Chapter XV. How he invited his physician to dinner when the brethren had nothing to eat; how the Lord suddenly supplied him plentifully; and of God's watchful care of His own

44. While the blessed man was staying in a certain hermitage by Rieti a physician used to visit him daily for the cure of his eyes. But one day the Saint said to his companions, "Invite the doctor, and give him a very good dinner". The warden answered, "Father, we blush to say it, we are ashamed to invite him, so poor are we now". "Why do you want me to tell you again? "answered the Saint. The doctor, who was standing by, said, "As for me, dearest brethren, I shall take your penury for delicacies". The brethren made haste and put the whole abundance of their store on the table, that is to say, a little bread and not much wine; and in order that the fare might be more sumptuous, the kitchen furnished a few vegetables. Meantime the table of God was taking pity on that of His servants. There was a knock at the door. It was answered forthwith and see! there was a woman presenting a basket full of fine bread, fish and pasties of crayfish, and heaped up with honey and grapes. There was joy at this sight round the table of the poor; and, keeping the common food for the morrow, they ate the dainties that day. But the doctor said with a sigh, "Brethren, neither do ye know this man's holiness as ye ought, nor do we of the world know it".

Finally, the miracle satisfied them more than the banquet; else had they not been satisfied. Even so that Father's eye never despises His children; but rather when they are beggars in the greatest need does a richer Providence feed them. And by how much God's bounty is more lavish than man's, by so much is the poor man fed at a more bountiful table than the tyrant. 1

1 The "Marseilles" MS. here inserts (with no material difference) the story of brother Ricerio related above, I., 49, 50.