 Petrarch griefs over the momentum king Robert initiated for a "rebirth" of cultural values that is now lost.He gives hope, however, that in future centuries that the "Africa" will be rediscovered and enjoy its own "rebirth" and the glory of ancient Roman moral pursuits.Petrarch worked on his epic poem 1338-39 and 1343–44, however guarded it with his life and did not allow it to be circulated since he considered it unfinished.