Chapter LXXXIX. Of the angelic lute that he heard

126. When S. Francis was staying at Rieti for the cure of his eyes, he called one of his companions who had been a lute-player in the world, and said: "Brother, the children of this world understand not the sacraments of God; and musical instruments appointed of old for God's praise have been converted by men's lust into means of giving pleasure to their ears. Therefore, brother, I would have thee secretly borrow a lute and bring it here, so that by a virtuous song thou mightest give some solace to ' brother body,' which is full of pains." The brother answered: "Father, I am not a little ashamed to do so, lest men might think that I am tempted by such frivolity". "Let us give it up, then, brother," said the Saint. "It is good to give up many things to avoid shocking the opinion of others." The next night, as the holy man was watching and meditating on God, suddenly there sounded a lute of wondrous harmony and sweetest melody. No one was seen, but the music, as it floated hither and thither, marked the movements of the lute-player passing to and fro. At length, fixing his spirit on God, the holy father enjoyed such sweetness in those melodious strains that he fancied himself transported into the other world. When he arose in the morning the Saint called the aforesaid brother, related in order all that had happened, and then added: "The Lord who comforts the afflicted has never left me comfortless.

For lo! although I could not hear lutes of men, I have heard a lute sweeter than theirs."