Chapter III. How, changed in mind but not in body, he spake allegorically of a treasure found, and of a Bride

6. Being therefore changed (but in mind, not in body) he now refused to go to Apulia, and strove to turn his will to things divine. Accordingly he withdrew himself for awhile from the bustle and business of the world, and strove to lay up Jesus Christ in the inward man. Like a prudent merchant he concealed¹ from the eyes of the deluded the pearl he had found, and endeavoured in secret to sell all he had and purchase it. There was a man in Assisi whom he loved above all the rest; and, since they were of the same age, and constant intercourse in mutual affection emboldened him to impart his secrets to this friend, he would often take him to places retired and suited for counsel, declaring that he had found a great and precious treasure. His friend rejoiced, and being eager about what he had heard, gladly accompanied Francis whenever he was invited. There was a cavern near the city to which they would often go, talking together about the treasure. The man of God (for he was already holy through his holy purpose) would go into the cavern, while his comrade waited outside; and, filled by a new and single spirit, would pray to his Father in secret. He longed that none should know what he was doing within, and, wisely taking occasion by the good to conceal the better, consulted God alone in his holy purpose. He prayed devoutly that the eternal and true God would direct his way, and teach him to do His will. He endured the utmost travail of spirit, nor could he rest until he should fulfil in deed what he had conceived in his heart. Various thoughts succeeded one another, and grievously troubled him by their importunity. Within he glowed with the Divine fire, nor could he hide the blaze which filled his mind from outward view. It repented him that he had sinned so grievously and offended in the sight of [God's] Majesty; neither the past evils, nor the present delighted him; but he had not yet fully received assurance that he would refrain from evil in the future. Wherefore when he came back to his companion outside he was so worn out with travail that he seemed a different man from him who had gone in.

7. But one day when he had been most earnestly beseeching the Lord's mercy, the Lord showed him what he must do. And then he was filled with such joy that, unable to contain himself for gladness, even against his will he uttered somewhat of it to the ears of men. Yet, though for the greatness of the love wherewith he had been inspired he could not keep silence, he spoke in some sort warily and in riddles. For in the manner that he spoke to his special friend of a "hidden treasure" (as has been said) so also he strove to speak to others figuratively. He said that he would not go to Apulia but promised to do great and noble deeds in his native place. Men thought he wanted to marry a wife, and questioned him saying, "Francis, art thou going to take a wife? "But he would answer, "I will marry a nobler and fairer bride than you ever saw, who shall surpass all others in beauty and excel them in wisdom".

And verily the spotless Bride of God is the true Religion which he took unto him, and the "hidden treasure "is the Kingdom of Heaven, which he sought out with such great desire. For it was altogether necessary that the Gospel calling should be fulfilled in him who was to be a minister of the Gospel in faith and truth.