Chapter LI. Of the compassion he had for the poor and how he envied those poorer than himself

Of S. Francis' Compassion for the Poor

83. What tongue can tell how great was this man's compassion for the poor? He had an inborn kindness which was doubled by the tenderness poured from on high. Wherefore the spirit of Francis melted towards the poor; and to whom he could not give help he gave affection. Whatever want, whatever penury he saw in any one his mind swiftly referred it back to Christ. So in all the poor he read the Son of the poor Lady; bearing naked in his heart Him whom she bore naked in her hands. But whereas he had banished from himself all other envy, from the envy of poverty alone he could not free himself. If ever he saw one poorer than himself he envied that man forthwith and feared to be outdone by him in the contest for poverty.

84. One day when the man of God was going about preaching he chanced to meet a poor man by the way; and, seeing that the man was naked he turned to his companion with compunction, saying: "This man's want does us great shame, and severely rebukes our poverty". "How so, brother?" answered his companion. Then the Saint answered with a lamentable voice: "I chose Poverty for my riches, and for my Lady, and see! she shines more brightly in yonder man. Knowest thou not that the sound has gone out through all the world that we for Christ's sake are the poorest of men? But yonder poor man proves that the case is otherwise." O envy to be envied! O emulation to be emulated by his sons! This is not that emulation which is grieved at the good things of others, not that which is darkened by the sun's rays, not that which is opposed to tenderness, not that which is tortured by spite. Thinkest thou that Gospel poverty has not something to be envied? She has Christ, and through Him has all in all. Why pantest thou for revenues, thou clerk of to-day? To-morrow thou wilt know that Francis was rich, when thou shalt find in thy hand the revenues of torments.