Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/424

 388 Readings in European History recovery. One day he went out of doors and looked thought- fully over the neighboring plain ; but the beauty of the fields and their pleasantness, and all things whatsoever that are lovely to the sight, in no way delighted him. He marveled at the sudden change in himself, and those who still loved the things that he had formerly loved seemed to him most foolish. From that day it came to pass that he seemed worthless in his own sight, and did hold in a certain contempt those things that he was used to hold in admiration and love. He would fain conform his will to the divine will, and so he withdrew himself for a season from worldly business and tumult and sought to store away Jesus Christ within his soul. [Together with a certain man of Assisi who did love him greatly, he was used to go apart into the country.] Now there was near the city a certain grotto and thither they often went. Francis, the man of God, who now was blessed with a holy purpose, would enter into the grotto whilst his companion awaited him without. There he did pray fer- vently that the eternal and true God would direct his way and would teach him to do his will. His soul glowed with divine fire and he could not hide the brightness of his spirit. And he repented him because he had sinned so grievously and had offended in the eyes of the Divine Majesty. On a certain day when he had most earnestly besought the mercy of God, it was made known to him by the Lord what he should do. Therefore he was filled with so great gladness that he could not keep from rejoicing inwardly, and yet he would not make known unto men anything con- cerning this joy. But so great was the love kindled within him that he could not be wholly silent, so he spoke some- what cautiously and in parables and told his companions how that he would do noble and mighty deeds. They asked him, saying, " Wilt thou marry a wife, Francis ? " Who, answering, saith, " I will marry a wife more noble and fairer than ever ye saw, and this spotless bride is the true religion of God."