Chapter XIII. How, having eleven brethren, he first wrote down the Rule; and how the Lord Pope Innocent confirmed it: and concerning the vision of the tree

32. Blessed Francis, seeing that the Lord God was daily increasing the number [of the brethren] for that very purpose,¹ wrote down simply and in few words for himself and for his brethren both present and future a pattern and rule of life, using chiefly the language of the holy Gospel, after whose perfection alone he yearned. However he inserted a few other things necessarily concerned with the practice of a holy conversation. So he came to Rome with all the said brethren, longing exceedingly that what he had written might be confirmed by the Lord Pope Innocent III. There was at Rome at that time the venerable bishop of Assisi, named Guido, who honoured S. Francis and all the brethren in all things, and revered them with special affection. When he saw S. Francis and his brethren, he was annoyed at their coming, not knowing the cause of it: for he feared that they would leave their native country wherein the Lord had already begun to do great things by His servants; he was most glad to have such men in his diocese, and was building great expectations on their life and conduct. But when he heard the cause of their coming and understood their purpose, he rejoiced greatly in the Lord, pledging himself to give them advice and afford them help in the business. S. Francis also waited upon the reverend Lord Bishop of Sabina (named John of S. Paul), who among the princes and great ones of the Roman Court seemed to be a despiser of earthly and a lover of heavenly things. This man received him with kindness and charity and warmly commended his will and purpose. 33. But, being a farseeing and judicious man, he began to question S. Francis on many points, and urged him to embrace the life of a monk or of a hermit. S. Francis, however, as humbly as he could, refused to yield to the Cardinal's persuasion; not that he despised what had been urged upon him; but in his pious longing for another course of life he was carried on by a still loftier desire. The Cardinal wondered at his fervour, and fearing lest he might flinch from so stern a purpose, pointed him out easier ways. At length, overcome by the stedfastness of S. Francis' entreaties, he gave in, and strove thenceforth to further his business with the Pope. At that time the Lord Pope Innocent III. ruled over the Church, a glorious man, one moreover of abundant learning, renowned in discourse, fervent in zeal for righteousness in those things which the business of promoting the Christian faith demanded. When he knew the wish of the men of God, after first examining the matter, he granted their request and carried it into complete effect; and then, encouraging and admonishing them concerning many things, he blessed S. Francis and his brethren, and said to them: "Go, and the Lord be with you, brethren, and as He shall deign to inspire you, preach repentance to all. And when the Lord Almighty shall multiply you in number and in grace, ye shall report it to me with joy, and I will grant you more than this and shall with more confidence entrust greater things to you."

Verily the Lord was with blessed Francis whithersoever he went, cheering him with revelations, and encouraging him with benefits. For one night when he was gone to sleep he seemed to be walking along a road by the side of which stood a very lofty tree. That tree was fair and strong, exceeding thick and high. And it came to pass that as he came near to it, and stood beneath it, wondering at its beauty and height, he himself grew to such a height that he touched the top of the tree, and taking it in his hand, very easily bowed it to the ground. And so indeed it was done; since the Lord Innocent, the highest and loftiest tree in the world bowed himself so graciously to his will and petition.