In this manner Petrarch solves an immense variety of cases.

Indeed, I doubt whether it would be possible to name any pleasure or any calamity which does not find a place in this dissertation.

He gives excellent advice to a man who is in expectation of discovering the philosopher's stone;--to another, who has formed a fine aviary;--to a third, who is delighted with the tricks of a favourite monkey.

His lectures to the unfortunate are equally singular.

He seems to imagine that a precedent in point is a sufficient consolation for every form of suffering.