Chapter XXX. How he Counted it Theft not to Give to One Whose Needs were Greater

Once when he was returning from Siena, he came across a poor man on the way, and said to his fellow, "We ought to return this mantle to its owner. For we received it only as a loan, until we should come upon one poorer than ourselves." But his fellow, considering the necessity of the holy Father, main tained that he ought not to neglect himself to provide for another. To whom the saint answered, "I will not be a thief. For it would be counted to us for a theft if we should not give to him who is more needy." And so the pious Father handed over the mantle to the poor man.