Chapter II. Of a poor knight whom he clothed; and of the vision of his call which he saw while in the world

5. Having been loosed from his chains after a while, he became more kindly compassionate toward the poor. He now resolved never to turn xOr, "the chosen vessel of the virtues now pours forth unctions everywhere". his face from any poor man who in his petition should plead "the love of God". Once he met a knight who was poor and almost naked, and being admonished by pity gave him freely for Christ's sake the costly attire he was wearing. How did his behaviour differ from that of the most holy Martin except that while they were one in their purpose and in their act they were unlike in their manner of doing it? Francis gave his clothes before the rest of his possessions, Martin first gave up all the rest and his clothes last: each lived poorly and scantily in the world; each entered heaven rich. The one a knight but a poor man cut his garment in two to clothe a poor man, the other a rich man but not a knight clothed a poor knight with an entire garment. Each, having fulfilled Christ's command, was found worthy to be visited by Christ in a vision, the one being praised for his perfection, the other most graciously invited to fulfil what was lacking.1

6. Presently Francis was shown in a vision 2 a beautiful palace wherein he saw various warlike accoutrements and a lovely bride. In the dream Francis was called by name and allured by the promise of all this. He endeavoured, therefore, to go to Apulia to win knighthood; and after making the needful preparations on a lavish scale he hastened toward the attainment of the knightly dignity. A carnal spirit was suggesting to him a carnal interpretation of the vision he had seen, whereas a far more glorious one lay hid in the treasures of God's wisdom.

1I.e., to be baptized. 2Cf. above, I., 4-6.

Accordingly one night when he was sleeping he was addressed a second time in a vision and strictly questioned as to whither he intended to go. And when he had told his purpose to his questioner, saying that he was going to war in Apulia, the same questioner earnestly asked him who could do better for him, the servant or the lord? "The lord," said Francis. "Why, then," answered the other, "art thou seeking the servant instead of the lord?" Then Francis said, u Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? "And the Lord said to him, u Go back to the place of thy birth, for through Me thy vision shall have spiritual fulfilment". He went back without delay (having already become a pattern of obedience) and, resigning his own will, became Paul instead of Saul. Saul was thrown to the earth, and heavy stripes produced words of sweetness; but Francis turned his carnal weapons into spiritual, and instead of martial glory received a Divine government.

And so to the many who were amazed at his unwonted gladness he said that he was going to be a great prince.