Chapter CXXXV. Of the Spanish brethren

178. Sometimes this most holy man in wondrous fashion was rapt in God and exulted in spirit when a good odour reached him from his sons. It once happened that a Spaniard, a clerk devoted to God, enjoyed a sight of S. Francis and discourse with him. And among other things concerning the brethren in Spain he gladdened the Saint with this report: "Thy brethren," said he, "in our land, who dwell in a poor little hermitage, have so arranged their way of life that half of them should be busied in domestic cares and half should have leisure for contemplation. (Accordingly every week the active half took the place of the contemplative and the contemplative returned from rest to toilsome tasks.) One day when the table had been laid and the absent summoned by a signal, all assembled but one who was of the contemplative company. After waiting a little they went to his cell to call him to table; whereas he was being refreshed at a more bountiful table by the Lord. For they found him stretched out on the ground face downward in the manner of a cross, and giving no sign of life by breathing or motion. Two candlesticks were burning at his head and at his feet and lighted up the cell in wondrous fashion with a ruddy light. They left him in peace, that they might not trouble his rapture or ' awake the beloved until she pleased '. So the brethren peeped through the chinks of the cell, standing behind the wall, and looking through the lattice. In brief, whilst ' the friends were hearkening to her that dwelleth in the gardens,'! suddenly the light disappeared and the brother became a man again. He arose straightway, came to table, and owned his fault in being late. Thus it came to pass in our land," said the Spaniard. S. Francis could not contain himself for joy at being sprinkled with such a perfume of his sons. He arose forthwith to give praise, and — as if his only glory were to hear good of the brethren — cried with a full heart: "I yield thee thanks, O Lord, Sanctifier and Ruler of the poor, who hast made me glad in hearing such things of my brethren. Bless, I pray, those brethren with Thy most bounteous blessing, and sanctify by a special gift all who by good example cause their profession to be fragrant."¹