Chapter CXLIX. Of his devotion to the angels; and what he used to do for love of S. Michael

197. The angels, who are with us in our warfare, who walk with us amid the shadow of death, S. Francis venerated with the utmost affection. He used to say that everywhere they are companions to be revered, but, none the less, also guardians to be called upon. He taught that their presence must not be outraged, and that we ought not to presume to do before them what we should not do before men. And forasmuch as the psalmody in the choir was performed in the angels' sight, he desired that all who could should come together to the oratory, and there sing with wisdom. He would often say that S. Michael should receive more excellent honour for that he had the office of presenting souls [before God]; and in honour of S. Michael he used to fast most devoutly for forty days between the Feast of the Assumption and the Feast of S. Michael; for he said: "Every one should make some special offering of praise or of gift to God in honour of so great a Prince".