the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > capacity for emotion > sensitiveness or tenderness > become (more) sensitive or tender [verb (intransitive)] > specifically of the heart (3)
intransitive. To become less harsh, severe, or intense. In early use chiefly of weather. Also with up. Cf. soften, v. 7a. Now rare.
To soften. transitive. To soften (the heart, mind, etc.); to cause (a person) to soften. Obsolete.
intransitive. To subside, abate, cease; to become calm. Obsolete.