Chapter CVIII. Of the respect he showed to the Bishop of Imola

147. Once, when S. Francis came to Imola, a city of Romagna, he presented himself before the bishop of the place to ask him for licence to preach. The bishop said: "Brother, it is enough for me to preach to my people". S. Francis bowed his head and humbly went out, but after a short time he came back again. The bishop said: "What dost thou want, brother? What art thou seeking for now? "And blessed Francis replied: "My lord, when a father has driven a son out of one door he must come in again by another". The bishop, conquered by this humility, embraced him with glad looks, and said-: "Thou and all thy brethren may for the future take my general licence to preach in my diocese, for this holy humility of thine has earned this privilege".