Chapter LXXXVI. Of the assaults he endured in a certain solitary place, and of a certain brother's vision

122. The Saint once came with a companion to church far off from any habitation, and, desiring to offer up solitary prayer, he said to his companion: "Brother, I would remain here alone tonight. Go thou to the hospital, and return to me at dawn." So he remained alone pouring out long and earnest prayers to the Lord; and at length he looked about to see where he might lay his head to sleep. Suddenly he was troubled in spirit, he began to feel fear and disgust, while his body trembled all over. He was clearly conscious of devilish assaults being made against him and of troops of devils rushing noisily over the roof of the building. So he arose forthwith, went out, and said, as he made the sign of the cross on his brow: "On behalf of God Almighty 1 bid you, ye devils, to do to my body whatsoever you have been allowed to do. I will bear it willingly, since, having no greater enemy than the body, you will avenge me of mine adversary in that you instead of me will be wreaking vengeance thereon." And so when the devils who had assembled to cow his spirit saw that it was all the readier amid the weakness of the flesh they vanished forthwith in shame and confusion. 123. When morning was come his companion returned to him, and, finding the Saint prostrate before the altar, waited outside the choir, and himself prayed fervently meanwhile before the cross. And lo! he fell into an ecstasy, and saw among many seats in heaven one more honourable than the rest, adorned with precious stones, and radiant with all glory. He wondered at that noble throne and silently considered whose it might be, and, as he thus wondered, he heard a voice saying to him: "Yonder seat was that of one of the fallen, and it is now being kept for humble Francis". At length on coming back to himself that brother saw blessed Francis come forth from prayer, and presently he fell at his feet, placing his arms in the form of a cross, and addressed him, not as living in the world, but as already reigning in heaven, saying: "Pray, father, for me to the Son of God, that He impute not sin to me". The man of God put forth his hand and lifted him up, perceiving that something had been shown to him in prayer. At length, as they were departing thence, that brother questioned blessed Francis, saying: "What is thine own opinion of thyself, father?" "I think myself the greatest of sinners," he answered, "for if God had followed any other wicked man with such great mercy he would have been tenfold more spiritual than I." At this the Spirit said forthwith in that brother's heart: "Know that the vision thou sawest was true: for humility shall exalt the most humble to the seat lost by pride".