Chapter CX. How each of them commended himself to the other

150. When the servants of God had finished their answers, as we have said above, the Lord of Ostia, much edified by the discourses of both, gave boundless thanks to God. And as they departed thence, blessed Dominic asked S. Francis if he would deign to give him the cord wherewith he was girded. S. Francis was reluctant to do this, being moved by humility to refuse the request even as the other was moved by charity to make it. However, the happy devotion of the suppliant prevailed, and Dominic most devoutly girded himself beneath his inner tunic with the cord that had been given him. At last they clasped hands and commended themselves each to the other most sweetly: and the one Saint said to the other: "I would, brother Francis, that thy Religion and mine might be one, and that we might live in the Church after the like pattern". And when at length they parted, S. Dominic said to several who were standing by: "Verily I say unto you that the other Religious ought to follow this holy man Francis, so great is the perfection of his holiness".