Chapter XXII. Of the parsley which at his command was found by night among wild herbs

51. One night towards the end of his last sickness [the blessed Francis] desired to eat some parsley, and humbly asked for it. When the cook was called to bring it, he answered that he could not then gather any in the garden, and said: "I have been picking parsley every day, and have gathered so much that I could scarce find any more even by daylight, and how much less could I distinguish it from other herbs now that it is dark?" "Go, brother," said the Saint, "never mind, and bring the first herbs thou touchest." The brother went into the garden, picked the wild herbs which first came to hand, for he saw nothing, and brought them to the house. The brethren looked at the wild herbs, turned them over carefully, and found among them a tender leafy bit of parsley, of which the Saint ate a little, and was greatly comforted. And the father said to the brethren: "My brethren, obey orders at once, and do not wait for them to be repeated; and do not allege that anything is impossible, for even were I to bid you do anything beyond your strength, obedience would not be wanting in strength."

Thus far the spirit of prophecy has spoken for the spiritual privilege [he enjoyed].