Inclined by nature to moral philosophy, he was guided by the reading of Cicero and Seneca to that profound knowledge of the human heart, of the duties of others and of our own duties, which shows itself in all his writings.  Gifted with a mind full of enthusiasm for poetry, he learned from Virgil elegance and dignity in versification.  But he had still higher advantages from the perusal of Livy.  The magnanimous actions of Roman heroes so much excited the soul of Petrarch, that he thought the men of his own age light and contemptible.

His first compositions were in Latin:  many motives, however, induced him to compose in the vulgar tongue, as Italian was then called, which, though improved by Dante, was still, in many respects, harsh and inelegant, and much in want of new beauties.  Petrarch wrote for the living, and for that portion of the living who were least of all to be fascinated by the language of the dead.  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.  The zeal of our poet, however, surmounted all these obstacles, for he was indefatigable in collecting and copying many of the choicest manuscripts; and posterity is indebted to him for the possession of many valuable writings, which were in danger of being lost through the carelessness or ignorance of the possessors.

Petrarch could not but perceive the superiority of his own understanding and the brilliancy of his abilities.  The modest humility which knows not its own worth is not wont to show itself in minds much above mediocrity; and to elevated geniuses this virtue is a stranger.  Petrarch from his youthful age had an internal assurance that he should prove worthy of estimation and honours.  Nevertheless, as he advanced in the field of science, he saw the prospect increase, Alps over Alps, and seemed to be lost amidst the immensity of objects before him.  Hence the anticipation of immeasurable labours occasionally damped his application.  But from this depression of spirits he was much relieved by the encouragement of John of Florence, one of the secretaries of the Pope, a man of learning and probity.  He soon distinguished the extraordinary abilities of Petrarch; he directed him in his studies, and cheered up his ambition.  Petrarch returned his affection with unbounded confidence.  He entrusted him with all his foibles, his disgusts, and his uneasinesses.  He says that he never conversed with him without finding himself more calm and composed, and more animated for study.