, laughing, singing, eating, and drinking.
Prone, however, as they are to pleasure, they are not heroic in adversity.

The French love their country and their countrymen; they censure with rigour the faults of other nations, but spread a proportionably thick veil over their own defects." From Paris, Petrarch proceeded to Ghent, of which only he makes mention to the Cardinal, without noticing any of the towns that lie between.

It is curious to find our poet out of humour with Flanders on account of the high price of wine, which was not an indigenous article.

In the latter part of his life, Petrarch was certainly one of the most abstemious of men; but, at this period, it would seem that he drank good liquor enough to be concerned about its price.
From Ghent he passed on to Liege.