relent

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Relented; p. pr. & vb. n. Relenting. ] [ F. ralentir, fr. L. pref. re- re- + ad to + lentus pliant, flexible, slow. See Lithe. ] 1. To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

He stirred the coals till relente gan
The wax again the fire. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Salt of tartar ] placed in a cellar will . . . begin to relent. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

When opening buds salute the welcome day,
And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, cruel, or the like; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Can you . . . behold
My sighs and tears, and will not once relent? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]