Chapter CXXXII. Of his care for his subjects

174. But who takes Francis' care for his subjects now? He is ever lifting up his hands to heaven for the true Israelites, and, at times forgetful of

Juvenal, Sat. vi., 222.¹ himself, his brethren's salvation is his first object. Low at the feet of Majesty he is offering the sacrifice of the spirit for his sons, and compelling God to pour benefits upon them. On the little flock he had drawn after him he looks with a loving sympathy full of misgiving, lest after losing the world they may perchance lose heaven too. He reckoned that he would be inglorious unless he made those entrusted to him glorious with him, those whom his spirit was bringing forth with more grievous travail than his mother's when she had borne him.