THE LIFE OF THE HOLY FATHER S. FRANCIS WRITTEN BY SAINT Bonaventure, and as it is related by the Reverend Father Aloysius Lipomanus Bishop of Veron.  
In his fourth tome of the life of saints.  Hic vir despiciens mundum, & terrena triumphans, Divitias caelo condidit, ore, manu. 
BLESSED BE DTHE NAME OF OUR LORD.  
IHS  
Printed at DOVAY by LAURENCE KELLAM. 1610.   

APPROBATIO.  
Haec vita S. Francisci per S. Bonaventuram olim conscripta, & nunc in linguam Anglicam fideliter translata, digna est quae in lucem edatur, & ab omnibus legatur. Actum Duaci Calendis Martii 1610.  
Georgius Coluenerius S. Theologiae Doctor & Professor, & librorum in Academia Duacensi Visitator & Censor.   

TO THE RIGHT Worshipful and most worthy religious gentleman A. B. all happiness in Christ our Lord wisheth E. H.  
Such is that sweernesse, and imprisable comfort of spirit (Rightly Worshipful and pious Sir) which the reading of saints Lives can effect in our souls, that I fully persuade myself that amongst the exercices beseeming a Catholic Christian, the reading and perusing his present subject, will not be the least forcible and efficacious to induce men to embrace virtues Path, and constantly to sustain the manifold afflictions which in these our miserable times are most ordinary and frequent with God's best belovede servants, this little work, small in quantity, yet rich & precious, for the matter it doth treat of, containeth the life of that most rare and admirable Saint, S. Francis; which came to my hands by means of a poor (yet ever honest) banished country man of mine, who wanting help, and means, to publish it, I most willingly set thereunto my helping hand to further so good a work which being now perfected, I commend unto yourself, as one selected and chosen by me, worthy in many respects before others, desiring that you would vouchsafe to undertake the patronizing of this my ever propens duty towards your best deserving self; vouchsafe therefore favourably to accept of ●●y great goodwill, though shrouded under the veil of a small present, which I offer not as intending thereby to requite, or equalize those many benefits of yours, for my best endeavours will be far awantinge from due proportion and equality, seeing that the acceptance hereof requireth a new kindnese; but to renew and stir up in myself some memory of your respected deserts, and according to my powere to show my willing desire to gratify in what I may your great good will, I present unto you not that universalle and most admirable troup of all God's Saints (for that these you and others may hereafter by some other means receive) but this one life in particular, of that most blessed man S. Francis; wherein you may be hold (as in a glass) the full abundance of Angelical conversation; and as in which is compendiously contained the sum of a perfect life, I will here omit to recount his rare virtues, his invincible fortitude, his Admirable temperance, profound humility, patience, longanimity, most fervent charity, immovable faith, dauntless hope, and such like innumerable virtues, because all these will be exactly manifested unto you in this treatis, yea such is the excelentcie of this Saint, that (beit spoken without prejudice, or derogation to other Saints) he is thought by his surmounting holiness, to have achieved and purchased not the lowest seat in everlasting joy, for whill the Prince of Angels, and greatest of all creatures in natural dowries (Lucifer himself) thinking by his arrogant pride to have ascended, and (as the scripture saith of him) to have been Similis altissimo, 
Esaye 14.  like unto the highest, was thrown down headlong in to the bottomless dungeon of hell and everlasting damnation he by his most rare humility, he hath deserved to be exalted, and in throwned in that kingdom, which he by his contrary pride irrecoverably lost: So as in this we may see the divine providence, and unsearchable wisdom of god allmyghty, which rewardeth all, according to theite deserts, 
Luc. 1.  veryfying this saying, Deposuitpotentes de sede, & exaltavit humiles; he hath put the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek, agreeing also with an other place, 
Luc. 18.  Quise exaltat humiliabitur, & qui se humiliat exaltabitur he that exalteth himself shallbe humbled, over cast down, and he which humbleth himself shallbe exalted, thus we see how he exalteth his Saints, whill Lucifer and his complices are deprived of that place, which their unjust aspiring could not yield them, and therefore are become an aprobry to the rest of the blessed Angeles, and deadly enemies to mankind: seeking always by their manifold delusions to bring others into that desperate estate in which they know themselves to be for ever: for as Saint Peter saith. Diabolus tanquam leo rugiens circuit, 
1. Pet. 5.  quaerens quem devoret. The devil like a roaring lion goeth about seeking whom he may devour, Against whom, and whose most guileful proceedings: what is more available, and of greater force, than the virtue of Christ his wounds his, and all Saints merits and intercessions; under whose bannour he that fighteth (as all Christian Catholics aught most constantly to do) although, often tried, and assaulted by spiritual foes, yet can he never be overcome, and having patience to sustain, it will redound unto a greater crown of glory. For if we suffer afflictiones in this world, and for the since are love of God endure them courageously: we shall undoubtedly reap those incomprehensible rewards: 
1. Cor. 2.  Quae nec autis audivis, nec oculus vidit, nec in cor hominis ascendit, which neither ear hath heard, nor eye hath see ne nor hath ascended into the heart of man to imagine the molestations, and troubles, of this present world, 
Rom. 8.  are not condign of the glory to come (as the Apostle saith) Non sunt condignae passiones huius temporis ad suturam gloriam quae revelabitur in nobis, neither must we imagine that if God send afflictions upon his servants, either temporal, or spiritual: that he withdraweth his love, or zeal of our salvation: nay his scourge doth presage greater love, and affection to his tried servants: for he saith, Ego quos amo arguo, & castig●. 
Apoc. 3.  whom I love: I chasten, therefore he often suffereth our spiritual aduersatie to try us, (as he did holy job) not above our power to resist, but with his grace to overcome, 
1. Cor. 10.  and conquer our enemy Fidelis enim Deus est qui non patietur nos tentari supra id quod possumus, sed faciet cum tentatione proventum. For God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will make also with temptation issue, that we may be able to sustain, but what should I inculcate patience and perseaverance unto such an on as yourself: seeing that amongst so many servants of God you have all ready borne your part in these afflictions; wherewith God is wont to try his best beloved servants, in so much as all ears are filled with the sound of your valorous courage, in so stoutly enduring the assaults of your enemy, all conques speak of it, and all hearts stand amazed at the strangeness of your virtuous life. Dear Sir, thrice happy are those, who sustain any affliction in this world, for God's sake, for our sins deserving (no doubt) much punish net: who can not esteem it a great, and particular favour to be usited here with some mole stations: rather than to have the pains due to sin reserved, to be in the next world, a housand times more severely punished. For seeing: 
Apoc. 21.  Nihil coinquinatum possi● intrare in regnum coelorum. No unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of heaven, but if any pains remain to be inflicted: they are to be purged with that fire of purgatory, infinitely, and without comparison, exceeding in heat our terrestrial fiere. Much therefore and extremely blinded are those, who think themselves happy when they escape the punishments of this world, little considering the justice of God, who leaveth not the least sin unpunished, and if the estate of such that defer those pains until the nert world, be much to be lamented and pitied, what (alas) and how miserable, then is the condition and estate of those who neither in this, nor in the world to come; can satisfy for their committed crimes but through all eternity, are to sustain the unexplicable torments of hell fire, this I leave to the conside ration of those, who are segregated from that sold & unity, of the holy Catholic Church, out of the which no salvation can be had: which most miserable condition, hath now possessed the greatest part of our dear country; for like an universal deluge, heresy hath so infected and drowned the souls therein, that they cannot lift up their drowsy eyes, to consider their desperate estate, but by wallowinge in all kind of vicious behaviour, do make themselves a derision to their enemy the devil; a sorrowful spectacle to the wise, & thereby purchase end less misery to themselves. The think every hour spent in the exercisse of virtuous life, to be vainly employed, & esteem it an happiness to exceed in vices; deriding those, that give them occasion eithere by word, or writing, which may induce to the service and true honour of God. and hold it a madnese, to spend any hour in reading, (much more in imitating) the heroical acts of Saints: yea they will rather scoff, at any worthy, & memorable exploit done by God's servants (caling it a delusion of the devil than endeavour to consider that Saints by mortification of the flesh, and not by pampringe, and decking their corruptible bodies, have obtained the privileges of God's searuants) by making themselves an habitacle of the holy ghost; whereas the other by doing contrary, make their corporal substance, a mansion house of all vices. Who so therefore desireth, to exterpate, and banish from him these evils? let him first repayer to the unity of the Catholic Church, where he may not only be partaker of the continual prayers, and devotions, done in the same, by the living here one earth, but also of the sufferrages, of the immortal, and blessed souls in heaven, who can, and will most ceartaynly secure, and help those that trust in Gods, and there protection: let them therefore suppose, when the find and read the life, and acts, of any Saint, that then they have gotten an unfallible directory, of there future conversation: Amongst which I earnestly commend this of Saint Francis, to their mature consideration, out of the which they may draw a compendious r●●le, to guide them in all their actions. But I will return my speech again to your most respected and Right worshipful self: desiring your favourable kindness to interpret this my over bold attempt, according to the sincerity of my intention, and so I commit this present treatis, under the shield of your benign acceptance, for knowing myself obliged in all duty, to apply my best endeavours, in such sort, as may seem acceptable to yourself, acknowledging also myself so much bound in insoluible bonds, to wish, and pray daily, for the most prosperous, and godly proceed in all things, both of yourself, and your well deserving family: which together with yourself (for brevities sake) I most heartily offer conjoinedly unto thall mighty his protection, desiring him to give you all sufficiency in temporal respects, and superabundant increase of supernatural graces: And lastly I request you would vouchsafe to spend some vacant hours in reading, and admiring, this Saint's perfection; and if any one reap any spiritual fruit by this my labour, I account my pains fully rewarded: If not, my willing mind remaineth unviolable: yet howsoever, let all be done to the honour and glory of the everlasting deity, three in persons, and one in essence: next, (before all creatures) most worthy honour and glory, to Christ his most blessed mother, perpetual virgin, to the holy Apostles, Saint Francis, and all the heavenly troup, unto whose intercessions, I once again perpetually commit, this mortal peregrination of you, and yours: happily to be consummated: that after this transitory life, you may possess together with them, eternal joy and felicity. Amen.  
Yours obliged in all duty. E. H.   

THE LIFE OF THE MOST HOLY FATHER S. FRANCIS.  
Written, & in one Book compiled by that Famous & Learned man Saint BONAVENTURE, a Frear Minor, Cardinal of the holy Roman Church, Bishop of ALBA, and the seraphical Doctor of the Church.  

THE FIRST CHAPTER. Of Saint Francis his conversation in secular habit.  
IN the City of Assisium, there was a man called FRANCIS, whose name remaineth in blessed memory: for being prevented by the sweet blessings of GOD, he was mercifully delivered from the dangers of this present life, & filled abundantly with the influences of Heavenly grace. For being in his youth nourished in vanities, among the vain children of men, & being also after some little knowledge of Learning, deputed to the gainful trade of Merchandise; yet by the assistance of God, neither when he was most addicted unto pleasure, did he follow the wantonness of the flesh among lascivious young men, no● yet when he was most intentive to gain, did he put his confidence in money and treasures, as covetous negotiatours are commonly wont to do. But in his heart there was even from his infancy engrafted a certain singular pity, & commiseration towards the poor, which growing and increasing together with his years, did replenish his heart with so bountiful an affection in that behalf, that opening his ears to the words of the Gospel, he pnrposed with himself to give somewhat unto every one that should ask him; especially making demand for the ●oue of God.  
But whereas on ●●●pon occasion of his troublesome business, whereunto he was very intentive, he did contrary to his custom, neglect the request of a poor man, that asked him alms for the love of God: he presently remembering himself, and entering into judgement with his own heart; did speedily run after him, bestowing his alms with much affection upon him, making furthermore, even than a promise unto Almighty God, that from thence forward, so long as he should have any thing in the world to give? he would never deny to give something, to such as should beg of him for our Lord's sake: which he observing continually with an unwearied zeal of devotion, unto his death; was thereby made worthy to obtain an abundant increase of the favour and grace of Almighty God. For he was wont to say, after that he had perfectly put on Christ, that even whilst he was in secular habit, he felt a great motion in his heart, whensoever he heard any word expressing the love of God. Furthermore the mildness of his conversation, together with the sweetness of his manners; his patience, and tractable behaviour, more than is ordinary in men; & his liberality, beyond the measure of his ability; which appeared in him in his youth, were tokens; that God had a greater abundance of blessing to power upon him.  
It fortuned once that a very simple man of Assisium (by the instruction of God, as we have good cause to think) meeting upon a time with Saint FRANCIS, as he passed along the City; cast off his cloak, and spread the same under his feet; affirming that he should be worthy of all manner of reverence: the time being now not long unto, wherein he should perform great matters: and should be of the whole world for that cause marvelously honoured. But yet altogether ignorant was S. FRANCIS at this time of God's determination concerning him: aswell being by the commandment of his father, distracted in external affairs: as also, by natural corruption, carried away with terrestrial ●●●●ters; whereby he had not as yet learned to conteplate upon the matters of Heaven, nor had accustomed himself to taste of the sweetness of God. And because the scourge of affliction doth oftentimes give light to the spiritual understanding, the mighty hand of our Lord did come upon him; & the right hand of the highest wrought a perfect change within him; afflicting his body with lingering infirmities, whereby the better to prepare his soul to receive the precious inspirations and motions of the Holy Ghost. But having recovered his strength, and being provided of decent apparel according to his usual manner; he chanced to meet a certain soldier, who was in yery deed a gentleman by birth, but poor and meanly appareled; whose poverty he commiserating with a syncete affection, despoiled himself of his own apparel; and furnished the poor soldier therewithal: that so, in one work, he might perform a double office, of piety; both in covering the shame, of a gentleman soldier; & in releiueing the misery of a poor distressed man.  
In the night following, when he had betaken himself to his natural rest; it pleased the goodness of God, to show unto him a great and beautiful palace, adotned with Military weapons, insigned with the Cross of CHRIST: then foreshowing unto him, that the mercy which he had extended towards the poor soldier, for the love of the heavenly King; should be recompensed with an incomparable reward. Whereupon demanding unto whom all those goodly things did appertain; it was answered to him from above, that they should be upon him and his soldiers; freely bestowed. A waking therefore in the morning, and having his mind not as yet exercised in the searching of Divine mysteries; neither yet knowing how by the forms of visible things to consider the truth of things, invisible; he persuaded himself, that this unaccustomed vision; was a fore token of some great prosperity, to happen unto him. So being as yet ignorant of Gods Divine ordinance towards him, he purposed to go into Apulia, unto a certain Earl of great liberality; hoping by service under him in the wars to purchase a name of honour: according as the mentioned vision; unto him seemed, to foretell. And being shortly after, entered into his journey; as he came to the next City, he heard in the night time, our Lord in familiar manner, thus speaking unto him. FRANCIS, who is able to do better for thee, the master or the servant, the rich man or the poor?. To whom Saint FRANCIS making answer, that the master; and the rich man were better able: Our Lord presently replied; why therefore dost thou leave the master, for the servant; and the rich God, for a poor man. Then Saint FRANCIS asked, what wilt thou have me, O Lord to do? And our Lord said unto him; return into thine own country: for the vision which thou hast seen, doth prefigurate a spiritual effect, which is to be, by the disposition of God, & not of man; accomplished in thee. In the morning therefore, he speedily returned back to Assisium, resting now full of security and joy: & making himself a pattern of obedience, did readily expect the pleasure of our Lord. From that time forward he withdrew himself from the practice of his common traffic, and devoutly besought Almighty God, of his mercy; that he would vouchsafe to show unto him, what he ought to do. And when by much use of prayer, the flame of Heavenly desire; began abundantly to increase in him; so that now for the love of the Heavenly country, he contemned all earthily things, as very nothing, then did he well perceive himself to have found, the hidden treasure; & like a well advised merchant, purposed with the sale of all his merchandise; to purchase this rare and precious pearl. But as yet he was ignorant how to proceed therein: saving that it was to his spirit sugested; that the entering into spiritual affairs, is the contempt of the world; and that the warfare of Christ, is not otherwise to be by any man begun, than by obtaining first, the conquest of himself.  
Riding therefore one day upon the plain, 
Behold how his adorning the Altar's did please god, otherwise the holy man would not have done them.  adjoining nigh to Assisium: there came in his way, a certain Leper: upon whose sudden aspect, he conceived in mind, an especial horror, and loathing. But returning to his already resolved purpose of perfection: and considering that he ought of necessity first, to overcome himself, if he would become the soldier of Christ: he presently alighted down from his horse, and went to kiss him. At what time the Leper, reaching fotth his hand: as hoping to receive something from him: did indeed teceive money of him: and a kiss also therewithal. But he being presently gotten up, upon his horse again, and looking round about in the open field, could not espy the Leper there. Being therefore replenished, with admiration and joy, he began devoutly to sing praises unto God, purposing from this beginning: evermore to aspire unto greater perfections.  
From thenceforth he began to affect solitary places, 
Behold his pilgrimage to holy places.  as best fitting unto mourning and lamentation: whereunto with redoubled sighs, he incessantly gave over himself: until such time, that after long instance of Prayer: he obtained of our Lord, with his inclinable ear, to hear the same. For one day, as he was praying in a solitary place, & through excess of fervour, wholly (in manner) absorpted up in God: Christ jesus our Lord, vouchsafed to appear unto him: fast nailed as it were, upon the CROSS. At the sight whereof, his soul melted within him: & the memory of the Passion of Christ, was so efficatiously imprinted into his heart, that from that hour, so often as he remembered the Crncifijng of Christ: he was hardly able to abstain from sighs and tears, externally bursting out upon him: as himself afterward, familiarly reported, drawing then nigh unto his end. For hereby the man of God, did fulwell understand, that those words of the GOSPEL: If thou wilt come after me, deny thyself, and take up thy Cross and follow me: were directly spoken unto himself. From that time did he therefore put on upon him, the spirit of poverty; a perfect sense of humility; and a zealous affection of inward Piety. For whereas before he could not abide the company of such as were infected with Leprosy, no, not so much as to see them, though distant a good way from him: now for the love of Christ Crucified, who according to the words of the Prophet, seemed contemptible as a Leper: that he might fully contemn himself: he did with a godly kind of benignity, even towards the Lepers: perform the duties of humility, and of all manner, of good humanity. For he visited oftentimes their houses, & liberally bestowing his alms among them; & with great affection of charitable commiseration disdained not to kiss their hands, & their mouths. As for poor beggars also, it was his desire to bestow upon them, not only his goods, but himself therewithal: sometimes putting off his own apparel; sometime unripping the same, & sometime, for lack of other, more convenient means, cutting it in parts, to bestow upon them To poor Priests also, he gave succour, with much reverence and devotion, especially in the ornaments of the Altar: that he might both be partaker of the honour given unto God: & might also supply the wants of such: as were to exhibit the same unto him.  
One time visiting the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle with religious devotion, and beholding a great multitude of poor people, before the doors of the Church, he being then partly moved, with the sweetness of piety: partly alured, with the love of poverty, gave unto one of the poorest of them, his own apparel, and covering himself with the rags of the poor man spent that whole day joyfully in the midst of the poor: with an unwonted alacrity. and joy of spirit: Thereby, aswell to contemn all worldly glory, as also to arise, as it were by degrees, and to climb up, to the top of evangelical perfection. Very vigilant he was in mortification of the flesh that so he might externally in his body, 
See how the holy Father doth subdue the concupiscence of the flesh by his mortification.  carry about the Cross of Christ: as he did internally enermore, bear the same, in his heart. All these things did Saint Francis the servant of God, not being yet, either in habit, or conversation, sequestered from the world.   

THE SECOND CHAPTER. Of his perfect conversion unto God, and how he repaired three Churches.  
BUT because the servant of the highest, had no other teacher in these matters, 
Churches were builded for to pray in. Learn that to bend one's knees unto images, & to pray to those whom they do represent, is a good and pious work & see what a miracle Christ did work by this his image.  but only Christ himself, it pleased his merciefull goodness yet further to visit him in the sweetness of his grace. For as being one day gone forth into the field to meditate, he walked along by a Church dedicated unto Saint Damian, which was so old and ruinous that it seemed ready to fall to the ground, by the instinct of God's holy spirit, he entered into the same to pray: and falling prostrate before the image of Christ Crucified, was in his prayer replenished with a singular consolation of spirit. And as he did with weeping eyes behold the Cross of our Lord, he heard with his corporal ears, a voice from this same Cross, speaking thus three times unto him: Francis, go, and repair my House, which as thou seest, is wholly destroyed. Saint Francis being then alone in the Church trembled not a little thereat, as being much amazed at the hearing of so wonderful a voice: and feeling in his heart the efficacy of God's heavenly word, 
He arose signeing himself with the sign of the Gross.  became as it were alienated from himself in mind. But returning afterwards to his perfect remembrance, he readily prepared himself unto obedience, wholly disposing himself towards the performance of the commandment, concerning the repairing of the material Church: though the more principal intention thereof, had relation unto that Church, which Christ had purchased with his own blood: as he was afterwards taught by the holy-Ghost, and did himself reveal unto his brethren. Rising up therefore, and arming himself with the sign of the Cross, he took unto him certain clothes provided for sale, which he speedily carried unto the City of Fulligney: and there selling his wares, and also the horse whereon he road, the happy merchant, being well contented departed with the price thereof in money. And so returning to Assisium, he reverently entered the church, which he was commanded to repair: and finding a poor Priest therein, after due reverence done unto him, made offer of his money for the reparation of the Church, and towards the relief also of the poor: making furthermore his humble suit unto him, for licence to abide with him there for a time. The Priest well allowed of his abode in the place: but misdoubting his parents assent for the money, utterly refused to accept thereof, which nevertheless the true contemner of money, casting into one of the windows, esteemed it no better than pelf and dust.  
Now whilst the servant of God was thus abiding with the forementioned Priest: as soon as his Father got knowledge thereof, he as one much perplexed in mind, run with great haste and speed to the place. But Francis being as yet but a young soldier in the army of Christ, when as he heard the threatenings of them, that did persecute him, and did also perceive their coming at hand: being then desirous to give place to the force of their fury, betook himself to a secret Cave, wherein closely concealing himself for a few days, he incessantly besought our Lord with abundance of tears, that he would vouchsafe to deliver his soul, from his persecutors hands: and that the good purposes which he had inspired into his heart, he would also vouchsafe, to bring to a final end and accomplisment being therefore replenished with a certain excessive gladsomeness, he began to accuse himself of too much pusillanimity: whereupon forsaking his cave, and casting away all manner of fear, he took his way strait to Assisium Where being espied of the Citizens, and by the change of his countenance observed to be wholly changed in mind, he was thereby of them adjudged to be out of his wits: in so much as taking up the dirt and stones of the stteete, they began to throw the same at him, as though he had been frantic and absolutely made indeed. But the servant of God nothing at all dismayed, or changed with so many injuries, passed on as a deaf man amidst them all. And When his father heard such a clamorous outcry, he also presently running forth, not with a mind to free him but rather to destroy him: setting all commiseration quite apart, drew him home to his house, where first with words. and afterwards with stripes and bonds he did in lamentable manner torment him. But he became thereby more prompt and courageous to proceed forward in his course begun: remembering the saying of the Gospel, 
Mat. 5.  that: Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.  
But it fell out not long after, that his Father being gone out of the Country, his mother not allowing of her husband's severity, and being herself quite out of hope to alter her sons inflexible constancy, dismissed him quite of his bonds, and gave him leave to departed. Who rendering due thanks unto Almighty God, returned again to the place where he was before, But his Father not finding him at his coming home, and angry with his wife, went after furiously to the place: purposing if it were passed his power to recall him, at the least yet to drive him out of the province. Nevertheless Saint Francis receiving strength from God came forth of his own accord to meet his Father, all the violence of his fury notwithstanding, affirming boldly unto him, that he did not esteem his fetters and stripes, and furthermore protesting therewithal that for the love of Christ he was ready joyfully to fusteyne all manner of afflictions and evils whatsoever, Whereupon his Father being enraged as having now no hope to recall his son, converted all his care to recover the money? which being found at length in a little window, his fury was in some sort appeased, the thirst of cove tousnes, being (as it were) by a draft of money allayed. After this his Father, endeavoured to bring his son (thus despoiled of his money?) before the Bishop of the City, that in his presence he might renounce his right unto all his Father's possessions, & might also restore unto him all that ever he had. To the performance whereof, the true lover of poverty showed himself both ready and willing. For coming before the Bishop, without any delay, or lingering whatsoever, neither contradicting with words, nor yet did he expect any to be spoken unto him: presently putting off even his garments, restored them to hisfather. At what time the holy man was found to have a shirt of hearecloth next to his skin, Which he concealed under his more delicate apparel. Furthermore out of an admirable fervour of spirit casting off all his apparel, he stood all naked before the company: and addressed his speech unto his Father, thus: Hitherto have I called you my Father in earth, but from hence forth I shall securely say: Our Father which art in heaven: in Whom I have reposed all my treasure: & have settled the whole sum of my hope and confidence. The Bishop beholding all this, and admiring such an excessive fervour of piety, in the man of God arose forth with from where he sat: and embracing him in his arms with tears, as he was a good and godly man, did also wrap him in his own garment? commanding his servants, to give unto him something to cover his naked body. But they gave him a poor and base mantel. which they had of a husband man, that served the Bishop: which he accepting with great thankfulness, did with a piece of lime which he found in the place, mark upon it the form of the Cross with his own hand, fashioning it, as a fit covering for a poor man crucified, and little better than naked. Thus therefore was the servant of the highest King, left all in nakedness, that he might follow his naked Lord crucified, whom he so dearly loved, in this manner fortifying himself with the Cross, that he might commit his soul to the secure harbour of salvation, by the which he might safely escape the shippwracke of this tempestuous world.  
From thence forth this contemner of the world being altogether freed from the bonds of worldly desires: forsaking the City, did with great security and freedom of mind, betake himself unto the secret parts of the desert: that there in solitariness & silence, he might attend unto the mystical secrets by Almighty God from above distilled unto him. And as this devout servant of God passed by a certain wood singing praises unto God with great joy and exultation: a sort of thieves came rushing out of a secret place upon him. Who demanding of him with fierce behaviour, what he was, the man of God answered with great confidence, and not without an instinct also of prophecy, I am the preacher of the great King. But they heaping blows upon him, cast him into a pit filled up with snow, saying unto him: Lie thou there Clown, the preacher of God. But so soon as they were departed, 
Behold again his pilgrimag to holy places.  he got him speedily out of the pit again: and being marveilousely possessed with joy, began with a louder voice to sound forth throughout the woods, his songs of praise unto the Creator of all. And coming to a certain religious house thereby, he asked alms as a beggar: and received the same as one unknown and despised. Fron thence going on along, he came to Eugubium: Where being of an old friend of his both known and entertained, he received a poor coat of his gift, as one of the poor little ones of Christ. From thence, being a lover of all manner of humility, he applied himself to the lepers: & remained with them, serving them most diligently for the love of God. He washed their feet, bound up their ulcers, wrung out the corruption of their sores, and wiped away the filthiness of them. He also kissed their running botches with admirable devotion, being now in the way shortly to become an evangelical Physician. By these means he obtained so great power of God, that he wrought wonderful effects in the purging both of spiritual and corporal diseases.  
Among many of that kind, here will I now make report of one, which befeell, when the same man of God had afterwards begun to be of greater note in the world, there was a man in the Country of Spolerum, who had his mouth & jaw bone miserably eaten away with an horrible disease such as no art of Physic was able to cure: wherefore having been to visit the Church of the Apostles to crave the help of their merits, 
S. Francis repaired three Churches with the alms of the faithful. Therefore it is a good work and pleasing to God.  it happened that in the way of his rerurne from pilgrimage, he met with this holy servant of God. At what time when as he would for very devotion have kissed the footesteeps of his feet, the humble man, in no sort permitting the same, kissed the mouth of him that would glad have kissed his feet. But so soon as Saint Francis, had with a marveilous piety, once with his sacred mouth touched that horrible and loath some soar, the malice forth with of the disease departed, and the diseased man presently attained his wished health and recovery. Herein I know not whether more to admire, either the perfection of so great humility, in so charitable a kiss, or the excellency of his virtue, in so wonderful a miracle.  
But let us come to our intended purpose: this holy man Saint Francis being firmly establish in Christian humility, recalled again to his due obedience to be exhibited in performance of the work from the Cross enjoined unto him, concerning the repairing of Saint Damians Church & as a true obedient servant he returneth back to Assisium, that at the least by beginning, he might compass so much as might suffice to perform the commandment of God. For which cause putting aside all bashfulness for the love of Christ crucified, he was willingly contented to beg of them, amongst whom he was wont to live in great abundance: offering his wearied body, now wasted much with fasting, to the caring of heavy stones towards the repair of the ding. This Church therefore being finally repaired, by the help of God & good devotion of the Cittysens, least that his body should after labour wax wanton condemning idleness, he seetled himself to the repairing of a certain other Church dedicated to the holy Apostle S. Peter the same being distant some what further off from the City: thereof he made rather his choice, in regard of special devotion without of the purity of sincer faith he bore to the prince of the Apostles. This Church being at the length finished: he came unto the place called Portiuncula: wherein was a Church builded to the blessed virgin Mother of God, but at that time decayed desolate & not regarded of any. Which the man of God seeing, to be thus forsaken: did for the fervent devotion which he carried towards this B. mother began to make his daily residence there, for the repairing of the same Church also. And perceiving that according to the name thereof, which was from ancient time, called S. Mary of Angels, there appeared oftentimes evangelical visions: there did he set up his rest, and final purpose of abode, as well for the reverence of the Angels, as for the singular love which he bore to the Mother of Christ.  
This place the holy man loved above all other places of the world. For here he began in humility, here he proceeded in integrity, here he made his end in felicity: this place at his death he commended to his brethren, as most dear to the blessed virgin. Of this place cerraine devout brother did a little before his conversion behold a vision very worthy of relation. There appeared unto him an innumerable company of blind men, standing within the Compass of this Church: all of them having their faces directed towards heaven, and their knees bowed down to the ground: who strectching for the their hands on high, cried out to God in pitiful manner, desiring him of mercy, and reinjoying of their sights. And behold there came a great light from heaven, which spreading itself through them all, restored unto every one of them their perfect sights, and health, according as they had before desired. This is the place where S. Francis by the instinct of divine revelation, began the order of the friars Minors. For by the appointment of God's heavenly providence, whereby the servant of Christ was directed in all things, he erected three material Churches, before the beginning of his Order he did apply himself to the preaching of the Gospel, that he might not only ascend, as it were by degrees, from things sensible, unto things intelligible, & from matters of lesser moment to things of far greater perfection: but that he might also foretell, as it were in a mystery, by some sensible work, what he was hereafter to do. For like as the triple building was repaired by means of that holy man, so according to the same, form rule & doctrine by him prescribed, the Church of Christ was in three sorts to be renewed, in a threefold triumphant army of the elect, according as we do now see to be accomplished.   

THE THIRD CHAPTER. Of the institution of his order of Religion, and of the approbation of his Rule.  
THIS singular servant of God, S. Francis, now making his abode in the Church of the most blessed virgin Mother, and standing with continual sighs before Her, who in her womb conceived theword, repleinished with grace and truth, desiring with unspeakable affection, that she would vouchsafe to be come his advocate: by the merits of the mother of mercy, he did conceive and bring forth, the spirit of evangelical truth. For one day hearing Mass of the Apostles, with great devotion: that Gospel was read wherein Christ sending his Apostles to preach, prescribeth unto them an evangelical form of living: to wit, that they possess no gold, nor silver, nor money in their purses, nor Scripp for the Way, nor two coats, 
Math. 10.  neither yet to bear either shoes upon their feet, or a rod in their hand. All which words, this unsained friend of Apostolical poverty, hearing, understanding & to heedful memory, cemmending: & feeling also inwardly in himself, an incredible joy & contentation, This is (quoth he] the thing I do covet, this is the same, which with all my whole heart, and soul, I desire. His shoes did he therefore lose from his feet, his staff he laid a side, his wallet he rejected, and money he utterly abandoned? rhus resting contented with one only coat, refusing also his leathern belt, in stead of a girdle he took a cord, applying all the diligence of his heart, how he might most duly perform the things he had heard, and might in all things conform himself to the exact rule of Apostolical perfection. From this time the man of God by divine inspiration began to be a studious emulator of evangelical perfection, and to invite others unto Penance with him. His speeches were in no wise vain, neither yet such as might Minister cause of laughter, but evermore full fraught with the power of the Holy Ghost, penetrating even into the secret parts of the heart: by force whereof he wrought not a little astonishment in the minds all such as heard him. He preached always peace, unto the people, and in the beginning of his exhortation, he was wont in this manner to salute them, saying: Our Lord give his peace unto you. For this manner of salutation he learned of God: according as himself afterwards affirmed. And there upon it came to pass, that according to the saying of the Prophet, himself also being inspired with the spirit of prophecy, he did denounce peace he did preach salvation, and did with healthful admonition, associate very many unto the true peace: even such as had been before time disjoined much from the favour of Christ, and had thereby strayed far away from the port of Salvation.  
Now therefore when this holy servant of God did grow to be better known unto many aswell for the truth of his sincere doctrine, as of his life: certain other man also moved by his example, began to be animated and stirred up unto Penance, and rejected all the impediments of this world, that they might be conjoined unto him, both in habit and life, The first of which number, was the venerable man, Bernardus who be the special vocation of God, merited to be the first borne of the blessed Father aswell in priority of time, as in privilege of holy conversation. For he having had experience of the holiness of the servant of Christ, and purposing by his example perfectly to contemn the world, demanded of him direction for the better performance of his purpose. Which the servant of God understanding, was replenished, with great consolation of the holygost, for the conception of this his son, & said unto him, that this council was to be sought at the hands of God. Wherefore betimes in the morning, they entered into the Church of S. Nicolas and there after humble prayers, exhibited the devout servant of the blessed Trinity S. Francis, three several times opened the book of the Gospels, instantly beseeching Almighty. God, that by a triple testimony he would wouchsafe to confirm the holy purpose of Bernard. In the first openning therefore of the book, he lighted upon that place, which saith: If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast and give unto the poor. In the second: Take nothing in the way. But in the third: 
Mat. 19.21 Marc. 6.8 Ma. 16.24  If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow me. This is (saith the holy man) our life and Rule: and of all them who will conjoin themselves to our society. So therefore, if thou wilt be perfect, and perform the things thou hast heard delivered.  
Not long after, it fell out, that five other men also were called by the same spirit, whereby the number of the spiritual children of holy S. Francis, was increased to six: among whom the third place befell unto the Holy Father Aegidius, a man also full of God's grace, & worthy to be held in famous memory. For being afterwards most rarely exercised, in heavenly vertus according as the servant of God, had foretold of himself, although he were a simple and unlearned man, yet was he exalted, unto the top of Celestial contemplation. For continuing long time together without intermission, intentive unto heavenly actions, he was ravished also with so frequent excess of contemplation in God: as I myself have with mine eyes observed, that he was esteemed rather to have led the life of Angels, then of men, though living and coversing among men.  
About the same very time unto a certain Priest of Assisium, named Sylvester, a man of honest life and conversation, our Lord vouchsafed to show a vision, very worthy to be remembered For finding in himself, an especial loathing and avertion from the manner & life of S. Francis and his brethren, lest that he might haply be endangered for the rashness of his judgement, thus was he visited by the favour of God's heavenly grace. He beheld in his sleep the whole City of Assisium to be environed round with a monstrous Dragon, by reason of the unmeasurable hugeness whereof the whole country seemed to be in danger of utter waist and destruction. After this he might see a certain Cross of gold, issueing forth of the mouth of S. Francis, the top where of reached unto heaven, and the arms to the utter most bounds of the world: at the glittering aspect whereof, that ugly and horrible Dragon, was utterly put to flight, This vision being three times in this manner represented unto him, he thereupon esteeming it as the very Oracle of God, declared the same in order to the man of God, and his brethren: and it was not long after, but himself also leaving the world, did with such perfection adhere unto the footesteeps of Christ, that the life by him led in the order, gave good credit and authority, to the vision he had seen in the world. Upon the report and publication whereof, no whit was the man of God ezalted in humane glory: but acknowledging the benefits of God and the greatness of his goodness, he was more and more encouraged to withstand the craft of the ancient enemy, and therewithal to preach and extol the glory of the Cross of Christ.  
But it befell unto him upon a day, that walking in a certain solitary place, and there recounting with himself his years misspent: as he did in the bitterness of his heart bewail them, the gladsome comfort of the holy-ghost coming then upon him, he was fully certified of the plenary remission of all his offences. And being afterwards rapt as it were above himself, and having his understanding marvelously enlightened, he evidently perceyved, what great matters were in time to come to be fall unto himself and his whole progeny after him. Whereupon returning unto his brethren: Be of good comfort (quoth he) my most dearly beloved, and rejoice in our Lord; & be in no wise either sad or sorrowful, for that ye be but few in number, neither yet be ye desmayed either out of mine, or your own simplicity: for so much as our Lord hath certainly revealed unto me, that he will make us increase to a great and mighty company; and will with the sweet blessing of his heavenly grace, multiply and augment our number many and sundry ways.  
At the same time also another devout man entered the religion among them, whereby the issue of the man of God did now amount unto seven. Then the good Father calling all his children about him: and speaking many things unto them of the kingdom of God, of the contempt of the world, of the denying of their own will, and of the chastisement of the body, withal declared unto them his purpose to send them into the four parts of the world. For now the holy simplicity, of the holy Father, having brought forth seven children, did also desire to beget the whole company of the faithful unto Christ our Lord, by calling them to the mournful works of Penance. Go your ways (quoth he sweet father to his well-beloved children) and denouncing peace unto men: preach unto them Penance for the remission of sins. Be patiented in tribulations, be watchful in prayers, be unweariable in labours, be modest in your speeches; be grave in your manners, and ever thankful for benefits received, considering that in am of all these things, the goodness of God hath prepared for you an eternal Kingdom. 
Psalm. 54.  But they humbly prostrating themselves upon the earth before the servant of God; did with great gladness of spirit embrace the commandment of holy obedience. Moreover, unto every of them apart, he said? Cast thy care upon our Lord, and he will nourish thee. Which admonition he was ever wont to use, so offen as he went about to induce any brother unto obedience. Then he, forcing himself to be given as a pattern & example unto others, and so consequently that he ought first to perform the thing before he drew others to imitation: taking one of his companions unto him, settled himself towatdes one part of the world, deputing the other six by two & two together, severed in the form of a Cross, to the other three parts of the earth. 
Psal. 46.  But it was not long passed, before the tender hearted Father much longing for the presence of his dear children, and having no mean by himself to bring them all together: did offer up his prayers unto God that he would vouchsafe to effect his desire, Who doth congregate the dispersed of Israel. And so it came to pass, that according to his desire, without any call of man, by the only work of God, they met all in one place together unlooked for, not without the great admiration of them all. Having in this space of time gathered unto them, four other men also of honest fame, who adhering unto them: made their number now to be twelve.  
Now the servant of Christ, perceiving that the number of his brethren. was by little & little daily increased. wrote for himself and them, in plain words, a rule and form of life, wherein having laid the observance of the Holy Gospel, for an indissoluble foundation, he had also inserted thereunto certain other few things, such as seemed most necessary, for an uniform manner & course of living. And desiring to have the same approved by the Chief Pastor of the Church: be determined with that small company of simple associates, to take his way to the Sea Apostolic, reposing all his trust in the only direction and help of God. Who from his heavenly seat, beholding the final end of his desire, vouchsafed by the showing of this manner of vision unto him, to rear up the minds of his companions, otherwise not a little astonished, out of the consideraation of their own simplicity. For, it seemed unto him, that passing by a certain way, he beheld standing nigh unto him a goodly Tree of stately height & loftiness: which as he approached more nigh unto it, and did stand under the same in admiration of the height thereof. he was suddenly by the power of God, lifted up into so great a height of the air, that he did not only reach to the very top thereof, but did also with great facility bow it down, from the upper most part, to the ground. This vision the man of God understanding to be a foretokening of the favourable inclination of the Apostolical dignity to his humble desires; was exhilerated much in spirit therewithal: and comforting his brethren in our Lord, betook himself to his journey with them. But when he was come to the Court of Kome, and brought before the face of the supreme Bishop, the Vicar of Christ being then walking in the Palace of Lateran, in the place which is called Speculum, and there possessed with profound meditations, repelled the servant of Christ, as a man unknown, not without some show also of discontentment. Who humbly departing out of the doors, in the night following this manner of revelation was by Almighty God made to the Pope himself. He saw from between his feet a palm branch springing out of the ground, & the same to become a most beautiful Tree. And marveling with himself what this vision should mean: his mind was illuminated by the work of God, that by this palm tree that poor man was signified, whom he had the day before rejected. The next morning therefore, he caused his servants to seek him throughout the City. Who having found him in the Hospital of S. Antony near unto Laterane, he commanded them forthwith to bring him before himself. Thus S. FRANCIS, being brought in presence of the Pope, disclosed unto him the whole course of his purpose: humbly and instantly making suit unto him. to approve the same method and rule of living. The Vicar of Christ, Pope Innocent the third, being a man of singular wisdom observing in the man of God. an admirable purity of a simple mind, the constancy also of his purpose. and the fiery zeal of his holy desire: embraced this poor one of Christ with the love of his heart, being much inclined in mind, to yield his favourable assent to the humble petition of this holy man. But yet deferred to ratify the requests of the poor servant of Christ: for that his demand seemed unto some of the Cardinals, to be both a matter of novelty, and also of difficulty, beyond the measure of man's ability.  
But it happened at that tim to be among the Cardinals, a reverend man called Dominus joannes de sancto Paulo, Bishop of Sabina, a lover of all holiness, and an especially helper of the poor servats of Christ, who inflamed with the spirit of God, delivered his mind in the matter before the Pope and his brethren, to this effect. If we shall saith he, deny the request of this poor man, as a matter either of novelty, or of too much difficulty, whereas he requireth none other thing, but a form of evangelical life, to be confirmed unto him: we have just cause to fear, lest therein we do offend against the Gospel of Christ. For whosoever shall assirme that any thing which is either new, unreasonable, or impossible to be observed, is contained within the observance of evangelical perfection, or within the vow which is made thereof: he is manifestly convinced of blasphemy against Christ himself, the very Author of the Gospel, Thus much being spoken in this behalf: the Successor of the Apostle S. Peter, turning himself towards the servant of Christ said unto him, Offer up thy prayers dear son, unto Christ, that by thee he may vouchsafe to show his will unto us, to the end that it being once, more certainly known, we may the more securely condescend to thy godly desires. Whereupon the servant of Almighty God, bestowing himself now wholly in prayer, by his instant devotion obtained to know, both what himself should exteririourly disclose, and what the Pope should inteourly conceive. For having related a parable according as he had received the same from God, of a rich and mighty King, that willingly married with a beautiful, though a very poor woman, and of a noble issue begot betwixt them bearing lively resemblance of the KING his Father, and in that respect very worthy to be nourished at the KINGS own table: this also by way of interpretation he thereunto adjoined. We have no cause to fear, that the Sons and heirs of the Eternal KING, shall perish and die for hunger, who being borne of a poor Mother, by the power of the HOLY GHOST to the image of CHRIST their KING, are also to be gotten unto him in a poor religion by the spirit of poverty. For if the KING of HEAVEN do promise an eternal Kingdom to them that follow him: how much more will he provide them of things of necessity which he giveth indifferently not only to the good, but also to the wicked: This parable and the meaning thereof, when the Vicar of Christ had diligently heard & observed, he marry veiled greatly thereat: & knew for certain, that it was undoubtedly. Christ himself, who covertly spoke in the man. And moreover also he avowed by the instinct of God's heavenly spirit, that a certain vision also which he had about this time received from heaven, should be in this man accomplished. For he had seen in his sleep as himself reported, the Church of Laterane, to be in present danger, now forthwith to fall to the ground: the which a certain poor man; of mean stature, & contemptible to behold, putting his own back under it did so preserve from falling. Whereupon he thus pronounced: verily this is he, who by his work & doctrine. shall uphold the Church of Christ. Then this prudent Pastor being wholly fraught with devotion inclined himself in every degree to the desires of the servant of Christ: & bore evermore unto him a special love & affection. Wherefore he granted his request, & promised to grant yet more unto him, he approved his Rule, he gave him in Charge to undertake the preaching of penance, & for all the lay brethren to that were associate the servant of Christ he caused them to have little crowns made that they might freely preach the word of God.   

THE FOURTH CHAPTER. Of the increase of the Order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the Rule formerly approved  
THE holy man Saint Francis, now thus supported with God's grace, and Papal authority, did with much confidence of mind, take his way to the vale of Spoletum: that he might, as well by deed as by word, denounce the Gospel of Christ. But as he debated with his companions in the way, by what means they might in all sincerity observe the Rule, by them newly undertaken, and how they might in all manner of holiness and justice, walk before the face of God, and further yet, how they might not only arise to greater profit in themselves, but might also be an example and guide unto others, by long protracting this manner of conference, the time suddenly overpassed unawares. And they being now much wearied with the long continuance of their travel, and hungry also therewithal, were enforced to stay, in a certain solitary place of the desert. At which very time and place they haiung no kind of means to provide themselves, of necessary food, then did the providence of God manifest itself in their behalf. For suddenly a man appeared unto them, bringing bread in his hand, which he gave unto the poor ones of Christ: and forth disappeared, being altogether, unknowene from whence he came, or whether he went. Here by the poor brethren perceiving that in the company of the man of God, they where assisted with the help of God's heavenly protection, were better refreshed by the gift of this divine liberality, then by the refection of their empty bodies. And morover they were so singularly replenished with the consolation of God that they firmly purposed, and irrevocably decreed, never for any violence either of hunger or tribulation: to fail from the promise of holy poverty.  
After this returning with this holy purpose into the vale of Spoletum they began to dispute among themselves whether it were more expedient for than to converse among men, or to betake themselves unto solitary places. But the servant of Christ S. Francis, not presuming upon the industry either of himself or of his brethren: determined by instancy of prayer, to seek the good will and pleasure of God in this behalf. Being therefore enlightened by the oracle of divine revelation, it was given him to understand, that he was for this very purpose sent of God, that he might gain such souls unto Christ, as the Devil endeavoured to lead astray. For which cause he rather chose to live for the general good of all, than for the private benefit of himself alone: being thereunto provoked by his example who being, but one vousafed to die for all. The man of God therefore, together withal the rest of his companions, betook himself to a certain forlorn Cottage nigh to Assisium: Wherein they lived in much labour and neediness, according to the rule of holy poverty: desiring rather to be sustained with the food of tears, than with the nice of curiosities of delicate fare For there they were incessantly busied in fervent prayers proceeding rather from mental affection, than outwardly disclosed by vocal words, intending wholly to the study of devotion, because they had not as yet any Ecclesiastical books, where in they might sing there Canonical hours, but instead of them; they beheld continually the book of the Cross of Christ, and turned it over day and night; thereto instructed by the example and speech of the holy father, who daily preached of Christ his Cross unto them.  
But being requested of his brethren to teach them how to pray, he said: when you do pray, you shall say the Pater noster: and this also: we adore thee the O Christ at all thy Churches, which are in the whole world, and we bless thee because by thy holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world. Moreover, he taught them to praise our Lord in all things and out of all his creatures: 
Hear thou mayst see that faith● to be held and confessed whsch the holy Roman Church doth hold and teach. They fell down prostrate praying at all Churches & Crosses.  to use especial reverence also towards Priests: and principally this; firmly to believe, and simply to confess, the purity of faith according unto such manner & form, as the holy Roman Church doth hold and teach. All which precepts of the holy Father they on their parts in every, point inviolably observed, and at all Churches and before all Crosses which they could see a far of, they did humbly prostrate themselves according to the form prescribed unto them.  
But it so fell out, that the brethren long time abiding in the foresaid place: the holy man, went forth upon a Saturday, into the City of Assisium with purpose upon a Sunday morning early to preach (as his custom was) in the Cathedral Church. And as the devout man of God had with drawn himself, into a certain shroud, that stood within the cannons garden, there overpassing the night, according to his usual manner in the prayer of God; albeit that he were then in body absent from his children. Behold yet even about the very point of midnight, some of the brethren being bend to sleep, and some other of them continuing in prayer, a fiery chariot of marvelous splendour, entering in at the door, of the house, whirled up and down the place, one while one way, and one while another, until it had at length, gone three several times round about the room: upon the top whereof, might be seen to rest, a globe of shining beams, as bright as the sun; which caused the dark some night, for the time to seem, as clear as the day. Hear with all, the watchful were amazed, and the sleepy both waked and astonished: every of them finding no less clearness in their hearts, than outwardly upon their bodies, it being effected by the power of this marvelous light, that the naked consciences of them all were discovered one to another. For they did all of them agreeably understand, every of them seeing into each others heart, that the holy Father being absent in body, but present in spirit, and in such appearance transfigured: was with the beams of brightness from above enlightened and inflamed, and out of supernatural power, in a shining and fiery Chariot, by God represented unto them, that as true Israelites, they might follow after him, who as an other Elias was by God ordained, to be the Chariot, 
4, Reg. 2.11:  and Chariot Driver of spiritual men. And verily good cause we have to believe that he who opened in former time, the eyes of a Boy, 
4. Reg. 6.7  whereby to see the mountain filled all with horses and fiery Chariots, in compass of Aeliseus: did now also, at the prayers of his holy Servant Saint FRANCIS, in like manner, open the eyes of this simple company, that they might see and behold, the wonderful works of God. But the holy man after this returning unto his brethren, began to sift the secrets of their consciences, to refresh their spirits upon occasion of this marvelous vision, and to foretell many things concerning the increase of the Order. At what time disclosing unto them many and sundry points, which far surpassed all human understanding: the brethren well perceived, that the spirit of our Lord, had in so great abundance; settled itself upon this his servant Saint FRANCIS, that it should be their safest and most certain course to imitate his life and doctrine.  
After this, S. FRANCIS, the Pastor of that little flock, being guided and directed by the grace of God, conducted this poor number of twelve brethren, to the Church of Saint Mary of Portiuncula: to the end that where the order of the friars Minors, had by the merits of the Mother of God taken his beginning; there also by her help, it might take increase. And in this place also, being made a preacher of the Gospel, he went about preaching through the Cities and towns: Not in the learned words of human wisdom, but in the power of the spirit, denowcing the Kingdom of God. He seemed unto all that saw him to be a man of another world: for as he was allawayes, intentive to heaven, both in mind and countenance, so did he seek with his whole endeavour to draw all men thither with him. And even now about this time, 
Of virgins were converted by him to embrace perpetual chastity: false it is that it is mipossible to keeps Virgivity.  began the vineyard of Christ to bud forth the buds of the sweet smells of our Lord: and having brought forth the flowers of sweetness, Honour, and Honesty, did yield a plentiful and fruitful harvest. For many, both men and women, inflamed with the zeal of his preaching, serving our Lord in the Chastity of wedlock, according to the form received, of the servant of God; did bind themselves unto new laws of Penance, whose manner of living the said servant of Christ decreed to be named The Order of the brethren of Penance. For, as the way of penance, is one and the very same unto all such as desire to come unto heaven, so likewise this order, 
S. Clare now glorified in heaven is worthily worshipped in earth of the Church.  admitting both the Clergy and the lay people, Virgins, and Married folks, of both sexes, of how great merit it is in the sight of God; it is manifest by many miracles, which some of them have wrought, as may be known to the world.  
Even now also, diverse Virgins were by him converted unto perpetual chastity, among which Saint Clare that notable Virgin and most dear to God, was the first plant and most beautiful blossom of all the rest: who as as pure springing flower gave a sweet savour of holiness; and glimmered forth her beams as a bright shining star. she being now glorified with God in heaven, is worthily honoured of the Church in earth: who being the daughter in Christ, of the holy poor Father Saint FRANCIS, did also become the Mother of the poor: And many not only moved with devotion, but inflamed with desire of Christian perfection, contemning the vanity of worldly things, did follow the steeps of Holy S. Francis. Who increasing daily more & more were quickly spreede forth to the end of the world. For that same holy poverty, which was the only thing they desired to carry with them, for the defray of their charges, made them evermore ready, unto all obedience, strong in sustaining of labours, and nimble in prosecuting their journeys. And for so much as they possessed no earthly thing, nothing did they love nothing, did they fear to lose: but were in every place secure, never assailed with fear, never distracted with care, whereby living as men in every point free from all manner of trouble of mind, they had patience in expectance, of their morning and nightly sustenance.  
Many and sundry reproaches they sustained in diverse parts of the world, as men contemptible and unknown: but the love of the Gospel of Christ, had endued them with so perfect patience, that they sought in those places rather to be, were they might suffer persecution in body. than where, upon observation of their unfeigned holiness, they might have occasion to glory in the favour of the world. And even that very penury of all things which they continually sustained seemed unto them a superabundant plenty: mean while that according to the wiseman's Council. In steed of a great thing, the least did content them. For some of the brethren coming into the infidels countries, it happened that a certain Saracin, moved with pity, offered them money for their necessary food: which he perceiving them to refuse, wondered not a little thereat, seeing them notwithstauding to be both poor and needy. But at the length perceiving, that having voluntarily made themselves poor for the love of God, they would possess no money: he was thereby conjoined unto them, in so great love and affection, that he offered to Minister unto them all things necessary, so long as he should have in the world to give them. O inestimable price of poverty, by the admirable force whereof, even Barbarous cruelty, was changed into so great a sweetness of mercy, Wherefore it is a thing most horrible and a wickedness unexcusable, for a Christian man to tread upon so precious a pearl which an infidel Saracin held in so great a reverence.  
About this time Moricus, a Religious man of the Order called Cruciferi, being miserably afflicted in an Hospital near to Assisium, with a long and greivouse disease, through the violent force whereof, the Physicians were in utter despair of his recovery: made humble request to the man of God, by a messenger sent for purpose, with instant desire, that he would vouchsafe to pray for him. Whereunto, the blessed Father, with a willing mind assenting, after prayer devoutly made, taking certain crumbs of bread into his hand, and mingling the same with oil, taken from, out of the Lamp which burned before the Altar of the Blessed virgin, brought it at length, as it were, to a certain kind of electuary, which he sent unto the sick man, by the hands of his brethren, saying, Beer ye this medicine unto our brother MORICUS: where by the power of Christ, will not only restore him unto perfect health again, but will make of him a strong and hardy warrior, and shall further adjoin him perpetually, unto our troop and company: No sooner had this sick, man tasted of that exquisite medicine, made & confected by the Holy Ghost his invention, but rising up forth with, now perfectly whole and well, he obtained of God so much strength both of body & mind, that within a little while after, entering into the Religion of the holy man he was contended with one only slender coat, 
Behold the wonderful abstinence of the holy man who for a long space tasted neither bread nor wine and wasfed only with raw meats.  under which also he ware for long time together, a coat of mail next to his skin, & used no other diet than raw meats, as herbs fruits and such like other things as he gathered upon the earth: not tasting for many and sundry years, either of bread or wine. All which notwithstanding, he still continued in good health and strength of body.  
And as the merits of the virtue of these little ones of Christ did daily more and more increase so the sweet smell of their good opinion, spreading itself ronde about, drew many out of diverse parts of the world, to come in person to see the holy Father. Among whom there was a curious inventor of secular songs, who having been for that cause crowned by the Emperor, and called the king of verses determined to go see this man of God, the contemner of worldly things. And finding him preaching in a certain Monastery, at the Castle of Saint SEVERINUS: the hand of our Lord coming then upon him, be beheld Saint FRANCIS the preacher of the Cross of Christ, ensigned with two sword, one overthwarr the other in the form of a Cross, the one of them stretched along from his head to his feet, and the other, crosswise along his breast, from on hand to the other. Whereby although he knew not the countenance of the servant of Christ: yet was he fully secured that this very man was he, by the admirable appearance of so great a miracle. At the sudden aspect whereof being much amazed he began to propose unto himself better things in his mind: and being at the length compunct by the force of his words, no less than if he had been stricken through with the sword of the spirit, issueing out of his mouth, utterly contemning all secular pomps he conjoined himself in profession, with the blessed Father. Whereupon the holy man, seeing him to be perfectly converted, from the trouble of the world, to the peace of Christ, called him by the name of Frater Pacificus. He afterward increasing in all holiness, before such time as he was made provincial Minister in France for he was the first that bore that office there merited once, and again, to see the greek letter T. in the forehaid of holy S. Francis: the same being distinguished with such seemly variety of colours, as did wonderfully adorn his face and countenance. This sign the holy man did reverence with great affection, this sign he did commend with frequent speeches: and in his letters which he usually dispatched, he evermore with his own hand subscribed the same: 
Ezech. 9.4  as if all his study were to make the sign T according to the saying of the Prophet upon the foreheads of them that sighed and mourned, and were unfeignedly converted to Christ.  
Now when the number of brethren, was in process of time increased; the careful Pastor, began to call them together unto a general Chapter, then to beholden in the place of our Lady of Portiuncula: that in the measure of divine distribution, he might give unto every one his portion of obedience, in the land of their poverty. Where although there were great penury, and the brethren sometimes came together above five thousand in number: yet by the help of God's mercy they had sufficient food; together with health of body, and abundance of spiritual joy. But for so much as he could not be in body present at the provincial chapters, he was therefore in spirit, by the diligent care of his government: by the instancy of prayer; and by the efficacy, of benediction; evermore present, at them: notwithstanding that sometimes, by the marvelous power and work of God, he did visibly appear. For as Saint Anthony that worthy preacher, who is now a notable Confessor of Christ, was preaching in the Chapter at Arles of the title of the Cross: jesus of Nazareth King of the jews: a certain brother of approved virtue, called Monaldus, looking, as the will of God was towards the Chapter house door; saw with is corporal eyes the blessed Father Saint FRANCIS lifted up aloft in the air, ad blessing his brethren with his hands stretched out as it were in the form of a Cross. At which very time all the brethren did feel themselves to be replenished with so great & unusual-a consolation of spirit, that the inward testimony which they felt in their hearts did sufficiently secure them of the undoubted presence of the holy Father: though afterwards it was, not only by evident signs, but also by the said holy Fathers own words, externally confirmed. And well it may be believed that the same power of Almighty God, which granted the devout and holy Bishop Saint Ambrose, to be present at the in tombing of the glorious Bishop Saint Martin, to the end that he might with devout reverence, honour the devout Bishop deceased: did also by an especial favour, present his servant Saint Francis, at the sermon of his true preacher Saint, Anthony: that he might approve the words of truth: those especially, of the Cross of Christ, whereof himself was a continual bearer, and a most faithful servant  
But the Order being now great amplified & augmented, he did greatly desire, that the form and rule thereof by Pope Innocenci●s already approved, might be Honorius his successor, for ever be ratified and confirmed. and even then he was by Almighty God admonished, with this manner of revelation. It seemed unto him that he was gathering up from the earth, certain most exceeding small and slender crumbs of bread, by him to be distributed among a great many hungry brethren of his, that stood in expectance round about him, And fearing to distribute so small crumbs, lest perhaps they should fall out of his hands, he heard a voice from above, saying unto him: Francis, make one haste of all the crumbs, and give unto them that will eat. Unto which voice he showing himself obedient, whosoever did not receive the distribution devoutly, or did make light of the gift already received, were presently marked with a leprous infection. All which the holy man did the next morning after, relate unto his brethren; sorrowing much, that he could not understand the mystery of the vision But the next day following, as he persisted watchful in prayer, he heard a voice from heaven speak unto him, Francis, the crumbs which thou sawest in the night past, are the words of the Gospel, the host is the Rule, and the leprosy iniquity. Being therefore desirous, before he sought the confirmation of his Rule. to reduce the same as being hitherto more largely compiled out of sundry parts of the Gospel, unto a more compendious form and method, according as the vision did purport unto him: he went up with two of his companions into a certain hill, whereunto he was by the Holy Ghost conducted, 
He fasted with bread & water.  and there contenting himself with bread & water, during the time of his fast he caused the same to be written, according to that which the spirit of God suggested unto him, as he was yet persevering in fervent prayer. Which being there by him, in this manner finished, and himself now coming down from the mountain, he gave the same to his Vicar to keep: who within few days, confessing himself to have lost it, by fault of negligence, the holy man went again, the second time, into the solitary place of the desert, & presently renewed the same again: as if he had taken the words, from out of the mouth of God. And shortly after obtained, according to his own desire to have the same confirmed, by the foresaid Pope HONORIUS: in the eight year of his Popedom. Whereupon taking occasion with great fervency to persuade his brethren a new to the observance of the rule, he avowed unto them that he had not thereinto inserted any thing out of his own industry, but had simply and plainly written down all & every point, even in such sort as had been from God revealed unto him. 
S, Francis caused his rule to be written as he had received by divine renelation.  Which, that it might the more manifestly appear, as being confirmed and approved by the testimony of God himself, within few days after the signs & Marks of our Lord jesus were imprinted upon him, by the finger of the living God, as it were the Bull of the chief and most supreme Bishop Christ himself aswell to the absolute confirmation of the Rule, as also to the commendation of the Author thereof as shall be hereafter set down in convenient place, after we shall have declared his excellent virtues.   

THE FIFTH CHAPTER. Of the austerity of his life, and how the Creatures of God gave solace unto him.  
NOw when the holy servant of God Saint Francis, did perceive that many were by his example encouraged with fervency of spirit to carry the Cross of Christ: himself also, like a good leader of the army of Christ was thereby animated daily more and more: to attain unto the crown of victory, by the exquisite perfection of most invincible virtue. For considering the saying of the Apostle; that, 
See with what severity of disciplines the holy Father did mortifis the concupiscence of his flesh. See also his wonderful abstinent.  They who are of Christ have crucified their flesh together with their vices and concupiscences: he to the end he might in his own body bear the armour of the Cross, did with so great severity of discipline, restrain his sensual appetites; that scantly he allowed unto himself, the very things that were necessary for the sustentation of nature Using evermore this manner of saying; that, It could not be but marvelous hard, to satisfy the necessities of the body, & yet not to condiscen unto the evil inclination of sensual desires: for which cause, in time of health he would hardly be induced to eat of boiled meats, or at least wise very seldom: & if he did at any time, he used either to put ashes amonghst it, or else by mingling of water with the sane, to make the meat unsavoury. What shall I speak of his moderate drinking, when as he would scarrely drink of cold water, sufficient to allay the violence of his thirst. He ever invented new ways of more perfect abstinence, and by exercise did daily more & more increase therein: and although he had already attained unto the highest degree of perfection, yet some thing always he did as a new beginner innovate? punishing, with afflictions, his fleshly concupissence. Nevertheless, at such times as he went abroad to preach the Gospel, he did conform himself in the quality of his meat according to the custom of the persons that did entertain him: but, at his returning home again, then did he strictly observe the rigour of most parsimonius abstinence. And so in all respects, using austerity towards himself, courtesy towards his neighbour, & obedience to the Gospel of Christ; he was an example of edification to others, not only by abstaining, but even also by eating. The bare ground he used most commonly, as a bed, for his wearied body: 
He slept often on the bare ground.  and took his sleep oftentimes sitting, leaning his head upon a piece of wood, or a stone: and resting always contented with one coat, he served our Lord in cold, and nakedness.  
Wheteupon. it being one time demanded of him, how he could with so thin a garment defend himself from the extreme sharpness of the winter cold, 
Behold his great austerity in his apparel  he answered with afervour of spirit. If we were inwardly touched by fervent desire with the flame of the heavenly country, we should easily be able to endure this eternal cold. He could not abide softness of apparel, but asperous clothing he much esteemed; affirming that S, john Baptist was in that respect commended by the mouth of God himself. And therefore, if at time he found any kind of easefulnes in such garmen as had been given unto him, he used to wear little cords into the inner side thereof alluding unto the words of truth, that softness of apparel was not to besought for Cottages of the poor, but in princes palaces For he had learned by certain experiece, that the devils are terrified by asperity: but by delicious niceness, more forciblely animated to rentation. Whereupon having on night (contrary to his usual custom a pilow of feathers at his head in regard of a special infirmity which he sustained generally in that part, and particularly in his eyes the devil entering thereinto, did till the hour of Martin's, wonderfully molest and trouble him, from the study of holy prayer, until that at length calling one of his brethren unto him, he caused the same pillow together with the devil in it, to be carried quite a way out of his Cell. But the brother going out of the Cell therewithal, lost the strength and use of all his members: until by the voice of the holy father, to whom it was revealed in spirit, his former strength, both of heart and body was fully restored unto him again.  
He observed great rigour and discipline, and stood with great heedfullnes upon his own defence: having an especial care, for preservation of the purity of every man. Wherefore at the beginning of his conversion, he used oftentimes, even in the winter season, to cast himself into a watery pit, frozen over with ice: that so he might both perfectly overcome his domestical enemy; and might also preserve the white garment of chastity, from the raging fire of voluptuous pleasure. For he thought it more tolerable by much, and without all comparison, for a spiritual man to sustain great cold, in his body, then to feel never so small a kindling of carnal pleasure, within his mind. But it happened upon a certain night, that as he was praying within his Cell, in the desert of Sarthianum, the ancient enemy did call him three several times by his name, saying: Francis, Francis, Francis, who demanding of him, what he would have, he craftily replied in these words: There is no sinner in the world, whom God will not pardon, upon his conversion unto him: but he that shall kill himself with hard penance shall never find mercy at his hands. The servant of God hearing this, had presently by revelation discovered unto him, the whole drift and devise of the wicked enemy: by what kind of deceit he went about to draw him into a slackness in devotion, as the event following, did evidently declare. For immediately after this, 
job. 41.12  by the blast of his mouth, Whose breath making burning coals to flame, he was assailed with a great and grievous tentetion, of the flesh, coming then upon him. Which so soon as this lover of chastity did we foresee, putting of his coat, he began very feircly to beat himself with a cord, saying go to brother Ass, thus doth it beseem thee to continue, thus oughtest thou to endure the scourge. Thy coat serveth for Religion, it beareth the badge of holiness: for it is lawful for any one that is delighted in unlawful lust, to intrude upon it: if any whither thou wouldst go, then go thy ways. Moreover also, being animated with a most wonderful fervour of spirit, 
The whole purpose of this holy man was to purge his mind of all vices.  opening the door of his Cell, he went his way forth into the garden: and there casting down his poor naked body, into the deep snow, he caught the same in his hands, and made thereof, seven heaps: which being orderly placed before him, thus did he then speak to his outward man: lo here (saith he) the bigger of these is thy wise, these other four, are thy two sons, and thy two daughters, and these two that remain, are thy servants thy man and thy maied, which thou oughtest to have to wait upon thee. Haste thee now therefore, and see thou foreslow not to clothe them all, for they are in present danger, to die for cold. But if the manifold care, of these seven be over molestful unto thee: then serve thine one and only Lord alone, with heedful diligence. The tempter forthwith perceiving himself by this means to be subdued: departed strait away, with shame enough, and the holy man, returned with victory into his Cell again: for while he exteriorly, afflicted his body with the extremity, of the painful cold, which he endured, he did so perfectly extinguish the heat of his inward lust, that never had he after that time, any feeling or touch thereof again. But it chanced, that a brother among them, attending this mean while unto prayer, did by the light of the Moon, which then shined very bright most plainly see and discern, the whole course of all that had been done. Which the man of God perceiving, and knowang that he had seen what had been done in the night, related unto him also, the manner of the tentation and straightly charged him there with all, that so long as himself lived he should not disclose what he had seen, unto any man in the world.  
He did moreover teach, 
The vices of the flesh are to be mortified and the. In tysments there unto aught to be bridled and the external senses with great diligence to be kept.  that in no wise it was sufficient only to mortify the vices of the flesh, by subduing the evil motions thereof: but that also the outward senses, by the which, death entereth into the soul, were to be kept with great care and vigilancy in so much that the familiarity, the conference, and sight of women, which unto many are oftentimes occasion of ruin, he commanded carefully to be avoided: affirming that by such occasions, as well the weak spirit is broken, as the strong also most commonly, not a little weakened. And as hard would he say it was, for him that conversed among them, unless he were a man of most singular and and approved honesty, to avoid the contagion of them as it is, according to the words of the Scripture. to walk in the fire, and not to burn his feet. For he himself had continually so averted his eyes, from beholding of such manner of vanity: that as (he said sometime to one of his companions) there was hardly that woman in the world whom he did know by the face. For he did not think it safe, 
what will our heretics hers say which never departed from the company of women none of the holy fathers ever behaved them selves in such sort. This maketh against our new evangelists who will suffer no tribulations or labours to obtain the Kingdom of heaven but only presuming of their vain faitl led their life in pleasure and idleness.  to draw inwardly the images of those forms, into his mind: which might either revive the sparkles of the subdued flesh, or might else defile, the unspotted clearness of chaste and honest minds. Whereupon, he also affirmed, that all manner of speech with a woman was utterly vain and frivolous, except only in confession, or else for cause of instruction, & yet even in these occasions the same to be done withal brevity, such as should be most expedient, for her salvation, and best agreeable with her honest reputation. For what business would he say, can a religious man have, where about to treat with a woman, save only in enjoining holy Penance unto her, or else in giving her council to refome her life, when she doth in religious manner require it. Out of too much security, the enemy is less avoided. And the devil if he can get but one hair of a man's head, to be his own, he will soon make it to grow as big as a beam.  
Idleness also, he taught to be eschewed, as the very sink and common receptacle, of all naughty thoughts: showing by his own example, that the rebellious and slothful flesh, was to be kept under by cotinuall discipline, and profitable labours. Wherefore he called his body, his brother Ass, for that it was to carry hevie burdens, and to be beaten with many and frequent strips: and not otherwise to be fed then with base & mean diet. If he saw any idle or loitring person, to live upon the fruits of others men's labours, this man he called brother fly, for that such an one doing no good himself, but impairing the good labours of other men, maketh himself vile and abominable, to all sorts of people. Wherefore he used sometimes this manner of saying: I will that my brethren occupy themselves, in labour and exercise: lest that being inclined to idleness, either their heart or tongue, do wander after unlawful things. For his will and care was to have silence by his brethren observed, according to the prescript & rule of the Gospel: which admonisheth men at all tims with all diligence to abstain from all manner of idle words, as being to render an account thereof at the day of judgement. Wherefore if he did find any of his brethren, to be accustomed unto idle and vain words, he did there upon, very sharply reprehend him, affirming that modest taciturnity, was both a secure preservation of a pure heart, & likewise a virtue of no small account: considering that Death & life, are said to be in the hands of the tongue, not so much in regard of the taste, as of the speech  
But although he endeavoured always to induce his brethren unto austerity of life: yet he approved not that strcikt kind of severity, which proceeded not from the bowels of devotion, neither yet was seasoned with the wholesome salt of discretion. For, when as one of his brethren, was upon a night; through too much extremity of abstinence, greatly vexed with famine, & could not in that respect, take any natural rest: the good and carrefull Pastor preceiving that one of his sheep was then in present danger of perishing, called the brother forth with unto him, and set, him bread before him, and to the end all bashfulness, might be away removed: he first began to eat thereof himself, and so with sweetness invited him, to do the like. Whereby the brother being well encouraged, rejected shame and willingly took his meat: very much rejoicing, that by the wise and provident condescending of the prudent Pastor he had happily escaped the hazard of his body, and had also received, no small example of edification, when the morning was come, the man of God calling his brethren altogether, after relation made unto them of what had chanced in the night, adjoined also this heedful admonition unto them. Let charity, saith he, & not meat, my brethren, be a pattern and example unto you. Furthermore he taught them to follow iscretion as the Chariot man of all virtues, howbeit not that discretion, which the flesh doth advise, but that very same, which Christ hath taught: whose most holy life, is vnd●ubredly known to be the most exact pattern of all perfection.  
And for so much as it is not possible for a man environed with the infirmity of his fleshly body, so perfectly to follow, the unspoted lamb of Christ crucified for us upon the Cross, but that he shall daily gather some filthy dregs of sin; upon this cause, he avowed by unfallible document, that they who do with vigilancy aspire to the perfection of life, ought daily to cleance themselves with streams of tears. For though himself had already attained unto a wonderful purity both of heart and body: yet ceased he not with showers of tears, continually to cleance the eyes of his mind, not much regarding the loss of his corporal eyes. For having gotten through continual weeping, a most daungerons imperfection in his eyes, & being for that cause by the Physician advised, in any wise to abstain from tears, unless he would utterly lose his sight, the holy man made answer unto him, Brother Physician, we must not in any sort, for the love of that light, which is common aswell to flies, as to us men; in any small degree, refuse the visitation of that light, which is of everlasting continuance: considering that it is not the spirit, which hath for use of the flesh, received the benefit of light, but contrary wise, it is the flesh, which for the use and service of the spirit hath received the same at the bountiful hand of God. And therefore he did rather choose, to lose his corporal eyesight: than by repressing the devotion of his spirit, to hinder those comfortable streams of tears, whereby the inward eye is cleared, that it may by able to see God.  
But being upon a time, counseled by the Physicians, and therewithal, instantly persuaded by his brethren; to suffer himself to be cured by a certain kind of Cawtery: the man of God humbly assented thereunto: the rather in that he perceived, it would aswell be healthful as otherwise painful unto him. The Surgeon therefore, being sent for, came; and put his iron instrument into the fire, to work the cure. But the servant of Christ, cheering up his body, which was now somewhat daunted with fear, began in this manner, as to a friend, to speak unto the fire, saying, My brother fire, whom Almighty God hath created of a most exquisite seemliness, full of fotce notably beautiful, and profitable, be favourable at this hour, be courteous now unto me. I beseech the great & omnipotent Lord who hath created thee, so to temper the violence of thy burning heat, that burning with sweetness, I may be able to endure thee. This prayer indeed, he made the sign of the Cross right over against the red hot iron instrument: and so remained afterwards without all kind of fear or quailing. Then was the sparkling iron entered up to the top within the tender flesh: and the Cautery was drawn from the very ear, to the eye brow. In the doing whereof: what pain the holy man sustained, he himself expressed unto his brethren, saying, Give praise unto God my brethren: for I verily say unto you; that I have neither felt the heat of the fire, nor yet any pain in my flesh. And turning to the Physician, he said unto him, If the flesh be not already well concocted, put in your iron again. The Physician, then perceiving, in so weak and feeble flesh, so invincible a power of the spirit, admired with himself thereat: and extolled this divine miracle, saying, I tell you plainly brethren: I have seen wonderful things to day. For the holy man was now come unto that excellent degree of purity, that by a wonderful sweet consent & harmony, his flesh did agree with his spirit, & his spirit did wholly conform itself unto God, it was by a divine ordinance, brought to pass, that the creature obeying the Creator, was miraculously subject to his will & commandment. As may also be seen by this other exammple of the same holy servant of God, who being sick one time of a most dangerous disease, in the Desert of S. Urban; & feeling then directly in himself the defect of nature: demanded a cup of wine to be brought unto him: 
S. Francis making the ●igne of the Crossed turned puer Water into most excilent ween.  whereupon answer being made that there was no wine, there to be had, he required them to bring him water; which being done he blessed the same with the sign of the Cross Immediarly thereupon, that which was before very natural water, was now turned into●●ost excellent wine, and that which the poverty of the place, could not afford the same did the purity of the hol● men, deserve to obtain. By the taste also whereof, he so spcedily recovered himself again, that both the newness of the razed, & the present revewing of his imapired health: altar ring supernaturally, both the thing tasted, & him that was the taster thereof, did by a double testimony confirm the absolute dispoiling of the old man, and the perfect putting one of the new.  
And not only was this manner of obedience, by the creatutes of God, to his holy servant, exhibited: but the providence also of the Creator, did every where condescend to satisfy his will and desire. For his body being upon a time over-dulled with the concurrence of many diseases together, he found in himself a desire to hear some harmonical kind of sound, that thereby he might be revived and receive more comfort of spirit: but it not beseeming his life and profession to procure it by the ministery of man, behold; the service of Angels, was ready to accomplish, the Holy man's desire. For as he was waking one night & meditating upon God, so dainly there sounded a Harp, of most wonderful harmony, and of most sweet and pleasant melody. At what time, he saw not any man: but might well perceive the passage and return of the Harper, by the alteration of the sound of the music; as it was sometime nigher, and sometime further from him. Wherefore, directing his spirit up to God, he was so singularly delighted in that most sweet sounding music, that he did almost think himself, to have been in another world. This also could not be hidden from his brethren: who did oftentims by certain and unfallible tokens perceive, that he was visited by Almighty God with so excessive & frequent consolations, that it was not possible for him, in any sort to conceal them.  
another time also, as the man of God went to preaeh, between Lombardie and the Marquisate of Tervisium, being then accompanied with one of his brethren, & travailing along by the River Poe, the darkness of the night suddenly came upon them. By mean whereof, the way being subject unto many and sundry perilous dangers, as well in regard of the Fens thereabouts: as also of the River itself, the brother associate, spoke unto the holy man. saying: make thy prayers, good Father, unto God, that we may be delivered out of these imminent dangers. To whom the man of God answered with much hope an confidence, in this wise: God is able no doubt (my brotherr if it stand with the good pleasure of his sweet disposition, to disperse the deep darkness of this obscure night, and to vouchsafe unto us the benefit of light. Which words he had no sooner utteted, but by the power of God, such an abundant light began to shine about them, that the night being dark to others, they nevertheless did see in clear and perfect light, not only the way, but very many things on every side about them, being by the conduct thereof, both corporally directed, & spiritually, comforted: whereby they came safe the last to the place of their lodging, by the passage of no small space of ground, which they joyfully overpassed, with singing Hymns and praises, in honour of Almighty God. See now & consider, unto how great virtue and wonderful purity this holy man had attained; at whose beck, the fire did temper his heat, the water did change her taste, the melody of Angels did recreate his spirits, & whom the light of heaven, did guide & conduct in his way: that so it may fully appear: that unto the sanctified senses of Gods holy servant, the whole frame of the world, did readily yield, an obsequious kind of obeisance.   

THE SIXTH CHAPTER. Of his humility and obedience; and of God's favourable condescending. unto all his desires.  
THE guardian and ornament of all virtues, humility, had in so abundant manner replenished, this holy servant or God, that in his own reputation he was nothing else but a wretched sinner: whereas in very deed he was a perfect mirror, and a most glorious ressemblance of all manner of holiness. Upon this ground work, he determined to build up himself, having as a wise Architecke laid that very same foundation, which he had learned of our Saviour Christ. For this cause he said that the son of God, did come down from the highness of his Father's Bosom to these our contemptible things, that being our Lord & Master, he might aswell by his own example, as by his word: teach this excellent virtue of humility unto us. And therefore, as the true disciple of Christ, his prayer was to seem vile and base, both in his own and other men's eyes: remembering the same which is said, by the most superexcellent Master, That which is high among men is abomination with God. Thereunto also adding this saying of his own, that: Look how much a man is the sight of God, so much he is, and no more. And therefore he held it for a very vain and foolish thing, to be extolled with the favours of the world: rejoicing much to be reproached, and sorrowing no less to be commended. For he had far rather hear himself reviled and reproached, than praised: or commended, knowing that the one might provoke him to amend, and the other might give occasion to fall. And for that cause, oftentimes, when the people extolled in him, the merit of holiness he commanded one of his brethren, to utter some words of debasement and reviling against him, in his own hearing. Which when the brother did, although much against his will, calling him a rustical and rude body, an unskilful and unprofitable hireling: he was marvelously exhilerated thereat, aswell in mind, as in countenance: whereby he answered; Our Lord bless thee, my most dear son; for thou speakest the very truth, and such words, as it best beseemeth Peter Bernardus son, to hear.  
But to the end he might make himself abject and contemptible unto others, he spared not his own disgrace, but in his public praaching before all the people he would open and manifest his own defects. As having once upon occasion of a right grievous sickness, remitted in some fort, the rigour of his usual abstinence, for the better recovery of his health again, after such time as he had somewhat better resumed his strength unto him: the true despiser of himself, animating himself to the reproach of his own flesh; It is not meet, said he that I should be held for a man of abstinence, mean while that I secretly give myself, to the pampering of my flesh. Wherefore he raised up himself, as being wholly inflamed with the spirit of holy humility & assembling the people together, in a street of the City of Assisium, himself with many of his brethren, which he had brought with him, entered solemnly into the greater Church where having a rope fastened about his neck, he caused himself to be drawn all naked saving only of his breeches in the open sight, and view of them all, even to that very stone whereupon malefactors at the time of their punishment, were wont to be placed. Upon the which, he then getting up as he could albeit that, he were both weak and affected with a quartan Ague; yet in such extreme cold as the time did then affoarde, did preach with great efficacy and force of mind. At which time he affirmed in the hearing of them all, that he was in no wise to be honoured as a spiritual man, but rather to be contemned of all men as a fleshly and gluttenouse person. Whereupon the people there assembled, wondering at so straying a spectacle: and being also compuncted with devotion: because they well knew the strictness of his austerity, did openly protest, that such manner of humility, was rather to be admired, than in any sort to be imitared. And though this action might rather seem to be a wonder in nature, according to the saying of the Prophet, than otherwise a matter of example, yet was it undoubtedly, a true pattern of perfect humility, whereby the scholar of Christ, is instructed to contemn the glory of transitory praise, to repress the swelling pride of arrogancy, and to reprove the falsehood of crafty dissimulation, Oftentimes he did many things after this manner: that externally he might appear as a lost vessel: and internally might possess the spirit of sanctification.  
He studied also to hide the gift of his Lord and Creator in the secret enclosure of his bress thinking it not convenient to lay open to vain glory, that which might be unto himself, an occasion of ruin. For oftentimes being commended of the multitudes, for a blessed and holy man he used to apply this manner of speech unto them soft; I may yet have both sons and daughters do not therefore praise, such an one as is not already secure. No man is to be praised; whose end is uncertain. 
Eccl. 11.13.  And these were his words to them that peaised him. But to himself he spoke in this sort; Oh FRANCIS, if God Almighty had bestowed so great benefits, even upon a Thief, as he hath vouchsafed unto thee; he would be no doubt more thankful than thyself, unto him, To his brethren also he said oftentimes; t'had no man ought with an undue applause to flatter himself upon occasion of any kind of thinghe, which is in a sinner's power to do. For saith he a sinner may fast, a sinner may pray, a sinner may mourn, and lament, a sinner may also macerate his own flesh: but this only a sinner cannot do, namely to be faithful, to his Lord and Master. In this therefore we may have just cause to glory, if to our Lord we render, the glory which is of right his own: if serving him faithfully, whatsoever it is that he do give unto us; the same do we faithfully resctibe unto him again.  
But this evangelical Merchant, to the end he might by more occasions in crease his gain, & might turn all the present time, to his furthermerit: took not much delight to hold the place of a Governor, as of a subject: neither yet desired so much to command, as to obey. 
Behold the great obedience and humility in the holy Father,  And therefore resigning his office of General, he desired a guardian, to whose will & commandment he might in all manner of points, accommodate himself. For he affirmed, that the fruit of holy obedience, was of so great plenty and abundance, that unto them who submitted their necks to her yoke, no time overpassed, with out some gainful commodity. Wherefore his custom was, unto such brothers, as he usually went with all, evermore to promise obedience, and faithfully to observe the same. And thereupon this he spoke sommetime of himself unto his companions. Among other things which the goodness of God hath of his great bounty vouchsafed to grant unto me, this grace he hath freely bestowed upon me, that I could as diligently yield mine obedience unto a Novice of one hours standing, if he were appointed to be my Guardian; as to one of the most ancient, and discreetest brerhrens. For the subject (saith he) must not consider his Superior as a man, but as him for whose lone he is become subject unto him. And by how much the more contemptible he is that doth command by so much the more acceptable, is the humility of him, that doth exercise obedience.  
He being one time demanded who was to be judged truly obedient proposed the similitude of a dead body for an example. Take me up (saith he) a dead body, & put it where you please: you shall neither see it strive, when it is moved; nor murmur, when it is placed, nor yet repine, when it is displaced. But if you set it in a chair, it looketh not up aloft, but down right to the ground: if you apparel it in purple robes it discovereth the paleness of his countenance, two for one, morethan it did before. Even very this (saith he) is a true pattern of obedience, who doth not discern why he is moved, who careth not where he is placed, who desireth not to be changed, who being advanced to office, retaineth his former humility: and who the more he is honoured, doth so much the more repute himself unworthy. And for mine own part (quoth he one time) unto his companions, I cannot think myself worthy the name of a Friar Minor, unless that I be in this very state, which I shall now describe unto you. See now, I go as Prelate and Chief of my brethren, conducting them all unto the Chapter: there I preach among them, there I use mine admonitions unto them, and in fine it is spoken with disgrace unto me. Thou evil be fittest to rule among us, for that thou art a man unlearned harsh in thy speaking, an Idiot, and a simple person. At length, I am cast out with reproach, as a man contemptible and basely esteemed at every hand. I speak it unto you truly, my brother, that unless I shall with the same cheerfulness of countenance, with the same in ward alacrity of mind, and with the same inviolable purpose of holiness, attend unto the hearing of these words: a Friar minor I cannot be. And this admonition also he well adjoined; In pre-eminence there is a ruin, in praise a downfall; but in the humility of the subject, is the gain of the soul. Why therefore do we follow dangers more than gain, seeing that we have received time, to make our commodity.  
And for this very cause, this perfect pattern of humility Saint Francis: would have his brethren to be called Minors, and the Prelates of his Order, to be termed Ministers, as well thereby to use the words of the Gospel, which he had promised to observe, as also that his disciples, might by their very name be continually put in mind, that they were come to learn humility, at the Schools of their humble Master, Christ. For jesus Christ that excellent Master, and most exquisite teacher, of this notable virtue humi●itie; to the end he might perfectly inform his Disciples therein, said unto them: whosoever will be the greater among you, let him be your Minister: 
Math. 20.26.  and he that will be first among you, shall be your servant. And conformably hereunto, it being demanded of him by the Bishop of Hostia, then Cardinal Protector, and chief advancer of the Order of the Friars Minors, who afterward according to the foreprophccieng of the holy man, being exalted to the honour of Papal Dignity; was called Gregory the Ninth, whether it stood with his liking, to have his brethren promoted unto Ecclesiastical Dignities: he made answer unto him: My Lord, for this cause are my brethren called Minors, which is as much to say, as lesser or inferior persons, that they may not presume to be made greater. If you will have than to bring forth fruit in the Church of God: then hold and conserve them, in the state of their own vocation: & permit them not by any means to ascend unto Ecclesiastical governments.  
And for so much as he preferred humility, as well in himself, as in them that were under him, before all other honours beside; God therefore the lover of humble persons, adjudged him to be worthy in that respect of far greater and more high dignities: accordingly as it was by a vision from heaven revealed unto one of the brethren, of special virtue and devotion. For being in the company of the man of God, & together with him praying in a certaint solitary & abandoned Church, with a great & fervent affection, he fell into a trance, and saw among many seats in heaven, one of more excellent dignity than all the rest beside: the same being adorned with precious stones, and shining also with all manner of glory. And wondering then within himself, at the brightness of that high and eminent Throne, he began very carefully in his thoughts to inquire, who should be so happy, as to be assumed thereunto. At which very time he heard a voice which said unto him; This was the seat of one of them that fell, and now it is kept for humble Francis, And afterwards, the brother returning unto himself again, followed the blessed man out of the Church according to his wonted manner. At what time, talking, by the way as they went, of Almighty God: the brother, not unmindful of the vision shown unto him, very prudently demanded of him, what conceit and opinion he held of himself. To whom the humble servant of Christ made answer: Verily I do esteem myself the greatest sinner of the world. Whereunto the brother repliing that he could not with the safety of his conscience either say or think in such wise of himself, he presently thereunto again rejoined, saying: O my brother, if Christ had showed so great mercy unto the most wicked man alive, as he hath done to me I do verily believe that he would have been more thankful unto Almighty God than, I have been. Upon the hearing of the which so admirable humility: the brother was absolutely confirmed, concerning the truth of the vision disclosed unto him: acknowledging by testification of the holy Gospel itself, that unto the excellency of glory, from the which the proud is cast down: he that is truly humble is exalted.  
Another time also as he was praying in a certain solitary Church within the Province of Massa, at the hill Casalis; he understood by revelation of the spirit, that there were certain holy Relics remaining there in that place: which he then with grief of mind perceiving, to have been for long together defrauded, of the honour due unto them; commanded his brethren to translate them in all reverend manner, unto a more convenient and seemly place of abiding. But himself being upon just occasion for a time departed from them; the children then unmindful of the commandment of their father, neglected the merit of holy obedience. Notwithstanding upon a certain day, when as they intended to celebrate the holy Mysteries, having removed the upper covering of the Aultat, they found there not without great admiration, sundry most fair and fragrant bones, discerning them to be the same holy Relics, which no hand of man but the power of God had brought to the place. And it was no long while after, 
Thou which dost contemn the relic of saints, behold what reverence the man of God gave unto them  that the holy man of God returning back again: began diligently to inquire whither that which himself had commanded concerning the Relics, had been by them accomplished. But the brethren humbly confessing their fault, in neglecting their due obedience, deserved to obtain pardon, together with some punishment also therewithal. And then the holy man burst forth into these words, Blessed, saith he, be my Lord my God, who hath by himself fulfilled that which your part and duty ought to have performed. Consider now diligently the care of God's divine providence, concerning this dust of ours: & ponder also maturely in mind the excellent savour which humble Saint Francis enjoyed in the eyes of God. For man refusing to obey his commandments, Almighty God vouchsafed, to grant his desires.  
Upon a certain time also coming to the City of IMOLA, he went forthwith to the Bishop and humbly then besought him that he might with his good favour, assemble the people unto a Sermon. Whereupon the Bishop somewhat roughly repliing, said, It sufficeth Brother that to the people under my charge, I myself do preach, Immediately the pattern of true humility, bowing down his head with humble reverence, departed out of the place: how be it that within less than an hour he returned thereunto again. Werupon the Bishop seeming to be much offended, demanded of him what he sought for at his hands, now the second time: unto whom with no less inward humility of heart, than outward submission of words, thus the holy man replied: my Lord, if the Father, repel his son at one door, he must enter in again at another. By force of which humility, the Bishop being wholly subdued, embraced him with a loving and cheerful countenance: saying then unto him: 
Behold that none can preach the word of god without leave of his superior.  From hence forth both you and your brethren may freely preach in in my Diocese, by my licence general, for so much your holy humility, hath very well deserved.  
It happened that once he came to Aretium at such time as the whole City was so miserably afflicted with civil war and dissension, that it seemed to be thereby in present danger of utter destruction. And he being then lodged in the suburbs saw a rout of Devils aloft in the air right over the City insulting, and also inflaming the perturbed minds of the Citizens, to mutual arms and slaughter. But to the end he might drive away those seditious powers of the air, he sent brother Silvester, a man of singular simplicity, and sincerity, assigning unto him the Office of a Crier, saying: Go before the gate of the City, and on the part of Almighty God command the Devils by virtue of obedience, that they speedily depart Incontinently the child of true obedience made haste to perform the Father's commandment: & having first given praise unto Almighty God, he began with loud voice to cry before the gate of the City, on the part of God Almighty, and by the commandment of his servant Francis, depart ye far, away from hence all ye wicked Devils. And presently upon these words, the City returned unto peace again: and all the Citizens with great good agreement, renewed the laws of their former civility. For the raging pride of the Devils, which had as it were besieged that City, being once repelled, the wisdom of the poor, that is to say, the humility of Saint Francis, coming then upon them, restored peace unto the people, and preserved the City from desolation. For by the merit of that rare and excellent virtue of humble obedience, he had obtained so powerful a commandment over those proud & rebellious spirits, that the did both repress their insolent arrogancy, and did also repel their importunate violence. In this manner the proud Devils do ever fly away, from the eminent virtues of the humble: saving that sometimes the mercy of God permitteth them to be buffeted of the enemy, for the better preservation of their humility, according as Saint Paul the Apostle writeth of himself, 
2. Cor. 12.7.  and as Saint Francis proved by experience. For being requested by Lord LEO, Cardinal of the Holy Cross to remain some little wile with him in the Citry, he humbly consented thereunto, for the reverence and love he bore unto him. But in the very first night of his entertainment his prayers being ended, and he preparing himself to sleep, a sort of Devils issued in upon him, furiously assailing the soldier of Christ. 
Aug. 18. de ciu. Deic. 18.  Whom when they had long and sorely beaten, at length they left him for dead. But as soon as the fiends were gone the servant of God calling his companion, related unto him the whole matter as it had befallen him: saying, I do verily believe Brother that the Devils, who can do nothing, but as the providence of God doth dispose, have for this cause rushed now with so great fury upon me, because there is no good hope to be conceived of my abode in the Court of Princes. For my brethren that abide in poor and forlorn places, hearing that I am now in company with Cardinals, will peradventure imagine, that I am busied in worldly affairs, that I am advanced with honours, and that I do abound with pleasures. Wherefore I think it better, that he who is given as an exampleun to others, should avoid the Court, and converse humbly among the humble in humble places: to the end that unto them who sustain poverty, himself may give encouragement, by sustaining the like with them. In the morning therefore they came, and humbly excusing themselves, took their leave of the Cardinal.  
For the holy man abhorred pride, as the root and of spring of all other evils besides, no less detesting the foul vice of disobedience, which he esteemed as her most pestilent & deformed daughter? but the humility of penance, he did as equally approve. It fortuned once, a certain brother to be brought before him, who having committed some offence against the law of obedience, was therefore rightfully to be corrected, by the discipline of justice. But the man of God, by evident tokens perceiving, that the brother was unfeignedly pennitent, for his fault of transgression: was by the love he bore to humility, much inclined to pardon him yet lest that his facility in par doning might be unto others an occasion, in like manner to offend, he commanded the brother's Capouche to be taken from him, and cast into the midst of the flaming fire, to the end that all men might observe with how great and with what mauner of revenge, the offence of disobedience ought of right to be chastised and corrected. But when the Caponche had been a good while in the fire, he commanded the same to be taken out of the fire again, and to be delivered unto the brother, upon his humble repentance. A wonderful martyr it is to reparte. The Capouche being raked out from the midst of the flames, bore no mark or sign of burning at all: and so it came to pass, that would, by this one miracle, did both approve the virtue of the holy man, and did also commend the humility of penance. Worthily therefore is the humility of Saint FRANCIS to be imitated and embraced, which obtained even in earth so admirable a dignity, as to incline the will of God to his desire, to change the affection of man: to foil by his commandment, the insolent pride of the Devils, and with a beck to repress, the devouring names of the fire. This is in very de●e that high and excellent virtue, which exalting them that possess it: while it giveth reverence unto all, deferveth worthily, to be honoured of all.   

THE seventh CHAPTER. Of his love of poverty, and of the marvelous supply of his wants.  
AMONG the many and fundry gifts of spiritual graces, which holy Saint FRANCIS obtained of the bountiful giver of all things: he merited by a certain special prerogative to aboved in the riches of simplicity, by the love of most perfect poverty. This virtue, the holy man considering to have been familiar unto the son of God, & weighing also the same to be now a days as it were abandoned throughout the world: did so efficacioussy endeavour to espouse the same unto himself by perpetual Charity, that for the love thereof he did not only forsake both Father and Mother, but also did freely distribute and disburden himself, of what ever he either had, or might in time to come be able to have. Never was there man so desirous of gold, as he was of poverty: nor yet more careful to keep his treasure than he to preserve this evangelical Pearl. 
Math. 13.45.  And herein especially was his sight offended, if any thing he might observe in the brethren, which did not tend unto poverty, in every point agreeable. And he verily himself, with a Coat, a Cord, and a certain sseight pair of breeches, 
See whata favourer and diligent lover S. Francis was of Enangelicall poverty.  esteeming himself to be abundantly rich: rested therewithal, from his first entrance into religion, until his very death fully satisfied and contented. He used oftentimes with tears to call to mind, the poverty of Christ jefus and of his Mother: affirming that therefore this was the Queen of virtues, for that it so singularly excelled, in the King of Kings, and in the Queen his Mother. For being demanded of his brethren in the Chapter house, by what virtue a man might be made most grarefull and acceptable unto Christ; opening as it were the secretre of his heart, he made answer unto them Know ye my brethren, that poverty is the special way of salvation, as being the nutriment of humility: and the root of perfection; whose fruit is manifold but secret and unknown. For this is that hidden treasure of the field, which the Gospel commendeth unto us: for the buying whereof, all things are to be sold and the things which cannot be sold, are to be despised in comparison of it. That man (saith he, who desireth to attain unto the perfection of this virtue, ought not only to renounce all worldly wisdom, but in some sort also the knowledge of secular learning, that being desinherited of such a possession, 
Psal. 70.16.  he may enter into the powers of our Lord, and may offer himself, naked into the arms of Christ jesus, crucified. For he can in no wise be accounted perfectly to renounce the world, who reserveth within the secret enclosure of his heart, the coffers of his own proper seuce and underst anding.  
And oftentimes preaching unto his brethren of this virtue of poverty, he usually brought to their minds this place of the Gospel, that The Foxes have holes, and the fowls of the air have nests: 
Mat. 8.20.  but the son of man hath not where to lay his head For which cause he taught his brethren, that according unto the manner of poor men, they should build unto themselves poor and simple cottages: which nevertheless they should not in habit as their own, but like as foreigners & pilgrims do abide in the harbours of other men. For these he said are the laws of pilgrims: to refresh themselves under another man's roof, to thirst after their Conntry, and to pass along in peace. He commanded sometimes, that the houses which were already builded, should be beaten down, or else that the brethren should be removed from them: if at any time he perceawed aught to be in them, which by reason either of propriety, or otherwise of costliness were contrary to the poverty, by the Gospel advised. This he said to be the foundation of his Order: which being laid and grounded first of all, the whole building of Religion doth so rest and rely upon it, that by the perpetuity thereof, it is confirmed and by the overthrowing thereof, it also, is utterly overthrow en and ruined.  
And therefore as himself had learned by revelation, so did he teach and instruct his followers that the entrance into holy Religion was to be begun from those words of the Gospel, If thou wilt be perfect, go, and sell all that thou hast, and give unto the poor. Wherefore he admitted none into his Order but such as were disposseffed of all things, and retained nothing of their own; as well in regard of the word of the holy Gospel, as also that the wealth reserved, might be free from occasion of scandal Where upon it came to pass, that in the Marquisate of Ancona, the true Patriarch of the poor made answer unto a certain man that demanded to be receved into the order: if thou desirest to be joined to the poor ones of Christ, distribute thy goods to the poor. Which when the man had heard, he yet went forward, & by the sinister enticement of carnal love, relinquished his wealth to his kinsfolks referving for the poor no whit at all. 
Gen. 12.10  But when the holy man, had by his own relation, understood thereof, after a very hard and sharp reproof, he said into him, Go thy ways, brother fly, for that thou hast not as yet departed out of thy house and kindred: but hast given thy goods to thine own blood and allies, having defrauded the poor, wherefore thou art unworthy to be a sociate unto the holy poor servants of Christ. Thou hast begun from the flesh, whereby thou hast laid a ruinous foundation, for a spiritual building. Then returned the senfuall man to his friends, demanding of them his goods again: which having refused to give to the poor, did himself the sooner forsake, his virtuous purpose.  
At an other time also he being in the place of Sansta Maria de Portiuncula, was then in so great distress of poverty, that there seemed to be no mean of providing, for the exigent necessity of the number of the brethren, that thither frequently reso rted from for rain places: whereupon the Vicar repairing unto the man of God, and alleging unto him the penury of the brethren, craved of him also therewithal that it might be lawful to referue some part of the goods of the Novices that entered into religion, for supplying the urgent wants of the brethren as necessity should require. To whom the holy man not being ignorant of Gods heavenly purpose; answered, God forbidden, my most dear brother, that for any man's sake we should impiously offend against the Rule. I had rather thou shouldest uncover the Altar of the glorious Virgin when necessity doth require, then to attempt any thing in never so small a degree against the vow of poverty, or contrary to the observance of the holy Gospel of Christ. For the Blessed Virgin will more gratefully accept, to have her Altar uncovered, so long as the council of the Gospel shall be observed: then to have the same adorned, and the council of Christ neglected, when it is undertaken and promised unto him.  
But it fortuned one time that the man of God passing with his companion, through Apulia, nigh unto Barrum: did find in the way a great purse stuffed at it was to be thought with money. This bag the poor servant of Christ, was by his companion admonished, and instantly also required to take up from the ground, and to bestow the money upon the poor. Which he the holy man of God refused to do; affirming that there would appear some stratagem of the devil in this new found purseand adding also Moreo ver, that the brother did not persuade him to a matter of merit, but of sin, in counciling him to take away & dispose, the right and interest of an other man. So they departed from the place, and hastened onward to proceed in their journey. But the brother could not yet be quiet, suffering himself to be deluded by a vain Pretext of piety, whereby he molested the man of God, as though he had no care of the necessary relieving of the wants of the poor. At the length therefore the humble man assented, to return to the place: howbeit not to satisfy the will of the brother, but the rather to discover the fraud & deceit of the devil. Wherefore he rerurned to the purse together with the brother & another young man that was in the way. And after prayer devoutly made, he commanded the brother to take it up. Who being then amazed and trembling also for fear, did at length begin to discern that devilish monster: yet nevertheless in regard of the commandment of holy obedience, driving away all doubtfulness of mind, he stretched our his hand to the purse. And behold a great Scrpent iffueing out of the purse, and together therewithal instantly vanishing away, manifestly detected unto the brother the devils fraud and deceit. The holy man therefore, having thus discovered the Craft of the subtle enemy, gave thereupon this caution to his companion, saying: Mony. O my brother, is unto the servants of God, none other thing than the devil, or an adder full of poison.  
After this there happened unto the holy man a wonderful matter, as he went a long in his way upon urgent occasion, towards the city of Sienna. For it so fell out, that in a certain great and large plain between Campilium and S. Quiricus; there met him three poor women altogether a like, in stature age, and countenance; presenting unto him a new, & unusual manner of salutation: saying, Well meette Lady poverty. Upon the hearing whereof, he being indeed a most absolute lover of poverty was there withal replenished with a singular and unspeakable consolation, as having nothing in himself whereby he would so willingly have been saluted, as by that name of poverty, which they voluntarily & freely applied unto him But they also suddenly disappearing out of sight, and the brethren in company with the holy man there upon considering, aswell their wonderful likeness & resemblance, the strangeness of their salutation and meeting, as lastly of their vanishing & disappearing: did by good reason judge & discern, that some mystical thing was thereby designed concerning the holy man. And verily it seemed indeed, that by those three poor women, appearing unto him so like in countenance, saluting him so strangely, and vanishing away so suddenly, it was conveniently enough declared, that the eminent beauty of evangelical perfection, did in an equal degree, in that holy man of God shine & cast forth her glorious beams, whether in respect of chastity, or of obedience, or else of poverty: though he rather chose to glory in the privilege of Poverty; which sometime he was wont to call his mother, sometime his spouse, and sometime his lady and mistress In this ver●●e he desired to exceed all others, for so much as by the ●ame he had learned, to repute himself inferior to all men. And therefore if at any time he saw any man to be poorer than himself he presently then rebuking himself was incirred thereby unto the like: striving as it were by emulation of poverty, and fearing to be by any overcome theirn For it happened that meeting a poor man in the way, and beholding his nakedness to be very greathe conceived much compassion thereof in his har●e and with lamentable voice unto his companion said: The poverty of this man, my brothet, hath given great caus● of shame unto us; considering that we have for great riches made choice of poverty, and behold it appeareth now more in him.  
This devour servant of Almighty God, for the love with he bore unto holy poverty, did much more willingly make use of the Alms which he be god from door to door, than of those which were offered freely unto him. For if he were at my time invited by great people, at whose tables he were to be honoured with more abundant fare● he was ever accustomed before hand to beg some fragments of bread at the next neighbours houses, & so being first enriched which poverty, he afterwards sat down at the table. And having done the like one day when he was invited by the Bishop of Hostia, who bore an especial love and affection unto the poor servant of Christ; the Bishop then complaining that he did derogate much from his honour, who being to eat in his house, would before hand go beg for Alms; the servant of God made answer: saying. My Lord, I have exhibited great honour unto you, mean while that I have honoured a Lord far greater than you: for our Lord God is well pleased in poverty, and in that especially which is voluntary begging for Christ. This regal dignity, which our Lord jesus being made poor, hath vouchsafed for us to assume to the intent that by his poverty he might enrich us and might make us being poor in spirit to be Kings and coheirs of his heavenly Kingdom: this, I say I will in no wise relinquish for any fee of deceitful riches, which are granted unto us but for an hovers continevance.  
Sometimes exhorting his brethren to go beg for Alms, he used these words unto them, Go your ways now, saith he, for so much as in this last hour, the friars Minors are lent unto the world, to the end that in them, the elect may fulfil that work of piety, for the which they may be by the judge commended: at what time as they shall hear that most sweet and comfortable saying, 
Math. 25.40.  As long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me. And therefore he said it was a delightful thing to beg under the title of the friars Minors, whom the Master of evangelical truth, hath with his own mouth in the reward of the just, so directly signified. Upon principal feasts also, when opportunity would serve, he used to beg: saying that in the holy poor, that word of the Prophet was accomplished Man hath eaten the bread of Angels. 
Psalm. 72.25.  For that bread he said undoubtedly to be the bread of Angels, which being asked for the love of God, and being by the holy suggestion of the blessed Angels, for charity towards him bestowed, is so by holy poverty gathered and collected from door to door. Whereupon it be falling him to abide upon an Easter day in a certain Hermitage which was so far from the company of men, that conveniently he could not beg: he then calling himself to mind of him who appeared the same day in the form of a stranger unto his Disciples as they went unto Emaus, 
Luc. 24.1.  demanded Alms therefore of his brethren, as a poor man; and a stranger. Which when he had with humility received, he then instructed them with holy speeches: that passing through the desert of this world, they should like forraniers and strangers, as true Hebrews in poverty of spirit continually celebrate the Passeover of our Lord: understanding thereby his passage out of this world unto his Father,  
And for because in the ask of Alms, he was not led with desire of gain, but with the liberty and freedom of spirit; God therefore, the Father of the poor, seemed over him to bear a special care and protection. For it happened that the servant of God being surprised with sickness in a certain place called Noceria, he was from thence conveyed towards Assisium, by certain solemn Messengers which the people of that City, had out of their great devotion, sent for that purpose unto him. Who bringing with them the servant of Christ, came to a certain poor village called Sarthianum, where as well the time of the day, as hunger also, requiring meat they went out to provide, but finding no meat to be bought for money, they returned empty to the place again. To whom the holy man said: for this cause ye have found nothing, because you trust more in your Flies: than you do in our Lord. For he called their pieces of money, by the name of Flies. But return (said he) to the houses, whereby you passed before, and humbly desire the Alms of the inhabitants, offering the love of God for a reward unto them. Neither do ye out of a false estimation hereof conceive, as of a thing either of bashfulness, or baseness for you to undertake: considering that the great Alms giver hath now after sin, by his abundant goodness, granted & disposed of all things in Alms, both to the wotthy & unworthy. Whereupon his conductors being warfairing men, setting shame a side, and craving Alms with a willing mind, made better market for the love of God, than for their money. For by the divine in stinct of God, the poor inhabitants were so compunct in heart, that they freely offered not only their goods, but themselves also therewithal. And so it came to pass, that the same degree of want which money could not relieve, even that did the rich poverty of Saint FRANCIS abundantly supply.  
At such time as the holy man lay sick in an Ermitage nigh to Reate, a certain Physician reforted oftentimes with timely endeavour into him. But the servant of Christ not being able to give a reward unto him answerable to his pains and labours: the most liberal God, who would not dismiss him without a present requital, recompensed his godly industry in his poor servants behalf, with this new and unusual benefit. For this Phifition having about that very time newly built him a house whereupon he had bestowed, the whole sum of all his former gains, and labours, the same by mean of a wide rifte in the wall, reaching from the top to the bottom of the foundation, was ready to fall to the ground. in so much as it seemed impossible by any art or numane industry to be prevented. But he having great confidence in the merits of the holy man, did with great zeal of faith request the brethren, that some thing might be given unto him, which the man of God had touched with his hands. Having therefore at length with great instancy of entreaty obtained, some little parcel of his hair, he put the same over night within the rift of the wall, which he rising betimes in the morning, found to be shut and conjoined again with so strong & firm a solidity, that neither could he pull out the Relics which he had enclosed therein, nor yet could he find any mark of the former division. Whereby it was through the goodness of God provided that he who diligently ministered unto the decayed body of the holy servant of God did prevent the danger of his own dwelling house which was ready to fall to the ground.  
Another time also the man of God desiring to go unto a certain desert, where he might more freely attend unto contemplation: for so much as he was weak and feeble he was carried upon a certain poor man's Ass. And when as the same poor man by reason of following the servant of Christ, and passing with him over the mountanouse places, in the extremest heats of the year, was then so wearried with the painfullnes and length of his journey, that he seemed to faint through the exceslive heat of his thirst, he instantly began to cry after the holy man; Behold I die for thirst, unless I may be presently refreshed by the benefit of some draft of drink. Whereupon the man of God, incontinently alighting down from the Ass, fixed his knees upon the ground, 
Praying upon his knees and lifting his hands towards heaven he obtained his petition.  and streetching forth his arms to heaven, ceased not to pray until he perceived himself to be heard. But his prayer being ended at length, make haste (saith he) unto the man, and go to yonder rock, for there thou shalt find a spring of lively water, which Christ hath mercifully provided out of the stone, for thee to drink. wonderful without doubt is the favourable goodness of Almighty God, which doth so easily incline itself unto his servants desires. The Thirsty man drank from out of the rock, of that comfortable and refreshing water, which was by the efficacy of prayer produced, and filled his cup, out of the most hard and flinty stone. In this place never had there been water seen before: neither could there any since be found; as hath well appeared by diligent inquiry and experience.  
But in what wonderful manner Christ did by the merits of his poor servant, multiply the meat in the Sea, considering that we are hereafter to set it down in place convenient, thus much only it shall be sufficient in this place to have rehearsed, 
Exod. 17.6.4. Reg. 4.43.  that out of a small proportion of Alms bestowed upon him he delivered the Mariners for many days together, from the peril of famine of death: that thereby it may be well observed, that the servant of Almighty God, even as he was like unto Moses, in bringing water out of the Rock, so was he also like unto Elizeus, in the multiplication of victuals. Good cause therefore it is that all diffidence should far away depart from the servants and followers of Christ. For if the poverty of Saint Francis: were of so plentiful sufficiency, that by a wonderful virtue it did so far forth supply the wants of them by whom he was helped in his need, that they wanted neither meat, drink, nor house, when money, art; and nature did fail them, much more shall it deserve to obtain those things which are by the accustomed order of God's divine providence, commonly vouchsafed and granted unto all men. If, I say, the dryness of the rock, have at the voice of a poor man, yielded drink abundantly to the thirsty, then shall nothing in the world deny service unto them, who have forsaken all things for love of the Author of all things,   

THE EIGHT CHAPTER. Os his affection of Piety: and how creatures devoied of reason, seemed to be affected towards him.  
UNFEIGNED piety, which according unto the Apostles saying, is Profitable to all things, had so far forth penetrated and replenished the heart of S. Francis, that the man of God seemed wholly to be subjecteth thereunto. 
Tim. 4.8.  This is that virtue, which did by force of devotion, elevate him aloft up unto God, which did by compassion transform him, into Christ, which by way of condescending, declined him to his neighbour, & which by an universal reconcilement and accord of all things, did refigurate and again restore him, unto the state of innocency. And albeit that our of this piety he were devoutly affected unto all things: yet at such time especially, as he perceived that the souls which were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ jesus, were defiled with any filth of sin, he then bewailed them, with such a tenderness of commiseration, that as a mother in Christ, he daily laboured to bring them forth again. And this was the special, cause that moved him so much to reverence the ministers of the word of God: for that they do both raise up seed to their brother deceased namely unto Christ, who vouchsafed to be crucified for sinners) by working the conversion of them; and being converted, do also govern them, with an industrious & careful piety. This excellent office of commiseration, he affirmed to be unto the Father of mercy more acceptable than any sacrifice: especially when it proceedeth from the industry of perfect charity: whereby more diligent labour is employed therein by force of example, than by course of words, by mournful prayers, rather than by babbling discourses. Whereupon he would say, that that Preacher was much to be lamented as a man wholly destitute of true and perfect piety; who, either in preaching, seeketh not the health of souls, but his own private praise and glory; or who by the naughtiness of his life, destroyeth what ever he buildeth up, by the truth of doctrine. Before such an one therefore, he said, that a simple and ignorant brother was far away to be preferred, who by his own good example, 
1. Reg. 2 5.  provoketh others also unto the like. And to his effect he expounded that place of holy scripture; Until the barren have brought forth many children. For the barren (said he) is understand to be that poor brother, whose proper office, is not to engender children in the holy Church. But he nevertheless, shall yet in the judgement bring forth many children: because that such as by his private prayers he doth convert unto Christ; shall then be by the judge, unto his glory ascribed. And She that hath many children, shall be enfeebled: because the vain and talking preacher who now glorieth of many children, as by mean of his own labour and industry begotten, shall the plainly know and discern himself not to have any right or interest in them at all. He therefore with all the hearty affection and desires of piety, and with a burning and zealous emulation of mind, thirsting after the salvation and good of souls, was ever more accustomed to say, that he was as it were replenished with sweet odours and was in a manner anointed with a most precious and delightful ointment, so often as he heard that many wear induced unto the way of truth, by the sweet smelling fame of his holy brethren, dispersed through sundry parts of the world. Upon the hearing of these reports his spirit not a little rejoiced: heaping most acceptable and abundant blessings, up on all those brethren, who either by word or deed, did induce sinners unto the lout of Christ. But he contrariwise, whosoever, did by their evil demeanour violate the holy stare of Religion? did thereby incur the most greivouse sentence of his malediction: Of thee, O my most holy Lord (said he) and of all thy blessed court of heaven, and of me thy poor and humble servant, be the all aceursed, who by their evil example, do confoundeand destroy that which by the holy brethren of this order, thou hast already builded, and dost not cease yet to build. And oftentimes he conceived so exceeding great sorrow and grief, upon occasion of the scandal of weaklings, that he thought himself to have been almost dead therewithal, had he not been upholden by the consolation of God's divine clemency. But onetime especially being marveilouse much distressed with the evil examples which he saw to begiven, and praying with a perplexed spirit unto the father of mercy for his children: this manner of answer from our Lord he thereunto received. Why art thou thus, thou poor and silly man afflicted? have I in such manner of wise ordained thee to be Pastor over this my religious order, that thou dost not know me to be the principal patron and director thereof? For this cause have I thereunto designed thee being but a simple man: that what things I shall work in thee, be to no human industry, but unto the mighty power of God, ascribed. It is I who have called them, I also will keep them and feed them; and if some of them do at any time fall away, I will subrogate other into their rooms again: so far forth that if they be not yet borne, I will make them to be borne upon purpose. And with how many assaults soever this my poor religion shallbe distressed, yet shall it ever abide in safety, by mine especial giftand protection.  
The vice of detraction also, he abhorred, as the professed enemy to the pure fountain of grace and piety, as the venemouse sting of a ferpent, and as a most desperate and deadly poison, avowing the same to be most abominable, in the sight of Gods most merciful and sweet dispotion: considering that the man of detraction is fed with the blood of souls, which he doth murder with the fowrde of his tongue. And hearing once one of the brethren to disgrace the good name and fame of another, he turned therewithal unto his Vicar, saying: arise, arise, discuss the matter diligently: and if you shall find the brother accused to be innocent fail not with sharp correction to chastise the accuser, whereby to make him an example in that behalf unto others. And sundry times also he would adjudge that brother who had despoiled another of his good name and fame, to be himself deprived of his habit: and that he might not presume to lift up his eyes unto our Lord, before he had done his best endeavour to restore that which he had uncharitably taken away, For so much greater said he is the impiety of detractors, than of open theives and robbers, as the law of Christ which is fulfilled in the observanc of piety, doth more precisely oblige us to desire the well far of our neighbour's souls, than of their bodies.  
And with a wonderful tenderness of compassion, commiserating the cause of all that were afflicted with any corporal grief or molestation, if he saw any penury or defect in any man, he did with a notable sweetness of a most zealous affection induce him to rely upon Christ, He had out of doubt, an engrafted clemency within him, which nevertheless the superinfused piety of Christ, doubled yet more and more upon him. His mind therefore was even melted towards the poor and feeble, and unto them whom he could not help with his hand, he reached fotth his most hearty affection. It happened once that a certain poor man. ask Alms with some importunity at the hands of one of the brethren, the same brother returned an over hard and ungentle answer unto him. Which being heard by this devout lover of the poor, he forth with commanded the brother, to cast himself down naked, before the poor beggars feet, in such wise acknowledging himself to be faulty, craving also the help of his prayer, & pardon for hisoffece. Upon the humble performance whereof, the loving father sweetly spoke thus unto him: When thou seest any poor creature, Omy brother, thou hast a lively resemblance presented unto thee of our Lord, and of his poor Mother. And like wise in the weak and feeble thou hast to consider the infirmities, which he vouchsafed to take upon him. And when as in all poor people, himself also the most Christian poor man, did behold, the image & figure of Christ: unto such of that sort as he chanced to meet, he did not only with free liberality impart of the necessary sustenances of life, which had been given unto himself, but as though they were properly their very own, did adiudg that they ought of duty to be rendered unto them. whereupon it fell out, that he returning once from Sienna, did meet a poor man in the way: at what time himself upon occasion of special infirmity, had a certain kind of short cloak which he did wear above his habit. But beholding with a tender eye the misery of that poor man, he spoke unto his companion, saying: we ought verily brother to restore this cloak unto this poor man, it being of right his own: for we took the same but as lent unto ut, until we might chance to find another in greater need thereof than ourselves, But the brother considering the necessity of the good father, did very seriously and stiffly therein withst and him, in no wise assenting that meanwhile he provided for others, himself should remain disappointed. Where unto he thus replied, I hold it, said he, for a matter of theft to be by the great Alms giver imputed unto me, if this cloak, which I bear about me, I shall not give unto a more needy person. And therefore, whensoever any thing was given him to relieve the necessity of his body, he used to ask leave of the givers, that he might lawfully bestow the same, upon some poorer body than himself as he might hap to meet, He spared no manner of thing, neither cloaks, nor habbitts, nor books, nor ornaments also of the Altar, but gaus them all to the poor as occasion required, to perform the office of piety. And oftentimes when as he met with poor men laden upon the way, he undertook their burdens, upon his own weak and feeble shoulders.  
And considering with aboundanr piety the beginnings of all things created, he called even the least creatures by the name of Brother and Sister: because he knew them to have one and the same beginning with himself. But yet unto those creatures above all others he did bear a most sweet and entire affection, which the Scriptures do testify by a natural likeness to represent the meekness of Christ. He oftentimes redeemed lambs. which were led to be killed: resting mindful of that mosl mild Lamb, who would be led to the slaughter for redemption of sinners. It chanced one time that the servant of God being lodged in the Monastery of Saint Verecundus, 
Isa. 53.7.  within the Bishopric of Eugubium a certain Ewe brought forth a young lamb that very night. But a fierce and ravening Sow that came by, not sparing the life of the poor innocent Lamb, did bite it to death with her cruel tusks. Upon the hearing whereof the good father being moved with a marveilous compassion, and remembering therewithal the unspotted Lamb, lamented before them all for the death of the Lamb, saying: O woe is me, my brother Lamb, innocent creature, representing Christ to the minds of men, cursed be that wicked Sow which hath killed thee, and let her not be mere for any, either man or beast: A marveilouse thing it is to tell. Forthwith that brutefull Sow began to be sick: and being punished with three days continual pain in her body, sustained at length the vengeance of death. But being afterwards thrown into the vale of the monastery, and lying there long time together she grew so hard and dry as a board, that she was no meat for any hunger starven creature. Let the impiety of man therefore well weigh and consider with how great punishment it is finally to be rewarded, if the cruelty of a beast do appear to have been smeeten, with so terrible a kind of death. And let the devout and faith full man, not less ponder and weigh with himself, of what wonderful virtue and sweetness, was the piety of the sevant of God: considering that the nature of brute beasts did in their kind applaud & conform themselves unto him. For making his journey once near to the City of Sienna, he found in the pastures a great heard of sheep. Which when he had courteously saluted, according to his wont manner, the sheep leaving their pasture, ran all unto him: and lifting up their heads, did fix their eyes directly upon him. So great an applause they verily made unto him, that both the sheppheards & the brethren marveled not a little thereat: beholding not only the lambs of the sheep but also the Rams themselves leaping and rejoicing in such marvelous manner about him.  
Another time also at our Ladies of Portiuncula a certain sheep was presented unto the man of God: who gratefully received the same for love of that innocency and simplicity, which the nature thereof pretendeth. This sheep the devout man admonished, both to be attentive unto the praises of God, and also to be wary from all manner of offence to the brethren. Whereupon the sheep, marking, as it were, and observing, the piety of the servant of God; did very carefully observe his rule and instruction. For hearing the brethren to sing in the Choir, she also entered into the Church without any direction, bowing her knees and bleating, before the Altar of the Virgin mother of the most unsported and innocent lamb; and that in such manner of wise as if she did delight and rejoice to salute her. And yet moreover, when the most sacred body of Christ, 
When the most sacred body of Christ was elevated in time of Mass a sheep did bow her knees thereat. See how brut beasts do know & reverence there god which miserable beretickes refuse to do.  was elevated amidst the solemnities of the MASS, she also then did bend her knees: as if that she poor reverend beast, accused the undevoure of their irreverence, and invited the devout servantes of Christ unto a further adoration of this most holy Sacrament. And one time he chanced for reverence of that most mild lamb of God, to have in the city with him a little lamb, which he committed to the custody of a noble Matron, called Madam lacoba de septem sotiis, to be by her nourished in her closette, but the lamb being instructed as it were by the Saints, in spiritual things, did always with inseparable diligence attend upon her, as she went to the Church, all the time she remained there, & when she returned from thence. If it were long in the morning before she rose, the lamb rising up, seemed to force her, as it were with his horns, and with bleating voice to incite her, admonishing her aswell by gesture as by signs, to make haste to the Church. Wherefore this lamb the scholar of holy S. Francis, being now become a Master of devotion, was by this noble woman kept, as worthy to be both loved and admired.  
At Graecium, also upon a time, a certain young leveret was given alive, unto the servant of God: which being set free upon the ground, whereas it might have gone which way it wonlde: yet being by the good father called unto him, it came forthwith running & leaping into his bosom, making much of it therefore with great affection, he seemed to have compassion thereof, as a mother hath towards her child: and warning, it with sweet words, not again: to let itself be taken, gave it free leave to depart. But being put oftentimes upon the ground, and returning always into the father's bosom again, as if it had some secret feeling, of the inward piety of his loving heart at length by the father's commandment it was brought by the brethren, unto some safer parts of the desert. In like manner also, in the I'll of the Lake of Perusium alive coney was taken, and brought to the man of God: which though it thought to escape from all others besides, yet into his hands and bosom it committed itself, with a domestical kind of security. So also as he passed once to the desert of Graecium along by the Lake of Reate, a certain fisherman, of special devotion presented a river foul unto him: after grateful acceptance whereof, with opened hands he gave it way to depart: though nevertheless the foul remained with him, whereupon he lifteing up his eyes, remained long in prayer, and returning a long hour after unto himself again as it were from another world: he sweetly the second time commanded the bird to depart and praise our Lord. After licence therefore with his blessing received, and pretending also a certain kind of joy, as by the gesture of her body appeared, she took her flight away. In the same lake also was brought unto him a great sishe alive: which he saluting as his custom was by the name of brother, did forth with return it again into the water, near to the sheep. But the fish playing in the water before the man of God, as being in a manner alured with his love: would in no wise depart from the ship, but upon his licence & benediction formerly obtained.  
And yet also, another time, walkeng with one of the brethren, nigh unto the Marshelandes of Venice, he found a great multitude of birds, sitting and singing in the Thicket. Upon sight whereof, he said to his companions; Our Sisters the birds do praise their creator: let us therefore go, into the midst among them, and there let us sing our praises, and Canonical hovers to our Lord. And being entered into the verv midst of them all, the birds never stirred out of their places: and for because in respect of their chirping noise, the holy men and his brother could not hear one another in saying their hours: he therefore turning himself to the birds, spoke thus unto them. ye birds, my sisters, leave of your singing until we may have performed the due praises we own to God. The birds presently surceased all manner of noise: and continued all that while in silence: until the said hours and praises being leisurely performed, they were licenced by the Saint of God to sing again. But so soon as the man of God had given this licenceunto them, they presently betook themselves to their former singing.  
So also at s. Maria de Portiuneula, a certain Grasshopper fitting & singing upon a fig tree, nigh unto the Cell of this holy man, and having with her frequent voice, incited the Servant of God to divine praises, who even in small things had learned to admire the magnificence of the Almighty Creator: he called her one day unto him, at what time, she, as being thereunto from heaven instructed came flying by and by upon his hand. To whom when he had said, Sing my sister Grasshopper, and with thy chirping voice, praise thy Lord and Creator, she obeying, without any stay began to sing, never ceasing, until by the commandment of the Father, she flew back again to her usual place of abiding. But there this Grasshopper remained eight days together, day by day coming, singing, and departing, according to the Father's commandment. Whereupon at length the man of God said to his companions, Let us now licence our Sister Grasshopper to departed: for she hath now sufficiently delighted us with her singing, having for eight days space together stirred up our minds therewithal, to the praise of Almighty God. And presently upon leave obtained, the Grasshopper depared from him not coming any more to that place, as in no wife daring to transgress his commandment.  
As once he lay sick at Sienna, a certain noble man sent him a live Pheasent Cock, which had been newly taken: this Cock had no sooner seen and heard the holy man, but that he adheared unto him with so great a lovingness, that he would by no means suffer himself to be disjoined from him. For being oftentimes put out of the brother's harbour, into a certain vinyeard by, to the end that if he would he might depart, he swiftly always returned unto the father again: as if he had all his time been by him brought up and nourished. But being at length bestowed upon a certain man, who was accustomed out of devotion to visit the servant of God; the pheasant as if it had been grievous unto him to be absented from the good Father's sight, refused to take any manner of meat. Whereas afterwards being returned to the servant of God, he ear his meat very greedily by outward gesture discovering his inward joy.  
When he came to the desert of Aluerna, to celebrate the Lent which he observed in honour of S. Michael the Archangel, diverse sorts of birds came flying about his Cell, who rejoicing as it were at his coming, did with their pleasant harmony and other tokens of mirth seem to in vite and allure the devout father to stay and abide with them. Which when he well perceived, he said to his companion: I see plainly brother it is the very will of God that we should now stay here for a while, because our Sisters the birds do seem to be so much comforted at our presence. And whiles he thereforefore remained in that place a falcon there building her nest: was joined unto him in a singular manner of friendship. For with her singing and noise, she did continually in the night time, prevent the hour whereat the holy man was accustomed to rise, to his divine service which was a thing most acceptable unto the servant of God: for that the so great watchfulness of this falcon over him, did cause him to shake of all sloth and slugishenes. But when the servant of Christ was more than usually afflicted with any kind of infirmity, than did the falcon in some sort abstain, neither did she at those times awake him so early but as it were instructed thereunto of God; about the break of day she gave a gentle knock with the bell of her voice: & surely it seemeth, that this rejoicing of birds of many kinds, and that the singing also of the falcon, should be a divine foresignification: that this notable praiser and most excellent worshipper of God, being carried aloft by the wings of contemplation should then be there exalted: by a Seraphical apparition.  
During the time he once abode in the Ermitage of Grecium: the inhabitans in that place, were grievously afflicted, with many and sundry evils. For not only a multitude of ravening wolves did thereabouts consume both men and beasts, but a yearly and violent Tempest also of hail, did continually destroy, the corn and vineyards. At what time therefore as this denouncer of God's holy Gospel preached unto them in the midst of this their distress and affliction, he said unto them: to the honour and praise of Almighty God, I require you to be of good hope, that all this pestilence shall soon forsake you, and that our Lord with his merciful eyes regarding you, will multiply you in temporal goods, if crediting my words, you will now first of all begin to take compassion upon yourselves: whereby making a true confession of your sins, you may bring forth the works worthy of penance. But this again I denounce unto you, that if as ungreatefull men for such benefits, you shall return to your vomit again: then shall your plague be renewed, your punishment shallbe redoubled, and a greater indignation shall justly fall upon you From that very hour the people doing penance according as he exhorted them, their miseries ceased, their dangers were all at an end: & neither the wolves nor the hail did any more mischief among them. Nay which is more to be admired, if the neighbour's fields, were at any time endangered with hail, so soon as it approached unto their confines, either there it rested, or else diverted to some other part. Thus not only the hail did cease, but the wolves also kept the convenante of the servant of God, neither did they offer any more contrary to the law of piety to enrage against men converted unto God, so long as they according to their promise, did not wickedly transgress against the laws of God Wherefore we have good cause, devoutly to think of the piety of this blessed man: which was of so marveilouse sweetness and efficacy that it tamed wild creatures in so much that those of the woods it made live in houses, & made double thrice those which were of more gentle nature, it did incline the nature of brute beasts which hath been since the fall of man rebellious against him, to become now obedient unto him. This verily is that virtue which confederating all creatures with itself, Is profitable to all things: having promise of the life that now is, and of that to come.   

THE NINTH CHAPTER. Of the fervour of his Charity, and of his desire of Martyrdom.  
BUT that fervent Charity, Wherewith this friend of the spouse, Saint Francis, was altogether inflamed, what man may be able sufficiently to express? For as a certain fiery coal, he seemed to be wholly absorbted in the flame of God's love. For suddenly upon the very hearing of the love God he was forthwith stirred up, he was in marveilouse manner affected, and wholly set on fire: as though with the outward stroke of the voice; the inward string of the heart were touched. And therefore to offer such manner of tributes instead of Allmes, he said it was a noble kind of prodigality: and those that esteemed thereof less than of money, he held to be most foolish, considering that the unprisable value of the only love of God, is abundantly sufficient to gain the Kingdom of heaven: and that the love of him who loved us much, is much to be loved and esteemed. But to the end he might be out of all things provoked unto the love of God, he marvelously rejoiced in all the works of our Lord his hands: and by the mirrors of delightsomeness, he raised up himself into the lively original and cause of them: For he did behold in the things that were beautiful, him that was most beautiful of all: and by the perfections imprinted in all things the every where prosecuted the thing beloved; making as it were unto himself, a ladder of all things, whereby he might ascend and take hold of him, who is altogether & wholly to be desired. For with an affection of devotion more than had been heard of, he tasted in every of the creatures as it were in little Rivers, that excellent goodness of the fountain itself; and as if he had conceived a heavenly harmony, in the consonantes of the virtues and actions given by God unto them, he sweetly exhorted them, according to the manner of the prophet DAVID, unto the honour and praise of Almighty God.  
Christ jesus crucified evermore remained as a handful of Myrrh within the bosom of his mind into whom he desired to be through the fervour of most excessive love in every part transformed. And for a prerogarive of a peculiar devotion unto him, from the feast of the Holy epiphany, during the space of full forty days together, that is to say during all that time whearin Christ remained solitary in the desert, he also be taking himself to solitary places, and being in his Cell retired, did with wonderful strictness aswell of meat as of drink in fastings and prayers, continually attend to the praises of God. So fervent was that affection, wherewith he was carried unto Christ. But Christ his well beloved, did requite him again, with so familiar a kind of love, that it seemed unto him the servant of God, as if he had the continual presence of his Saviour before his eyes: 
Let the heretics he●re consider the devotion of this Saint to our B. Lady the Mother of God in her especially after Christ he put special confideuce her he made an advocate for himself and his brethren.  according as he sometimes familiarly declated unto his companions. He burned with an admirable fervour of all his heart & soul, towards the blessed Sacrament of our Lord his body: wondering with an unspeakable amazement, at that most charitable condescending, and most condescending charity: He did oftentimes communicate, and that with so great devotion, that he made others also to be devout by his example: whilst he at the sweet tasting of the immaculate Lamb, was as one drunk in spirit, ravished for the most part into an ecstasy of mind. He loved the mother of our Lord jesus Christ with an unspeakable love: for that by her the Lord of Majesty, is be come a brother unto us, and we by her have happily obtained mercy. In her next after Christ, he reposed his principal confidence & her he did most especially choose, to be the Advocatrix for himself and all his brethren. And to her honour, he did most devoutly fast, from the feast of the holy Apostles Saint Peter & Saint Paul until the feast of her Assumption. Unto the Angelical spirits also, considering them to burn with a maveilouse fire of excessive love towards God, and of inflaming the souls of the elect therewithal, he was conjoined with an inseparable band of love: and for devotion towards them he fasted forty days from the Assumption of the glorious virgin, attending all that time unto continual prayer. But unto blessed Saint Michael, the Archangel, for that it belonged unto his office to represent the souls he was the more devoted in an especial bond of love, the rather for the fervent zeal he bore unto the salvatiou of all the elect. And as concerning the Saints, out of the remembrance of all them, as out of fiery stones, he grew to be more aboundantely inflamed in the unquenchable zeal and love of God: bearing towards all the Apostles, and specially to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, for the exceeding charity which they had towards Christ, a most principal and rate devotion: and for the reverence and love of them, he dedicated unto our Lord a peculiar Lenten observance.  
This poor man of Christ had no more but two mites, his body namely and his soul, to give unto God with liberal charity. But these two he spated not for the love of Christ to offer up so continually, that as it were all his life time, he sacrificed his body, by the rigour of abstinence. and his spirit by the fervour of desire, exterioutly in the porch of his body immolating the  sacrifice, and in the temple of his soul inwardly beginning the sweet smelling incense, of devotion. But yet for all this so was he borne aloft to divine things by the excessive devotion of charity, that nevertheless his affectuous benignity did dilate itself unto his Copartners in nature and grace. For whom the singular piety of his heart had made to be a brother unto all creatures besides him, it is no marvel if the charity of Christ did make to be much more a brother unto creatures ennobled with the Image of their creator, and redeemed with the blood of their maker. And therefore he reputed not himself to be the friend of Christ unless he did cherish the souls, which he had redeemed. He said that nothing was to be preferred before the welfare of souls, approving the same especially by this, that the only begotten soon of God, vouchsafed for the love of them to hang upon the Cross. And from hence proceeded his combat in prayer, his discourse in preaching, and his excess in giving good example. Whereupon so often, as over much austerity was reprehended in him, he made answer that he was given for an example unto other men, For notwithstanding that his innocent flesh, which had now willingly and freely subjecteth itself to the spirit, stood no ways in need of any scourge at all, for his own offences; yet for examples sake he daily renewed both pains and burdens upon himself, keeping hard ways for other men's instruction. For he used to say, If I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels and have not Charity, in myself, whereby to give example of virtue unto my neighbours: I profit others but little, and myself no white at all.  
And with a fervent inflammation of charity, he did emulate the glorious triumph of the holy Martyrs: for that in them neither could the flame of love, be extinguished, nor yet could the stability of fortitude, be any way enfeebled. Wherefore being wholly set on fire, with that perfect charity, which casteth out fear, he also desireth by the flame of Martyrdom to offer himself as a living sacrifice unto our Lord: to the end he might make requital, according to his power. unto Christ that suffered death for us upon the Cross, and might also provoke others by his example unto the love of God: For in the sixth year after his conversion, burning altogether in desire of Martyrdom, he purposed to pass the seas unto the parts of Syria, to preach the Christian faith and penance, unto the Saracens, and other infidels, And being gotten aboard into a cerraine ship, that made for those parts, by mean of contrary winds, he was enforced to put a shore upon the coast of Salavonia. Where having made some time of abode, and nor having found any ship in all that space prepartd to pass the Seas: he thereby perceiving himself to be disappointed of his desires, made earnest request unto certain Mariners, even then prepared for Ancona, that for the love of God they would take him along with them. But they obstinately refusing him, as not having wherewith to deftay his charges: the man of God singularly reposing upon the goodness of our Lord, entered secretly into the ship, himself and his companion with him. At that time fortuned to be there, a certain man, of Gods own sending, as is to be thought, for the relief of his poor servant: who bringing with him necessary provision of victuals, and calling unto him one of the ship, that had the fear of God before him, delivered the same unto him, saying, keep these things faithfully for the poor brethren, that lie secret in the ship, and in the time of need, impart thereof friendly unto them. And so it came to pass that when the shippemen, labouring by source of the winds for many days together, and all that time not being able to get to land, had in the mean while exspended all their provisions yet still unto poor Saint Francis remained, of that Alms which was by God's appointment reserved for him. Which nevertheiesse, though it were but very small, was yet by God's divine power, so marveilousely multiplied, that they making very many days abode upon the Sea, it abundantly supplied all their necessities even until they came unto the very port of Ancona. The mariners therefore perceiving themselves by mean of the servant of God to have escaped many dangers of death: as men who had seen the horrible dangers of the Sea. and had also well observed the wonderful works of our Lord in the deep gave thanks therefore unto Almighty God: who showeth himself always in his friends and servants to be marveilouse, and worthy to be beloved. But the servant of God having now left the Sea, and beginning, to walk upon the land, casting upon the ground, the seed of salvation, reaped thereof, fruitful handfuls in the time of harvest.  
Yet nevertheless for so much as the fruit of Martyrdom had so far forth alured his heart, that above all the merits of virtues he longed to suffer a precious death for Christ, he took his way towards Morocco, there to preach the Gospel of Christ unto Miramolin● and his people; if so by any means he might attain unto the desired crown of Martyrdom. For he was borne along with so fervent a desire thereof, that albeit he were very weak of body, he did nevertheless outgo his companion, in travel, and being full of speed to bring his purpose to effect, did fly away, as it were, for very drunckenesse & fervour of spirit. But being now already come into Spain, by God's sweet disposition which reserved him for other things, there came upon him a most grievous infirmity, whereby he was so hindered that he could in no wise accomplish what he so much desired. The man of God therefore perceiving that his life in the flesh, was yet necessary for the issue which he had begotten, albeit that he esteemed death as a gain for himself: therefore returned to feed the sheep, which were by Almighty God, unto his care, commended.  
But the burning fire of charity, more than enforcing his spirit unto Martyrdom, he yet the third time adventured, for spreading abroad the faith of the holy Trinity, to travel into the parts of the infideles. For in the thirteenth year after his conversion, hastening towards the parts o● Syria, he constantly exposed himself unto many dangers, that he might come to the soldan of Bahilon. For at that time was between the Christians & the Saracens a war so implacable, and the Tents also of the Armies on either part, so closely pitched, that no way of mutual passage remained, but with imminent danger of death. For the Sultan had given out a cruel edict: that whosoever could bring the head of any Christian, should receive a golden crown of Bizance for his reward. But the hardy warrior of Christ Saint Francis, hoping that now shortly his purpose might be obtained, determined to undertake the journey being nothing terrified with the fear of death, but much provoked with the desire thereof. wherefore after prayer before hand made, he being comforted and strenghned by the hands of our Lord, did confidently sing that verse of the prophet, For although I shall walk in the midst of the shadow of death I will not fear evils because thou art with me. Taking with him therefore a companion, 
Psal. 22.4.  brother Huminatus by name, a man verily both of light & virtue, as he was entered in his way, he met two little sheep, upon the sight whereof, the holy man was marvelously rejoiced, and said unto his companion; Be of good hope in our Lord my brother, for in us that word of the Gospel is fulfilled: Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. 
Mat. 10.16.  But being gone a little further they met with Saracene officers: who running as very wolves indeed upon the poor sheep, and fiercely laying hands upon them the servants of God, did in very cruel and contemptible manner entreat them? dishonouring them with reproaches, afflicting them with stripes, and binding them in bands. Until that having been many and sundry ways afflicted and distressed, they were at length by Gods divine providence, brought unto the Sultan, according to the man of God's desire. Who being of that great Prince demanded, from what persons, to what pursose, and in what manner, they had been sent; as also by what means they had so far arrived the servant of Christ. Saint Francis, with a courageous heart made answer, that he was not sent from man, but from God Almighty himself, to show unto him and his people the way of salvation, and to preach unto them the Gospel of truth.  
But with so great constancy of mind, with so efficacious power of the soul, and so rare a fervour of spirit, did he preach unto the foresaid soldan, one only God in Trinity, and jesus Christ the Saviour of makinde: that in him that place of the Gospel well appeared to be accomplished, 
Luc. 21.18.  which saith, I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to resist and gainsay. For the very soldan himself beholding in the man of God an admirable fervour of spirit, and singular virtue therewithal did both willingly give ear unto him, and did also the more instantly invite him to make longer abode with him. But the servant of Christ enlightened with God's divine Oracle, if thou wilt, said he: with thy people be converted unto Christ: I will for his love willingly remain among you, But if you make doubt for the faith of Christ, to refuse the law of Mahomet, command then a very great fire to be kindled, and I together with thy Priests will enter into the same; that yet so at least thou mayest well discern, Which faith is of very right to be held, for more holy and certain. Where unto the soldan answered, I do not believe that any of my priests will for defence of their faith, either expose themselves to the fire or otherwil undertake any kind of torment. For he had seen one of his priests, a man of special years & authority, immediately upon the hearing of those words to have withdrawn himself out of his sight. Then said the holy man unto him, If thou wilt for thyself & thy people make promise unto me, to come to the service of Christ, if I shall without harm pass through the fire: I will enter, into the same myself alone: & if I shallbe burnt, be it imputed to my sins, but if the mighty power of God shall protect me, acknowledge then Christ the power & wisdom of God to be himself very God, & undoubted Lord & saviour of all mankind. But the Sultan answered, that he durst not accept of this condition for that he feared a sedition among the people. Nevertheless they offered unto him many precious rewards all which the man of God, being no ways covetous of worldly things, but altogether desirous of the salvation of souls, did utterly reject as dirt. Whereby the soldan perceiving the holy man to be so perfect a contemner of worldly things: & being also moved with admiration thereof, conceyved in himself a far greater devotion towards him. And albeit that he would not, or that perhaps he durst not receive the Christian faith, yet did he instantly beseech the servant of Christ to accept of the foresaid gifts to be for his soul's health bestowed upon Christian poor people or to the use of their Churches. But he for that he esche wed the burden of money, and did not see the rote of true piety to be in the mind of the soldan, would in no wise be persuaded there unto. And furthermore perceiving that he did not prevail in the converfion of that nation neither yet could attain unto his purpose therein upon forewarning by revelation from heaven received, he made his return unto the parts of the faithful. And so both mercifully and marvelously it came to pass, by the clemency of God so ordaining. and by the virtue of the holy man promerriting the same, that this friend of Christ did for his love seek after death with all his whole desire, and could by no means find it: whereby he might nor want the metrite of most desired Martyrdom, but might be yet reserved, to be afterwards insigned with a singular privilege. And by that means was it also effected, that, that divine fire did yet more perfectly escape and boil in his heart, that after wards it might more powerfully, flame and burst out in his flesh O holy man, most truly blessed: whose flesh although it be not cut with the sword of the Tyrant doth not yet want the similitude of the Lamb that was slain, O truly and perfectly blessed (I say, whose life although the sword of the persecutor did not take away, yet did he not lose the Glory of Martyrdom.   

THE TENTH CHAPTER. Of his diligence and fervency in prayer.  
THE holy servant of Christ Saint Francis, perceiving that in body he was as yet a pilgrim from God, albeit that unto earthly desires, 
2. Cr. 5.7.  he was already, through the charity of Christ, become altogether insensible: 
1. Thes. ●. 17.  yet to the end he might not be without the consolation of his wellbeloved, attending unto prayer without intermission. he endeavoured to offer up his spirit before the presence of God. And prayer, 
Behold how necessary prater is to a religious man.  doubtless was a solace unto him, in his contemplation, mean while that in the circuit of the heavenly mansions, he being already made a fellow Citizen of Angels, did with fervent desire seek after his well-beloved: from whom none other thing but the wall of his flesh did now disjoin him. This also was a help unto him in work & labour namely that in all the things he took in hand; distrusting his own industry, and firmly reposing upon God's heavenly piety, he did by the instancy thereof cast all his thought upon our Lord. He firmly avowed that promptenesse in prayer was above all things to be desired on the part of a religious man: & verily believing that without the same no man might be able to prosper in the service of God, he did by all the means he might stir up his brethren unto the diligent exercise thereof. For, walking and setting, within doors and abroad, labouring and recreating, hewas evermore so attentive unto prayer, that he seemed, not only for what was in him either in heart or body, but in labour also and time, to have dedicated and devoted all wholly thereunto, He was always heedful, at no time negligently to overpass any visitation of the spirit. For when i● was offered unto him, he followed the same: and so long as our Lord vouchsafed to grant it, he comfortably enjoyed the sweetness thereof: And even at such very times as he was seriously intentive to travel, 
2. Cor. 6.1.  when he found in himself any sweet motions, Gods heavenly spirit, he suffering his brethren to go before him, did for a while make stay in the place, and by that means converting the new inspiration unto a present fruition, he did not receive the grace in vain.  
Oftentimes he was lifted up with so great an excess of contemplation, that being ravished above himself, and finding within him something beyond human sense and understanding he did not know what was exteriorly done about him. For pasling one time through the Borough of Saint Sepulchre a Town doubtless very populous and well replenished, he being then borne upon an Ass by reason of the feebleness of his body, did meet a great multitude of people which came thronging upon him for very devotion. But being by them, pulled, halled; and detained, as also crushed, and many ways pressed, he seemed to be in all those things unsensible: and as a body devoided of life did not observe what was done about him. In so much having now a good way passed the town, and being freed of the multitudes, when he came unto a certain Hospital of the Leapours, the contemplator of heavenly things returning even then as it were from another world, demanded diligently of his company when they should come nigh to the Bouroughe. For verily his mind being fixed in the beams of heavenly Glory, did not discern the variety of places, and times, nor yet of the person's, that frequently came to meet him. And the like heareunto, the manifold experience of his companions, hath well testified, very often to have befallen unto him. And for so much as in prayer he had fully perceived, that the much desired presence of the holy-Ghost, did so much the more familiarly offer itself unto them that attend unto prayer, by how much as he did find them to be more alienated and enstraunged, from the disturbance of worldly things: he therefore seeking after solitary places, did in the night time resort, by reason of prayer, into the Deferts, and Churches at that time unfrequented. Howbiet that in those places he very many times sustained most horrible assaults of the Devils: who sensibly entering into combat with him, endeavoured to disturb him from the exercise of prayer. But be armed with God's heavenly weapons, look how much the more vehemently he was assailed by his enemies, so much the more strong did he become in power of resistance, so much the more fervent & perseverant he was in the accomplishment of his prayer. Confidently v●sing this speacheunto Christ, Under the shadow of thy wings, do thou protect me: 
Psal. 16.8.  from the face of the wicked, who have afflicted me. But unto the Devils he said; spare not to work upon me, all that you are able, O ye malignant & deceitful spirits, For ye can do nothing, but as the hand of God, letteth lose the reins unto you: and I for my part am ready with all willingness of mind to sustain whatsoever he hath determined to be inflicted upon me, Which constancy of his mind, the proud Devils not being able to abide, departed away from him, with shame and confusion.  
But the man of God now remaining solitary, & undisturbed, filled the woods, with dolorous groans, he sprinkled his places of abode, with tears he beat upon his breast with his hand: and having gotten as it were a secret place of residence, he had free conference with his Lord and Master. There be made answer for himself, before his judge; there he made supplication, unto his Father, there he familiarly discoursed with his beloved friend. 
He prayeth with his hand stretched out a cross.  There also he was sometime heard by his brethren, that devoutly observed him; with clamorous groans, to call unto God's divine clemency in the behalf of sinners: with loud voice also to be wail our Lord his passion, even in such wise, as if it had then visibly been set before him. There was he seen in the night season, praying with his hands stretched out a cross, his whole body being lifted up on high from the ground; and round about environed, with a brrght and glorious cloud: so that, of that marveilouse garnishing, which he had inwardly in his mind, the admirable glorious light, wihch outwardly appeared about his body, might be an undoubted testimony. Even there also, according as it is approved by most evident tokens, the uncertain & hidden points of God's divine wisdom were discovered unto him: albeit that he did in no sort exteriorly divulge them, otherwise then as his charity towards Christ, did enforce him, and the profit of his neighbour, did especially require ●●m. For he would commonly say, that for a very mean and light hire, a thing of inestimable praice and value happeneth oftentimes to be utterly lost: & that he who gave the same, is easily provoked in no wise to give the like again.  
Evermore when he returned from his private prayers by the which he was almost changed into another man; he was especially careful to conform himself unto others; lest haply that which had been out wardly discovered, might by the breath of human favour, be inwardly evacuated of merit and reward. And therefore when in some public place, he had been at any time visited by our Lord, he always gave some other matter of object, unto the standers by, lest that the familiar love tokens of the spouse, should be outwardly observed, and reported abroad. As for much spitting, groaning, deep sighs, and outward gestures, during the time he prayed amongst his brethren, he altogether eschewed them: either because he loved to be secret, in those things, or else because in his inward cogitation, he was whole borne up aloft into Cod. And oftentimes in this sort he would speak unto his familiars, when the servant of God, in time of prayer is visited from above, he ought forth with to say unto him, Thou O Lord, hast sent this comfort from heaven unto me a sinner and unworthy person, and I commit the fame again unto thy custody, because I perceive myself to be but a robber of thy divine treasure, And when he returneth from prayer, he ought to show himself as very a poor wretch and as much a sinner, as if he had obtained no such new grace an favour at all  
But it chanced upon a time when the man of God was praying in the place of Portiuncula that the Bishop of Assisium came unto him to visit him, according to his accustomed manner. Who so soon as he entered into the place, did over bolly approach unto the Cell wherein the servant of Christ did pray, but having knocked at the little door, and putting forward himself to enter in, no sooner had he put in his head and seen the holy man at prayer, but being stricken with a soddeine fear, all the parts of his body did lose their strength, and his vety speech did also leave him. Moreover he being through God's divine will, by force driven out of the place, was suddenly borne back a good way of. Whereat the Bishop being much astonished, made haste to the brethren as fast as he could: and God then restoring unto him his speech again; in the first words he spoke, he confessed his fault.  
One other time also it happened, that the Abbot of the monastery of S. justine, which is within the Bishopric of Perusium, did meet the servaunt of Christ. Upon whose sight, the devout Abbot did speedily alight from his horse: aswell to do, reverence unto the man of God; as also to confer with him upon some things concerning the health & well far of his soul. And at length after sweet conference passed between them, the Abbot departed, humbly desiring him, to pray for him. To whom the beloved servant of God, answered, I will pray for you willingly. 
Behold the wonderful force of Saint Francis his prayer.  So the Abbot being now gone a little way of the faithful man Saint Francis, said unto his companion, expect a while my brother because I desire to pay the debt, which I have promised. But mean while that he contineved in prayer, the Abbot suddenly felt in himself in an unusual kind of warmeth and sweetness, until that time altogether unknown unto him: and that in such degree, that being brought into an ecstasy of the mind, he failed wholly from himself into Almighty God. And so for some little space he remained: but afterwards returning into himself again, he did well perceive the efficacy of the prayer of holy Saint Francis. For which cause he was evermore inflamed with a greater love unto the Order, and unto many he reported this fact for a miracle.  
The holy man was always accustomed, 
Lo with what devotion & attention he reciteth his canonical hours.  with no less reverend fear, then attentive devotion, to recite his Canonical hours. For notwithstanding that he was troubled with the infirmity of his eyes, of his stamacke, of his spleen and liver: yet would he not lean against any wall or resting place while he did sing his service: but evermore accomplished his hours, bearing himself upright, with his head uncovered, his eyes, unremoved, and without any manner of cutting short his words and sentences. And if at any time he were in journey, he nevertheless made stay for the time, in no sort omitting this holy and reverent custom, for whatsoever abundance of rain and floods, that might come upon him. For thus he would often say. If the body do quietly eat this present food which shall with the same become the meat of worms: with how great peace and quietness is it then expedient for the soul to receive the food and sustenance of life. Wherefore he did think himself grievously to offend, if at any time while he was at prayer, he were inwardly distracted with vain fantasies. And when any such thing had chanced to be fall; he made no spare, forthwith by confession to purge himself thereof. Which his so singular a care, he had converted into so usual an habit, that he was exceeding rarely troubled with such kind of flees,  
He had in one lent season, made a certain little vessel to over pass some short moments of time, that they also, might not be lost in idleness. Which coming once into his memory as he was saying his third hour, & having then in some little degree distracted his mind: he was there upon so moved with fervour of spirit, that he consumed the same in the fire saying: I will sacrifice it unto our Lord, whose sacrifice it hath impeached. He used to recite his psalms with so great attention of mind and spirit, as if he had God ever present before him: and when he chanced in them to find the name of our Lord, he seemed even to lick his lips, for the very abundant delight, of the sweetness, he tasted therein. And being also desirous with a most especial reverence to honour the very name of our Lord, and that not only thought, but also named and written he did sometimes persuade his brethren, together up all the little scraps of paper that might any where be found, containing the same, & them to put, in some clean and decent place, lest it might haply chance, that the sacred name written therein should be trodden under foot. But the name of jesus, when he did either speak it or hear it, did inwardly so fill him with such a singular kind of exultation, that he thereby seemed to be altogether changed, even exteriorly, as if some mellifluous sweetness had altered his taste, or some harmoniacall sound his hearing.  
But in the third year before his death, it came to pass, that for the stirring up of greater devotion, he purposed to celebrate the festival memory of the birth of the child jesus, at the village of Graecium, withal the greatest solemnity that possibly he could. And to the end the same might not be imputed to levity: he craved licence of the Pope; and having obtained the same, he caused a manger to be prepared, as also hay to be gotten, and an ox and an Ass to be brought to the place. The brethren were called together; the people assembled themselves, the wood adjoining was full of voices, and that venerable night, was by mean of many clear shining lights, of loud sounding and harmoniacall praises, made to be, both very light some, and full of solemnity. There stood the man of God before the manger, full of devotion, besprinkled with tears: and overcome with joy. The holy sacrifice of the Mass was solemnly celebrated upon the manger, & the Levite of Christ S. FRANCIS, did sing the Gospel. And afterwards, unto the people that stood about him, he preached of the nativity of the poor King: and ever as he named him, he did for the very tenderness of love, call him the child of Bethlem. But in this mean while, a certain soldier, of great virtue and credit, called Master john of Graecium, who having for the love of Christ forsaken the secular warfare, was now in great familiarity conjoined unto this servant of God, did testify himself to have seen, a little child of great comeliness lying a sleep in that manger: whom, the Blessed Father S. Francis embracing in both his arms, did seem to wake out of his sleep. And this vision of the devout soldier, not only the holiness of him that beheld the same, did make to be credible: but the very evident truth thereof, did undoubtedly approve it, and the miracles succeeding, did also confirm it. For the example of holy S. Francis, being considered of the world, is of great force to stir up the hearts of such as are heavy and dull in the faith of Christ, and the hay of that manger being by the people reserved, was in marveilouse manner effectual, for the recovery of sick cattle, and a singular preservative against diverse other pestilences. God Almighty in all things glorifieing his servaunt, & demonstrating the efficacy of holy prayer, by manifest wonders and miracles.   

THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER. Of his, understanding the scriptures, and of his spirit of prophecy.  
BUT unto so great a perspicacity of mind, had the unwearied custom of prayer, together with the continual exercise of virtues, brought this holy man of God, that albeit he had no skill in the holy sacred scriptures by the ordinary course of learning, yet nevertheless being enlightened with the beams of eternal light, he did search the depth of them with a wonderful sharpness of underslanding. For his conceit being pure from all manner of blemish, did penetrate into the most hidden mysteries: and where the science of the Doctor did stand without doors, even there was the affection of the lover, admitted to enter in. Sometimes he did read in the holy books, and what soever he did once take in his mind, he did most firmly imprint in his memory: not hearing any thing in vain, with the bare present attention of his mind, but ruminating thereupon, with an affection of continual devotion. And being once demanded by his brethren, if he did like, that the men of learning, who were already admitted unto the order, should still attend unto the study of the holy scriptures, he answered: It liketh me truly very well but yet so, that following the example of Christ, of whom we may observe, that he did more frequently pray, than read, they do in no ways omit the exercise of prayer, nor yet do so give themselves to study, as only to know how they ought to speak: but to practise the things they have learned & when they have done those things themselves, than afterwards to propose them unto others to do the like. For I would (said he) that my brethren should be disciples of the Gospel, & that so they should profit in the knowledge of the truth, as that therewith all, they do also increase in the pureness of simplicity: whereby they do not separate from the prudence of the serpent, the simplicity of the done: which our chief master hath with his own blessed mouth, conjoined thereunto.  
Being demanded at Sienna, by a certain religious man, who was Doctor of divinity, concerning certain questions which were very difficult & hard to be understood: he did with such a clearness of doctrine, discover the secrets of Gods divine wisdom, that the same learned man, was thereat greatly amazed, and with much admiration thereof, did say: Undoubtedly the divinity of this holy Father, is like as it were an Eagle, borne up a loft with the wings of purity, and contemplation, but our knowledge, creepeth below, upon the ground. For though he were but even unskilful in the manner of speaking, yet was he so full of heavenly knowledge, that he explicated most doubtful questions, and produced to light many hidden and secret things. Neither is it to be held for strange, that the holy man had from Almighty God received, the understanding of the scriptures: seeing that by the perfect imitation of Christ, he did bear the truth of them, lively expressed in his works: and that by the plentiful unction of the Holy Ghost, he had the teacher of them abiding with him in his heart.  
And so singularly also did the spirit of prophecy appear in him, that he did not only foresee future things, but did also see into the hidden secrets of men's hearts: & did moreover behold the things that were absent, as though they were present, in marveilouse manner exhibiting himself, present, unto those that were absent. For at that time when that the army of the Christians did besiege the city of Damiata, the servant of God chanced to be there: not armed with weapons, but with firmness of faith. Upon the very day therefore, when the Christians were ready prepared to make the assault, the servaunt of Christ, understanding so much, did fetch a most deep & hearty sight; and therewithal said unto his companion: Our Lord hath shown unto me that if the battle be undertaken, it shall not prosperously succeed unto the Christians. But if I shall discover the same, I shall be reputed a fool: and if I shall conceal it, I shall not escape the grudge of mine own conscience. What do you therefore advise to be done in this case. Unto whom his companion answered, saying. Brother let it be of no moment unto you, to be censured by the mouths of men: for you do not now begin, to be reputed a fool. Discharge therefore your conscience, & fear God more than men. Upon the hearing of which words, out stepped the prophet; applying to the Christians his behoveful admonitions: he did forbid them the conflict, and denounced the event. But the truth was taken for a fable, they hardened their hearts & would not return. See therefore? They did indeed encounter together, and join in battle: but all the Christian forces were put to flight, and the army was beaten back with much dishonour, and without triumph. And in such degree was the number of the Christians diminished, which the greatness of the slaughter, that about six thousand persons were slain and taken. Wherein it did evidently appear that the wisdom of the poor man was not to be despised: considering that. The soul of the just man, shall sometimes discover the truth, more than seven sentinels, 
Eccl. 37.18  sitting on high to keep the watch.  
Another time also after his return from beyond the Seas, he came to preach at Celanum: and even then a certain soldier, did with great devotion, and much instancy invite him to dinner. Whereunto the holy man assenting, did accordingly come unto the soldiers house: all the whole family, 
Behold the custom of Christians to pray before then eat.  not a little rejoicing the entrance of those poor guests. But before the company began to eat, the devout holy man Saint Francis, (according to his wont manner) stood offering his prayers and praises unto God, with his eyes lifted up to heaven. And when his prayer was done, he familiarly called aside his courteous Host, and spoke in this wise unto him: Lo now brother Host, at the instancy of your earnest requests, I have entered into your house, to eat with you. Wherefore agree now I pray you, unto my council and advise: for hear you shall not eat, but in another place. Confess forthwith your sins, with the perfect contrition of true repentance: 
If Sacramental confession had not been necessary according to the precept of God and in use amongst the ancient Fathers S. Francis had not commanded it to be performed of a man now ready to day.  and let nothing remain within you so secret, but that you discover it, with true and sincere Confession. Because our Lord will this day reward you, for the great devotion, wherewith you have received his poor servants. The soldier forthwith conformed himself unto the holy man's advise● and unto one of his companions, discovering all his sins in humble Confession: he disposed of his house; and withal his best endeavours, prepared himself to die. But at the length they sat them down at the Table: and when the rest began to eat, suddenly the host himself gave up the Ghost: being taken away with sod in death according to the word of the man of God. And so it came to pass by the merit of Hospitality, that the devout soldier Receiving a prophet, did (according to the word of truth) receive the reward of a prophet: while he giving credit unto the prophetical forewarning of the holy man, did provide himself against the sudden assault of death, that being armed with the weapons of penance, he might escape endless damnation; and might enter, into the eternal tabernacles.  
One time when the holy men lay sick at Reate a certain Prebend named Gedeon, a lose & worldly man, keeping his bed upon occasion of a sore and grievous infirmity; being brought nevertheless unto him, did with tears, aswell by himself as by the standers by, instantly request him with the sign of the holy Cross. Unto whom blested Saint Francis in this wise replied: considering that your life hath hither to been, according to the desires of the flesh, without fear of God's justice and judgements; how may I make the sign of the Cross upon you? But yet for the devout desires of your friends, I do sign you with the sign of the Cross, in the name of our Lord. But know this for certain, that if being delivered from this infirmity, you shall afterwards return, unto your wont evil life again, you shall besure to suffer, far more grievous punishments: for in regard of the sin of ingratitude, 
S. Francis making the sign of the Cross upon a sick man he forthwith becometh whole.  the latter penalties are always worse than the former. Thus therefore the sign of the Cross being made upon him, he who lay but even now contracted before them. did forth with rise up perfectly well recovered: and bursting forth into the praise of God, I am, saith he, even now delivered. And the very Chine bones of his back, did give a great found in the hearing of all that were present: even as though a sort of dry sticks had been broken by hand. But within very small time after, this man, forgetful of God's benefits unto him, gave over his body unto unchaste delights. And when he was one evening at supper in a certain Cannon's house; and did there lodge for all that night suddenly the roof of the house fell down upon them al. But yet so that all the rest finding mean of escape from death, only this unfortunate and wretched man, was in that fall intercepted and slain. Thus therefore by the just judgement of God, the last things of this man, became worse than the former; because of the vice of ingratitude, and for his contempt of God: whereas he ought to have been thankful for the pardon he had already received, considering that a crime renewed, is a double offence.  
Another time also, a certain noble and very devout woman, came unto this holy Saint, aswell to explicate unto him her sorrow and grief, as also for the same to require a remedy. For she had a very cruel husband, who also was adverse unto her in the service of Christ. And therefore she requested the holy man to pray for him, that God of his clemency would vouchsafe to mollify his heart. But he understanding her case, gave answer unto her, saying, Go your ways home in peace, & without doubt or dread, expect forthwith to find comfort at your husband's hands. 
Hear we may see that ever Married people may by the grace of God live chaste y● we find many Saints to have lived in this sorre  And this moreover he adjoined; you shall say unto him on the part of God and me, that now is the time of Clemency, and afterwards of equity. The woman having received his blessing, forthwith returned, and finding her husband, denounced those words unto him. And, lo, the holy Ghost immediately did fall upon him: who making him of the old man, to become a new, did also work in him, with mildness of heart in this manner of wise to make answer unto her. Lady, let us attend to the service of our Lord, and let us endeavour ourselves to save our fowls. So that at the persuasion of his holy wife, they both living together for many years a fingle life, did also both of them upon one same day; happily depart unto our Lord. And wonderful doubtless, was the efficacy of Prophetical spirit, which did abound in this holy man or God, whereby he restored strength unto withered members, and imprinted piety in stony harrs: albeit that no less wonderful was the clear perspicacity of the same spirit, whereby he did in such wise foreknow the final event of things to come, that he did search even into the secret thoughts of men's hearts, as another Elizeus having obtained the double spirit of Elias.  
For having foretold, unto one of his familiar friends at Sienna, some certain things which were finally to be fall unto him; and being also in way of doubt demanded, by that learned man, whom I have already mentioned to have had sometime conference with him, concerning the Scriptures whether he had foretold those things which he had heard by the relation of the man to whom he foretold them he not only affirmed himself to have reported those words indeed; but did also prophetically forewarn him of his own end; that had curiously inquired of another man's. And to the end he might the more certainly imprint the same in his mind, he did by no less wonderful revelation, unfold, than by most wholesome council resolve, a certain secret scruple of his conscience, which he the foresaid learned man, had never discovered to any man alive. For confirmation of all which things, it came to pass, that the same religious man, did so finally make his end even as the servant of Christ had foretold him.  
At such time also, as he once returned from beyond the Seas, having then in company with him brother Leonard of Assisium, it chanced that he being much wearied and overlaboured, did for some ●i●le while ride upon an Ass. But the brother following mean while a foot, and being himself also not a little weary, began, (out of some kind of human passion) to say thus within himself: His parents and mind played not at like game. But see, he rideth, and I, a footman, lead his Ass. And even as he was then thinking the foresaid words, the holy man forthwith alighted from the Ass, and said unto him; It is not meet brother that I should ride, and you go a foot: because you have been more noble, and of greater power in the world than I, Heareupon the brother being forthwith amazed, and blushing thereat for shame, and also acknowledging himself to be taken in a fault; did fall down at the foot of the holy man: and with abundance of ●●ares, manifested the naked truth of his thought, & humbly craved pardon for the same.  
A curtain brother very devout unto God, and to his blessed servant of Christ, did frequentely revolve this thought in his mind, that he, should be worthy of Gods good favour, whom this holy ●an did embrace with a familiar and in ward affection: and that he; whom he reputed as a straunges unto him, should be by God reputed out of ●●●●umber of his elect. And being therefore ofttimes troubled with the violence of this cogitation, he did very vehemently desire the familiarity of the man of God, but yet not having revealed unto any man the secret of his heart; the loving good Father called him & did sweetly speak in this manner, unto him. My son let no cogitation trouble you, for accounting you as most dear among my beloved, I do willingly bestow upon you, the gift of my love and familiarity. The brother marvelling hereupon, and of one already very devout yet new becoming much more devout, did not only increase in love towards the holy man, but being endued with the grace of the holy-Ghost, was plentifully enriched with far greater gifts.  
But During the time that he once remained solitary in his Cell, upon the mount of Alverna, one of his companions did exceedingly desire to have some parcel of our Lord his words, briefly written with his hand. For he made account thereby to escape, or at least wise more easily to bear a very grievous tentation, not of the flesh, but of the spirit, wherewith he was sorely troubled. And languishing with this desire, he was not a little molested in mind, for that be durst not through shamefastenes●e, to open the matter unto the reverend father. But to whom no man did declare it, the spirit of God did vouchsafe to reveal it. For he willed the foresaid brother to bring him ink and paper: and according unto his desire, he wrote therein with his own hand the praises of our Lord, and last of all, concluded the same with his benediction, saicing unto him, Take unto you this little piece of paper, and keep the same diligently to the very day of your death. The brother gladly receved this much desired gift and all the former tentation, forthwith departed. The writing also was carrefully reserved. And whereas afterwards, marveilouse effects by it were wrought, it was a testimony of the virtues of holy Saint Francis.  
There was a brother, who outwardly seemed to be of great holiness, and of very excellent conversation: but was yet indeed very singular. For attending evermore unto prayer, he did so exactly observe continual silence, that he was accustomed to make his confession, not by words, but by signs. But it fortuned one time that the holy Father, came unto the place to see this brother, & to confer with the rest of the brethren, about him. At what time they all commending him, & magnifying him very much, The man of God, replied upon them, Beware my brethren: do not extol unto me, in him the devils counterfeiting. For know in very truth, that it is a devilish tentation, and a fraudulent decoite. The brethren did but hardly accept of this judgement: as holding it impossible, that the false flourishes of fraud and dece●t, should colour themselves, with such notable signs of good perfection. But it was not many days after, that he went out of religion, whereby it evidently appeared, with what an excellent clearness, of internal sight, the man of God had beholden the secreas of his heart. And in like manner, with infallible truth foretelling, the cuine and fall of many that seemed to stand, as also the conversion of many to Christ, that were as yet perverse, he seemed to have drawn nigh to the beholding of that mirror: of eternal light; by the marveilouse brightness whereof the sight of his mind, did behold things absent in body, from him as if they had been verily present before him.  
For upon a time, his Vicar held a Chapter: but he in the mean while, remained apart in his Cell at prayer, as a mediator, between the brethren and God. And when one of them, under some cloak and pretext of defence, did not submit himself unto discipline, the holy man, even then, beholding the same in spirit●e: called one of the brethren and said unto him, Brother, I have seen the Devil sitting upon the back of that disobedient brother, & him, straightly to hold his neck: who being spurred on wards by such a rider, and contemning the rains of obedience, did follow the sway, of his own violent motion. And when I did pray unto God; for the brother, suddenly the Devil, with shame, departed. Go therefore, and say unto him, that he do forthwith submit his nock unto the yoke of holy obedience. He therefore being by the Messenger admonished, and presently converted unto God, did humbly prostrate himself, at the Vicats feet.  
Another time also it chanced that two of the brethren came from a far of to the Ermitage of Grecium to see the man of God, and to return with his benediction, which they had now long time desired. But coming thither, and not finding him, because he was then returned from public place to be solitary in his Cell: they departed away, pensive and desolate. And see even as they were in going, the holy man, whereas according to human understanding, he could have no knowledge either of their going or coming, yet nevertheless contrary to his usual manner, came out of his Cell, and calling aloud after them, according to their desire, did bless them with the sign of the Cross in the name of Christ. There came two brethren upon a time from the land of labour: whereof the auncentier brother gave sundry scandals unto the younger. But when the were both come to the Father, he asked of the younger, how the brother his companion had behaved himself towards him in the way. Who answering surely, well enough. The Father replied. Beware brother, lest under the pretence of humility, you make a lie: for I know, I know, but mark a while, and you shall see. The brother marveled very much, how he, by force of the spirit, could have knowledge of things that were done so far from him. But within few days after, that other brother, who had given the scandal unto him, not having asked pardon of the Father, nor yet having received due discipline for the same, setting nought by his Order, did forsake his covent. In whose fall and ruin, two things are at once to be considered: namely the uprightness of God's divine justice, and the singular perspicuity of his prophetical spirit. But in what manner of wise: by force of God's mighty power he did exhibit himself present unto them that were absent from him, it is evidently to be seen out of the things before recited: if it be well recalled to mind, how he being absent from the brethren, nevertheless appear unto them, transfigured in a fiery chariot; and how also he presented himself unto them, in the form of a Cross at the Chapter of Alres. The which we ought to believe to be done by God's heavenly disposition that by the marveilouse apparition, of his bodily presence it might manifestly appear, how present and ready at hand his spirit was unto the light of external wisdom, which is more movable than all movable things, 
Sap 7.24.  and reaching every where, by her oh Wne purity, doth transfuse herself through nations into holy souls, 
Mat. 11.25 Psal 70.16 Mat 16.17  and ordaineth the friends and prophetts of God. For the most bigh and superexcellent Doctor, is accustomed to discover his hidden mysteries unto simple persons and little ones according as first it appeared in David, that finguler Prophert, and afterwards, in the prince of the Apostles, S. Peter, and now at length, in the poor little one of Christ Saint Francis. For these whereas they were but simple according to the course of human learning, whereby the instruction of the holy Ghost, made right excellent & renowned, The on; a Shepherd: to feed the flock, of the Synagogue, led out of Egypt: The other a Fisher, to replenish the net of the Church, with the manifold numbers of believers: And this last a Merchant adventurer, to buy the pearl of evangelical life, with the sale and distribution, of all that he had; for the love of Christ.   

THE TWELFETH CHAPTER. Of the efficac● of his preaching: and of his gift in Curing.  
THE right loyal servant, and faithful minister of Christ, Saint Francis, to the end he might both faithfully and perfectly, accomplish all the things committed unto him, did most especially addict himself, unto those exercises of virtue which by revelation of the holy spirit, he knew to be most pleasing to his beloved Lord. Upon occasion whereof, it chanced him to fall, into a great agony of a certain kind of doubtfulness: which for many days together, at his return from prayer, he did purpose unto his familiar brothers, to be by them determined. What council, said he, do ye give unto me my brothers? What do ye commend unto me? Whither that I should attend unto prayer, or travel abroad to preach For I, little one that I am being simple and rude of speech, have received at God's hands a greater grace, in praying, than in speaking. There seemeth also, in prayer to be a gain, and heaping up of graces, but in preaching, a certain kind of distribution of the gifts from heaven received: in prayer a gain, appeareth to be a purifiing of the inward affections and an uniting of them, unto the one, true & chiefest good, together with a strengthening of virtue but in preaching a bedusting of the spiritual feet, a distraction about many things, and a slackening In prayer breiflly, we speak unto God, and therein also we hear him, and leading as it were an Angelical life, we do converse among Angels: whereas in preaching, we must condescend in many things unto men, and living according unto human custom among them, we must think upon human things, we must see them, speak of them, & hear them. But one thing is yet to be said, on the contrary part, which seemeth to over balance all these things, before the face of God: namely that the only begotten son of God, who is the very height of wisdom itself, did come down from his Father's bosom, for the salvation of souls, that instructing the world, by his own example, he might preach the word of salvation, unto men whom he was to redeem, with the price, to cleanse, with the laver, and to sustain, with the Cup, of his most holy and sacred blood, not reserving any thing unto himself, which he did not liberally bestow for our salvation. And considering that we ought to do all things, according to the pattern of those things which we see in him, as it were upon a height and lofty hill: it seemeth more pleasing to God, that intermitting the course of rest, I should go for the unto labour. And having in this manner, conferred with his brothers for many days together, he could not certainly discern, whether of these courses, was rather to be taken, as being indeed, more truly acceptable unto Christ. For though, by the spirit of prophecy, he did know wonderful things, yet of himself, he was not able clearly to resolve this question; the singular providence of God in 〈◊〉 manner of wise, disposing, that both the merit of preaching, should be manifested, by an Oracle, from above, and that the humility of the servant of christ, should also be preserved. This true Minor who had learned great things of the most excellent Master, was not ashamed to ask little things, of them that were indeed, lesser than himself. For he was always accustomed with especial diligence to inquire, by what way and by what manner of mean, he might more perfectly serve God, according unto his good will and pleasure. This was his chiefest philosophy, this was his chiefest desire, so long as he lived: to learn of the wise, and of the simple, of the perfect and of the unperfect, of little ones, and of aged persons, how he might be able, more efficaciously to aspire, unto the very top of perfection.  
Calling therefore unto him, two of his brethren he sent them to brother Silvester, who had before time seen the Cross issueing forth of his mouth, & did even now, continually attend unto prayer, upon the hill above Assisium: requiring him to seek Gods divine answer concerning this doubt, and accordingly to send word, unto him. In like manner also, he gave in charge, to the holy virgin S. Clare, that by someone of the purest and simplest virgins living under her discipline, she herself also praying; with the rest of her Sisters, should upon this point, desire to know the will of our Lord. And marvelously doubtless, by the revelation of God's heavenly spirit, did this venerable Priest, and the consecrated virgin, agree in one: namely that it was the blessed will and pleasure of God, that the messenger of Christ should go forth, to preach. And so accordingly, the holy man, having, at the return of the brethren, by them received the will of our Lord, in such wise as had been related unto them, did forth with address himself, and without any manner of delay, did undertake his journey. But with so great a fervour they went, to accomplish Gods divine commandment, yea and so speedily did he run a long, as if (the hand of our Lord being newly made upon him) he had even then put on a new virtue from heaven.  
And as he did in this sort draw night to Bevanium, he came unto a certain place, wherein was assembled, an exceeding great multitude of birds. of divers sorts. Which, when the holy man of God had espied; he ran cheerfully unto the place, and did also salute them, as if they had been partakers of reason. But as they stood all expecting, and turning themselves unto him, so that those which were even in the low shrubes, bowing down their heads, as he approached unto them, did afteran unwonted manner look and gaze upon him, he came even very close, unto them: and seriously admonished them all, to hear the word of God. Saying, yea birds, my brothers, you are much bound to praise your creator, who hath clothed you with feathers, & hath given you wings to fly, who hath granted unto you the purity of the air, and doth govern you without your own care and trouble. And when he had spoken to this and the like effect, the little birds, after a marveilouse manner, rejoicing, began to stretch out their necks, to spread abroad their wings, to open their bills, and to look attentively upon him. But he passing through the midst of them, with a wonderful fervour of spirit, although he touched them with his coat, yet did not one of them all stir forth of the place until such time as the man of God having made the sign of the Cross upon them, and given them leave to depart with his benediction also received, they all flew away together. All these things were seen of his companions, that stayed for him in the way. Unto whom the pure and simple man returning, began (for that he had not before this time, preached unto the birds) to reprove himself, of an oversight, and negligence.  
And afterwards at he went a long, preaching in the places, adjoining he came to a certain town called Aluianum: where having gathered the people together, and silence being also enjoined he could yet scantly be heard, by reason of a number of swallows then building their nests, and making a marvoilouse chattering noise, in the place. Unto them therefore, the man of God spoke, in the hearing of them all: Saying, yea swallows my sisters, it is now time, that I also do speak: for that you have spoken enough already. hearken now therefore unto the word of God, and keep silence, until the same be ended. But they as though they had been capable of understanding; did so deinely cease their noise: and moved not out of the place, until the whole Sermon was at an end where upon all that were present, and did behold the same, being filled with wonder and admiration, did glorify God therein. The fame of this miracle, being spread abroad on every side, did kindle in many the devotion of faith; and a reverence also, to this holy Saint.  
For in the City of PARIS, a certain scholar of good towardliness, attending diligently unto study, among other his companiens, & being molested with the tedious and unseasonable noise of a certain swallow, began to say unto those his companions; This swallow, doubtless is one of them, which troubled holy Francis the man of God, one time, in his Sermon, until he had put them to silence. And turning himself to the swallow; he confidently said, unto her, in the name of Francis, the servant of God, I command thee, that presently thou come unto me, and hold thy peace. But she so soon as she heard the name of Saint Francis, being as it were instructed, by the precepts of the man of God, did both incontinently, cease her noise, and did also, readily commit herself unto his hand, as to a sure and safe custody. Whereat the scholar, being much astonished, restored her forth with to liberty, and heard no more of her chattering.  
Another time also, when the servant of God preached at Caieta; upon the sea shore, and the people thronged upon him for very devotion to touch him; the servant of Christ, loathing so great applause of the people, leapt himself 〈◊〉 into a little sheep, that was nigh to the shore side. But the ship, as if it had been some reasonable creature, and had been with an inward director; did without the help of any guide or Marrmer in the sight of them all, and to the great admiration of every one: withdraw itself, a pretty way from the land. And being now launched out (as it were) some reasonable space, into the dept of the sea, there stood the ship unmovable amidst the waves, meanwhile that the holy man, preached unto the people that stood expecting upon the shore. But the Sermon being ended, when the multitude, that had seen this Miracle, was with his benediction departed, that they might now, no further molest him, the ship of itself, returned back to the land. Who is there therefore, of so obstinate and impious a mind, as to contemn the preaching, of holy Saint Francis: by whose wonderful virtue, it came to pass that not only creatures unreasonable, should from him receive instruction, but also, that bodies devoid of life, should serve him in his preaching as though they had been with life endued.  
And evermore doubtless, was present with this his setvant Saint Francis, in all his enterprises, he who had anointed, and sent him, the spirit of our Lord, and the very power, and wisdom of God Christ himself: to the end he might overflow, with words of wholesome doctrine and might illustriously shine, with miracles of mighty power. For his speech was as a burning penetrating the most secret parts of the heart, & filling the minds of all men, with admiration: in that they pretended no flourish, of human in vention, but sweetly savoured of the odoriferous blasts, of divine revelation. For being one time to preach before the Pope, and his Cardinals, by the procurement of the Lord Cardinal of Hostia and having then committed to memory, a certain sermon by himself studiously composed; see when as he stood, in the presence of that assembly, to propose unto them the words of edification, he had so clean forgotten, the whole; that he was not able to utter, any word at all But having discovered the same, by humble acknowledgement of the truth: and so betaken himself to invocate the grace of the boly Ghost, he began suddenly to abound with so effectual words, and with so poverful a force, to move the minds of those great men, to compunction, that it was manifestly to be discerned, that not he himself, but the spirit of our Lord, 
This is the best manner of learning when a man doth not only exhort therewith words but alsa with example.  did speak within him. And for as much as, he had in real action, already persuaded himself unto that, whereunto in words, he persuaded others he therefore, without fear of any reproover, did confidently preach the truth. For he had no skill merely to touch the faults of any, but to search them even down to the bottom: nor yet could he smooth up the lives of sinners, but strike them home, with a sharp rebuke. And with the same Constancy of mind, he spoke unto great personages, and others of less account: as also with like alacrity and joy of spirit, he did spoke unto many, and unto few. Every age, and every sex, made haste to hear, and see, this new man, given from heaven, unto the world. But he himself, going through diverse Countries, did preach with great fervour and zeal: Our Lord working withal, 
Mark. 16.20.  and confirming the word with signs that followed. For in the force of his name, this preacher of the truth Saint Francis, did cast our Devils, did heal the sick, and which is more, did by the efficacy of his speech, mollify the minds of the obstinate, unto penance, as also he restored health, both to their souls, and bodies, as some of his works, do well approve, which shall be for example sake, now presently, specified.  
In the Cittty of Tuscanella, being devoutly entertained of a certain soldier, and by him earnestly requested to heal his son, who had been contracted in his members ever from his nativity, he lifting him up by the hand, did suddenly, so restore him to health again, that in the sight of all men: all the parts of his body, were forthwith made sound, and the youth himself being now perfectly whole and strong, presently rose. up, walking, leaping and praising God. 
S. Franc is with the sign of the Cross restoreth one sick of the dropsy to his former health   
So also in the City of Narnium, at the instancy of the Bishop, making the sign of the Cross, from the head to the foot, upon one that being sick of the palsy, was destitute of the use of all his members, he thereby restored him to perfect health.  
In the Bishopric of Reate, a certain boy, who had been so marvelously swollen in his body, ever since he was but four years of age, that by no means he could see his own thighs, being by his Mother, with tears presented unto the holy man, so soon as he had touched him with his hands, 
With the ●●me sign 〈◊〉 doth ●ll so help a boy.  was presently whole and well.  
At the City of Orta, there was another boy whose body was so drawn together in a compass, that be bare his head with his feet, besides that sundry of his bones were also broken: but being at the lamentable prayer of his patents, by him, signed with the sign of the Cross, he was suddenly stretched our to length, and forthwith wholly delivered. 
With the sign of the Cross also he health a woman which had her hand withered.   
A certain woman of Eugubium, having both her hands so shrunk together and withered, that with them she could do no manner of work, by his making the sign of the Cross upon her, in our Lord his name, was presently brought to so perfect use of them, that returning home by and by, she like another Saint Peter, mother in law, did with her own hands prepare victuals, to Minister unto him, and his poor brethren.  
He also restored fight, 
With the same sign he also restored sight to the blind.  unto a certain blind girlde, in the Castle of Me'vantum; by anointing her eyes thrice with his own spittle, in the name of the Trinity,  
Likewise a certain woman of the City of Nar nium, being stricken with blindness, receiving from him the sign of the Cross, recovered thereby her desired sight.  
Again at Bononia, therewas a boy, who having one of his eyes so blenished, that he could neither see any thing therewith, nor yet could be helped by any remedy: yet when the servant of our Lord had made upon him, the sign of the Cross from the head to the foot, did thereby recover, so clear a sight; that entering afterwards into the Order: of the friars Minors: he affirmed himself, to see more clearly of the eye, that had been before blemished: than of the other, which was always, sound.  
In the town of Saint Geminianus the servant of God, being entertained, 
He expelleth away the Devil with a prayer.  of ascertain devout man, whole wife was vexed with a Devil, after prayer first made; commanded the Devil in the virtue of obedience to depart: and by the power of God did so suddenly chase him away, that thereby it did manifestly appear; that against the forcible power of holyobedience, the very perverseness of the Devils, could not make resistance.  
In the City of Castellum, a raging and wicked spirit, obsessing a certain woman having, from the holy man, received the commandment of obedience: departed with great fury and indignation: leaving the woman, that was before, obsessed: now holy free, both in mind, and body.  
One also of the brethren, was afflicted with such an horrible infirmity, that it was by many affirmed, rather to be some vexation of the devil, than any natural kind of disease. For oftentimes he was cast upon the ground, and there tumbled up and down, foaming at the mouth: having the members of his body, sometimes contracted, sometimes drawn out at length: sometimes folded together, sometimes writhed awry, sometimes made stiff and hardened. And sundry times, being stretchred out along, until he wear stiff: and having also his feet equal with his heads he was lifted up aloft, with inevitable danger in horrible manner, presently to fall down, to the ground again. Upon whom thus miserably and incureably diseased, the servant of Christ, who was full of pity, taking especial commiseration sent unto him, a morsel of the bread, whereof himself did eat. But the taste of that bread, was of so effectualle strength unto that distressed man; that from thence forward, he felt no more trouble of that disease.  
In the County of Aretium a certain, woman having been for many days together, in labour of childbirthe: so that she was even now in manner dead, and wholly despairing of all other remedy, save only of God, and the servant of Christ even then passing through those parts on horseback, by reason of some infirmity, in his body, it chanced that the horse was brought back again, through the same village, where this miserable woman was in such pitiful wise tormented. But the men of that place, seeing the horse whereupon the holy man had sitten, pulled of the bridle, to lay it upon the woman. At the marveilouse touch whereof, the woman without all danger brought forth here child with safety.  
A certain man of Castrum plebis, one that was very religious and feared God, had with him a Cord, where with the holy Father had been girded. And when a great number both of men and women inhabiting in that place, was troubled, with diverse infirmities, he went through the houses, of them that were sick, and dipping the Cord into water, did give unto the sick folks thereof to drink. And so by this means, many persons, were recovered. As also, in like manner, many diseased persons, tasting of the loaves of bread, which the holy man, had touched; did by the operation, of God's divine power, speedily obtain the recovery of their health. Considering that with these, & many other prodigious miracles, the messenger of Christ, was in his preaching, ennobled: men gave heedful attentionunto his words, as if the very Angel of our Lord, had spoken. For whereas there excelled in him, he prerogative of virtues, the spirit of prophecy, the efficacy of miracles, the Oracle of his preaching, given from heaven, the obedience of creatures, deyoide of reason: the vehement alteration of men's hearts, at the hearing of his words, the instruction, which he had from the holy-Ghoste above human learning, the authority of preaching, granted unto him by the Pope, notwithout divine revelation: and furthermore the confirmation of his Rule (by the same Vicar of Christ) wherein the form of his preaching is expressed, as also the signs of the most high King, in manner of a seal imprinted in his body, all these things, as ten singular testimonies, do undoubtedly manifest, unto the whole world: that the Preacher of Christ, Saint Francis; was both venerable in office, and authentical in doctrine, as also admirable in holiness: and did therefore as the messenger of God indeed: preach the Gospel of Christ.   

THE thirteenth CHAPTER. Of his holy Stigmattes.  
THIS Angelical man Saint Francis, 
Genes. 28.12.  was never accustomed to be idle, from doing good but rather like to the heavenly spirits, in jacobs' ladder, he did, either ascend, unto God, or descend unto his neighbour. For, the time which was granted unto him, for his merit, he had learnte, so prudently to divide, that some part, he did with great labour bestow upon the commodity of his neighbour: & the rest, he did dedicated, to the quiet abundance of contemplation. And therefore, when, according to the necessity of place and time he had condescended to procure the salvation, of other men, withdrawing himself, from the disquietness, of the multitudes; he betook himself, to some secret part, of the wilderness, & place of rest: that, attending there more freely, unto the service of God; if any dust had cleaved unto him, by mean of human conversation, he might so shake it of again. Two years, therefore, before he rendered up his soul, to heaven; he was by direction of God's divine, providence, after many labours, brought, into a high place apart, which is called the Mount of Aluerna. And whiles he did in that place, according to his wont manner, begin to fast the lent, which he observed in honour of S. Michael the Archangel, enjoyeing then, the sweetness of divine contemplation, more abundantly, than he had been a foretime, accustomed, and being set on fire, with a more burning flame, of heavenly desires, he began, yet in a more abundant measure, to feel the good gifts of God sent down from heaven upon him. And he verily was indeed carried up aloft, how be●t not as a curious searcher, of the Majesty of God, so to be oppressed with his glory: but as a faithful and prudent servant, seeking out the good pleasure of God, where unto, he did most earnestly desire, by all manner of means, to conform himself. And therefore it was, by the Oracle of God inspired into his mind, that in the opening of the book of the Gospel, Christ would vouchsafe, to reveal, unto him, what should be most acceptable unto God, in him, and concerning him. Having therefore, formerly be taken himself to prayer, with much devotion, he caused, the book of the holy gospels, to be taken of from the Altar, and the same, in the name of the holy Trinity, to be opened by his companion, who also was a man of great devotion and holiness. And considering that notwithstanding the same book, was three times opened, yet did he always light upon the Passion of our Lord, he therefore being full of Gods holy spirit did well understand, that as he had imitated Christ in the actions of his life, so ought he before his departure out of this world, to be conformable unto him, in the afflictions and dolours of his Pa●●sion. And albeit that by reason of the continual austerity, of his life formerly passed, and of his continual bearing our Lord his Cross, he was now but weak of body, yet was he nothing terrified therewithal: but was more forcibly animated, to the sustaining of martyrdom. For the insuperable burning love of good jesus, had increased within him, to lamps of fire and flames: so that many waters were notable to quench his so prevalent Charity.  
Being therefore with the Seraphical fervour of desires borne up aloft into God, and by the sweetness of compassion, transformed into him, who of his surpassing charity, would vouch safe to be crucified; one morning about the Feast of the Exaltation of the holy Cross, while he did pray upon the side of the hill, he saw a Seraphin, with six wings all fiery and full of glorious light, descending down from the top of the heavens. And as he came with a swift flight, to that place of the air which was near to the man of God, there appeared between his wings, the form of a man crucified, having his hands and feet stretched out, in manner of a Cross, and fastened also, unto a Cross. Two of his wings were lifted up, above his head, two were streeched forth, to fly; and two, did cover, his whole body. At the beholding whereof he was exceedingly amazed: and there entered his hat, a loy, mingled with sorrow. For he rejoiced in that gracious aspect, whereby he perceived himself to be beholden of Christ, under the form of a Seraphim: but, the fastening to the Cross, did pierce through his soul, with a sword of compassionate grief. He marvelously wondered in the aspect of so strange & rare a vision: knowing well that the infirmity of Passion, could by no means agree, with the immortality of a Seraphical spirit. But in the end he here-hence perceived, our Lord revealing the same unto him, that therefore this manner of vision, was by the providence of God, in such manner of wise, presented unto his view, that he the friend of Christ might thereby forknow, that he was wholly to be transformed, into the likeness of Christ crucified, not by the martyr doom of his flesh, but by the burning inflammation of his mind.  
The vision therefore, disappearing, did leave behind, a wonderful heat, in his heart: and a no less wonderful impression of signs, in his flesh. For presently there began to appear in his hands and feet, the signs of nails, even in such manner as a little before he had seen them, in the likeness of the crucified man. For his hands and feet seemed to be in the very midst, pierced with nails: the heads of them nails appearing, in the inner part of his hands, and the outer part of his feet but the points of them, on the contrary sides. And the heads of the nails, in his hands & feet, were round and black: but the points were somewhat long and wreathed, and as it were clinched: which rising up, out of the very flesh, did stick out higher than the rest of the flesh. His right side also, as being pierced through with a spear, was covered over with a red scar: which oftentimes, casting out holy blood: did besprincle, his coat and breeches therewithal.  
But the servant of Christ perceiving that those marks so plainly imprinted in his flesh could not to be hidden from his familiar companions; and fearing nevertheless, to publish the secret of our Lord, was in a great agony and doubt of mind, whether he should utter or conceal the vision which had been showed unto him. Wherefore he called together some of the brethren, & speaking unto them in general terms, he proposed his doubt before them, and required their council and advise therein. At what time one of the brethren: Illuminatus by name, a man also singularly illuminated by grace from heaven, perceiving that he had seen some wonderful things, by reason that he seemed to be very greatly astonished, did speak in this wise unto the holy man: Brother, know it for certain that it is not only for yourself, but also for others, that the divine mysteries of God, are sometime shown unto you. Wherefore you have just cause to fear, lest if you shall conceal the thing which you have received for the profit and behoof of many, you be thereupon adjudged reprehensible for the hidden Talent. 
Mat. 25.26. Esay. 24.16.  At whose words, the holy man, being greatly moved, albeit that at other times he was wont to say; My secret unto myself; did yet now at this time with much fear relate the history of the foresaid vision: adding also thereunto that he who had appeared unto him, had told him some things which he would never open unto any man, so long as he should live. And we may very well believe that the words of that holy Seraphin, so admirably appearing in the Cross, were so mystical and secret, that haply it was not lawful to utter them unto men.  
And now after that the true love of Christ, had transformed this his lover into the same Image with himself; having accomplished his forty days fast in the desert according to his determination; and the solemn feast of S. Michael the Archangel being no we approached; the Angelical man S. Francis came down from the mountain, bearing with him the form of the crucified; howbeit not figured, in tables either of wood or stone, by the hand of the craftsman; but expressed in his fleshly members, by the finger of the living God. And because, It is good to hide the secret of the King: 
Tob. 12.7.  this holy man therefore being privy of the Kings secret Council, did apply all his best endeavour, to hide those sacred marks. But because it is the work of God, for his own glories sake, to manifest the things which he doth, our Lord therefore himself, who had secrettely imprinted the marks, did openly show certain miracles by mean of them: that the hidden and marveilouse force of those stigmats might manifestly appear, by the evident testimony of signs and wonders.  
For in the Province of Reate, there reigned a very grievous plague: which did so cruelly consume all the sheep and Oxen, that no manner of remedy could be applied unto them. But behold, a certain devout man that feared God, was by vision in the night time admonished, hastily to go unto the Ermitage of the brethren: and that taking the water, wherein the servant of God Saint Francis (who then remained in that place) had washed his hands and feet; he should sprinkle the same upon all the beasts. Rising therefore early in the morning, he came to the place: & having prively obtained this water by mean of the companions of the holy man, he sprinkled the sick sheep and Oxen, therewithal. Now see the wonder. As soon as the sprinkling had in any small quantity once touched the beasts, that lay before languishing upon the ground, they presently rose up, as having now perfectly recovered their wont strength: and hastily went, unto their feed and pasture: as thought they had felt no harm at all. Whereby it came to pass, that by the admirable virtue of that water, which had but touched those sacred wounds, all manner of plague, did utterly cease, & the pestilent disease, was driven quite away, from the flocks.  
About the foresaid mountain of Aluerna, before such time as the holy man, did make his abode in that place, by reason of a cloud, that rose out of the very mountain, itself: a violent tempest of hail, did customably destroy the fruits of the earth; but after that happy apparition, not without the great wonder of all the inhabitants, the hail did cease. So that by the very face of heaven, now marvelously cleared contrary to common custom, bot● the excellency, of that heavenly vision, and the efficacy of the stigmats, in that place imprinted, was sufficiently tessified and declared.  
It chanced also once, in the winter time, that being, in regard of the weakness of his own body, and of the asperousnesse also of the ways, carried upon a certain poor man's Ass, he was enforced to lodge all night under the edge of a certain out bending rock: whereby he might in some sort avoied the inconveniences of the snow and night which came in such manner of wise upon him, that he could not reach to the place appointed for his lodging. But the holy man in the mean while perceiving, that the other poor man did murmur & (as it were) complain, by his groans, & tossing himself on either side, as one who having but small & slender covering, could scarcely take any rest for the extreme bitterness of the cold: and being enkindled with the fervour of divine love, did streech out his hand and touch the man. Marveilouse doubtless was the effect thereof. For presently at the touch of that holy hand, which bore in itself the burning heat of the Seraphical stone, all manner of cold, being quite expelled, there came such an heat upon the poor man, both inwardly & with out, as if a flame of fire, from with in a furnace, had breathed out upon him. For presently being comforted both in mind and in body, he slept more sweetly among the stones and the snow, until the morning, than ever he had rested in his own bed: as ne himself afterwards did affirm. Wherefore it is manifest by most certain tokens, that those holy signs were imprinted by his virtue and power, who by a Seraphical operation, doth purge, illuminate, and in flame, seeing that these signs did both purge from the plague, and with wonderful efficacy confer health, clearness, and heat upon bodies; as also after his death it was demonstrated by most evident miracles, which hereafter we will set down in their due place.  
And though he endeavoured withal his diligence, to hide the treasure which he had found in the field; yet could it not be so concealed, but that some did perceive and see, the holy marks of his hands and feet: notwithstanding that he did (in manner continually) carry his hands covered, and did also, from that time forward, wear shoes upon his feet. For they were seen even in his life time, by sundry of his brethren: who albeit that for their singular holiness, they were in all respects very worthy to be believed; yet utterly to remove all scruple and doubt, laieing their hands upon the holy gospels, they did by solemn oath avow, that so it was, and that they themselves had seen them. Some of the Cardinals also, by reason of the familiarity which they had with the holy man, did in like manner see those sacred stigmats: the praises whereof they have truly inserted into Proases Hymns, and Anthems which they have set forth in his honour: who as well by word, as by writing; have given testimony unto the truth. The chief Pastor also himself. Pope Alexander, preaching once unto the people before many of the brethren, myself also being then present; did affirm that he had with his own eyes seen those holy stigmats, while the Saint was yet alive. And at the time of his death, they were seen and beheld, by more than fifty of the brethren; by the most devout Virgin S. Clare, together with the rest of her sisters; and by secular parsons not to be numbered. Among whom, many (as shall be showed in place convenient) have both kissed them, for devotion, and have touched them with their hands, for confitmation of their testimony.  
But the wound of his side, he covered with so great carefulness that whilst he lived, no man could come, but by stealth, to see it. For one of the brethren, who was wont diligently to minister unto him, having out of a Godly kind of care, upon a time persuaded him to put of his coat, to the end it might be made clean, watching heedfully with his eye, did see the wound: whereunto also speedily applying three of his fingers, he did aswell by sight as by feeling, discern the quantity thereof. And by the like manner of heedfulness did that brother also see it, who was at that time his Vicar. But the brother that was his companion a man verily of marveilouse simplicity, mean while that he touched his shoulders, which were faint and weak, by reason of some infirmity, putting his hand by his hood, and lefting it by chance to fall upon the wound, did put him to great pain thereby. Wherefore after that time, he had his breeches so made, that they reached up to his arm pits, to cover the wound of his side But the brethren who, for the time being, did wash the breeches, or had his coat to make clean, because they found the same to be made red with blood, did undoubtedly, by that evident sign, come to the knowledge of that sacred wound: which afterwards when he was dead, they with many others besides, did in open view behold and reverence.  
Now therefore thou most hardy warrior of Christ, bear thou the weapons, of thy most invinsible Captain: where with being defended & adorned, thou shalt overcome all thine adverfaries. Bear thou the standard of the highest King: 
Galat. 6.17.  at the sight whereof, all the soldiers of the Army of God, may be encouraged Be are thou also the seal of the chief Bishop, Christ himself: whereby thy words and deeds, may worthily be of all men accepted, as irriprehensible, and full of authority. For now, because of the Stigmats of our Lord jesus, which thou bearest in thy body, no man ought to be molestfull unto thee: but rather every servant of Christ, is bound to be devout towards thee withal affection. Now by these most evident signs, approved not unto two or three wittenesses, for sufficiency; but unto very many, for superabundance; the testimonies of God, being in thee, & by thee, made to to much to be believed, do take away from Infidels, all vail and colour of excuse: mean while that by them, the believers are in faith established: by the confidence of hope borne up aloft, and with the fire of Charity, inflamed. Now is in thee truly accomplished, the first vision which thou didst see: namely, that being to be a Captain general, in the warfare of Christ; thou oughtest (as with signs of thine office) to be adorned with heavenly weapons, & with the sign of the Cross. Now the vision of the Crucifix, which thou did dost see in the beginning of thy conversion, striking thee through the heart, with the sword of compassionate grief; & the hearing also of the voice from the Cross, proceeding as it were from the high Throne, and secret Propitiatory of Christ (according as thou hast affirmed by thy sacred speech) are undoubtedly belleved, to have been most true and certain. Now is it verily believed and avowed, that the Cross which (in the progress of thy conversion) brother Silvester did see, in marveilouse manner proceeding out of thy mouth; & that the sword, striking through thy bowels, in the form of a Cross, which holy Pacificus did see: and that thy being lifted up into the air, in the manner also of a Cross, when blessed Anthony did preach of the title of the Cross, according as was shown, to the Angelical man Monaldus, were not things of fantastical vision, but of heavenly revelation. And now towards the end, whereas at once is shown unto thee, both the high and lofty similitude of a Seraphin, & the humble form of him that was crucified, inwardly inflaming thee, and outwardly leaving his marcks upon thee: that like as another Angel ascending from the rising of the sun, thou mightst have in thyself the sign of the living God, it doth not only give unto the former visions firm cause of credit and belief: but receiveth also from them, undoubted testimony of the truth. Behold now, in seven apparitions of the Cross of Christ (in thee and about thee) according to the order and court of times marvelously exhibited and shown, thou art as it were by six degrees, now happily come unto this seventh, wherein thou makest thy final rest & abode. For the Cross of Christ, being in the very first beginning of thy conversion, aswell proposed unto thee, as on thy part also assumed, and being from thence forth, in the whole progress of thy conversation, by thee carried, through the course of a most approved life, as remaining in thyself continually, & being demonstrated unto others, for matter of example, doth by so evident a clearness of certain knowledge, discover thee to have accomplished the very height of evangelical perfection: that this so rat● a demonstration of Christian wisdom, figured in the dust of thy flesh, no man that is trnly devour, may set at nought, no man that is truly faithful, may with stand, no man that is truly humble, may lightly regard, because it is verily & truly shown, by God himself from heaven; and is well worthy, of all good acceptation.   

THE FOURTENTH CHAPTER. Of his Patience: and Death.  
NOw blessed Saint Francis, being together with Christ wholly fastened unto the Cross, aswell in flesh as in spirit, did not only burn with a Seraphical love towards: God, but did also with Christ crucified, thirst after the salvation of many. And because he was not able to go, in regard of the nails growing and increasing in his feet, he therefore caused his overworn and decayed body, to be carried about through Crtties, and Towns: that so he might encourage others, to carry the Cross of Christ. And to his brethren, he would say: Let us now brginne, my brethren, to serve our Lord God: because hitherto we have done but little good. And now he was inflamed, with a great desire of mind, to return unto his first ground works, of humility; as namely to minister unto the Lepers, according as in the beginning, he had been wont to do: and though his feeble body, were wholly spent and consumed with labour; yet nevertheless, to recall it, unto the former servitude. For he purposed, under the Conduct and help of Christ, to do great matters: and bearing within his overwearied members, a spirit of great fervour and fortitude; he was in hope by a new conflict to triumph over his enemy. For it is no waise possible, that either sloth or feebleness should there have any place, where the prick of love, doth urge and provoke evermore unto greater things. But he had in his fles he, ●oe great a concord, unto his spirit, and so great a pomprnesse also, of obedience, there unto: that where as be did wholly bend himself, to aspire unto all manner of holiness: yet did the flesh, not only make no resistance, but did ●nd eavour, to out go the spirit.  
And that the man of God, might gain a more abundant treasure, and heap, of merits, all which are verily and truly consummated, in the virtue of Patience, he began to be so heavily laden, with many sorts of infirmities, that hardly did there remain any part of his body, that was free from the violence of some disease. In so much that, through sundry, long and continual sicknesses, he was finally brought to that pass, that his flesh being now quite consumed. he was as it were nothing but skin and bones. And being pressed in body with hard and grievous afflictions, yet would he never reckon of them by the name of pains, but would call them by the name of Sisters. But being at one time, assailed with the extreme sharpness, of his sundry infirmities, in more extraordinary manner, than he had been at any time before, one of the brethren, being but a simple man, said thus unto him: Brother, make your prayer unto our Lord, to deal more mildly with you: for he seemeth to hold, to heavy a hand, upon you. Whereupon, the holy man, crying out with a certain mournful kind of complaint, did say unto him. Unless I did know thee to be of a very simple purity, I would from henceforth abhor thy company: seeing that thou hast presumed, to reprehend, the divine judgements of God, concerning me, and although he were wholly worn and wasted, with the long continuance of his greivouse sickness, yet casting himself down upon the earth, he hurt his feeble bones, with a hard fall. And kissing the ground, I give thanks unto thee (said he) O Lord God, for all these my gtiefes, and I beseech thee my Lord, to increase them, if it so please thee, even a hundred fold: for this shall be unto me most acceptable, that thou spare not to afflict me with pains, considering that the fullfilling of thy holy will, is unto me a comfort, more than most plentiful and abundant. Whereby it seemed unto the brethren, that they did behold as it were another job: who, as the afflictions of his flesh did increase, did himself also so much the more increase in courage & strength of mind.  
But he knew the time of his death long before and the day of his departure being even now at hand, he said unto his brethren, that he was very presently to put of the tabernacle of his body, according as had been by Christ revealed unto him. Having therefore been for two years' space, from the impression of his sacred Stigmats as namely from the twentieth year after his conversion, by many hard triing strokes of distressful infiemities he wed and squared out, as a well polished stone, fit to be placed in the building of the heavenly Jerusalem, and having also as a piece of forge work, under the hammer of manifold tribulations, been finally brought to perfection, he required himself to be carried to the place of our Lady of Portiuncula, that where he had received, the spirit of grace, there might herender up, his spirit of life. And being conveyed to that place, to the end he might show, by the example of truth himself, that he held nothing in common with the world: in that his infirmity which was so greivoufe, that it contained in itself, wellnighe all manner of diseases: making himself all naked, he did in the fervour of spiritre, cast himfe 〈◊〉 down prostrate, upon the naked ground: that in that very last hour, wherein the enemy had yet, power to be angry, he might wrestle naked, with the naked, hand to hand. Thus having now disapparelled himself, even of his poor sackcloth garment, and lying in this wise upon the earth, he lifted up his face to heaven, according to his wont manner: and intending wholly to the glory thereof, he did with his seft hand, cover the wound of his right side, that it might not be perceived. And he said unto his brethren, That which is my part I have done unto you: and that which is yours, Christ vouchsafe to show you.  
Whereupon, the companions of this holy Saint, betaking themselves to tears: as being stricken, with a marveilouse dart, of compassion, one of them, whom the man of God, would say to be his guardian, knowing his inward desire, by divine revelation, rose suddenly out of his place: and taking a coat, with a Cord and a pair of breeches, gave them unto the poor servant of Christ, saying: These things I do lend unto thee, as unto a poor man, receive them therefore, as at the commandment, of holy obedience. Hereat the holy man greatly rejoiced, and by voice of exultation, discovered the gladsomeness of his heart: for that he saw himself, to have preserved his faith, unto Lady Poverty, now firm and inviolate, even to the end. And lifting up his hands to heaven, he magnified his Christ, for that being disburdened, of all things, he was now to go free to him. For all these things, he had done, out of the zeal he bore to poverty, so far forth that he would not have so much as an habitte, but such as had been lent unto him by another man. And certainly it was his desire, to be in all things conformable, unto Christ crucified, who did in poverty and distress, hang naked on the Cross. Wherefore he did both in the beginning of his conversion. make himself naked, before the Bishop, and would now also, in the very consummation and end of his life, go naked out of the world. And to the brethren that were assisting about him, he enjoined in the obedience of Charity, that when they should see him to be dead, they should suffer him for so long space afterwards, to lie naked upon the ground, as one might easily go, the length of a mile. O most Christian man indeed, who by a perfect imitation, endeavoured himself to be comfortable, in his life time, to Christ, living; in his death, to Christ, dieing; and after his death, to Christ also, being dead: and was made worthy, to be, with the express similitude thereof adorned.  
But; the very hour of his passage, even now approaching, he caused all the brethren that were in that place, to be called unto him: and endeavouring himself, with comfortable words to mitigate the grief, they conceived for his death he did with a fatherly affection exhort them, unto to the love of God. And of the preservation of Patience and Poverty, and of the faith also of the Holy Roman Church, he enlarged his speech; preferring the holy Gospel, before all other instructions. And as his brethren sat runde about him, he reached out his hands upon them, and casting his arms overthwart, in manner of the Crosle (because he evermore loved that sign exceedingly) he blessed all the Brethren, aswell them that were present, as them that were absent, in the power and name, of him that was crucified. And furthermore also, he said unto them; Far ye well my Children all, in the fear of our Lord, and be permanent therein continually. And because the tentation and tribulation, that shall hereafter be, is even now at hand: blessed are they, who shall persever in these things, which they have already undertaken. But I make haste, to go to God, unto whose grace; I commend you all. This sweet admonition, thus concluded and ended; the Blessed man, most dear unto God, caused the book of the holy Gospels, to be brought unto him: and required that part of Saint john's Gospel, 
john. 13. Psal. 141.  which beginneth at these words: Before the festival day of Pasche, to be read unto him. But he himself, as well as he could, brack forth, into the rehearefall of this Psalm, with my voice, I have cried out unto our Lord: with my voice, I have made my prayer unto our Lord. and bringing the Psalm to the end, the just (saith he) the expect me, until thou give reward unto me. Thus all the mysteries, being now at length, in him accomplished; that most holy soul, being loosed from the flesh, and swallowed up, in the unsearchable depth, of Gods heavenly brightness; the blessed man, fell a sleep in our Lord.  
At what time, one of his brethren and Disciples, saw that blessed foul, in the form of a most glittering star, to be borne aloft, upon a pure white little cloud; & so to be carried over many waters, by a strait passage up to Heaven: as being by the whiteness of a high degree of holiness, most brightly shining; and being also replenished with the great plenty and abundance, of heaven lie wisdom and grace, whereby the holy man deserved, to enter into a place of light and peace, where he remaineth at rest with Christ, world without end. The Minister also of the brethren in the land of labour, was at that time, brother Augustine, a man doubtless very holy and just: who being even then in his last hour, and having a good while before, quite loest his speech, did yet in the hearing of all that were present, suddenly cry out and say, Expect me O Father, expect me a while, for behold I come even now with you. The Brethren in the mean while much marvelling and inquiring, to whom he spoke in such wise: he confidently said unto them, Do you not see our Father Francis, who goeth now to Heaven? And presently his holy soul, parting from his flesh, did follow the most Holy Father.  
At that very time was the Bishop of Assisium gone upon Pilgrimage to the Oratory of Saint Michael in the Mountain Garganus, 
Note the words of this holy saint at his death. Behold I learn this world & go to heaven.  to whom blessed Saint Francis appearing, in the night of his passage, said: Behold I leave the world, and go to Heaven. The Bishop therefore rising betimes in the morning declared, to them that were in his company, what he had seen: and returning to Assisium, he found for certain truth, after diligent inquiry made, that at that very hour, wherein he had by vision, so much made known unto him, the blessed Father, departed out of this world. And at the hour also of the departure, of this holy man, which was about the twilight of the night following: the Larks, which are birds that love the light, and do abhor the darksomnesse of the twilight, did nevertheless come in a great multitude, upon the top of the house: & playing themselves a good while, with an unusual kind of rejoicing, gave thereby a no less joyful than evident testimony, of the glory, of the Saint who was wont to invite them, unto the praises, of Almighty God.   

THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER. Of his Canonisation and of the translation of his sacred body.  
SAINT Francis therefore, the servant & friend, of the Highest; the institutor and guider, of the Friars Minors; the professor of Poverty, the form of Penance, the Preacher of Verity; the Mirror of Holiness, and the sampler of all evangelical perfection; being prevented from above, by heavenly grace; did come by a well ordered and due proceeding, from the lowest estate to the highest pitch of virtue. This admirable man, as being passingly rich in Poverty; and highly advanced, in Humility; prompt also and active, in mortification, and prudent, in simplicity, and briefly of singular note and observance, for all manner of honest conversation, whom our Lord had made to be in his life time, wonderfully esteemed, him did he make to be in his death incomparably more renowned. For when this blessed man departed out of the world: his sacred spirit, entering the house of eternity, and being made glorious, with the full draft of the fontaine of life: left behind him, in his body, ecrtaine express signs, of the future glory. That his most holy flesh, which having been crucified with the vices thereof, had now passed over into a new creature, might both by a singularity of privilege, set forth the show of our Saviour's Passion; and might also by the novelty of the Miracle, foreshow the resemblance, of his resurrection.  
For in those his most happy members, there were certain nails to be seen, which had been wonderfully made, of his very flesh, by power divine: and were so marvelously grown therein, that being pressed or strained on either side, they would, as it were certain natural and hard sinwes, presently rebound, to the contrary part. There was also more apparently found in his body, howbeit not inflicted nor made by hand of man, the hole of a wound in his side, like unto the wounded side of our Saviour: which did in him our Redeemer, bring forth, the sacrament of human redemption, and generation. And the similitude of the nails, were black like unto iron, but the wound of the side, was of a red colour: & being by the shrieking of the flesh, brought into a certain kind of roundness: it seemed to be as it were a most beautiful rose. As for the rest of his flesh, notwithstanding that of former time it had, aswell out of infirmity as 〈◊〉 out of nature declined to blackness: yet now brightly shining with an excessive Luster of pure whiteness, it did well resemble the exquisite beautifullnesse of the second Stole. 
Apoc. 7.13  Moreover the limbs and members of his body, appeared to be so soft and tractable, to such as felt them, that they seemed to be changed, into the tenderness of a little child: and did make show; to be graced, with certain evident signs, of innocency. Seeing therefore, that the nails seemed to be black, in his most pure and white flesh, and the wound of his side, to be red, like unto a most fair and slourishing rose, it is in no sort to be wondered at, if so delightefull and miraculous a variety, gave cause both of joy and admiration, unto all the beholders  
And true it is that the devout children, did indeed shed tears and lament, for the taking away of so loving a Father: but yet were they replenished with no small measure, of joy and gladesomnesse, mean while that in him, they did most sweetly kiss, the sacred signs, of the inghest king. And the novelty of the miracle, turned their mournful complaint into surpassing joy: and the true understanding thereof, ravished the deep searcher of the matter, with amazement. For a spectacle so unusual, and so notable also therewithal, was unto all the beholders, both an establishment of faith, and a provocation of love and affection: and to the hearers thereof, a matter of admiration, and a stirring up of desire, to see and behold it. For the death of this good Father, was no sooner heard of, and the fame of the miracles spreede abroad: but the people came withal expedition flocking together to the place that with the eyes of their flesh: they might see & view the things, which might repel all doubt from reason, and might heap up abundance of joys, to their affections.  
Very many therefore of the Citizens of Assisium were admitted, with their eyes to behold and with their lips to kiss, those most holy Stigmats. But one of them being a knight, well learned doubtless and wise whose name was Hierome, a man also of much fame and account, being doubtful of these holy signs, & in credulous, like unto Thomas, did in the presence of the brethten, and other the Citizen's, more freely and boldly, move the nails, and did with his own hands, touch, the hands feet, and side, of the Saint: that whilst by feeling and touching he handled those true signs of the wounds of Christ, he might cut of, all manner of wound of doubtfulness, from the heart, both of himself and others. For which cause, even he himself among others, being afterwards made a constant witness, of this truth so certainly known, did by oath upon the holy Gospels, testify the same. But the brethren and Children that had been called to the passage, of the blessed Father, did withal the multitude, of the pecple assembled so religioufly employ themselves, in dedicating unto the eivine praises of God, that night wherein the worthy Confessor of Christ, was departed, that thereseemed to be held, no exequys for the dead, but rather, a blessed watch and ward of Angels,  
And when morning came, the trouppes of people, 
Hear we may see the custom of the Catholieke Church in burring her dead with wax candles lighted with hemnes & spiritual Psalms.  that were gathered together, taking the boughs of trees, and a number of wax lights, in their hands, did with Hymns & Canticles, bring the holy body, to the City of Assisium. But passing by the Church of Saint Damian, wherein that noble Virgin Saint Clare, now glorious in Heaven, did then remain enclosed with the rest of the Virgins, and making there some stay for a while, they offered that sacred body, ennobled and adorned, with those heavenly pearls, to be seen and kissed: by those holy. Virgins. And coming afterwards to the City with exceeding great icy, they did withal reverence, place the precious treasure which they brought, in the Church of Saint George. For in that place, being but a little child, he learned his letters: and there afterwards he preached, and there last of all be received, his first place, of rest. The venerable Father passed out of the shipwreck of this world, in the year of our Lord's incarnation, on thousand, two hundred, twenty six, the fourth day of October, being Saturday, in the evening; and was buried upon the Sunday.  
And by the influence doubtless of God's divine aspect; this blessed man did forthwith begin, to shine with many and wondrous miracles: that the high degree of his holiness, which during his life hear one earth, had been thoroughly notified unto the world, touching the mannadgement & direction of manners, by the examples of perfect justice, might now be by miracles of divine power, ratified & made good from Heaven, where he reigneth with Christ for ever, to the absolute confirmation, of all faith and true belief. And whereas in diverse parts of the world, his glorious miracles, and the large benefits, by him obtained, had inflamed very many, unto the devotion of Christ: and had also recited very many unto the reverence of this his Saint, by general reports, both of words and works, it came to the chred of the supreme Bishop, Pope Gregory, the ninth; what goeat and admirable things, God did work and effect by his servaunt Saint Francis. Whereupon, that worthy Pastor of the Church, knowing his marveilouse holiness, by testimony of most credible authority, and being thereof centified, not only out of such miracles, as he had heard to have been done by him after his death, but out of such also, as he himself had seen with his eyes, and felt with his hands, to be tried by experience, in his life time: whereby he had no manner of doubt, but that he was now glorified, by Christ, in Heaven; to the intent he might conformably work with Christ, whose Vicar he was; did purpose, upon a good & Godly Consideration, to make him famous, upon the earth: as being most worthy, of all honour & reverence. And for to give more absolute and undoubted assurance, unto all the whole world; of the glorified estate, of this most holy man: he caused the miracles by him done, having been formerly found out, drawn together in writing, and approved by convenient witnesses, to be examined by such of the Cardinals, as seemed to be less favourable unto that matter and business. After diligent inquiry whereof, the Miracles being by them all fully ratified and allowed, he did, by the uniform Council and assent of his brethren, and of all the Prelates, that were then resident in his Court, resolve and decree, to accomplish his Canonization And coming personally unto the City of Assisium, in the year of our Lord's incarnation, one thousand, two hundred: rewentie & eight, he did on Sunday, the sixteenth of july, with great solemnities, to long to be rehearsed, enrol the blessed-Father, in the Catalogue of Saints.  
But in the year of our Lord, one thowfand, two hundred, and thirty, the brethren, being assembled to a general Chapter, then celebrated and kept, at Assisium, the body dedicated unto our Lord, was on the siue and twentieth of May, translated unto a goodly Church, that was built & erected, in honour of him. And lest that sacred treasure (signed with the seal, of the most supreme and Sovereign king) was to that place, transported, he whose Image and likeness, he bore, did vouchsafe to work, many and sundry miracles: that by his health working odour, the affections of the faithful, might be drawn to run after Christ. For it was, in very deed, 
Cant. 1.4.  befitting and well beseeming, that whom God having made to be in his life time pleasing & well-beloved unto himself, had by the grace of contemplation, translated into Paradise, like unto Enoch, 
Gen. 5.24. 4. Reg. 2.11.  and had by the zeal of charity, taken up into heaven in a fiery Chariot, like unto Elias; now might those happy bones of him, flourishing among the heavenly flowers of eternal planting; by mean of a strange and admirable kind of blosseming, yield forth a sweet and pleasant favour, from the place, wherein they were enshrined. And therefore as this blessed man, had been in his life time famous for many signs of virtues; so from the day of his passage, until this very present, he doth in diverse of the world, by power divine, glorifieing itself in him, most beautifully and clearly shine, with many prodigious and notable miracles. For the blind and deaf, the dumb and lame, the diseased of the Dropsy, and sick of the Palsy, possessed persons & Leapars, they that have been in shipwreck and Captivity, have by his merrittes, found help and remedy, as also all diseases necessities and perils, have thereby been relieved. Yea, and by the miraculous restoring of life by him, to many that have been dead, in this blessed Saint, hath been sufficiently notified to all faithful people, the marveilouse magnificence of the Power of the Highest, to whom to be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.   

THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER. Containing certain miracles done by Saint Francis, after his death. Which because it is long, and considering that the miracles be of divers kinds, is therefore parted into ten divisions, according to the several Titles of the miracles.  

The first division: Of the virtue and force, of the holy Stigmatter.  
BEING, to the honour of Almighty God, and to the glory of the blessed Father Saint Francis, to write those approved miracles, which were by him done, after his glorification in heaven: from that point, I thought it most especially meet, to take my beginning: where in the efficacy of the Cross of jesus is shown unto us, and wherein the glory thereof, is unto us renewed. This new man therefore Saint Francis, flourished now by mean of a new and admirable miracles; in that he appeared to be ennobled with a singular privilege in al● former ages not granted unto any: namely to be graced and adorned with the Sacred Stigmattes of our Lord, and in the body of this death, to be configurated unto the body of him, that was Crucified. Of whom, what soever may be said by tongue of man, shallbe inferior, unto his due, and worthy praise. For the whole endeavour doubtless of the man of God, aswell that which was public, as that which was private, was altogether employed about the Cross of our Lord. And to the end he might outwardly sign his body, with the sign of the Cross, which was from the beginning of his conversion, imprinted in his heart, encompassing himself, with in a very Cross, he took upon him the habit of penance: which did plainly represent, the Image and form of a Cross: that even as his mind had inwardly put on that Lord himself that was crucified, so might his body also put on, the Ensigns and arms of the Cross. And that in what sign, God Almighty had subdued, the powers of the air: in the same, might the army of this holy man maintain the warfare of our Lord. But from the beginning of the time wherein he first began, to serve under the standard of the Crucifix, diverse mysteries of the Cross, did in glorious manner appear about him: as to him that shall duly consider the course of his life, it may be evidently and clearly known, how by mean of a seavenfolde apparition of our Lord his Cross, he was aswell in thought, as in affection and act, wholly by the extaticall love of him transformed, into the figure and resemblance, of him that was crucified. Worthily therefore did the clemency of the highest King (beyond all estimation of man condescending, unto those that were his true lovers) design him in his body to bear the banner of his cross, that he who had been forearmed, with a marveilouse love of the cross, might also be made admirable, by a marveilouse honour of the Cross. And for the irrefrigable establishment, of this wondrous miracle, not only the testimonies of them that have both seen and felt it, being by all manner of means, most worthy to be believed: but also, sundry marveilouse apparitions, and virtuous effects, shining after his death do helpfully concur, to drive all cloudish darkesomnesse, quite away from the mind. For our most holy Lord, of happy memory. Pope Gregory the ninth (of whom that blessed man had prophetically foretold, that he should be raised up to the dignity, of the Sea Apostolic) did bear in his heart, before such time, as he had enroled that standard bearer of the Cross, into the Catalogue of Saints, a certain scruple of doubt, concerning the wound of his side. But one night (according as that happy Pastor, did himself, with tears, report) blessed Saint Francis did with a certain kind of discontented countenance, in sleep appear, unto him: and reproving his doubtfulness of heart, lifted up his right arm, discovered his wound, and required of him a Phiolle glafle, to gather up the overflowing blood, that issued out of his side. The chief Bishop offered him forthwith the Phiolle, by him required: which seemed to be with the blood that came out of his side, filled up even to the top. And from thenceforth, he began with so great a devotion to be affected, and with so zealous an emulation to be inflamed, unto that sacred miracle that he could by no means endure, any man by proud contradiction, presumptuously to disgrace those illustrious holy signs, but he would correct him with a severe rebuke.  
In like manner a certain Friar Minor, being by office a preacher, and a man of great note for his excellent fame and virtue, although he were of the holy Stigmattes of this blessed Saint, fully persuaded, yet seeking one time within himself, a reason of this miracle, according to the course of human understanding, did begin to stagger and waver in mind, out of a scruple of some certain kind of doubt. And where as by giving way to his own sensuality, he did for diverse days together sustain, this manner of conflict, Saint Francis did one night in sleep appear unto him, with his feet all dirty, bearing show of displeasure, howbeit in humility, and of anger, but yet with in the compass of patience. And what (said he) mean these agonies of distrust, in thee? What mean these dirty dregs, of doubts? Behold my hands, and see my feet. Who then beholding his hands to be pierced through, but not yet perceiving, the Stigmattes of his bemired feet; remove away (said the blessed Saint) the dirt from my feet, & know for certain the places of the nails thereof. Whereupon, he taking hold of them with great devotion, did seem to wipe of the dirt, and with his hands to touch the places of the nails. And as soon as be waked out of his sleep, weeping in great abundance, he washed away his former affections (being in a sort dirted and defiled) no less with a stream of tears, than with public and open confession.  
In the City of Rome, a certain noble matron of great account, as well for her virtuous carriage and conditions, as for the glory also, of her parentage, had chosen Saint Francis to be her patron: whose painted picture, she had in her private closet, where she used to pray to the father, in secret. Which she heedfully observing, one day, whilst she was at her prayers, and therewithal perceiving that it had not the sacred signs of the Stigmattes; began thereat not a little both to sorrow and wonder. But it was not marvel, though they were wanting, in the picture; being that they were, by the Painter himself, neglected. Yet nevertheless, whilst she did for diverse days, in great carfulnesse of mind, debate with herself, what might be the cause of this manner of defect, behold those marveilouse signs, suddenly one day appeared in the picture, even in such sort, as in other pictures of the Saint they were wont to be painted. The woman thereat conceyving some fear, forthwith called unto her a devout daughter of her own, and earnestly inquired of her, if the picture had not been without the Stigmattes, even until that very time. She for her part, did affirm and swear, that of former time; it had benwithout those sacred Stigmattes, and had them now therein verily appearing. But because the mind of man, doth oftentimes enforce itself to fall, and doth also frequently call, the truth into doubt there entered into the woman's heart an evil kind of distrust, least happily the picture might have been marked with those signs even from the beginning. But that the former miracle, 
If the Use of pictures had not been lawful God had not wrought so many wonders about this picture.  might not be contemned, the power of God vouchsafed, to add thereto, a second. For the signs forthwith disappearing, the picture was of the privileges, thereby deprived: that by the sign ensuing, proof might be made, of that which had gone before.  
In Catalonia also at a place called Ilerda, it chanced that a certain man named john, who bore great devotion to blessed Saint Francis, did travel one evening late, along by a certain way, where some desperate persons, did secrettely lie in wait, to do a murder: howbeit not upon him, with whom they had no enmity, but upon another that seemed to be like unto him, and was even then also with him in company. But one of them issueinge suddenly out of the place of deceit, & taking him to be the man that was his enemy, did so deathfullie begoare him, with a number of wounds, that there was no hope to be had, for the recovery of his life. For, at the very first stroke, he had almost cut of his whole shoulder and arm together: and with the second blow, which entered in at the breast somewhat under the nipple; he made such an open gap, & rifture into the body, that the wind coming out from thence, wouldat one time putout some six light Candles, being joined altogether. Finding therefore by the judgement of the Physicians, that his cure was impossible, in regard of the putrefaction of his wounds, which yielded forth such an intolerable stench, that even his own wife, did exceedingly loath it; & perceiving also that he could not have help by any human remedies, he wholly turned himself, with all his best devotion to crave the patronadge, of the blessed Father Saint Francis, whom with the blessed Virgin, he had most faithfully invocated, in the very midst of his strokes. And behold, as he lay miserably waking in his bed, 
Lo where Saints are invocated and being innocated do help those which pray unto them.  all solitary and full of distress, and did with mournful lamentation, oftentimes reiterate the name of Francis; there stood one by him in the habit of affriar Minor, having entered, as to him it seemed, in at the window, who calling him by his name, did say unto him; Because that in me thou hast had hope & confidence be hold our Lord will deliver thee. And being, by the distressed creature, demanded who he was; he made answer, that he was Francis. Whereupon drawing nigh forthwith unto him, he presently unloosed the clothes, that bound up his wounds: and did, as he conceived, anoint all those wounds with a certain kind of ointment. But so soon as ever he felt the sweet touch, of those sacred hands, which by the force and virtue, of the Stigmattes of our Saviour, were able to give help and remedy, the corruption being driven quite away, the flesh fully repaired, and the wounds thoroughly healed, he was perfectly restored unto his former health and strength. Which being done, the blessed Father departed. And he finding himself to be healed, and bursting forth, into a gladsome voice, of the praise of God, and of blessed Saint Francis; did presently call his wife unto him. Who running speedily, and beholding him, now to stand upon his feet, whom she made account she should have buried, in the day following; being stricken with a great terror and amazement thereat, did fill, with her clamour and outcry, all the nighbourhood there about. But his neighbours and friends coming in strait ways upon him, and going about to have him back again to his bed, as one that were frantic and out of his wits; he utterly refused so to do, showing himself to be now healed, & thoroughly recovered. Whereupon they were all, so exceedingly astonished, that being as it were without their since or understanding, they held it to be a fantastical thing, which they did behold: considering, that whom they had but a little before seen, to be with most cruel wounds butchered, and worn quite away; him did they now observe, to be full of joy, upon the perfect recovery of his former strength. And therefore the said unto them: do ye in no wise fear, neither yet do ye think it to be a vain thing which you see: because Saint Francis is but lately departed from the place; who hath by the touch of those his holy hands, perfectly cured me, of all my wounds. Now, as the fame of this miracle, was at lentgh generally spread abroad, all the people repaired with speed, unto him: and beholding in so manifest a wonder, the force of the Stigmattes of blessed Saint Francis, they were filled thereupon both with admiration and joy, and did also extol the standard-bearer of Christ, with many great and excellent praises. And with good cause doubtless it was, that the blessed Father, 
If the Saints being now dead in flesh, do live in soul with Christ and in the future judgement are to rise again with him how cometh it to pass that the ignorant of our days do rather with heretics call than dead. Luc. 10.30. Then sleeping with S. Paul.  being now dead according to the flesh, but yet living with Christ in heaven, did both by the marveilouse apparition of his presence, and by the sweet touch also of his holy hands, give present health and recovery to this poor man, thus pitifully and deadly wounded, considering that he himself also had taken upon him the very Stigmattes and marks of him, who mercifully dying and marvelously again a rising, hath by the virtue of his own wounds, healed all mankind, which had been sorely wounded, and left for almost dead.  
At Potentia, a City in Apulia, there was a certain man named Roger: a man of honorabse place, and a Cannon of the great Church. Who being one time not well at ease, and coming even then into the Church to pray, where the picture of blessed Saint Frantis was set out with his glorious Stigmattes, did begin to doubt of the high degree and nature of that miracle, as of a thing altogether unusual and impossible. And suddenly therefore, while, being inwardly wounded in his mind, he thought with himself such vain and frivolous things; behold, in the palm of his left hand, under his glove, he felt himself to be grievously wounded: hearing the sound of a stroke, as if it had been of an arrow shot out of a crossbow. And being presently thereupon no less pained with the wound, than astonished with the sound, he pulled of his glove, from his hand: that by sight of the eye, he might fully know what he had already perceived, both by his feeling, & hearing. And whereas in the palm of his hand, there had formerly been, no sign of any stroke at all, yet now he perceived therein a wound, newly made (as it were) with the stroke of an arrow: out of which proceeded, so great a violence of burning heat: that he seemed ready, almost to die, for pain thereof. It is a marveilouse thing to be spoken. There appeared not in the glove, any sign thereof at all: that unto the secret and hidden wound of his heart, the pain of his bodily wound, secretly received, might duly be conformed. From that time forward therefore, for two days space together, he cried and roared pitifully, out of the most grievous violence of his torment: and the lurking thought of his incredulous heart, he discovered unto all men. He furthermore confessed, and did also swear, that he verily and truly believed, the holy Stigmattes to have been in blessed Saint Francis: avowing and protesting, 
Behold where this holy Saint being invocated doth forthwith hear the prayer of him which doth pray unto him.  that all fantasies of doubt were now gone quite away, and departed. He finally in humble manner besought the Saint of God, by those his holy Stigmattes, to help him: and the manifold prayers of his heart, he watered and enriched, with a plentiful stream of tears. Now see another wonder. The incredulity being thus, utterly cast away: after the health of the mind, health also of the body, forthwith ensued. For now all pain and grief was at an end, the burning heat, was cooled, and of the blow itself, no mark or sign remained. And so it came to pass, that by an evident burning of the flesh, the secret infirmity of the mind, should be, out of the provision of God's divine clemency, cured and that by recovery of the mind, perfect cure also, and recovery of the very flesh, should be together therewithal obtained. The man became afterwards humble unto God, devour, & subject to the order of the brethren, in perpetual familiarity. And the formal course and proceeding of this miracle, being testified by the oaths of men, and autentically confirmed by letters, signed with the bishops seal, did come unto our understanding by relation from him, upon certain knowledge. Let therefore no place of doubt remain, 
Mat. 20.15.  concerning these holy Stigmattes, nor yet let any man's eye be nought in this point, because God is good; as though that the vouchsafing of such a manner of gift, were not agreeable to God's everlasting and endless goodness. For if, by mean of that Seraphical love, many members should be so conjoined unto Christ their head; that both in this warfare, they should be found worthy of the like armour, and should also in the kingdom, be found worthy to be advanced unto the like glory, no man of right judgement and understanding, can say, but that this doth verily appertain, unto the glory of Christ himself.   

THE SECOND DIVISION. Of dead persons raised to life again,  
IN the Castle of the Mountain Maranus nigh unto Beneventum, it chanced that a certain woman, that bare unto Saint Francis, 
Lo here the exequys and funerals of the dead celebrated with Priests and singing of Psalms. Behold the Sacrament of confession made to a Priest according to the institution of the Catholic Church proved by a great miracle.  an especial great devotion, departed this present life. But in the night time, when the Priests of the Church were assembled together, to celebrate the exequys and vigils of the dead, with singing of the Psalms; she suddenly in the sight of them all, raised up here selfe upon her bed, and calling unto her a Priest of the company, one namely who had been her Godfather; did say unto him: Oh Father I desire to make my confession. For I being dead, should have been committed to a strait and hard prison: for that I had not in my life time confessed one sin, the which I will now discover unto you. But at the intercession for me made by Saint Francis, whom during my life I served with devour affection, it is now granted unto me, to rerurne unto my body: that having discovered that sin, I may merit and obtain everlasting life. And behold in the fight of you all, so soon as I shall have uttered the same, I shall make haste unto the rest; which is promised unto me. Being therefore with fear confessed unto the Priest, who was himself also stricken with fear and amazement, after absolution redeaved, she quietly settled herself in her bed, and happily departed, this life, in our Lord.  
In the Castle of Pamarcum, which is situated upon the mountains of Apulia, there was a certain young mateden, the only daughter of her Father and Mother: who being but of tender years, and of them most tenderly beloved, was by mean of a violent & greivouse infirmity, finally brought unto death. Whereupon her parents, having no hope of any other succession, reputed themselves to be in her, as it were even now already, dead. Their Kinsfolks therefore and friends assembling together unto the so lamentable and dolefulle a funeral, the unhappy Mother lay all along, filled with abundance of sorrows, not to be spoken not yet expressed: and being even swallowed up with sorrow unto death, had no manner of observation. of what was done in the house. But in the mean while Saint Francis appearing with one only companion, vouchsafed to visit the defolate woman, 
See he we great is the power of the Saints after their death. As also that they are to be invocated and that the invocation of the doth not injury that invocation which is due unto God.  whom he knew to be devout unto him: and with comfortable & compassionate words, he spoke unto her. Do not weep, said he, for the light of thy candle, which thou dorst bewail as exringuished; is to be by mine intercession, restored unto thee. The woman forthwith arose up from the ground, & manifesting unto all the company, what the Saint had said unrohert did not suffer the dead body to be carried out: but invocating the name of Saint Francis, with great faith & confidence: and taking hold of her dead danghter, lifted her up alive and well in health, in the sight of them all, and to their exceeding wonder.  
Upon a time it chanced that the brethren of Noceria, craving of a certain man named Peter, a little cart, for their necessary use, he foolishly made answer unto them, returning upon them reproach, in steed of the help required: and in lie we of the alms which they craved, in honour of Saint Francis, he thundered out blasphemy against his name. But the man presently repent himself of his folly; being touched in his heart, with the fear of God: lest haply his heavy revenge, should follow; as it failed not forthwith, to fall upon him. For his eldest son, being out of hand taken with sickness; did with in short space, make an end of his life. The miserable Father therefore tumbling himself upon the ground; and never ceasing, to call upon the holy servant of God S. Francis, did with tears cry out aloud, and say, it is I who have sinned; it is I who have wickedly spoken: thou shouldst have chastised me in mine own person. But restore now, O saint, unto me repenting that which thou hast taken away from me, impiously blaspheming. Unto thee I do yield myself; unto thy services, I do for ever devote mine endevoures: yea and for the honour of thy name, I will evermore, offer up a devour sacrifice of praise, unto Christ. It is a marvelous thing. At these very words the youth arose: and forbidding any further mourning, he avouched that dieing he was separated from his body, and was now thereto reduced again, by blessed Saint Francis.  
A certain Roman notaries boy of seven year old, desiring in childish manner, to follow his mother unto S. Mark, his Church; and being by her enforced to stay at home; did cast himself out of one of the windows of the house: and having received thereby a deadly bruise, he ended forthwith his life. But his mother who was not far gone from the place, hearing the sound of the fall and suspecting the mishap, of her beloved child, did speedily return unto him. And finding herself suddenly bereaved of her son by so miserable a chance, began forthwith, in revenge thereof, to lay violent hands upon herself, and with dolorous outcries, 
Behold how god d●●● confirm by miracle even the faith by which it is believed that the Saints can raise the dead.  drew all the neighbourhood, unto lamentation with her. But a certain brother of the order of the minorites, called Raho, by name, coming that way to preach, drew night unto the child: and being full of faith, spoke thus unto the Father: do you believe that the holy man of God Saint Francis, is able to raise your son from death, for the love which he did always bear towards Christ, that was crucified for the restoring of life to mankind again? Who answering that he did both firmly believe it, and did also faithfully confess it, and moreover that himself would for ever be a devoted servant of that Saint, if by his merrittes, he might deserve to receive so great a benefit, at the hands of God, that brother, together with an other brother that was in his company, did prostrate himself in prayer, exhorting the rest that were present to do the like. Which when they had done, the child began to gape a little, and opening his eyes, and lifting up also, his arms, he raised up himself: and presently walked before them all in perfect strength being by the marveilouse power of the Saint, at one time, both unto life and health, restored.  
In the City of Capua, it chanced that a certain boy, as he was playing with other of his companions, upon the bank of the River Vulturnus, did fall unawares, into the bottom: and being by the swiftness of the stream, overwhelmed, was covered under the gravel thereof. But at the outcry of the rest of the children, who had been playing with him about the River, a great multitude of people came to the place. And as all they did both humbly and devoutely invocate the merrittes of Saint Francis, that beholding the faith of the parents, who were unto him much devoted, he would vouchsafe to deliver the child, from the peril and danger of death; a cunning and expert swimmer standing a good way of, & hearing their clamours did come unto them: who after long search, having at the length called upon Saint Francis, for his help, found a blade, wherein the dead carcase of the boy was in manner of a grave overcovered, with the sandy gravel: which, when he had digged up, and removed away, he did with grief behold, the dead body. But the people that stood by, albeit that they saw the youth to be perfectly voy of life: yet nevertheless, 
At the invocation of Saint Francis a boy which was dead is restored to life.  weeping and lamenting did cry out and say, O Saint Francis restore the child unto his Father: Yea and the very jews that were present, being moved with a natural compassion, did also say, O Saint Francis, restore the child, unto his Father. And suddenly the boy rising up in perfect health, to the joy and wonder of them all: humbly desired to be led unto the Church of Saint Francis: that he might devoutely render thanks unto him; by whose virtue and power, he knew himself to have been, marvelously, revived.  
In the City of Suessa, in the street which is called, Ad Columnas, a certain house falling suddenly down to the ground, a young man was therein overtaken, and immediately slain. But the rest of the men and women that were within, being stirred up at the sound of the fall, running about some one way, and some another, did lift and remove the wood and stones, on every side, and brought unto the miserable mother her dead son. But she, fetching store of most bitter sighs, did in such manner as she could, 
Hear at the vow which a woman made in honour of S. Francis if he would raise her son which was slain by the ruin of an house. her son according to her desire is raised again to life.  with woeful voice cry out unto Saint Francis, saying: O Saint Francis, Saint Francis, restore unto me my son again. And not only she, but all the rest that were present, did instantly crave the help, of the blessed Father. But the dead carcase having in it neither voice nor sense, they put it in a bed: expecting but the next day, for the burial thereof. But the mother having full hope and confidence in our Lord, by the merits of his holy Saint, did make abvow, that she would cover the Altar of blessed Saint Francis, with new linen, if he would recall her son to life again. And behold ancute midnight, the youth began to gape, and yawn: and his members resuming a natural heat, he rose up alive and well in health, bursting forth into words of praise. And furthermore he incited those of the Clergy, and all the people that were come to that place, with gladsomeness & joy of mind, to render due praises and thanks unto God, and blessed Saint Francis.  
In like manner one Gerlandinus by name, a young man that was borne at Regusa, going forth to the vinyeard, about the time of gathering grapes, and standing under the wine press in the vessale that received the wine; to fill the bottles: suddenly a sort of exceeding great stones, being driven upon on him by the fall of certain wood piles thereabouts, did buise & batter his head, to present death whereupon his father did presently make haste unto him, & despairing of his son, as being utterly overthrown & lost, did not go about to help him: but under the burden, as he fell; so under the same he left him. The labourers also of the vinyeard came running speedily unto the place, hearing a mournful voice, of a great clamour, and joining in great sorrow with the Father for the youth, did draw him out, being now perfectly dead with the fall. But his Father casting himself at the feet of jesus, did make his humble prayers unto him, that through the merits of Saint Francis, whose solemn feast was even then at hand, he would vouchsafe to restore unto him his some again. 
The son is raised from death to life while the Father doth vow to visit the body of B. Saint Francis  These his prayers he redoubled, and vowed offices of piety: promising, himself with his son, (if he might be raised up from death) to visit the body of the holy man. Now see the marveilouse effect. By & by the youth, who had been miserably bruised all his body over, being restored to life and perfect strength, did joyfully rise up before them all: blaming them that lamented for him, and therewithal avowing himself to have reobtained his life, by the suffrages of Saint Francis.  
Another dead man also he raised in Almany, whereof our Lord the Pope. Pope Gregory, did at the time of the translation of the blessed Saint, to the great joy of all the brethren that were assembled to the translation and general Chapter, by his letters Apostolic, give certain knowledge, unto them. The course of this miracle, because I do not know I have not committed to writing: believing the Papal testimony, to be better than any other instrument of asseveration, whatsoever.   

THE THIRD DIVISION. Of such as he delivered from the peril of death.  
IN the Confines of the City (of Rome) a certain noble man named Ralph did with his devout wife, entertain the Friar's Minors, in his house: aswell in regard of hospitality, as for the love and reverence, of Saint Francis. But that very night, the keeper of the house sleeping upon the top of a Tower, and lying upon a pile of wood, that was placed upon the very edge of the wall: it chanced that the same being not well laid together: did slide of from the place, whereby he fell upon the under rose of the house, & from thence down, upon the ground. At the sound of which fall, the whole family being raised; and knowledge being also had, of the house keepers fall, the master and mistress of the house, together with the brethren, did hastily run to the place. But he who had fallen from a loft, was wholly possessed with so sound a sleep, that neither at the rattling, of the double downfall: nor yet at the noise of the family that came with clamour round about him, he did awake. Yet being at the length enforced to wake, by the hands of them, that haled and jogged him; he began to complain, that he had been put out of a sweet & quiet rest: saying that he had sweetly slept, between the arms of Saint Francis. But being by the rest informed, of his own fall, & seeing himself to be upon the ground who had lain on high, before with wonder and amazement of mind, that a thing should so be done: which he had not perceived, while it was a doing; he promised before them all, that he would do penance, for the reverence of God and of Saint Francis.  
In a town called Pophis, which is with in the parts of Campania, a certain Priest named Thomas went to repair a mill, which belonged unto the Church. And walking somewhat less carefully about the edge of the trough, from whence a deep stream, 
A certaine Priest is delivered from manifest danger of death by the invocating of Saint Francis.  did fall down with a strong and violent follow; he fell by a sudden chance, into a hollow piece of wood: by motion whereof the mill was set a going. As therefore he lay encompassed and restrained, within that piece of wood, and the course of the waters ceased not to stream over his mouth, because he lay with his face upward: not being able to speak with his tongue, he did with his heart, lamentably call upon Saint Francis. But lying so for a great while, in so much that his life was despaired of, by all his companions, they did at length with great violence, remove the mill to the contrary side. Whereby, the Priest being cast out of that hollow piece of wood, was tumbled, in the channel of the water: panting & breathing for life. And even then, behold a certain Friar Minor, appareled in a pure white garment, and girt with a Rope; taking hold of him with great sweetness, did pull him out of the river: saying: I am Francis, whom thou diddest call upon. But he, being in this ways delivered from that daunget, was marvelously astonished, and being desirous to have kissed his footestepps, ran carefully up and down, enquiring of his companions. Where is he? Whither went the Saint: Which way departed he. And the men that were with him, being full of fear, did fall down prostrate, upon the ground, extolling the great wonders, of the high God, and the prevalent merits, of his humble Servant.  
Certain youths of the town of Celanum, went forth upon a time to mow grass in the meadows, where in was an old hidden well covered over at the top with diverse kinds of green herbs, the which contained about some four yards depth of water, with in it. And it fortuned that as the boys did severally run diverse ways, over the meadow, one of them at unawares ran into the well. But as his body was even then instantly falling, into that deep pit: the heedefulnes of his mind, had recourse aloft, to the help of Saint Francis, crying out, in that very fall, both faithfully & confidently, o Saint Francis, help me. The rest of the boys in the mean while, 
A boy being fallen into a well at the invocation of Saint Francis is drawn out of it without harm.  turning themselves about, one, one way, and one another and not finding him, among them, with clamour, travel, and tears, did go to seek him. And having found at length, that he was fallen, into the well, they hastily with grief, returned into the town, declaring the event, and craving help. But returning back again to the place, with great company of men, one being let down by a rope into the well, did see the boy, sitting upon the tope of the water, not having suffered, any manner of hurt, at all. But the boy being pulled out of the well, did say unto them all, that were present? When I suddenly fell down I invocated the patronadge of Saint Francis: who was immediately present with me, even in my fall, and reaching forth his hand did lightly take hold of me, neither did he ever leave me, until that now, together with you, he led me out of the well again.  
In the Church of Saint Francis; at Assisium, while the Bishop of Hostia (who afterwards was Pope, Alexander) did preach, before the Court of Rome, A certain great and weighty stone: being unadvisedly left upon the pulpit, which was both high, and all of stone; and being over much forced, with leaning upon it, did fall upon the head of a woman that sat thereby. Whereupon the people about her, esteeming her to be perfectly dead; and her head to be bruised, altogether; did cover her, with a garment of her own; that after the end of the Sermon, she might be had out of the Church, as a lamentable Coarse, to be prepared for burial. But she faithfully commended herself unto Saint Francis, before whose Altar She lay. And behold, as soon as the Sermon was done, the woman rose up before them all, so well in health; that there appeared in her, no sign of any hurt at all, yea, and which is more to be admired: whereas she had been for long time together, even until that very hour afflicted, with a continual pain in her head; she was from that time forward, quite and clean delivered, from all molestation of that disease according as herself avowed afterwards.  
At Cornetum, in a place of the brethren, whether diverse devout persons, one time resorted to the casting of a bell; a certain young boy of eight years old, whose name was Bartholomewe, brought some kind of present, unto the labouring brethren. At what time, suddenly a great & vehement wind? shaking the whole house, did with so violent a force, throw down the door of the gate (which was both very great, and exceeding heavy) upon the boy, that, with the greatness of the weight, he was verily thought, to have been crushed; to death. For he was so wholly covered and buried (as it were) thereunder, that no part of him, could outwardly be seen. They therefore that were present, did all of them run together, calling for the mighty help of Saint Francis. 
Behold more miseracles done by in vocating the holy Father S. Francis.  And his Father also, who for the numbness of his members, by reason of sorrow, was not able to move himself, out of the place, did yet by inward vows, and outewarde voice, offer his son to Saint Francis, Well: they at the length removed that deadly weight, from over the boy. And behold, he, whom they thought to have been dead, did, as one awaked out of a steep, in cheerful manner appear before them, having no manner of show, of any hurt, about him. He therefore, as soon as he was fowerteene years old, became a Friar minor, growing afterwards to be a learned man, and a famous preacher, in the order.  
The men of Lentinum, had hewn an exceeding great stone, out of the mountain, the which was to be put under an altar of a Church of S. Francis, that was shortly to be consectated. But where as (well nigh) forty men endeavoured often times to put it into a cart, it fell at the length upon a certain man, and covered him in manner of a grave. Where upon, the men being confused in mind, and not knowing what to do, the greater part of them departed away, without hope of help. But ten of the men, that remained behind, invocating S. Francis, with mournful voice, and desiring him not to suffer a man, so horribly to die in his service, taking at length good heart unto them, did with so great a facility, remove the stone, that no man might doubt, but that the power of Saint Francis, was present amongst them. The man finally rose up strong and sound, in all his members: and more over he obtained; the clear and perfect sight, of his eyes, which had been before, duskish and obcured: that so all men might be given to understand, of how efficacious & prevalent power, the merits of S. Francis be, even in desperate & hopeless accidents.  
The very like happened at Saint Severines', in the Marquisate of Ancona. For, as a great stone being brought from Constantnople, unto a Church of S. Francis, was drawn along, by the strength of many men, it fell most terribly, upon one of them, that drew it. And whereas it was generally believed, that he was not only dead, but was also broken and crushed to pieces: by the help of Saint Francis, who lifted up the stone, he casting of the weight thereof, did leap up safe and sound, without any hurt at all.  
One Bartholomewe also, a Citizen of Caieta, labouring not a little, in the building of a certain Church of Saint Francis by mean of a certain beam that having been but slightly set, did fall and light upon his neck, was therewithal grievously bruised. Whereupon, being even now ready to die, he as he was a faithful and Godly person, craved of one of the brethren, his voyage provision. The which for so much as it was not in the brother's power, so suddenly to bring unto him, he therefore considering that he was thought to be, in very present danger of death: used unto him the word of Saint Augustine, saying believe and thou hast eaten. But in the night following Saint Francis, with eleven brothers in his company appeared unto him: and bearing a little Lamb upon his breast, did come unto his bed side, calling him by his name, and saying unto him, Bartholomewe, do not fear because the enemy, who would have hindered thee in my service, shall not prevail against thee. Lo, here is the Lamb, which thou didst crave, to have been given unto thee; whom also, in regard of thy good desire, thou hast received: by whose power thou shalt obtain, the perfect welfare, both of thy soul, and body. And so drawing his hand, along over the wounds; he willed him to return, unto the work he had taken in hand. Who rising up therefore, very timely in the morning; and presenting himself sound and well, before them that had left him, even at deaths door, did bring upon them, both wonder and amazement. And furthermore, he stirred up their minds, unto the reverence and love, of the blessed Father, as well by his own example, as by the miracle of the Saint.  
A certain man also of the town of Ceperanum, named Nicholas, did fall one day into the hands of his merciless enemies: who in the fencenesse of their savage cruelty, heaping wounds after wounds, in great store upon him, did in so excessive a degree exercise their fury; upon the miserable man, that they took him either to be dead outright, 
Here one whichdoth in vocate the Saint is delivered from danger of death.  or at the least to be upon the very point of death. But the same Nicholas; when he received the first blows, did with a loud voice call upon Saint Francis, saying: O Saint Francis, defend me, O S. Francis, help me. And this voice, divers heard a great way of, although they were not able to relieve him. But being carried home at length, all begoared, in his own blood, he cousidentllie avouched, that he should not see death by mean of those wounds: nor yet that he did even then feel, any pain of them: for that Saint Francis, had succoured him, and had obtained of God, for him, time to do penance in. Which the event ensuing, confirmed. For being washed from the blood, he was forthwith (beiond all human hope) clarely delivered.  
Also a certain noble man's son, in the town of Saint Geminianus, being taken with a grievous sickness, and past hope, of any better recovery was finally brought, unto the very exigent and point of death. For a stream of blood issued forth of his eyes, as it is commonly seen to do, out of a vain, in the arm. And by other undoubted tokens also, of death approaching, as appeared, in the other parts of his body, he was of all men judged, & reputed for a dead man. As also, being in regard, of the weakness of his spirit and strength deprived of the use of his sense & motion, he seemed to be already departed. His parents therefore and friends, being gathered together (as the custom is) in way of lamentation: and thinking of no other thing, but of his burial, his Father, yet conceiving hope in our Lord ran speedily unto the Church of Saint Francis: which was built in the same town: and hanging a girdle about his neck, did withal humility, prostrate himself, upon the earth, and so, making his vows, and multiplying his prayers, 
Hear we may see the Saints to assist as patrons before our Lord jesus Christ those which are devout unto them  did with sights and groans, obtain of Christ, to have Saint Francis, to be his Patron. He therefore returning, strait ways unto his son, and finding, him to be restored, to health again: changed his former. Mourning, into joy, and exultation.  
The very like also our Lord vouchsafed, by the merits of his Saint, to work upon a certain girl of a village named Thamaret, in Cathalonia, and upon another of Ancona: who both of them being by the violence of their sickness, in present danger of death, and Saint Francis, 
S. Francis being faith fully invocated doth forthwith restore health to two which were sick.  being of their parents faithfully invocated, in their behalf were presently restored, to perfect health.  
A certain Clerk named Mathewe, dwelling in the street called Albus, having drunken, a deadly poison, was so grievously oppressed, therewithal, that being no ways able to speak, he looked for nothing, but the end of his life. And even then, a Priest that was present, admonishing him, to make his confession, was not able, to extort from him, so much as a word. But he in his heart, humbly besought, our Saviour Christ that by the merits of Saint Francis, he would vouchsafe to deliver him, from the jaws of death And as soon, as having received strength from God he had with faithful devotion; uttered the name of S. Francis, vomiting up the poison (as was testified, by them that were present) he rendered thanks unto him, by whom he had been delivered.   

THE FOURTH DIVISION. Of persons, that were saved from shipwreck  
CERTAIN Mariners being some ten miles distant from the Haven of Barulum, and in great danger of the Sea, by reason of a tempest, that increased, more and more, upon them, and and being now in doubt of their lives, did cast down their anchor. But the spirit of storms, making the Sea, yet more outrageously to swell, their Cables therewithal were broken, and their anchors lost, whereby they wandered upon the Sea, by an uncertain & unequal course. But yet at length, the Sea, being by God's providence, brought to a Calm, they bent their whole endeavours, to recover their anchors, whose Cables lay floating, above the water. And not being able, by their own strength and industry, to accomplish their desires, invocating the help of many of the Saints and bestowing also therewithal much labour and pain; they could not yet in a whole days space, recover one. But one Mariner among the rest, whose name was Perfectus, though in his conditions he were very unperfect; did in a kind of scoffing manner, say thus unto his companions; Lo, you have already invocated, the help of all the saints, and there is not one (as you see) who hath relieved, our needs. Let us now therefore call upon this same Francis, who is a new petty faint if haply he can convey himself into the bottom of the waters, and restore our anchors, unto us. Hereunto, the rest of them, all agreed: howbeit not in scoffing manner, but truly and sincerely consenting, 
Hear the heretic may see how certain Mariners making a vow to S. Francis are hard of the Saint why then do they scoff at vows. Behold here a 〈◊〉 grimag● vndert●●● in honour of Saint Francis.  unto the persuasion of Perfestus: and blaming his reproachful word, they established with the Saint, a voluntary and unfeigned vow. Whereupon immediately, even in a very moment, without any manner of help at all, the anchors did swim upon the waters; as though the nature of iron, had been changed into the lightness of a piece of wood.  
A certain traveller, being sick and weak in body, by reason of the evil consequences, of a sharp ague, which he had but a little before sustained; did come in a certain ship, from the parts beyond the Seas. But this man did bear an exceeding great devotion, towards Saint Francis, whom he had chosen to be his advocate, with the King of Heaven. And being not yet perfectly free from the disease, whereas he was one time distressed, with a very great thirst, not having now any water left to drink, he began with a loud voice, to say; Go confidently: and draw me a cup of water because Saint Francis, hath already filled my little vessel, with water. It is a wonder, verily. They found the vessel indeed, filled up with water, which had been before, left voy, and empty. But upon another day, when the ship was almost covered with waves, in a sudden tempest, and was so tossed and beaten with violent storms, that they did all of them stand in present fear of shipwreck, the same sick man, began with a sudden cry, to call upon them all that were in the ship, saying: Arise every one and go to meet Saint Fraucis, who is coming towards us: For behold, he is here present to save us. And so with a great voice, and also with tears falling down upon his face, he did his reverence. And presently, at the sight of the Saint, the sick man resumed his former health, and the calm of the Sea, forthwith ensued.  
Brother james of Reate, passing over a certain River, with some other of his brethren, in a little Bark, so soon as those his brethren, were landed upon the shore, did last of all prepare himself, to come forth. But that little boat, being by misfortune, beaten back, the Governor thereof, was forced to swim, and the brother was plunged, into the bottom, of the water. The brethren therefore that stood on land, did with affectuous prayers, call upon Saint Francis: with tears and sighs beseaching him, to secure his child, in this distress. But the overwhelmed brother, not being able to speak with his mouth, did yet in such sort as he could, from the bottom of that huge and mighty gulf, cry out in heart, & crave the help, of his pitiful and compassionate Father. And by help of the presence, of the blessed Father, he walked along the deep, as if it had been, upon the dry land: and taking hold, of the drowned Bark, did bring it with him, unto the shore. It is a marvelous thing, to speak. His garments were not so much as wet: nor yet did any drop of water take hold upon his Coat. 
Behold a Wonderful thing which doth follow at the invocation of Saint Francis. S. Francis being invocated doth deliver many from danger of drowning.   
A brother named Bonaventure, sailing with two men in his company, over a certain lake, by reason of the vessel, which was partly broken: and of the surges of the water, that came pouring thereinto, abundantly, was with the ship, & the rest that were in it, swallowed up, into the bottom of that deep water. But they having (with great hope and confidence) out of that lake of misery, invocated the merciful Father Saint Francis, the vessel, though full of water, suddenly sailed above the water. And did by the guide & conduct of the holy Saint, bring them with safety, unto the shore. So also another brother of Esculum, being fallen under water, in a River, was by the merits of Saint Francis, delivered. And in the lake of Reate, certain men and women, being in the like peril, did, at the invocation of the name of Saint Francis, safely escape, out of the dangerous shipwreck of many waters.  
Certain Mariners of Ancona, being tossed with a perilous tempest, perceived themselves to be in present danger, of drowing. But as they, in this desperate case of their lives, humbly called upon Saint Francis, 
See how great things the B. Saint doth effect after his death.  a great light appeared upon the Sea: and together with that light a calm was from Heaven vouchsafed, as if the blessed man had been able, by a marveilouse power, to command the winds, and the Sea. With how great and wondrous Miracles, the blessed Father both was, and yet is, made famous upon the Sea, & how often he hath there, given help, unto such as were void of hope, I think it impossible, to rehearse particularly. Neither is it to be wondered at, if he now raignening in Heaven, have power granted unto him, over the waters, unto whom, conversing in this our mortality, every living creature, being confirmed unto the original, of his creation, did yield, a marveilouse kind of service.   

THE FIFTH DIVISION. Of persons delivered out of bonds and imprisonment.  
IT chanced in Romania, that a Grecian being servant unto a certain man, was unjustly accused of theft: whom for that cause, the Lord of the land commanded, 
One Which was captive being commended by vow to S. Francis is forthwith miraculously delivered.  to be kept in a straight prison and heavily loaden, with irons. But the lady of the house, having compassion upon her servant, whom she undoubtedly believed to be innocent of the crime, whereof he was accused, made instant request unto her husband, for his deliverance. But whereas he, out of the obstinate hardness of his heart, refused to consent unto her. The lady made her humble recourse, unto S. Francis, unto his piety by her petition commending the Innocent. Whereupon the helper of the distressed, was present forthwith, and mercifully visited, the poor man that was cast in prison. He unloosed his bands, he broke up the prison, and taking the Innocent man by the hand, he led him forth, and said unto him: I am he unto whom, thy Lady hath devoutly commended thee. And whereas he was stricken, with a great fear, in his mind, and wandered about, to find away of passage down, from the top of that steep rock, he suddenly finding himself to be (by the power of him, that had enlarged him) upon the plain ground, returned unto his Lady. And relating unto her in order, the truth of the miracle, he yet further inflamed the devout Lady, unto the love of Christ, and to the reverence of his servant, Saint Francis.  
In a place called Massa S. Petri, there was a poor man, that aught a piece of money, unto a certain soldier, who though he were so exceeding poor that he had not wherewithal, to pay him, yet being one day, suddenly surprised, by his creditor, did humbly beseach him, to have compassion upon him, craving a time of respite, for the love of Saint Fancis. But the proud warrior; despised the petitions that were offered unto him, and as a vain and idle thing, lightly esteemed, the love of the Saint. For making a perverse and preposterous answer unto him, I will (said he) shut thee up, in such a place, and I will mure thee up in such a manner of prison, that neither Saint Francis, nor any body else shallbe able to help thee. And he put his word in practice. For he found out an obscure and dark prison, whereinto he cast the man with fetters upon him. But a little after, came Saint Francis: who breaking up the prison, and riving the fetters a sunder, did bring the man harmless home to his own again. And so the mighty power of Saint Francis, having disappointed the proud soldier; delivered the Captive from harm, who had committed himself unto him: yea and did, by an admirable miracle change, the contumacy of that soldier, into mildness and good conformity.  
In like manner one Albertus Aretium, being kept in hard and cruel bands, for certain debts that were unjustly demanded of him; did humbly commend his innocency, unto Saint Francis. For he did love the Order, of the Friars Minors, exceedingly: 
Consider these things thou which sayest that Saints can do nothing after their death.  and did reverence Saint Francis, among all the Saints, with an especial affection. But his Creditor said, with a blasphemous mouth unto him; that neither Saint Francis, nor God himself could be able; to deliver him out of his hands. Thus therefore, upon the Vigil of Saint Francis, it came to pass; that whereas this prisoner had eaten nothing all that day, but had given his diette unto another poor man, for the love of the Saint; in the night following, Saint Francis, appeared unto him, as he lay awake, at whose entrance in his fetters were loosed from his feet, and his chains fell down from his hands; the doors also were opened of themselves, the tables fell down in the place, and the man departing free, returned home to his own. And from thenceforthe, he fulfilled his vow; observing to fast, the vigil of Saint Francis: and over adding unto the taper of wax, which he accustomed yearly to offer; an ounce: of increase in sign of his increasing devotion.  
When Pope Gregory the ninth, sat in the seat of Saint Peter, one Peter also by name, an inhabitant of the City called Alisia, being accused of heresy, was taken at Rome: and was by the commandment of the same supreme Bishop, committed to the custody, of the Bishop of Tibur, 
Saint Francis being invocated with prayers & tears doth by miracle free one out of prison.  to be by him kept forth coming, upon pain of the loss, of his Bishopric. Whom therefore he caused to be put in irons, and to shut up in a dark prison, that he might have no mean to escape: giving unto him bread, by weight, and drink, by measure. But now did the man begin, with great store both of prayers and tears, to call upon Saint Francis, to have compassion upon him: because he had heard, that the vigil of his solemn feast, was presently now at hand. And for so much as, he had by the purity of faith, already renounced, all error of heretical impiety, and had withal the devotion of his heart adheared, unto the most faithful servant of Christ, Saint Francis, he obtained by the intercession of his merrittes, to be heard at the hands, of our Lord. For the night before his festivity, about the twilight of the evening, Saint Francis, taking compassion, came down into the prison, unto him: and calling him by his name, did command him, forthwith to rise. Who being stricken with fear, and ask who it was, did perceive that Saint Francis was present. And beholding the fetters of his feet, to lie broken before him, the doors of the prison to be opened, by reason that the very nails flew out of themselves, yea and a plain way, to be prepared for his departure, and all this to be done, by force of the presence of the Saint; albeit that he were set at liberty, yet was he so amazed, that he could not find the way to depar te, but making a noise at the gate, terrified all his keepers. Who making report unto the Bishop, of his delivery, from imprisonment, the Bishop himself, after understanding had, of the order and course of the matter, came with devotion unto the prison, and manifestly knowing, the power of God: adored our Lord, in that place. The bonds also and fetters, were brought before our Lord the Pope, and the Cardinals all, that were present: who seeing what had been done, and admiring the same, exceedingly, gave honour, and praise, unto God.  
One Guidolotus of Saint Geminianus, being falsely accused of killing a certain man, with poison, and that by the same manner of death, he would also have destroyed his son, & all his family, was therefore apprehended, by the Governor of the land, by whose commandment, he was loaden with irons, and straightly imprisoned, in a certain Tower. But he having hope in our Lord, by reason of his innocency, which he knew in his own heart, commended his cause, to the defence, of Saint Francis, his patronadge. But while the Governoure was thinking with himself, by what manner of torment, he might make him confess, the objected crime, & further with what pains, he might after such confession, finally put him to death, the poor man, being the next morning to be brought to his torments, was visited that very night, with the presence of Saint Francis: and being until the morning, encompassed with a great brightness of light, & being also filled with joy, & much confidence also of mind, he received security of his escape. But in the morning the tormentors came about him: they led him out of the prison: they hung him upon the torture: and increased upon him, many and sundry weights of iron. He was oftentimes, let down, and lifted up again: that by the succeeding of one pain, after another, he might be the sooner enforced, to confess the crime: but by the spirit of his innocency, he retained a cheerfulness in his countenance, making no show of sadness, in all those pains. Yet after this, a great fire was made beneath him, but not so much as one of his hears was thereby perished, though he hung with his head to the ground. And last of all, being scalded all over his body, with boiling oil, by virtue of his patron, to whose defence, he had commended himself, overcoming all these things, he went away safe, and free from harm.   

THE sixth DIVISION. Of Women delivered, from danger, in Childebirthe.  
A certain Countess in Sclavonia, no less virtuous in conversation, than high, in honourable degree & condition, did bear towards Saint Francis, an exceeding great devotion: and towards the brethren an industrious affectionof piety. But she suffering one time, in her travel of child, exceeding sharp, and dolorous pains, was brought unto that extremity, of distress, that the future birth of the child, seemed likely in all expectation, to be the present death, of the Mother. For it seemed impossible, that the child should be borne, with life; unless that she thereby, should end her life: and should by such a delivery, nor bring forth, but perish. But then she bethought herself, of Saint Francis, his fame; of his virtue, and glory: her faith, was stirred up; her devotion was inflamed. She turned herself, unto his efficacious help, unto him, as unto a true friend, as unto a solace, of the devout, as unto a refuge, of the afflicted. O Saint Francis (quoth she) unto thy piety, all the bones of my body, make humble supplication: and I vow, in mind, what I cannot express, in words. And marveilouse was the speed of his piety. 
A certain woman being helped by S. Francis in the danger of childbirth doth afterwards perform her vow and build a Church in his honour.  The end of her speaking, was the end, of her lamenting: the bound, of her travel, the beginning of her child bearing. For presently her labours being all at an end, she did with safety, bring forth her child. And afterwards, she was not unmindful of her vow, nor yet refractory, from her well intended purpose. For she caused, a goodly Church to be built: and the same being built, and finished, she assigned unto the brethren, in honour of the holy Saint.  
In the parts about Rome, there was a certain woman, named Beatrice, who looked now shortly to be brought a bed, of a child: but having borne it dead, by mischance, for four days space in her womb, she miserably sustained, many and sundry, torments: and was distressed with dolorous pains, even to the point, of death. For the dead issue, constrained the mother to death: and the abortive, being not yet brought to light, enforced the apparent peril and danger, of the Mother. She tried the help of the Physicians. 
Gen. 3.16.  But by whatsoever human help, she laboured: it proved, all in vain. And so of the first maledictions, some part did plentifully befall upon this miserable woman, that being made the grave and Sepulchre, of her own conception, she was for certain to expect, a grave for herself, immediately. But she at the length, withal her devotion, committing herself, by message, unto the friars Minors, did with great faith, humbly crave to have somewhat of the Relics, of Saint Francis. And it happened (by God's providence) that there was found, a certain piece of a cord, 
See here how part of the: girdle of S. Francis being applied to a Woman doth deliver her from danger of death.  wherewith the holy man, had been sometime girded. The which so soon as it was put, upon the mournful woman, most easily, forthwith removed, all pain and dolour, quite away, & the dead child, which was the cause of her danger, being now brought forth she wes perfectly restored, unto her former health.  
A certain noble manswife of Narnium, named juliana, passed her years, in sorrow and heaviness for the death of her sundry sons, and did continually bewail, her unhappy misfortune, concerning them: in regard that all that ever she had, with great pain and labour, brought into the world, she did (in short space) with far greater sorrow, commit to burial. But bearing one time in her womb, a child of four months conception, and being, by reason of the former events more afflicted in mind, concerning the death, than concerning the birth of the child, she faithfully prayed, unto the blessed Father Saint Francis, for the life, of the child that was yet unborn. And behold, one night as she lay at rest, a certain woman appeared in sleep unto her; holding a goodly boy, in her hands, and offering him, in most cheerful manner, unto her. But whereas she refused to receive, him whom she feared forth with to lose again; the woman yet further, in this manner of wise replied, saying: receive him securely: for he, whom Saint Francis (bearing compassion with thee, in thy grief) doth send unto thee, shall be sure to live and shall continue in perfect health. And presently the woman awaking, did well understand, by this vision, from heaven vouchsafed unto her; 
Hear two Women praying unto Saint Francis for help are both of them heard.  that the suffrage of S. Francis, was ready, to help her. From thenceforth, therefore, she being more abundantly filled with joy, did for obtaining the issue, which was promised unto her, offer up many prayers, and did also make sundry vows. But the time of her childbirth being come at length, the woman brought forth a male Child: who flourishing in the lustiness of his youthful years, as having by the merits of Saint Francis, received the sustenance of his life, did give unto his parents, a provocation and further encouragement, of more devout affection to wards Christ, and to his blessed Saint. The like also unto this, the holy father effected, in the City of Tibur. For a certain woman, having brought forth many daughters, and being now wearied with desire, of male issue, did make unto S Francis, many prayers and vows. She therefore, by his merits, conceived of Child: and he, who had been prayed unto but for one, granted unto her to bring forth two sons at once.  
At Viterbium, a woman great with child, and nigh her time, was by the judgement of all, thought to be much more nigh unto death, by reason of the extreme torments, she felt in her body, and other such like lamentable distresses, incident unto women's misfortunes. And when the strength and force of nature, had so failed, 
Behold here how an ungrateful woman is punished for not honouring the Saint yet afterwards being penitent and vowing again unto the Saint by his merits is delivered.  that all industry of human art, failed also, therewithal, by invocating the name of Saint Francis, the woman was presently delivered, from her pains; and safely brought for the her child. But she having obtained, what herself desired; and being unmindful of the benefit, she had received; did not give due honour, unto the Saint; but did on the day, of his solemnity, put forth her hands, to servile works. And behold her right arm being stretched out unto labour, became suddenly dry and stiff, and not to be bended. The which, when she with the other arm, endeavoured to pull back unto her; it also, did with like revenge, whither forthwith. The woman therefore, being stricken with the fear of God's punishment; did make her vow anew: and whereas, in regard of her ingratitude, & contempt, she had lost the use of her members, she obtained, by the merits, of the merciful, and humble Saint unto whom she had now secondly, vowed herself; to recover, the same again.  
A certain woman dwelling in the parts about Aretium, having for seven days space together, sustained most greivouse and dangerous pains in her travel of Child, in so much that her flesh was at length discouloured, and turned to black, being now despaired, of at all hands, did make a vow, 
A woman which was ready to die praying unto S. Francis, for help and making a vow is miraculously freed from death.  to Saint Francis, and began, at the very instant and point of death, to invocate his aid and help. But as soon as her vow was made, she speedily fell a sleep, & therein saw, blessed Saint Francis, sweetly speaking unto her, and demanding of her, if she knew his face, and could, to the honour of the glorious Virgin, say by heart, that Anthem of hers, which beginneth with these words, All hail Queen of mercy. Whereunto, she making answer, that she had knowledge of both: Begin then, said the Saint, that sacred Anthem: and before it shallbe fully ended, thou shalt with safety, bring forth thy child. At this voice, the woman awaked, and began with fear to say that Anthem, All hail Queen of mercy. And when she therein called after, those merciful eyes, and mentioned, the fruit, of the Virgin's womb, being presently delivered, from all her dolours and pains, she joyfully brought forth a goodly boy: rendering thanks, unto the Queen of mercy, who by the merits of Saint Francis, had vouchsafed to have mercy, on her.   

THE SEAVENTM DIVISION. Of giving sight unto the blind.  
IN the Covent of the Friars Minors, at Naples, a certain brother named Robert, having been blind, for many years together, there grew at length upon his eyes, a superfluous piece of fles he, which hindered the motion and use, of his eye lids. At one time therefore, when the brethren of foreign places, being to go into diverse parts of the world, did in great numbers, assemble ●ither, the blessed Father Saint Francis, the lively pattern and mirror, of holy Obedience, that by the novelty of a miracle; he might the rather exhort than unto their journey, did cure the foresaid brother Robert, during the time of their abode, there in manner hereafter following. One night the same brother Robert, lay sick in so great danger, of death, that they had already said for him, the commendations of his soul: and even then stood by him the holy father, 

Thou which sayest that Saints can do nothing after their death see what here doth happen. Hear we may note how the even of Saint Francis is fasted in bread and water only how the body of our Saviour Christ is elevated in the Mass. As also that the holy Eucharist is to be adored as a wonderful Sacrament and as the true & living light of our souls.  
We may note also a miracle which doth happen in the elevation and a doration of the B. Sacrament.   accompanied with three brethren of great perfection in all manner of holiness: namely Saint Anthony; brother Augustine, and brother Iames, of Asisium: who, as they had perfectly imitated him, in the time of their life, so did they cheerfully also, follow him, after their death but Saint Francis taking a kinfe, did cut of, the superfluous piece of flesh, did restore unto him, his former sight, and reduced him, even from the very jaws of death: and therewithal, he said unto him, my son Robert, the grace which I have wrought with thee, is a sign unto the brethren, who travel into far Countries, that I will go before them, and will direct, their ways. Let them therefore joyfully go on (said he) and let them with a cheerful mind accomplish, the obedience enjoined unto them.  
At a place called Thebas in Raman●●, a oertaine blind woman having fasted the vigil of Saint Francis, with bread and water; was brought by her husband, the next morning early (being the day of his solemnity) unto the Church of the Friars Minors. Who, while the sacrifice of the Mass, was offered; did even at the elevation of the body of Christ, open her eyes; did clearly see; and most devoutely did adore. And in the time of that her adoration, crying out with a loud voice; Thanks be to God, said she; and to his Saint; for that I see, the body of Christ. Whereupon all that were present, bursting forth into a voice, of joy and exultation; the woman herself, after the end of the solemnities, returned into her house; with ioyfullnesse of spirit, and with the light of her eyes. And she rejoiced indeed, not only for having recovered the aspect, of this Corporal light, but much more, for that she had, by the merits (principally) of Saint Francis, and with the efficacious help also, of her own faith; obtained to behold that marveilouse Sacrament, which is the true and lively light, of our souls.  
A certain boy, of the town called Pophis, in Campania, being fowerteene years of age; was so afflicted with some sudden infirmity, that he had wholly lost his left eye. And the violent bitterness of his disease, had in such wise removed his eye, out of the proper place: that hanging down by a string upon his cheek, a whole finger's length; for the space of eight days, together, it was almost withered, and dried away. But when no hope of help, was to be had, from the Physicians and surgeons, nor ought else remained to be done, but only 〈◊〉 the eye away: the Father of the boy turned himself with all his mind, 

If injury were done to God almighty by invocating S. Francis. he would not work so many miracles by him.  
Lo here how saints are to be invocated and how being invocated they do help those which seek for help.   and endeavour to crave the help, of Saint Francis. Neither yielded he, the unwearied helper, of distressed persons, fail even now at the prayers, of his humble Suppliante. For he by a marveilouse power, restored that withered eye, into the proper place, and to the former strength thereof: yea and beautified it also, with the beams of wished and desired sight again.  
In the same province also, at a place called Castrum, a piece of wood of great weight, fell down from a high place, upon a certain Priest; and dashing his head, most grievously; made him blind, of his left eye. Who lying upon the ground, began with a loud voice, but yet mournfully; to cry unto Saint Francis, saying, Help me O most holy Father, that I may be able to go, unto thy feast, as unto thy brethren I have promised to do. For it was the Vigil of the Saint. And presently the Priest arising, and being in perfect manner delivered; did break forth into a voice of joy and praise; now turning all the standers by, that lamented with him for his misery; into a general astonishment, and rejoicing. He also went unto the feast, declaring unto all men, what a clemency and virtue he had found, by experience made, upon himself.  
A certain man of the mountain Garganus, labouring in his vineyard, and hewing a piece of wood with a hatchette, chauced therewithal to hit his own eye, which with that stroke, he so parted and divided, that the one half (as it were) thereof, did hang out of the due and propor place. And despairing, that in so desperate a case, any help, could be by man, procured unto him, he promised to fast upon the feast of Saint Francis, if he would now vouchsafe, to help him. And presently the Saint of God, 
See how health is obtianed by the making of a vow which our beretickes so much scoff at.  restored the man's eye into the right place again. And did so exquisitely rejoin it, in the place of division: in such wise: also adorning the same, with the former clearness of sight, that of the hurt-receaved, no sign remained, at all.  
A certain noble man's son also, having been a blind from his very nativity, did by the merrittes● of Saint Francis, joyfully receive, the desired lighte● of his eyes: who gaining a name, according to the● event, was therefore called Illuminatus: (which is as much to say, as illuminated, or enlightened). And afterwards, being further grown into years, as one not unmindful, of the benefit received, he entered into the Order, of blessed Saint Francis. wherein he so greatly profited, in the light of grace and virtue, that he might verily seem to be, the child of light indeed. And by the blessed Father's merits, he at the length concluded his holy beginning, with a more holy ending.  
At Zachantum, which is a town nigh unto Anagnia, a certain soldier named Gerardus, had utterly lost his sight. But it fortuned, that two Friars Minors travailing from foreign parts, did come to his house, for harbour. Who having been, for the reverence of Saint Francis, of all the whole family devoutely Peceaved, and withal good humanity, entertained, rendering thanks to God, and their host, came to a place of the brethren, not far from thence. One night therefore blessed Saint Francis, appeared in sleep to one of them: saying; Arise and make haste with thy companion, unto the house of our host, who hath received Christ and me, in you: for I will requite the benefices of his piety. He was indeed made blind, by due descent, of his own offenoes: which he had not Andeavoured to cleanse, by penitent confession. 
Note here a miracle to prove confession of sins and penance undertaken with contrition of the heart.  The Father thus disappearing, the brother in haste arose: that with his companion, he might speedily perform, the commandment. And coming unto the house of their host, they declared in order, unto him, all that which the one, had seen. Whereupon, the man being not a little amazed, and acknowledging all to be true, that was said, with compunction and tears, willingly made his confession. And after promise made, of amends: the in ward man, being thus renewed, the exterior sight, was there withal forth with recovered. The fame of which miracle, being generally spread abroad, very many wereincited thereby, not on unto the reverence of the holy Saint, but vn● humble confession also, of their sins, and to th● merit of Hospitality.   

THE EIGHT DIVISION. Of persons delivered, from divers kinds of infirmities.  
AT Castrum Ilebis, a certain young man being a beggar was from his nativity, both deaf and dumb: whose tongue, was so exceeding short and slender, that having been many time sought for, by sundry persons, it seemed to hau● been wholly, cut away. And it fortuned, that one Marcus, did for God's sake, entertain this you the into his house, who finding him to deal well by him, began to abide with him continually And the said Marcus, being one evening as sup with his wife; at what time that boy also stood before them; 
That we may see that vows are pleasing unto God, consider here the wonderful effects which follow of them.  did use these words, unto h●●. This would I repute, for a great miracle, if blessed Sain Francis, would restore unto this youth, his heating and speaking. Unto which words he further adjoined, these: I vow (said he) unto God, that i● Saint Francis, shall vouchsafe to work this effect I will for his love, bestow the maintenance o● this youth; during his life. It is a marveilouse thing. suddenly his tongue was lengthened; and he spoke also, therewithal: saying; Glory be unto God, and Saint Francis, who hath given unto me my speech and hearing.  
Brother james of Iseum, when he was but a little boy, in his Father's house; got a grievous rapture, in his body. But he, albe it that he were both young and weak; did by the instinct; of God's heavenly spirit; enter into the Order of Saint Francis, with much devotion: not yet discovering unto any man, the infirmity, wherewith he was molested. But it came to pass, that when the body of Saint Francis, was translated unto the place; where the precious treasure, of his sacred bones is even now reserved; the foresaid brother also, was then present, at the joys, of the translation: that unto the body of the blessed Father, now glorified; he might exhibit, due honour and reverence. And approaching unto the tomb, wherein those sacred bones, were placed, for devotion of spirit he embraced the same: and praying with many tears; he suddenly found the parts of his body, to be in marveilouse manner restored unto their due places. So that perceiving himself, to be perfittely well; he put of his truss; & was from thenceforth, delivered; from his former pain and grief. From the like infirmity also brother, Bartholus, of Eugubium; brother Angelus of Tudertum; Nicholaus, a Priest of Stichanum, one joannes de Fora, a certain man of Pisis, and another of the town of Cisterna, one Peter also, of Sicilia, a man of the town called Spellum, nigh to Asisium, and a great many more beside, were by the mercy of God, and by the merits of Saint Francis, marvelously delivered.  
Upon the Sea coasts, a certain woman having been distracted, for five years space together, had lost her fight and hearing. She tore her garments, with her teeth; she reared not the peril, either of fire or water: and at the last, she had an horrible passion of the falling sickness. But one night, when God of his mercy, was pleased to have compassion upon her, she being from heaven en vironed, with the brightness of a health giving light, did set Saint Francis, sitting upon a high Throne: before whom, she prostrating herself; 
Behold how one making a vow is forthwith ●ured.  did make huble suit, to obtain, her health. Unto whose perition, whereas he did, as yet forbear, to assent, the woman thereupon made a vow, wherein she promised, that so long as she should have any thing, she would not deny to give some alms, unto such as should ask of her, for the love of God, and of this his Saint. This Coveante the Saint forth with acknowledged; as being like unto that, which himself had formerly made, with our Lord: and signening her therefore, with the sign of the Cross, he thoroughly restored her to perfect health. 
Sup. Cap. 1. parag. 2.  From the like passion also, a certain young maiden of Nurs●●, and a certain noble man's son, and diverse others besides; have been by the Saint of God S. Francis, mercifully delivered: as hath been certainly found; by relation of good credit, and authority.  
One Peter of Fulgineum, going one time to visit the Church of Saint Michael, and performing that pilgrimage with less reverence than was convenient, having tasted the water, of a certain fountain, was presently invaded, by the devils: and being from that time, for three years together, possessed, was miserably turmoiled, in his body, speaking most wicked things, and pretending, horrible matters. Yet having sometimes, some kind of intermission, and reasonable understanding, he did in humble manner, seek after the virtuous power, of the blessed Saint, which he knew to be effectual, to drive away the powers of the air. And coming unto the Tomb, 
Hear we may see how those that seek for refuge at the sepulchres of Saints are helped of them.  of the pious Father, so soon as with his hand, he touched the same, he was marvelously delivered, from the devils, that did cruelly vex and torment him. In like manner also, the mercy of Saint Francis, did help a certain woman of Narnium; and diverse others more that were possessed with devils: whose greivouse vexations, with the manner also, of their recovery, were overlong, to be in this place, particularly rehearsed.  
A certain man of the City of Fanum, named Bonus, being sick of the Palsy, and infected also, with a Leprosy, was brought by his parents: unto the Church of Saint Francis: and recovered perfect health, of either disease. As also another young man of Saint Severinus, named Acto, 
Hear we may note that some Saints have special privilege to cure some perciculer disease.  being wholly infected, with the Leprosy, having made a vow ●nd being also brought unto the Sepulchre of the Saint, was by his merits cleansed, from that infection. For the blessed Saint had indeed a marveilouse power, in the curing of this disease, in regard that he, for the love of humility and piety, had humbly deputed himself, to serve the Leapears.  
In the Diocese of Sora, a certain noble woman named Rogata; having been for three and twenty years space, overwearied, with a continual bloody flux, and having also sustained many evils, at the physicians hands, did oftentimes for very excess of the disease, seem even ready, to give up the ghost. And if at any time it were stayed with in her, she did exceedingly swell thereby in all her body. But hearing once, a certain boy in the street, to sing the miracles (in the Roman tongue) which were done by Saint Francis, sustaining then great dolour and grief, she burst forth into streams of tears: and so, being inwardly inflamed with faith, she began to say, O blessed Saint Francis? Thou that shinest, with so many miracles, if thou wouldst vouchsafe to deliver me, from his infirmity, much glory would thereby, arise unto thee: for, such a miracle as this, thou haste not wrought, as yet. What shall I use more words? So soon as she had but spoken, thus much, she found herself, to be by the merrittes of Saint Francis, delivered. So also a son of hers named Mark, having his arm contracted, upon a vow made unto Saint Francis, 
A ceratine man having the sinews of his arm contracted is belped, by making a vow to S. Francis.  obtained present help, thereof. And a certain woman of Sicilia, who had been for seven years, worn and consumed, with a bloody flux, was by the sign bearer of Christ, perfectly cured.  
In the City of Rome, one Praxedes, a woman of great fame, for her religious conversation, who from her tender age, had for love of the everlasting spouse, by the space of well nigh forty years, betaken herself, to a hard and strait prison, merited to obtain, at the hands of Saint Francis, a special grace and favour. For going up one day, upon occasion of some necessaries, into the open place over the Cell, and falling down, by mean of some fantastical violence, she broke her foot and her thigh, as also her arm, was thereby put out of joint: at what time, the most loving Father, appeared unto her, appareled all in white, with garments of glory: and with sweet words, he began in this wies, to speak unto her: Rise up (said he) my blessed daughter, rise up, and do not fear. And taking her by the hand, he lifted her up and disappeared. But she bestirring herself on every side, in her little Cell, imagined, that she had seen, a vision: until such time, that at her clamour and noise, a light was brought, whereby she perceiving herself, to be by the servant of Christ Saint Francis, perfectly in health and strength restored, did orderly declare, all the matter as it had befallen unto her.   

THE NINTH DIVISION. Of such as observed not the feast, and of those that honoured not the Saint.  
IN the parts of Pictavia, in the village, 
Note a strange miracle about keeping holy the feast of S. Francis.  which is called Simo, a certain Priest named Reginald, being devout, unto Saint Francis: did bid his feast to be solemnly celebrated of all his parishioners. But one of the people, not knowing the virtue, of the blessed Saint, made light account, of his Pastor's commandment. And going forth into the field, to out some wood, as he was preparing himself, to work, he heard a voice, speaking there times, in this manner, unto him: It is affestivall day, you may not work. But whereas this his fervile temerity, was neither by the commandment of the Priest, nor yet by the Oracle of the heavenly voice, restrained the power of God, to the glory of his Saint, vouchsafed forthwith a miracle, and a scourge also, therewithal. For as soon as, he now already holding in one hand, a prong, did with his other hand, lift up an iron instrument, to work, either hand, was unto either instrument, by divine power, so fastened & conjoined, that he could not open his fingers, to let go any one, of them both. Whereupon being marvelously astonished, and not knowing what to do, he being followed with many people, that ran after him, to see the wonder, did make haste, to go to the Church. Where, with compunction of mind, he by advise of one of the Priests that assisted (for there were many Priests invited, to come to the Feast) did before the Altar, humbly devote himself, to Saint Francis: making three vows, according to the voice he had heard, three several times: namely, to Celebrate his Feast, to repair also on that day, unto the Church of that place, where in he should then be, and personally to vifite, the body of the Saint. It is a wonderful thing to be reported; As soon as he had made, his first vow, one of his fingers, was loosened: at the making of his second vow, another of his fingers was enlarged: and when he had made, his third vow, yet another of his singers, & therewithal, his whole hand, as also his other hand, was in like manner immediately set at liberty: mean while that the people, which had now by this time, in great numbers, assembled to that place, did most devoutely implore, the aid and clemency, of the blessed Saint. And so the man, being perfectly restored, to his former freedom and liberty, did without the help of any other, lay a side those instruments, whereby all men, praised Almighty God, and the admirable power, of his Saint, who could, so marvelously, both strike & heal again. But those instruments, themselves; do until this day (in memory of that fact) hang up, before an Altar, which is erected, to the honour of Saint Francis. Many other miracles also, done there, and in the places, nigh adjoining, do evidently show and declare; both that the Saint, is of excellent degree in heaven, and that his feast, aught to be reverently celebrated, here in earth.  
In the City also of Cenomanum; a certain woman, as she did, upon the solemnity of Saint Fran●is, reached out her hand, to her distaff, 
Hear we have a sufficient testimony that the feasts of Saints are not to be contemned.  & did with her fingers, begin to take hold of her spindle, her hands, presently becoming stiff, and dry; she felt in her fingers exceeding torments, of burning heat. Being thus therefore, taught by the pain, to know the virtue, of the Saint, with compunction of heart, she haftily ran to the brethren. And when the devout Children, had for her health, craved the Clemency of the holy Father, she was presently made well again: neither did any thing of the hurt, remain in her hand, saving that for memory of the fact, some only sign of the burning, was yet to be seen. In like manner also, in the greater Campania, a certain woman, & in the village of Olletum, another woman, and in the town of Pylleum, a third woman, contemning to celebrate the Feast, of the blessed Father, were at the first, marvelously punished: but being afterwards penitent, were by the merits of Saint Francis, more marvelously, delivered.  
A certain soldier of Burgum, 
Hear by examples we are admonished not to detract from the honour of the Sa●nts.  within the province of Massa, one who had been sometime, appertaining unto the wars, did most impudently detract, from the marveilouse works, and prodigious miracles, of blessed Saint Francis. He used many reproaches to pilgrims, that came to his memory, and against the brethren, he railed, with open and unrestrained madness. But as he one time endeavoured, to deface the glory, of God's Saint, he heaped upon the rest of his sins, an horrible blasphemy, of all men to be detested. If it be true (said he) that this same Francis, is a Saint let me this day, be slain, with a sword: but if he be no Saint, then let me scape, untouched. And the wrath of God, made now no delay: to inflict due punishment, upon him: considering that his prayer, was now turned into sin. For within a little while, upon occafion of some eniurie, which this blasphemous person, offered to a nephew of his, he took up a sword, and thrust it into his uncles bowels. And that very day died, this wicked bond slave of Hell, and child of darkness. That other men might leatne, not with blasphemous words, to disgrace, but with devout praises, to honour, the marveilouse works, of S. Francis.  
A certain judge named Alexander, with his venomous tongue with drawing, as many as he could, from the honour of Saint Francis, was by God's divine judgement deprived, of the use of his tongue, that he was not able to speak for the space of six years together. Who finding himself to be punished, in the thing wherein he had offended, being recalled unto himself did with deep and unfeigned repentance, sorrow in his heart that he had barked & despitefully spoken, against the miracles of the Saint. For which cause the indignation of the merciful Saint, was now of no longer continevance; but he, upon his repentance, & humble calling upon him, restoring unto him his speech, did vouchsafe to receive him to favour. And from that time, he consecrated his blasphemous tongue, to the praises of the Saint, receiving out of that scourge, both devotion, and good instruction.   

THE TENTH AND LAST DIVISION Of certain other miracles, of diverse kinds.  
IN the town of Galianum, which is within the Diocese of Valua, a certain woman named Marie, who had, in a devout course of service, devoted herself, unto jesus Christ, and blessed Saint Francis, wē● out one day, in the summer season, with her own hands to getr●, her necessary sustenace. But being almost overcome, with the excessive heat of the wether, and beginning (even presently) to fail, by reason of an exceeding, and violent thirst, as one destitute of any mean, 10 obtain a Cup of drink, for that she was all alone, upon a dry and barren Mountain, falling down prostrate upon the ground, as though she had been dead, she did with a devour affection of mind, invocate the help, of her blessed patron, Saint Francis. But as the woman persevered, in her affectuose and humble prayer, being marvelously overwearied, with labour, thirst and hear, she was, for a while, overtaken with sleep. And behold, Saint Francis coming unto her, and calling her by her name: Rise up (said he) and drink of the water, which is by God's bount●e; vouchsafed unto thee, & many more At the hearing of which voice, the woman being not a little comforted, rose presently, out of her sleep. And taking hold of a fern brake, that was hard by her, she pulled it by the root: and digging round about it, with a little piece of wood, she found fresh & springing water. Which though at the first, it appeared but as a little drop, yet afterwards, by the power of God, suddenly increased to a foutaine. The woman therefore, did drink of the water, and when she had drank her fill she therewithal washed her eyes: which having formerly been, very dim of fight, by reason of some long infirmity, she found to be from that time forwards, endued, with a new and perfect light. 
A well being sprung up miraculously by the merits of Saint Francis doth cure many diseased persons, they only going to confession before.  Whereupon she hastened home: unto all men denouncing, so strange a miracle, to the glory of Saint Francis. At the fame of this miracle, many people came, from all the parts about, learning by experience, the marveilouse effect of that water: mean while that at the touch thereof (after confession duly made) many persons were delivered, from sundry dangers, of sickness. And to this day a goodly fountain, is to be seen, in that place, where an Oratoire also, was builded, in the honour of Saint Francis.  
In Spain, at the town of Saint Facundus, he marvelously, beyond all hope restored a withered C●erritree, belonging to a certain man, to greenness of leaves, to flowers, and to the bearing of fruit. He also by a miraculous help: delivered the inhabitants of the land, among them that are called Viles●j; from the plague of certain worms, that did in every place ear up, and consume their vineyards. And whereas a certain Priest, dwelling nigh to Palencia, had a certain barn of his, every year accustomably fraught with worms, that consumed the corn: the same being faithfully commended, unto him he did clearly lid from those vermin. A certain piece of land also, belonging unto the Lord of that place which is called De Petra Mala, in the Kingdom of Apulia, being in devout manner commended unto him, he safely preserved, from an odious infection, and pestilence of those harmful flies which are called Brachi: whereas, all things, in the places thereabouts adjoining; were with the foresaid pestilence, wasted and devoured.  
A certain man named Martin, driving his oxen, one time, somewhat far from his house, unto the Pasture; one of them did by a chance, so desperately break his thigh; that there was no hope to be had, of remedy. He minding therefore to slay him; and having no instrument wherewith to do it, returning home, did leave the care of his ox, to Saint Francis; and faithfully commended him, to the faithfully Custody of the Saint; lest that, before his return, he should be by the wolves, devoured. In the next morning therefore early returning with his flaying knife; to the ox, he had left in the wood; he found him at his feed, so strong and sound, that the broken thigh, could not be discerned from the other. For which cause he rendered thanks, to his good Pastor; who had both taken diligent care, of his ox; and had also given help, unto him. And surely, the humble Saint doth well know, how to secure all that do call upon him: neither doth he disdain, any the very lest necessities of men. For to a man of Amiternum, he restored a beast, that had been stolen away. For a woman also of Interducum, he repaired, a dish, of hers; which had been broken into many pieces. And in like manner, whereas a certain man of the Mountain Vlmus, in the Marquisate, had his plough share broken in pieces, he made it whole again.  
In the Diocsse of Sabina, there was an old woman, of four score years; whose daughter departing this life, left a little sucking child behind her. But the poor old woman, being very poor indeed, and voy of milk; and having no other woman, that would give milk, to the thirsty child, according as necessity did require; could not tell what to do, nor which way to turn herself. But the infant being brought, 
See how ready the Saints are to help those which pray unto them.  to great weakness, she destitute of all human help, did one night, with an a abundant stream of tears, wholly turn herself, to crave the help, of the blessed father, Saint Francis. And forthwith the lover of innocent age, was present with her: who said unto her. I am Francis (O woman) whom thou hast invocated, with so many tears. And put, said he, thy breasts into the mouth of the child: because our Lord will give milk in abundance, unto thee. The old woman thereupon, fulfilled the commandment of the Saint: and immediately, the breasts of fourscore years old, yielded forth plenty of milk. This marveilouse gift, of the Saint; was known unto all men: and many, as well men, as women, made haste, to come and see it. And considering, that what the eyes themselves, did testify; the tongue might not be able, to with stand; all men were thereby incited, to praise God; in the marveilouse power, and lovely piety, of his holy Saint.  
At Spoletum, a certain man and his wife, having one only son: did every day lament him, as the obloquy and reproach, of their house. For he, having his arms, joined fast to his neck: his knees, to his breast: and his legs to his hinder parts: seemed to be, no issue of man: but rather some monstrous thing. And the woman, being hear hence afflicted, with a more violent sorrow, and grief; did, with frequent lamentations, call unto Christ, invocating the aid of S. Francis: whereby to vouchsafe, to secure, and help her, in this so great a reproach. One night therefore it came to pass, that when she was, by reason of this manner of heaviness overtaken with sleep: S. Francis, appeared unto her, comforting her, with sweet, and compassionate speeches: and moreover persuading her, to carry her child, unto a place nigh hand, which was dedicated, to his name: that being in the name of our Lord, washed with the water, of a certain well in that place; he might receive, full and perfect remedy. But whereas she neglected to accomplish, the commandment of the Saint; he the second time, repeated those words unto her. Yea, and the third time also, appearing: he, walking before the woman, conducted, her with her child, unto the gate of the foresaid place. At what time, certain noble Matrons, coming thither for devotions sake; and being by the foresaid woman, diligently informed, of the vision; they together with the mother, did present the child, to the brethren; and drawing water, out of the well, the more noble of them, did with her own hands, wash the infant. Who having all his members, presently brought, to their proper places; appeared sound and well; and the greatness of this miracle, brought admiration, upon all men.  
In the town of Chore, 
Lo with what devotion the Saint is invocated and how miraculously he doth help his devoted.  within the Diocese of Ostea, a certain man, had so absolutely lost his thigne, that he could by no means, either go, or move himself. Being therefore, in this vehement distress; and desperate, of all human help; he began, one night: as though he had seen S. Frances, present; to take this occasion of complaining, before him: Help me (said he) O saint Frances remembering my service, and the devotion, I have exhibited, unto thee. For I have carried thee, upon mine Ass: I have kissed thy holy feet, and thy holy hands: I have always been devout, unto thee: I have been evermore, ready to serve thee: and behold, now I die, with the most greivouse torment, of this disease. With these his complaints: he that is never unmindful, of the benefits bestowed upon him; but is continually grateful, for the devotion, which is used towards him: being moved, and incited, did presently stand before him: and did with one brother, appear unto him. He told him, that he was come at his call: and had brought with him, helps, for his recovery. With a little staff therefore, that had in it the figure, of the letter Thou, he touched the place, where the pain did lie: and therewithal breaking, an impostume: he presently restored him to perfect health. And which is more marvelous: imprinting the sacred sign of Thou, upon the place of the healed ulcer, he left it there, to remain: in memory, of the miracle. With this mark, S. Frances used to sign his letters: as often as for charity's sake: he directed any. But behold, now gentle reader mean while that our mind, being distracted with variety, of narrations: hath passed along, through diverse miracles, of the glorious father, S. Frances: by merit of that glorious standard bearer, of the Cross; it hath now, not without divine direction: lighted upon the sign Thou, which is the sign of salvation: to the intent, that out of it, we may observe: that like as, the Cross, was in his warfare after Christ: a high advauncement of merit, unto salvation: so is it also unto him, now with Christ, triumphing: made a firm matter of testimony, to his honour. For this great and marveilouse mystery, of the Cross: wherein the peculiar gifts, of graces; the merits, of virtues: and the treasures, of wisdom and knowledge: are in so profound a degree, covered, and concealed: that it is kept secret, from the wise and prudent, of this world, was yet so plentifully and fully revealed, unto this little one of Christ: that all his life, doth follow no other thing, than the very footestepps, of the Cross: he doth savour, of no other thing, than of the sweetness of the Cross: nor yet doth preach, or denounce, any other thing, than the glory, of the Cross. Well, therefore, and truly, might he say, with the Apostle: in the beginning of his conversion: God forbidden that I should glory, saving in the Cross of our lord JESUS Christ: And no less truly, might he say, in the progress, of his conversation: whoesoever shall follow this rule, peace upon them, and mercy. But most truly, might he, in the consummation of his life, thereto adjoin, the words ensuing: I bear the marks of our lord JESUS in my body. And these words also, we daily desire, from him to hear: The grace of our Lord JESUS Christ be with your spirit brethren. Amen.  
Glory now therefore securely, in the Crosses glory; thou glorious standard bearer of Christ: for that having taken thy beginning, from the Cross; according to the rule, of the Cross, thou haste made, thy proceeding: and finally, making thine end in the Cross; of how great glory, thou art in heaven; it doth, by the testimony of the Cross, evidently appear, to all faithful people. Securely now, may they follow thee; who do depart, out of Egypt: for that, having divided the red Sea, by the staff, of the Cross of Christ, they shall pass thorough the deserts, into the promised land of the living: and having also passed over; the jordane, of this mortality; they shall, by the marveilouse power, of the Cross, enter thereinto. Whither, we beseerhe him, who is the true conductor, and Saviour of his people, jesus Christ, crucified; mercifully to bring us, by the merits of his servant, S. Francis: to the praise and glory of God, who being three in person, and one in substance, liveth and reigneth, everlastingly. Amen.  
Deo gratias.     

A Table of all the Chapters contained in this book.  

THe first Chapter of Saint Francis his conversation in secular habit.  
The second Chapter of his perfect conversion unto God and how he repayered three Churches.  
The third Chapter, of the institution of his order of religion, and of the aprobation of his rule.  
The fourth Chapter, of the increase of the order under his hand, and of the confirmation of the rule formerly approved.  
The fifth Chapter, of the austerity of his life; and how the creatures of God gave solace unto him.  
The sixth Chapter, of his humility and obedience, and of God's favourable condescending unto all his desires.  
The seventh Chapter, of his love of poverty, and of the marvelous supply of his wants.  
The eight Chapter, of his affection of piety: and how creatures devoied of reason, seemed to be affected to wards him.  
The ninth Chapter, of the fervour of his charity, and of his desire of martyrdom.  
The tenth Chapter, of his diligence and fervency in prayer.  
The eleventh Chapter, of his, understanding the scriptures, and of his spirit of Prophecy.  
The twelfeth Chapter, of the efficacy of his preaching: and of his gift in curing.  
The thirteenth Chapter, of his holy stigmattes.  
The fourteenth Chapter, of his patience, and death.  
The fifteenth Chapter, of his canonisation, and of the translation of his sacred body.  
The sixteenth Chapter, containing certain miracles done by Saint Francis, after his death, which because it is long, and considering the miracles be of divers kinds, is therefore par●ed in●o ten divisions, according to the several titles of the miracles.  
The first division, of the virtue, and force, of the holy stigmattes.  
The second division, of dead persons raised to life again.  
The third division, of such as he delivered from the peril of death.  
The fourth division, of persons that were saved from shippewracke.  
The fifth division, of persons delivered out of bonds and imprisonment.  
The sixth division, of women delivered, from danger, in Childebirthe.  
The seventh division, of giving sight unto the blind.  
The Eight division, of persons delivered, from diverse kinds of infirmities.  
The Ninth division, of such as observed not the feast, and of those that honoured not the Saint.  
The Tenth and last Division, of certain other mirecles, of diverse kinds.   
For such faults as are here escaped in printing, I beseech the courteous reader, out of his charity to pardon, and with mature judgement vouchsafe to amend them.