Chapter CX. And Firstly, how the Lord Provided for the Friars Sitting at a Poor Table with the Physician

When blessed Francis was at the hermitage of Fonte Palumbo near Rieti, on account of the weakness of his eyes there visited him on a certain day an eye-doctor. When he had stayed with him for some time and now wished to depart, the blessed Father said to one of his companions, "Go and give the doctor some thing of the best to eat." And his fellow answered him, saying, "Father, we say it with shame, we are so poor that we should be ashamed to invite him now to eat." Blessed Francis said to his companion, "0 ye of little faith, say no more to me of it." And the doctor said to blessed Francis, "Brother, for that the friars are poor, I will the more willingly eat with them." For that physician was very rich. And though the blessed Father and his fellows had often invited him, yet he had never wished to eat there. Therefore the friars went and prepared the table; and with shame set thereon a little bread and wine, and some cabbage which they had got ready for themselves. And sitting down to that poor table they had begun to eat, when behold there was a knock at the door of the dwelling. So one of the friars, rising, went to open the door. And behold, there was a certain woman there, carrying a great vessel full of good bread and fishes, and crayfish patties, and honey, and grapes; which the lady of a castle about seven miles off had sent to blessed Francis. Having seen which, the friars and the doctor rejoiced greatly, considering the sanctity of the holy Father, and ascribing all to his merits. And the doctor said to the friars, "My brethren, neither you nor we know as we ought the holiness of this man! "