While both poets regret loving in the past after their lover left them and they share in grief, Petrarch blames himself for holding on too long, whereas Stampa blames her lover for not loving her, even though it seems the exact opposite in other poems.

The way Petrarch "regrets those past times [he] spent in loving something immortal," when he could use his "wings that might [take] [him] to higher levels" shows how he blames himself. He believes he can die in peace since he has little hope in life now to live, even though he was once "at war." He calls himself "vain" and his errors shameful and wicked, therefore, showing that he cannot blame anyone but himself. After accepting Laura's death, he finally realizes that nothing lasts forever.

Stampa, on the other hand, blames her lover because "he does not weep" and wound[s] [her] so sore." She will "die unhappy," being "the most loyal lover of all times." She even blames "[her] early death on `loving too much'" and her lover for "loving [her] little in return." Unlike Petrarch, who still believes Laura is a goddess, Stampa now knows "never to love one cruel and untrue."