Chapter XVI. Of the two brethren whom he came out of his cell to bless, knowing their desire through the Spirit

45. It was S. Francis' custom to pass the whole day in his cell alone, and not to come back to the brethren until compelled by the need of taking food. Nor used he to come out at the fixed meal-times; for more often than not he was wholly mastered by a greater craving for contemplation. Now, it happened once that two brethren of godly conversation came, to the "place "at Greccio from a long distance, the whole cause of their coming being their desire to see the holy man and to receive his long-coveted blessing. So when they arrived, and did not find him (for he had already retired from public view into his cell) they were wondrously afflicted, and, since the uncertainty concerning his return would impose on them a long delay, they withdrew in great sorrow, attributing their disappointment to their unworthiness, and followed by blessed Francis' companions, who tried to comfort them in their desolation. But when they were gone about a stone's cast from the "place "suddenly the holy man cried after them, and said to one of his companions: "Tell my brethren who are come hitherto look back at me "And when the said brethren had turned their faces toward him he made the sign of the Cross over them, and affectionately blessed them. And they went back on their way praising and blessing the Lord, being the more joyful in that they had not only accomplished their purpose but obtained the greater advantage of a miracle.