presented to the LIBRARY ERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIF.GO by FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Scott donor SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI. From the Painting by Alessandro Moretto in the Gallery at MUan. LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI In the Name of Our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, who was crucified and of His Mother the VIRGIN M A R Y. In thia Book are contained certain Little Flowers, Miracles, and devout Examples of that glorious poor Follower of Christ, SAINT FRANCIS, and of certain of his holy Companions. Told to the Praise of Jesus Christ Amen. TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN With a Brief Account of the Life of Saint Francis ABBY LANGDON ALGER BOSTON LITTLE, BROWN, & CO. Copyright, 1887, BY ROBERTS BROTHERS. (E&t astern press Co, BOSTON, MASS. PREFACE. SAINT FRANCIS was born in 1 182, in the little town of Aflifi, in Umbria, chiefly notable as having given him birth. His mother, Ma- donna Pica, was of noble race, and his father, Peter Bernardone, that is, Peter the fon of Bernard, the family name being Moriconi, was a rich mer- chant, who was travelling in France on bufmefs at the time Francis was born. Many ftrange tales are told of the omens attending the little boy's advent into the world. For fome time previous, a poor man roamed the ftreets of Affifi crying aloud, " Peace and profperity ! peace and profper- ity ! " His mother was ill for many days, nor were her fufferings relieved vi preface. until by the advice of a pilgrim who came that way me was laid on a bed of ftraw in a ftable. Thus began that likenefs between the life of Francis and that of Chrift, which was contin- ued throughout. Another ftranger ap- peared to ac"l as godfather, and flill another took the baby in his arms and, marking his right moulder with a crofs, foretold the victory which he was to win over the Devil. Madonna Pica named her child John, in memory of the beloved difciple; but on his father's return with rich profits, he chofe to call him Francis, for the country where he had been fo fuccefsful. The boy was taught by the priefls of the parim, and learned eafily all that was taught him, mowing an ef- pecial talent for the language of the land from which he took his name. As he grew to manhood he was fore- moft in the gayeties of the town, win- ning for himfelf the fobriquet of the " flower of youth." Thomas of Celano, a Francifcan v brother, and a dear friend of Francis, defcribes him thus : " He was of mid- dle ftature, rather under than over, with an oval face and full but low forehead, his eyes dark and clear, his hair thick, his eyebrows clofe, a ftraight and delicate nofe, a voice foft yet keen and fiery; clofe, equal, and white teeth ; lips modeft yet fubtle ; a black beard not thickly grown ; a thin neck, fquare moulders, fhort arms, fmall hands and feet, delicate fkin, and little flefh." So elegant was his drefs, and fo luxurious were his taftes, that his parents often faid, " He is more like the fon of a prince than like our fon." Still, they were proud of his fplendor, and grudged him noth- ing, though his charities were as lavifh as his pleafures : no beggar ever a(ked of him in vain. When he had reached the age of twenty-four, however, a war broke out between Affifi and Perugia. Francis was taken prifoner, and for a year languifhed in captivity. Returning v home, he fuffered from a long and tedious illnefs which proved a turn- ing-point in his career. He began to long for fomething better and higher than mere amufement. It was the age of knighthood, and his firft thought was to redrefs wrong and help the weak. He fet out to join the forces of the Count de Brienne, defcribed as a man of great magnifi- cence and liberality; but flopping at Spoleto, he was warned in a dream to return home, which he did in a ftate of melancholy and abforption. His merry comrades laughingly afked if he was dreaming of a wife, that he was fo fober. " Yes," was the anfwer, "of a wife more noble, more beauti- ful, and more rich than anything your fancy can conceive." This bride was Poverty, whom he was fo foon to efpoufe. He now began to devote himfelf more entirely to the fick and poor, particularly the lepers, of whom there were many at that time. Thefe wretched beings were Ihunned by preface. ix every one, and Francis muft in- deed have feemed mad to thofe who faw him Hoop to kifs their infectious forms. Going one day to the ruined Church of St. Damian's, an inward voice bade him repair it. At once he hurried home, and his father being away, took a quantity of merchandife, which he fold, offering the price for the work of refloration. The pried refufing, he threw it in a corner, where it lay until the angry Peter Bernardone, learning what had happened, came to claim it and to imprifon his head- ftrong fon. His mother finally freeing him, he fought refuge with the prieft of St. Damian's, reftoring to his father all that he had received from him, even his clothes, dripping himfelf to the hair fliirt which he had worn in fecret, and renouncing his father for- ever. Thenceforth he begged mate- rial to repair the church from door to door, building it up with his own hands, and collecting broken fcraps of food from the charitable, for his maintenance. In this way, in the courfe of two years he reflored three churches and gained twelve difciples, the firft being Bernard of Quintavalle. The flory of their converlion and final formation into the Order of Friars Minor, Gray Friars, or Francifcan Monks, is told in the " Little Flowers " which follow. Within eleven years thefe twelve grew to more than five thoufand. They were vowed to ab- ject poverty, owning abfolutely noth- ing, thus differing from the other ecclefiaflical bodies then in exiftence. Francis next founded the Order of Poor Ladies, afterwards known as the Poor Clares, in honor of their firfl ab- befs, Clara Sciffi, a beautiful heirefs, who left her home at the age of fifteen to enter upon a religious life. Later Mill the third Order was eflablifhed, which was open to men and women alike, and meant for thofe who lived in the world. Thefe three Orders fpread rapidly throughout the globe, preface* xi Saint Francis travelling even into Syria. After enduring every privation and forrow for many years, as well as many namelefs raptures in his fpirit- ual intercourfe with God, he faw, as he prayed upon a lonely mountain, a vifion of Chrift crucified ; and as he gazed, his body became flamped with the Stigmata, or marks of the Paflion of our Lord, which he thenceforth bore until his death, fome two years after, Oct. 4, 1226, in the forty-fifth year of his age. The chief quality of Saint Francis the central and characteriftic charm which has made him perhaps the beft beloved of all the illuftrious members of the calendar is the depth and tendernefs of his heart. His gentle and generous affection was conftantly overflowing on all around him, in fympathetic attention, poetic expre fions, and acts of endearment. The objects of his intenfe and exuberant love were not only God, angels, and xii preface. men, but alfo animals, birds, infecls, and even inanimate objects, which he was wont to addrefs as his brothers and fitters, in reference to their com- mon origin with himfelf. Many charming inftances of his friendfhips with fifh, falcons, fwallows, lambs, wolves, hares, pheafants, and graffhop- pers, may be found in thefe " Little Flowers," and in the various Lives of him. He was firft to eftablifh the cuftom ftill prevalent in Catholic countries, of reprefenting the Nativity in the ftable at Bethlehem, at Chriftmas time, before the altar. He was alfo among the earliefl of Italian poets; for in thofe days Italian was only the vulgar tongue, Latin or the foft Proven9al being ufed for literary pur- pofes. He improvifed many ardent hymns and fongs, which he taught to his followers, the moft widely known being the " Canticle to the Sun," or " Song of the Creatures," and " Love fets my Heart on Fire." preface. xiii Many full and interefling Lives of Saint Francis have been written in various tongues, the beft being thofe by Thomas of Celano and by Saint Bonaventura, his friends and difci- ples, by Father Luke Wadding, by Mrs. Oliphant, by M. Chavin de Malin, and by a Religious of the Order of Poor Clares. The " Little Flowers " are a feries of legends which were collected fome two hundred years after his death, having been handed down by word of mouth until that time. They form an excellent biog- raphy of him and his difciples, told with quaint fimplicity and grace. The tranflator has tried to preferve the naivete and antique flavor of the original in the prefent verfion. The work being fo famous and favorite a claffic in Italy and France, it is fome- what fmgular that it has never until now been prefented in Englifh. A. L. A. November, 1887. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAOS In the Name of Our Lord and Saviour Jefus (Thrift, Who was crucified, and of His Mother the Virgin Mary. In this Book are contained certain Little Flowers, Miracles, and Devout Examples of that glorious poor Follower of Chrift, Saint Francis, and of certain of his holy Companions. Told to the Praife of Jefus Chrift. Amen ... 7 CHAPTER II. Of Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, the firft Companion of Saint Francis CHAPTER III. How for the evil Thoughts which Saint Francis had regarding Brother Bernard, he com- manded that fame Brother Bernard that three Times he fhould place his Feet upon his Neck and upon his Mouth 16 xvi Contents* CHAPTER IV. PACK How the Angel of the Lord put a Queflion unto Brother Elias, the Keeper of a certain Convent in the Vale of Spoleto. and for- afmuch as Brother Elias made Anfwer haughtily, departed thence and went forth unto St. James of Compoftella, where he met with Brother Bernard and told his Tale unto him 21 CHAPTER V. How that Saint, Brother Bernard of Aflifi, was defpatched by Saint Francis to Bo- logna, and there took up his abode ... 29 CHAPTER VI. How Saint Francis bleffed Brother Bernard and made him his Vicar when he came to pafs away from this Life 33 CHAPTER VII. How Saint Francis fafted forty Days and forty Nights in an Ifland of the Lake of Perugia, eating no more but half a Loaf 37 CHAPTER VIII. How Saint Francis and Brother Leo, as they journeyed, difcourfed of Perfect Blifs . . 40 Contents. xvii CHAPTER IX. PAGE How Saint Francis taught Brother Leo to make Anfwer unto Him ; and He could never Speak fave the Contrary of that which Saint Francis Willed 44 CHAPTER X. How Brother Maximus Mockingly faid unto Saint Francis that the World was at his Feet, and he made Anfwer that this was by the Grace of God, and a Difgrace to the World 48 CHAPTER XL How Saint Francis caufed Brother Maximus to turn himfelf about, and then departed unto Sienna 50 CHAPTER XII. How Saint Francis beflowed on Brother Maxi- mus the offices of Gate- Keeper, Almoner, and Cook : then at the Prayer of the other Brothers deprived him of them .... 55 CHAPTER XIII. How Saint Francis and Brother Maximus laid the Bread which they had begged upon a Stone befide a Well, and Saint Francis loudly praifed Poverty. Then he prayed xviii Contents. PAOB unto God and Saint Peter and Saint Paul that they might enamour Him of divine Poverty ; and how Saint Peter and Saint Paul appeared unto Him 58 CHAPTER XIV. How Saint Francis, difcourfing of God with his Brethren, He appeared in their Midft . 64 CHAPTER XV. How Saint Clara ate with Saint Francis and with his Brother Monks in St. Mary of the Angels 65 CHAPTER XVI. How Saint Francis received the Advice of Saint Clara and of Holy Brother Sylvefter, that he mould go forth and preach, con- verting the People ; and he created the Third Order, and preached to the Birds and filenced the young Swallows ... 69 CHAPTER XVII. How a Francifcan Child, while Saint Francis prayed by Night, faw Chrift and the Virgin Mary, and many other Saints with Him . 76 Contents. xix CHAPTER XVIII. rAOi Of the marvellous Chapter held by Saint Francis in the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, where were aflembled more than o * five thoufand of the Brethren .... 78 CHAPTER XIX. How the Grapes in the Vineyard of the Prieft of Rieti, in whofe Houfe Saint Francis prayed, were trampled and 'plucked by the many People which came thither to him ; and then miraculoufly made more Wine than ever before, even as Saint Francis had promifed. And how the Lord revealed to Saint Francis that Paradife mould be his lot .......... .... 85 CHAPTER XX. Of a very fair Vifion, feen by a young Friar, who held the Cowl in fuch abomination that He was difpofed to lay afide his Habit and forfake the Order ....... 90 CHAPTER XXI. Of the Moft Holy Miracle, which Saint Francis performed, when he converted the very fierce Wolf at Gubbio ......... 93 xx Contents. CHAPTER XXII. PAGE How Saint Francis tamed the wild Turtle- Doves 99 CHAPTER XXIIL How Saint Francis fet free the Friar who had finned with the aid of the Devil . . . 101 CHAPTER XXIV. How Saint Francis converted the Sultan of Babylon to the Faith 103 CHAPTER XXV. How Saint Francis miraculoufly healed the Leper in Body and in Soul ; and that which the Soul fpake, afcending into Heaven . . 106 CHAPTER XXVI. How Saint Francis converted three Thieves and Murderers, and made them Brethren ; and of the moft glorious Vifion beheld of one of them who was a moft holy Brother . 1 1 1 CHAPTER XXVII. How Saint Francis converted two Scholars of Bologna and made Friars of them ; and then rid one of them of a fore Temptation which befet him 124 (fcontenta. xxi CHAPTER XXVIII. PAGE Of an Ecftafy which feized upon Brother Ber- nard and held him from Matins even until Nones, he being all that fpace unconfcious of Aught 129 CHAPTER XXIX. How the Devil ofttimes did appear in the Form of One Crucified unto Brother Rufus, telling him that all his Labor was vain, inafmuch as he was not chofen unto Eternal Life : Saint Francis learning this through Divine Revelation, fhowed Brother Rufus the Error in which he lay 131 CHAPTER XXX. Of the glorious Sermon which Saint Francis and Brother Rufus preached at Aflifi . .138 CHAPTER XXXI. How Saint Francis duly knew the fecret Souls of all his Brethren 141 CHAPTER XXXII. How Brother Maximus entreated of Chrift the Virtue of Meeknefs 143 xxii Contents. CHAPTER XXXIII. PAGE How Saint Clara, at the Command of the Pope, blefled the Bread which was on the Table : whereat on every Loaf was feen the fign of the Holy Crofs 146 CHAPTER XXXIV. How Saint Louis, King of France, went in Per- fon, in the Guife of a Pilgrim, to Perugia, to vifit Holy Brother Guy 148 CHAPTER XXXV. How, being infirm, Saint Clara was borne by a Miracle unto the Church of Saint Francis, upon Chriftmas Night, and heard Mafs therein 151 CHAPTER XXXVI. How Saint Francis fet forth to Brother Leo a fair Vifion which he faw 153 CHAPTER XXXVII. How Jefus Chrift the Bleffed, at the requeft of Saint Francis, did convert a rich and noble Knight, and make him a Monk, the Same having made great Proffers and paid much Honor unto Saint Francis 155 (Tontcnts. xxiii CHAPTER XXXVIII. MM How Saint Francis had fpiritual Knowledge that Brother Elias was damned, and was deftined to die outfide of the Order ; where- fore at Brother Ellas' Entreaty He prayed to God in his Behalf and was heard . . . 159 CHAPTER XXXIX. Of the Marvellous Sermon which was preached in the Confiftory by Saint Antony of Padua, a Gray Friar 163 CHAPTER XL. Of the Miracle which God performed when Saint Antony, being at Rimini, preached to the Fifhes of the Sea 165 CHAPTER XLI. How the Venerable Brother Simon freed from fore Temptation a Brother which for that fame caufe was about to forfake the Order . 169 CHAPTER XLII. Of the fair Miracles which God wrought through thofe Holy Brethren, Brother Wel- come, Brother Peter of Monticello, and Brother Conrad of Offida : and how Brother xxiv (Contents. PAGE Welcome bore a Leper fifteen Miles in moil brief Space ; and to the one fpake Saint Michael, and to the other came the Virgin Mary and laid her Son in his Arms 174 CHAPTER XLIII. How Brother Conrad of Offida did convert a young Monk who afflicted the other Friars. And how the faid young Monk, coming to die, did appear to the faid Brother Conrad, entreating that he would pray for him : and how he fet him free by his Prayers from the very great Pains of Purgatory . .179 CHAPTER XLIV. How the Mother of Chrift and Saint John the Evangelift did appear unto Brother Con- rad, and did tell him which of they twain did grieve moft fore for the Paffion of Chrift 182 CHAPTER XLV. Of the Converfion and Life and Miracles and Death of that holy Brother, John of the Pen 185 CHAPTER XLVI. How Brother Peace, being at Prayer, faw the Soul of his Brother, Brother Humility, afcend to Heaven 193 xxv CHAPTER XLVII. MM Of that Holy Monk to whom the Mother of Chrift appeared when he was infirm, and brought him three Boxes of Electuary . .196 CHAPTER XLVIII. How Brother James of Mafia faw in a Vifion all the Gray Friars of the World, after the Fafhion of a Tree, and did know the Vir- tues and the Merits and the Vices of every one 199 CHAPTER XLIX. How Chrift appeared to Brother John of Vernia 206 CHAPTER L. How, faying Mafs upon All Souls' Day, Brother John of Vernia faw many Souls fet free from Purgatory 214 CHAPTER LI. Of the Holy Brother James of Fallerone ; and how, before he died, he did appear to Brother John of Vernia 216 xxvi Contents. CHAPTER LII. PAGE Of the Vifion of Brother John of Vernia, wherein he knew the whole Order of the Holy Trinity 220 CHAPTER LIII. How, faying Mafs, Brother John of Vernia fell as one Dead . . 222 The Little Flowers OF Saint Francis of Aflifi. CHAPTER I. In the Name of Our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, Who was crticified, and of His Mother the Virgin Mary. In this Book are contained certain Little Flowers, Miracles, and devout Examples of that glorious poor Follower of Chrijl, Saint Francis, and of certain of his holy Companions. Told to the Praife of Jefus Chrijl. Amen. WE have firft to confider that the glorious Saint Francis in all the ac~ls of his life was like unto Chrift, our bleffed Lord ; for even as Chrift in the beginning of His preaching chofe to Himfelf twelve Apoflles who fhould renounce all worldly things and follow after Him in poverty and 8 &i)e SLtttle jFiotoers of and in other virtuous deeds, even fo Saint Francis chofe in the beginning of the foun- dation of his Order twelve companions, vowed to the moft abject poverty ; and alfo even as one of the twelve Apoftles of Chrift, reproved of God, went out and hanged him- f elf by the neck, fo one of the twelve Compan- ions of Saint Francis, the fame which was called Brother John of the Chapel, did turn apoftate, and finally go out and hang himfelf by the neck. And this is a worthy exam- ple for the elect, and a fubject for fear and humility, confidering that none can be fure of continuing unto the end in the grace of God. And as thofe holy Apoftles were a wonder to all men for their fanctity and humility, and were filled full with the Holy Ghoft, fo too the moft holy companions of Saint Francis were men of fo much fanc- tity, that, from the days of the Apoftles down to the prefent time, the world has known no fuch wonderful and holy men, infomuch as a certain one among them was fnatched up into the third Heaven, like Saint Paul, and that was Brother Guy; a certain one among them, that is Brother Philip Long, was touched upon the lips by an Angel with a living coal, as was the Prophet Saint jFrancis of &S8(8i. 9 Prophet Ifaiah ; a certain one among them, and that was Brother Silvefter, talked with God, as might one friend with another, even as did Mofes ; a certain one among them did rife by fubtlety of intellect even unto the light of divine wifdom, like unto the Eagle, which is John the Evangelift, and this was Brother Bernard, the moft humble of men, who did expound the Holy Scriptures moft learnedly ; a certain one among them was fanctified of God, and canonized in heaven while ftill living upon this earth, and that was Brother Rufus, a gentleman of Affifi. And thus were all priv- ileged to receive fingular figns of fanc~lity, even as mail be fet forth in the following pages. CHAPTER II. Of Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, the fir/I Companion of Saint Francis. firft companion of Saint Francis was one Brother Bernard of Affifi, the fame being converted in this fafhion ; Saint Francis being ftill clad in fecular garb, al- though io STije Utttle jFlotoers of though he had already renounced the world, and went about defpifing all vain fhow, and mortifying his flefti by manifold forms of penitence, infomuch that of many he was held to be half mad, and was fcorned as a fool and driven forth with Hones and loath- ing alike by his family and by ftrangers, and he amidft all infults and injuries remained paffive, as if deaf and dumb, Bernard of Affifi, who was one of the moft noble, rich, and wife men of that city, began prudently to confider Saint Francis' exceeding con- tempt for this world and his great patience amid infults ; how that for the fpace of two long years, being thus held in abomination and defpifed of all men, he feemed ever but the more fteadfaft in his faith. He began to think and to fay to himfelf , " It can in no wife be but that this Brother is poffeffed of the great grace of God ; " and he invited him to fup with him that night and to lodge with him. And Saint Francis accepted his proffers, and fupped and lodged with him. And then did Bernard ponder in his heart and meditate upon his fanclity; whereupon he ordered a bed to be laid for him in his own chamber, wherein a lamp ever burned at night. And Saint Francis defiring jFrancis of Assist, n defiring to hide his great fan<5tity, imme- diately that he entered the chamber, threw himfelf upon his bed and feigned fleep ; and even fo did Bernard, and after a cer- tain fpace he turned himfelf over and began to fnore loudly, as he were fleeping heavily. For the which thing Saint Francis, truly believing that Bernard flept in his firft {lumbers, arofe from the bed and fell him- felf upon his knees, lifting both hands and eyes to heaven, and with the utmoft fervor and devotion he exclaimed, " My God ! my God ! " and thus crying and weeping much, he remained until morning, repeating ever, " My God ! my God ! " and nought elfe ; and thus fpake Saint Francis, contemplat- ing and admiring the excellency of the Divine Majefty Which had deigned to de- fcend to pardon a perifhing world ; where- fore Saint Francis became a poor beggar and devoted his life to feeking out fome means of falvation for his foul and for the fouls of others. And ftill illumined by the Holy Ghoft, or elfe indeed by the fpirit of prophecy, forefeeing the great things which the Lord was to do for him and for his Order, and confidering his own infuffi- ciency and little virtue, he cried aloud and prayed 12 i)r nettle jFlotoen* of prayed unto God that of His Charity and Omnipotence, without which human weak- nefs availeth nought, He would fupply, aid, and complete the, work which man alone could not achieve. Bernard, feeing by the light of the lamp these moft pious acts of Saint Francis, and confidering devoutly the words which he uttered, was touched and infpired of the Holy Ghoft to change his life ; infomuch that at dawn of day he called unto Saint Francis and faid thus : " Brother Francis, my heart is greatly minded to forfake the world and to follow after thee in all things that thou fhalt command me." Hear- ing this, Saint Francis rejoiced in fpirit and fpake thus : " Bernard, this of which you fpeak is fo great and difficult a talk that we muft needs take counfel concern- ing it with Our Lord Jefus Chrift, and pray Him that it may pleafe Him to fhow us His fovereign will in the fame, and to teach us how we may execute it ; and there- fore let us go forth together to the Epif- copal Palace, where we may find a right- eous prieft, and we will bid him fay a mafs ; there we will remain and pray even unto the third hour of the day, entreating God that Saint jFrancis of Assist. 13 that even in the three openings of the Miffal He will fet forth to us the way which it fhall pleafe Him to have us go." Bernard replied that thefe things liked him well. Thus they fet forth and came unto the Bifhop's Palace ; and there hav- ing heard the Mafs, and remained abforbed in prayer even unto the third hour of the day, the prieft, at the petition of Saint Francis, took up the Miffal, and making the fign of the moft Holy Crofs, did open it three times in the name of Our Lord Jefus Chrift ; and at the firft opening there appeared thefe words, which Chrift fpake in the Gofpel unto the young man who afked of Him the way to be perfect: : " If thou wilt be perfect, go and fell that thou haft and give to the poor, and come and follow Me." At the fecond opening there appeared thefe words uttered by Chrift to the Apoftles when He fent them forth to preach : " Provide neither gold, nor filver, nor brafs in your purfes, nor fcrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither fhoes, nor yet ftaves ; " defiring thereby to teach them that they fhould fet all their truft in God, and bend their whole thoughts to the preaching of the Holy Gofpel ; at the third i4 &!)* SLtttle jFiotoers of third opening of the Miffal there appeared thefe words which Chrift fpake : " If any man will come after Me, let him deny himfelf, and take up his crofs, and follow Me." Then faid Saint Francis to Bernard, " Behold the counfel which Chrift hath given us. Go therefore and do that which you have heard ; and bleffed be Our Lord Jefus Chrift, which hath ftooped to fhow us the way of His gofpel." Hearing this, Bernard went out and fold all that that he had, and he was very rich, and with great joy did divide all his wealth among widows and orphans, among prifons and monafteries, and among hofpitals and pil- grims ; and in all things was aided faithfully and providently of Saint Francis. And a certain man, whofe name was Silvefter, feeing that Saint Francis gave fo much money to the poor, and continued to give large fums, pinched by avarice, faid to Saint Francis, " Never yet have you paid me all that you owe me for thofe ftones that you did buy to repair the church ; now therefore that you have money, pay." Then Saint Francis, marvelling much at his avarice, and loath to contend with him, like -Saint jfrancis of Assist. 15 like unto a true obferver of the Holy Gof- pel, did ftretch forth his hand into the lap of Bernard, and drawing it out full of money, caft the fame into the lap of Sil- vefter, faying, " If more you defire, yet more will I give you." Silvefter being content with that that he had, went away and returned to his own houfe ; but at evening, pondering on that which he had done that day, and reproaching himfelf for his avarice, confidering the fervor of Ber- nard and the fanclity of Saint Francis, the following night, and for yet two other nights, God fent him this rare vifion : that from the mouth of Saint Francis there iffued forth a crofs of gold, the top of which reached even unto Heaven, and the arms of which ftretched from the Eaft even unto the Weft. Becaufe of this vifion he gave away for love of God all that that he had, and became one of the Gray Friars ; and fuch were his fanclity and grace while in the Order, that he fpake with God even as one friend with another, as Saint Francis many times experienced, and as is by him fet forth in thefe pages. Bernard likewife received great grace from God, forafmuch as he was often tranf- ported 1 6 fctye HCttle jFlotoers of ported in the contemplation of God ; and Saint Francis faid of him that he was wor- thy of all reverence, and that he was the true founder of this Order, inafmuch as he was the firft who forfook the world, keeping nothing for himfelf, but giving all to Chrift's poor ; and he fet an example of Chriftian poverty, offering himfelf naked to the arms of Chrift crucified ; for which thing may he be blefled infaeculafaeculorum. Amen. CHAPTER III. How for the evil Thoughts which Saint Francis had regarding Brother Bernard, he commanded that fame Brother Bernard that three Times he Jhould place his Feet upon his Neck and upon his Mouth. moft devout fervant of the Crofs, X Saint Francis, from fevere penance and conftant tears had become almoft blind and faw but little. Upon one occafion he left the place where he abode and went to that place where Brother Bernard fo- journed, to fpeak with him of divine things. And coming to that place he learned that the .Saint jFrancts of asts(. t; the Brother was at prayer in the wood, rapt, and conjoined with God. Then Saint Francis went forth into that wood and called aloud, faying, " Come hither and fpeak to this blind beggar." And Brother Bernard anfwered him not, forafmuch as, being a man greatly given to meditation, his mind was abforbed in the contempla- tion of God ; and he was ftrangely favored in converfe with God, as Saint Francis had ofttimes proven, and therefore did he defire to have fpeech with him. After a certain fpace he called unto him a fecond and even a third time after the fame fafhion ; and never once did Brother Bernard heed or hear his voice ; neither did he make any anfwer, nor came he forth to meet him ; fo that Saint Francis departed no little difconfolate, and marvelling and lamenting in his own mind that Brother Bernard, three times called, came not forth to him. Journeying thence with thefe thoughts, Saint Francis, having gone but a little way, faid unto his companion, "Await me here." And he went afide into a folitary place and fell to praying, befeeching God that He would reveal to him wherefore Brother Bernard made not anfwer unto him. And Handing 1 8 Eije Utttle jFlotoers of Handing there, he heard a voice from God which fpake thefe words : " O poor weak foul, why art thou difturbed ? Should man leave God for his fellow man ? Brother Bernard, when you cried unto him, was conjoined with Me, and hence he could not come to thee, neither could he make anfwer unto thee ; therefore marvel not that he anfwered thee not, lince his foul was fo far removed from his body that he heard not any of thy words." Saint Fran- cis, having this anfwer from God, imme- diately returned again with much fpeed to Brother Bernard, humbly to accufe himfelf of the evil thoughts which he had cherifhed towards him. And feeing him draw nigh, Brother Bernard went out to meet him and fell down before him ; and then Saint Francis raifed him up, and with all humil- ity told his thoughts, and the trouble which he had felt concerning him, and how that God had made anfwer unto him in the mat- ter ; hence he concluded thus : " I charge you by your facred vow of obedience that you do do the things which I mall com- mand you." Brother Bernard, fearing left Saint Francis mould require of him fome exceffive thing, as was his wont, made honeft endeavor Saint jFtancts of Assist. 19 endeavor to avoid this obedience, anfwering thus : " I am prepared to obey you meekly, if you will promife me to do that which I in turn mail command of you." And Saint Francis promifing him, Brother Ber- nard faid, "Speak, father; bid me what you would have me to do." Then faid Saint Francis : " I command you, by your facred vow of obedience, that, to punifh my prefumption and the boldnefs of my heart, now as I throw myfelf flat upon the ground you place one foot upon my neck and the other upon my mouth, and thus mall you pafs three times over my body, crying fhame upon me and reviling me ; and more efpecially Ihall you cry unto me, ' Lie there, thou vile fon of Peter Bernardone ; whence haft thou acquired fuch pride, vileft of all creatures that thou art ? ' ' Hearing this, Brother Bernard, hard as was his talk, yet for the fake of his facred vow of obedience, as courteoufly as he might, did fulfil the will of Saint Francis, even as he had com- manded him ; and this done, Saint Francis faid : " Do you command me now in turn whatfoever you will that I mail do, inaf- much as I have promifed obedience." Then faid Brother Bernard, " By your facred vow of 20 fffje ILittle plotters of of obedience I charge you that as many times as we may hap to be in company you do reprove me and correct me fharply for my fins." At which thing Saint Fran- cis marvelled greatly, feeing that Brother Bernard was a man of great fanclity whom he held in much reverence, nor did he hold him cenfurable for any fin whatfoever. And although from that time forth Saint Francis ftrove to fpend much time with him in ac- cordance with his vow of obedience, never any word of reproof or blame paffed his lips toward one whom he knew to be a man of fuch great fanclity ; but as often as he defired to fee him, or indeed to hear him converfe with God, as fpeedily as might be he went forth unto him ; and it was moil devout to fee with how great love and rev- erence and humility Father Saint Francis ufed to fpeak with Brother Bernard his firft- born fon. To the praife and glory of Jefus Chrift, and of that poor Chriftian, Francis. Amen. Saint jFtantts of Assist. 21 CHAPTER IV. How the Angel of the Lord put a Queflion unto Brother tias, the Keeper of a certain Convent in the Vale of Spoleto, and forafmuch as Brother Elias made Anfwer haughtily, de- parted thence and went forth unto St. James of Compoflella, where he met with Brother Bernard and told his Tale unto him. AT the beginning and firft undertaking of the Order, when the Friars were but few, and but little land had been ac- quired, Saint Francis, from a fpirit of devo- tion, did go to St. James of Galicia, and in his train were certain Brethren, of whom one was Brother Bernard. And travelling thus their road, they met a poor fick beg- gar, having pity upon whom, Saint Francis faid to Brother Bernard : " Son, I befeech you, ftay here and ferve this fick man." And Brother Bernard, humbly kneeling and bowing his head, yielded obedience to the Holy Father and remained in that fpot ; and Saint Francis with his compan- ions went his way unto St. James. Coming thither and fpending the night in prayer within 22 SH)e mttle jplotoers of within the Church of St. James, it was re- vealed of God to Saint Francis that he was deftined to acquire much land throughout the world, inafmuch as his Order was def- tined to fpread and to grow even unto a vaft multitude of Monks ; and in accord- ance with this revelation Saint Francis forthwith began to acquire land in that fame region. And travelling homeward by that felfsame way he came, Saint Francis met with Brother Bernard and the fick man with whom he left him, healed and made quite whole ; hence Saint Francis granted Brother Bernard in the enfuing year that he alfo fhould vifit St. James. And thus Saint Francis returned into the Vale of Spoleto. And here he fojourned in a defolate place, he and Brother Maxi- mus and Brother Elias and others. And every man among them ftrove mightily left he fhould pefter or annoy Saint Francis as he prayed ; and this they did for the great reverence which they bare him, and for- afmuch as they were well aware that God made known unto him great wonders in his prayers. It befell one day that Saint Francis being at prayer in the wood, a Beauteous Youth arrayed for a journey came to jfrancis of Assist. 23 to the door of that place wherein he flayed, and knocked fo often and fo loud and for fo long a fpace, that much the broth- ers marvelled among themfelves at fuch unwonted noife. Brother Maximus went out and oped the door and faid to that youth, " Whence come you, O Son, fmce it feems you never did come hither yet, inaf- much as you knock thus contrary to all ufe ? " The youth made anfwer : " And how mould I knock ? " Then faid Brother Max- imus, " Knock thrice, the one knock follow- ing flowly after the other; then wait fo long as until the Brother mail have faid a Pa- ternoster and come unto you ; and if after that fpace he come not, knock yet once again." The young man anfwered, " My hafte is exceeding great, forafmuch as I have a long journey to make, and am come hither to fpeak with Brother Francis ; but he now is in the wood loft in a mufe, and hence I will not vex him ; but go call me hither Brother Elias, to whom I would put but one queftion only, fmce I hear that he is very wife." Brother Maximus went in and bade Brother Elias go out to the young man ; and he waxed angry and would not go. At which thing Brother Maximus 24 &$e SLfttle jflotorrs of Maximus knew not what to do, neither what anfwer he Ihould make to him, inaf- much as faying that Brother Elias could not come, he fpake falfely ; faying he was vexed in fpirit and would not come, he feared left he Ihould fet an evil example. And Brother Maximus lingering thus, the young man knocked yet again as before, and in a little time Brother Maximus re- turned to the gate, and faid to the young man, " Why heed you not my counfels in your knocking ? " The young man an- fwered : " Brother Elias comes not unto me ; go therefore and fay to Brother Francis that I am come hither to fpeak with him ; but forafmuch as I would not come againft him in his praying, let him bid Brother Elias come out to me." And then Brother Maximus went in to Saint Francis, who was praying in the thick wood with his face lift up to heaven, and he delivered the young man's meffage and the anfwer of Brother Elias ; and that young man was the Angel of the Lord in the likenefs of a Man. Then Saint Francis, removing not from his place, neither calling down his eyes, faid to Brother Maximus : " Go, fay unto Brother Elias, by his vow of obedience I jFrancts of Assist. 25 I charge him that he fhall go forthwith to that young man." Brother Elias, hearing Saint Francis' charge of obedience, went out to the gate greatly troubled, and with fury and noife did open it, and fpake to the young man, faying, " What would you with me ? " The young man made anfwer, fay- ing, " Beware, Brother, left you be troubled in fpirit even as you feem ; for anger clouds the mind, letting it not fee the Truth." Then faid Brother Elias, "Tell me what you would with me." The young man made anfwer, " I afk you whether it be lawful for followers of the Holy Scrip- tures to eat that which is fet before them, even as Chrift fpake to his difciples ; and I alk you alfo whether it be lawful for any man to fet before them aught that is contrary to Chriftian freedom ?" Brother Elias made anfwer loftily : " Well might I anfwer your queftion, but I will not do fo ; go your way." The young man faid, " Bet- ter can I anfwer this queftion than can you." Then Brother Elias, vexed and angered, clofed the gate and went thence. Going in, he began to ponder upon the faid quef- tions, and to doubt within himfelf concern- ing them, and he knew not how to folve them 26 STfje tLtttle jFlotoers of them, notwithftanding that he was Vicar- General of the Order, and had commanded and writ in the Rule, contrary to the gof- pel and contrary to the Rule of Saint Fran- cis, that no brother of the Order Ihould eat meat ; fo that the faid queftion was ex- preffly directed againft him. Thus, know- ing not how to diffipate his doubts, and confidering the modefty of the Youth, and how that he had faid He could better anfwer the queftion than he, he turned back to the gate and opened it to alk of the Youth the aforefaid queftion ; but he had already jour- neyed thence, forafmuch as the proud fpirit of Brother Elias was not worthy to hold converfe with the Angel. This done, Saint Francis, to whom all things were revealed of God, returned from the wood, and with a loud voice reviled Brother Elias, faying, " 111 have you done, O proud Brother Elias, for you have driven hence from our midft holy Angels who came hither to counfel and inftrucl. I tell 'you that I fear exceeding much left your pride lead you not forth at laft from this Order." And even fo it fell out, as Saint Francis had faid, inafmuch as he died out- fide the Order. In Saint jFrancia of &ssfs(. 27 In that fame day and in the felfsame hour when that Angel departed thence, He appeared in the felfsame form unto Brother Bernard, who was travelling back from St. James, and ftood on the fhores of a vaft ftream, and greeted him in his own tongue, faying, " God grant you His peace, O good Brother." And good Brother Bernard, marvelling much, and confidering the fair face of the Youth and the fpeech of his own land with that peaceful greeting and joy- ous countenance, he afked him : " Whence come you, good Youth ? " The Angel an- fwering faid, "I come from that fame place where dwells Saint Francis, and I travelled thither to have fpeech of him ; but I could not, he being in the thick woods loft in contemplation of things divine, and I was loath to vex him. And in that fame place dwell alfo Brother Maximus and Brother Guy and Brother Elias ; and Brother Max- imus bade me knock at the gate like unto a Friar ; but Brother Elias, although at firft he would not anfwer me concerning the queftion which I put to him, yet after did repent him fore and would fain have heard me and feen me and he could not." After thefe words the Angel fpake to Brother 28 Efie Hittlr jFlotorrs of Brother Bernard, faying, "Why crofs you not over yonder ftream ? " Brother Ber- nard made anfwer : " Forafmuch as I fear the dangers of the deep waters which I fee." The Angel faid, " We will pafs over together, nothing doubting." And He took his hand, and in the twinkling of an eye He put him on the farther fide of the ftream. Then Brother Bernard knew that this was the Angel of the Lord, and with great awe and gladnefs he cried aloud, " O bleffed Angel of the Lord, declare unto me your name." The Angel anfwered and faid, " Why alk you me my name, which is Wonderful ? " And faying this the Angel vanifhed, leaving Brother Bernard much comforted, infomuch fo that he travelled all his road with great rejoicing ; and he was mindful of the day and the hour in which the Angel had appeared unto him. And coming unto that place where Saint Fran- cis abode with his chofen Companions, he told them all in due order ; and he knew for a certainty that that fame Angel in the felfsame day and hour had appeared to him and them. .Saint jpvaucts oC Assist. 29 CHAPTER V. Saint, Brother Bernard of Ajffift, was defpatched by Saint Francis to Bologna, and there took up his Abode. TNASMUCH as Saint Francis and his -L companions were called of God and chofen to bear in their hearts and in their lives, and to preach with their tongues, the Crofs of Chrift, they both feemed and were men who crucified the flefh, alike in their habit and in their auftere life, alike in their every act and deed ; and neverthelefs they defired the rather to endure fhame and opprobrium for the love of Chrift than to receive worldly honors, or reverence, or the praife of men : thus injuries rejoiced them and honors afflicted them ; and thus they paffed through the world as Pilgrims and Strangers, bearing with them nought fave Chrift Crucified ; and yet they were the true Vine, which is Chrift, bringing forth great and good fpiritual fruit, which they garnered in for God. It happened in the firft days of the Order that Saint Francis fent Brother Bernard forth to Bologna, to the 30 STfje ILtttlr jflotoers of the end that there he might bear fruit unto God, according to the grace given him of Our Lord ; and Brother Bernard, making the fign of the moft Holy Crofs, and mindful of his facred vow of obedience, departed thence and came unto Bologna ; and the children, fee- inghim in worn and tattered raiment, mocked at him and reviled him as they might have any clown ; and Brother Bernard patiently and cheerfully bore all things for the love of Jefus Chrift ; nay, rather that the more he might be chaftened, ftudioufly did feat himfelf in the market-place, where fitting, there foon flocked round about him many boys and men, who pulled him by the cowl, fome before and fome behind, fome caft duft upon him and fome flones, fome thruft and fhoved him here and fome there ; and Brother Bernard bore all things with patience and meeknefs, and with a fmiling face, murmur- ing not, neither complaining ; and, more- over, often he returned to that fame place folely to fuffer fimilar things for the good of his Soul. And albeit Patience have her perfect work and be a token of Virtue, a learned doclor of laws, feeing and confider- ing fo much conflancy and valor in Brother Bernard, fuffering for fo many days unmoved by Saint jFrancis of &asfsu 31 by any blows or pinches, faid to himfelf, "Verily, it cannot be but that is a holy man ; " and drawing near to him, he quef- tioned him thus : " Who art thou, and wherefore haft thou come hither?" And Brother Bernard for all anfwer put his hand into his bofom and drew forth the Rule of Saint Francis, and gave it to him that he might read ; and having read, confidering his extreme ftate of Perfection, with the utmoft wonder and admiration he turned to his companions and faid, "Verily, this is the moft high ftate of religion of which I have heard ; and this man and his com- panions are the moft holy men in all the earth, and he who harms the leaft among them is guilty of a very grievous fin ; for every man among them fhould be held in high honor, inafmuch as he is the true friend of God." And he fpake to Brother Bernard, faying, " If you will abide among us, where you may ferve God acceptably, I for the falvation of my foul will joyfully give you an abiding-place." Brother Ber- nard made anfwer : " Sir, methinks your words are infpired of Our Lord Jefus Chrift ; and I cheerfully accept this your offer, to the honor and glory of Chrift." Then the faid 32 fflTfje afttU jHotoera of faid Judge with great joy and lovingkindnefs led Brother Bernard to his houfe, and there beftowed upon him the promifed lodging, and fet it in order, and provided for all his cofts ; and fhortly after he himfelf became a Father, and the efpecial ally and cham- pion of Brother Bernard and of his com- panions. And Brother Bernard, for this his holy converfion, began to be much honored of all men, infomuch that they who might touch the hem of his garments, or could but look upon him, held them- felves bleft ; but he, as a true difciple of Chrift, and of the meek and lowly Francis, fearing left worldly honors mould mar the peace and fafety of his foul, departed thence one day and returned to Saint Francis and fpake thefe words : " Father, an abiding-place is found in the city of Bologna : I prithee fend thither Brothers who may maintain it, and let them fojourn there, forafmuch as I no longer profit you aught in that fpot ; indeed, for the exceed- ing honor which is paid me I fear left I lofe more than I gain." Then Saint Fran- cis, hearing all things in due order, how Our Lord had wrought a great work through Brother Bernard, praifed and thanked God, Who of Assist. 33 Who thus deigned to increafe the number of poor followers of the Crofs : and then he fent forth his Companions into Bologna and into Lombardy, who acquired much land in many places. CHAPTER VI. How Saint Francis blejjfed Brother Bernard, and made him his Vicar when he came to pafs away from this Life. SO great was the fanclity of Brother Ber- nard, that Saint Francis reverenced him much, and many times did praife him. Saint Francis once being devoutly rapt in prayer, it was revealed to him of God that Brother Bernard was by Divine Leave to fuftain many and valiant battles with the demons; hence Saint Francis, having ex- ceeding great compaffion upon the faid Brother Bernard, whom he loved as he were his own fon, he prayed many days with tears, entreating God for him, and recommending him to Chrift Jefus, that he might give him victory over the demon. And Saint Francis, praying thus devoutly, God one day made anfwer unto him : " Francis, fear not; 34 &t)* 2-tttle JFlotoers of not ; forafmuch as all the temptations by which Brother Bernard is to be affailed are allowed of God as a teft of his valor and a Crown of Glory, and finally he fhall triumph over all his enemies, forafmuch as he is one of the CommifTaries of the kingdom of Heaven." At the which anfwer Saint Francis rejoiced greatly, and praifed the Lord ; and from that time forth his love and reverence waxed ever greater. And well he proved them, not only in his life, but alfo in his death. Forafmuch as Saint Fran- cis, being about to die, even as that holy Patriarch Jacob, his mourning fons ftanding about him devoutly, weeping at the de- parture of fo amiable a father, he afked them, " Where is my Firilborn ? Come hither to me, my Son, that my Soul may blefs thee before I die." Then Brother Bernard faid privily to Brother Elias, who was the Vicar of the Order, " Father, go thou to the right hand of the Saint, that he may blefs thee." And Brother Elias, placing himfelf upon his right hand, Saint Francis, who had loft his fight by reafon of his many tears, laid his right hand upon the head of Brother Elias and faid, " This is not the head of my firftborn fon, Brother Bernard Saint jFcancts of Assist. 35 Bernard." Then Brother Bernard went and ftood by his left hand ; and Saint Francis ftretching forth his arms in the form of a Crofs, laid his right hand upon the head of Brother Bernard and his left hand upon the head of that fame Brother Elias, and faid to Brother Bernard : " May God the Father and Our Lord Jefus Chrift blefs thee with every fpiritual blefling, and may Chrift grant thee all celeftial bleflings, even as thou art the Firftborn, chofen into this Holy Order to give a godly example, to follow Chrift in Chriftian poverty ; inaf- much as thou haft given not only all that which was thine, dividing it wholly and freely among the poor for the love of Chrift, but alfo haft given thyfelf a free-will offering unto God in this Order, a facrifice pleafing in His fight. Receive, therefore, the blefling of Our Lord Jefus Chrift, and of me, His poor fervant, bleflings everlafting, whether walking, ftanding, waking, fleep- ing, living, or dying ; and all who mall blefs thee ftiall themfelves be filled with blefling. They who curfe thee mail not go unpunifhed. Thou art chief among all thy Brethren, and all the Brothers fhall bow to thy will. Thou haft my leave to receive into 36 STije lltttle jHotoers of into the Order whomfoever thou wilt ; and no Brother mall have fupremacy over thee, and thou art free to come and go whither- foever thou wilt." And after the death of Saint Francis the Brethren loved and re- vered Brother Bernard as a venerable Fa- ther ; and he, coming to die, many Brothers gathered about him from all quarters of the globe, among them being that divine hierarch Brother Guy, who, seeing Brother Bernard, cried aloud, with great gladnefs, "Lift up your heart, Brother Bernard; lift up your heart" And Brother Bernard bade one of the Brethren privily that he fhould prepare a place meet for contempla- tion for Brother Guy ; and fo it was done. Brother Bernard, being at the laft hour of his death, bade his Brethren lift him up, and fpake to fuch of them as were there prefent, faying : " My beloved Brethren, I have not many words to fpeak to you. But you muft be mindful that that degree of Religion which I have had you have at this prefent, and unto that which I now enjoy, you mail yet attain ; and I tell you from my foul of fouls that I would not for a thoufand Worlds like unto this have ferved other Lord than Our Lord Jefus Chrift. Saint jFtancts of BlnniBl. 37 Chrift. And for every offence that I have committed I confefs myfelf guilty, and ac- cufe myfelf before my Saviour Jefus and before you. I befeech you, my deareft Brethren, love one another." And after thefe words, and other wholefome teach- ings, he laid himfelf down upon his bed, his face fhone with joy and fplendor fo exceeding that all the Brothers marvelled greatly, and in that rapture his moft faintly foul, crowned with glory, pafled from this prefent life into the bleffed life of the angels. CHAPTER VII. How Saint Francis fafted forty Days and forty Nights in an IJland of the Lake of Perugia, eating no more but half a Loaf. 'T~"*HAT true fervant of Chrift, Saint -L Francis, being in certain things almoft another Chrift, fent into the world to fave the nations, Our Lord and Fa- ther God defired to make him in many a<5ts conformable and like unto His Son Jefus Chrift ; even as we have feen in the venerable College of the twelve Com- panions, 38 STije SLittle jFlotoers of panions, and in the admirable Myftery of the Sacred Stigmata, and in the Faft lafting throughout the whole term of Lent, which took place after this manner : Saint Fran- cis being once, upon the laft day of the Carnival, befide the Lake of Perugia in the houfe of one of his devout followers, with whom he had tarried for a night, he was infpired of God that he mould proceed to keep his faft in an Ifland of that lake ; wherefore Saint Francis prayed this his fol- lower that for the love of Chrift he would bear him over in his boat unto an Ifland of the lake where no man abode ; this he fhould do upon the night of Afh Wednef- day, in fuch manner that they might be feen of none ; and he for love of the great devotion which he felt for Saint Francis faithfully did his beheft, and bare him over to the Ifland : and Saint Francis took nothing with him fave two fmall loaves. And having come to the Ifland, and his friend departing thence to return to his houfe, Saint Francis charged him by the love which he bare him that he fhould reveal to no man where he did lie, and that he fhould not journey back to fetch him fooner than Maundy-Thurfday ; and jfrancis of &sst8f. 39 and thus they parted. And Saint Francis abode there alone ; and there being no habitation wherein he might find fhelter, he entered into a thick wood wherein many thorns and brambles and little bufties had formed a den or burrow, and herein he fell to praying and to mufing upon celeftial things. And herein he flayed during the whole fpace of Lent, eating not, neither drinking aught, fave the half of one of thofe fmall loaves, according as his faith- ful follower found him when he croffed over to him on Maundy-Thurfday ; the which found of two fmall loaves one en- tire, and of the other half; it is believed that Saint Francis did partake out of rever- ence for the fading of the bleffed Chrift, Who fafted forty days and forty nights, par- taking of no bodily food ; and thus with that half loaf he drove far from him the venom of Vainglory, and following after Chrift fafted forty days and forty nights. And then in that place where Francis did fuch marvellous feats of abftinence God the Lord wrought many miracles through his merits : for the which thing men began to build houfes there and to dwell there ; and in a brief fpace a Caftle good and great ftood 40 STfje Etttlc jFlotoers of flood therein, and this was the home of the Brethren, and it was called by the name of the Ifland ; and even unto this prefent time the men and the women of that Caftle difplay great reverence and devotion upon that fpot where Saint Francis fafted as has been here fet forth. CHAPTER VIII. How Saint Francis and Brother Leo, as they journeyed, difcourfed of Per/eft Blifs. SAINT FRANCIS once journeying from Perugia to St. Mary of the Angels with Brother Leo in winter time, and the very great cold pinching him fore, he called aloud to Brother Leo, who walked before, and faid thus : " Brother Leo, although the Gray Friars in every place fet a good ex- ample of fanclity and of godly leffons, neverthelefs I defire you to write down and diligently to note that they know not per- fect blifs." And Saint Francis journeying yet farther, a fecond time he called aloud, " O Brother Leo, albeit the Gray Friar be eyes to the blind, deliver men from evil, drive out demons, be ears to the deaf, and feet .Saint jFrancis of assist'. 41 feet to the lame, a tongue to the dumb, and what is yet more do reftore the dead to life within the fpace of four days, yet write that he knows not perfect blifs." And journey- ing yet a little farther, he cried with a loud voice, " O Brother Leo, if the Gray Friar know all tongues, all knowledge, and all the Scriptures in fuch fafhion that he may prophefy and reveal not alone the things of the future, but even alfo the fecrets of all confciences and of all fouls, ftill I bid thee write, herein lies not perfect blifs." Going yet a little farther, Saint Francis called aloud yet once again : " O Brother Leo, Lamb of God, even though the Gray Friar fpeak with the tongues of men and of angels, and know the courfe of the ftars and the virtues of all herbs, and were all the treafures of the earth laid bare to him, and did he know the virtues of birds and fifties, and of all animals and of men and of trees and of ftones and of roots and of waters, ftill write that herein lies not perfect blifs." And journeying yet a little fpace Saint Francis cried aloud : " O Brother Leo, even could the Gray Friar preach fo well as that he fhould turn all infidels to the faith of Chrift, yet write, herein 42 STije Hfttle JFlotoers of herein lies not perfect blifs." And this dif- courfe enduring for full two miles, Brother Leo with amazement alked him, faying, "Father, I pray thee, for God's fake, that thou wilt tell me where may perfect blifs be found ? " And Saint Francis made anfwer thus : " When we fhall have come unto St. Mary of the Angels, dripping with rain and frozen with cold and be- fpattered with mud and tormented fore with hunger, and fhall knock at the door of that place, and the porter fhall look forth in wrath, and fhall fay, 'Who are ye ? ' and we fhall fay, ' We be two of your Brethren ; ' and he fhall fay, ' You fpeak not truly ; forfooth you are two ribald knaves who go about deceiving folk and ftealing alms from the poor, get you gone!' and he fhall not open unto us, and fhall leave us ftanding without in the fnow and the wet with cold and hunger even till the fall of night ; then if we fhall patiently endure fuch great injuftice and cruelty and villanous rebuffs without peevifhnefs or turbulence, murmuring not againft him, and fhall think humbly and charitably that verily that doorkeeper reads us aright, that our Lord hath bade him revile us and fpeak