With the return of spring the memories of Petrarch’s beloved Laura awaken a new pang in him (late 14thC)

Again with gladsome feet Zephyr returns Mid grass and flowers, his goodly family And Procne chatters, Philomela mourns, While Spring comes forth in all her finery. The meadows laugh; the skies are bright and fair, And Aphrodite wins the smile of Jove, While full of passion is the earth and air And every creature turns his thoughts to love. For me, alas! these vernal days are shorn Of all delight and laden with the sighs Which from my heart’s recesses she hath torn Who bore its hopes and pangs to Paradise! Till birds and flowers and woman’s graces mild To me are but a desert, stern and wild.