Chapter CXXVII. Of the falcon

168. When blessed Francis, flying as he was wont from the sight of men and intercourse with them, was dwelling in a certain hermitage, a falcon which was building his nest there joined himself to him in a close alliance of friendship. For always at night the bird by his song and the noise he made gave warning of the hour when the Saint was wont to rise for Divine worship. And this was most pleasing to the Saint of God, because the bird by the great care which he displayed toward him prevented him from being delayed by sloth. But when the Saint was more than usually oppressed by some infirmity the falcon spared him and did not give the signal for matins so early; but (as if taught by God) gently rang his vocal bell about dawn.

No wonder if the other creatures reverenced the chief lover of the Creator!