Chapter LXXXIV. How he was beaten by devils; and how that Courts are to be shunned

How he Was Beaten by Devils

119. This man was not only attacked by Satan with temptations, but fought with him hand to hand. Being once invited by the lord Leo Cardinal of S. Croce to stay a while with him in Rome, he chose as his residence a secluded tower whose nine vaulted chambers resembled the abodes of hermits. So the first night when he was going to rest after pouring out prayer to God, devils came and fiercely assaulted the Saint of God. They beat him long and severely and at last left him as if half dead. When they departed, the Saint, having at length recovered breath, called his companion who was sleeping in one of the other vaults and said to him when he came: "Brother, I would have thee stay by me, for I fear to be alone; for I was beaten by devils just now". The Saint was trembling and quaking in his members like one who is suffering from a severe fever. 120. So during the night, the whole of which they passed without sleep, S. Francis said to his companion: "Devils are the officers whom our God appoints to punish excesses. For it is a token of His more abundant grace when naught is left unpunished in His servant while he lives in the world. I do not, however, recollect any offence which I have not, through God's mercy, washed away by satisfaction: for His fatherly condescension has ever so dealt with me as to show me in prayer and meditation the things that are pleasing or displeasing to Him. But it may be that He has allowed His officers to break in upon me because my remaining in Magnates' courts does not present a good appearance to others. When my brethren who dwell in poor ' places ' hear of my being with Cardinals, they will perhaps suspect that I am overflowing with luxuries. Therefore, brother, I judge it better for him who is set as an example to fly from Courts, and to strengthen those that are braving hardships by bearing the like." Next morning, therefore, they went to the Cardinal, and after telling him all, bade him farewell.

Let them that frequent palaces mark this; and know that they have been drawn abortive from their mother's womb. I condemn not obedience, but I denounce ambition, idleness and luxury: and finally for all "obediences," l I emphatically set forth Francis as a model. Yet let us bear whatever displeases God, since it pleases men so!

"-S