Chapter XLII. An ensample of the Saint in alms-seeking

72. That he might not even once offend his holy spouse, the servant of the Most High used to act thus: If ever, when invited to eat by great lords, he was to be honoured by a lavish table, he would first seek for scraps of bread among the neighbouring houses, and then, enriched thus by want, he hastened to sit down to meat. Sometimes, when he was asked why he did this, he answered that he would not relinquish an enduring inheritance for a fief granted for an hour. "It is Poverty," said he, "that appoints the heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven, and not your false riches."