When Petrarch went to take leave of King Robert, the sovereign, after engaging his promise that he would visit him again very soon, took off the robe which he wore that day, and, begging Petrarch’s acceptance of it, desired that he might wear it on the day of his coronation.  He also bestowed on him the place of his almoner-general, an office for which great interest was always made, on account of the privileges attached to it, the principal of which were an exemption from paying the tithes of benefices to the King, and a dispensation from residence.

Petrarch proceeded to Rome, where he arrived on the 6th of April, 1341, accompanied by only one attendant from the court of Naples, for Barrilli had taken another route, upon some important business, promising, however, to be at Rome before the time appointed.  But as he had not arrived on the 7th, Petrarch despatched a messenger in search of him, who returned without any information.  The poet was desirous to wait for his arrival; but Orso, Count of Anguillara, would not suffer the ceremony to be deferred.  Orso was joint senator of Rome with Giordano degli Orsini; and, his office expiring on the 8th of April, he was unwilling to resign to his successor the pleasure of crowning so great a man.

[Illustration:  NAPLES.]

Petrarch was afterwards informed that Barrilli, hastening towards Rome, had been beset near Anaguia by robbers, from whom he escaped with difficulty, and that he was obliged for safety to return to Naples.  In leaving that city, Petrarch passed the tomb traditionally said to be that of Virgil.  His coronation took place without delay after his arrival at Rome.

The morning of the 8th of April, 1341, was ushered in by the sound of trumpets; and the people, ever fond of a show, came from all quarters to see the ceremony.  Twelve youths selected from the best families of Rome, and clothed in scarlet, opened the procession, repeating as they went some verses, composed by the poet, in honour of the Roman people.  They were followed by six citizens of Rome, clothed in green, and bearing crowns wreathed with different flowers.  Petrarch walked in the midst of them; after him came the senator, accompanied by the first men of the council.  The streets were strewed with flowers, and the windows filled with ladies, dressed in the most splendid manner, who showered perfumed waters profusely on the poet[I].  He all the time wore the robe that had been presented to him by the King of Naples.  When they reached the Capitol, the trumpets were silent, and Petrarch, having made a short speech, in which he quoted a verse from Virgil, cried out three times, “Long live the Roman people! long live the Senators! may God preserve their liberty!” At the conclusion of these words, he knelt before the senator Orso, who, taking a crown of laurel from his own head, placed it on that of Petrarch, saying, “This crown is the reward of virtue.”  The poet then repeated a sonnet in praise of the ancient Romans.  The people testified their approbation by shouts of applause, crying, “Long flourish the Capitol and the poet!” The friends of Petrarch shed tears of joy, and Stefano Colonna, his favourite hero, addressed the assembly in his honour.