From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Relent \Re*lent"\ (r?-l?nt"), verb (used without an object) [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.]
He stirred the coals till relente gan The wax again the fire. --Chaucer.
[Salt of tartar] placed in a cellar will . . . begin to relent. --Boyle.
When opening buds salute the welcome day, And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray. --Pope.
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.
Can you . . . behold My sighs and tears, and will not once relent? --Shak.
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