Chapter XLIII. The example which he set in the Court of the Lord of Ostia; and of his answer to that bishop

73. Once when S. Francis was visiting Pope Gregory of revered memory (at that time holding a lesser office) and the dinner-hour was at hand, he went for alms, and when he came back he laid some scraps of black bread on the bishop's table. At this sight the bishop was a little ashamed, especially on account of the newly invited guests. But the father with glad countenance distributed the alms he had received to the knights and chaplains at table, all of whom accepted them with wondrous devotion: some ate them, others out of reverence kept them, and when dinner was over the bishop rose, took the man of God within, raised his arms and embraced him, saying, "My brother, why hast thou put me to shame in the house which is thine and thy brethren's, by going for alms?" — "I have rather shown you honour," replied the Saint, M since I have honoured a greater Lord; for God is well-pleased with poverty and with that especially which is voluntary begging. For I have a royal dignity and a preeminent nobility — to follow that Lord, who, though He was rich, for our sakes became poor." And he added, "A poor table furnished with scanty alms delights me more than great tables loaded with almost countless dishes". Then the bishop, much edified, said to the Saint, "My son, do what is good in thine eyes; for the Lord is with thee".