remained whole. And the wondrous goodness of God provided that the one
should give so large a yield of milk as to suffice for all the Brothers,
though they would have thought that they would scarce get enough from
two. Then was seen the fulfilment of the word of the prophet Esaias, who
saith: "It shall come to pass in that day that a man shall nourish a
young cow, and for the abundance of the milk he shall eat butter."

At the beginning of their common life the Brothers were despised by
worldlings, and they bore patiently the derision of them that passed by;
also they were called by vile names in scorn, and suffered much evil
speaking and many injuries from the envious; but the patience of the good
overcame the malice of the froward, and the freedom of their good
conscience gave them the greater joy because of the scorn that was cast
upon them. For although men that were ill-disposed would insult these
poor little ones of Christ, and blushed not to speak evil of the
innocent, yet many that feared God would praise their holy conversation;
such men assisted them with kindly deeds and help, being moved thereto by
pious reasons.

One of the community, a Lay Donate and an upright man, was employed in
feeding the cattle, and as he was driving an herd of swine in the field
he met an ancient crone, who began to abuse him and to hurl unseemly
words at him. And the devout Brother answered her gently, saying, "Good
dame, tell me my faults freely, and chide me sternly, for I greatly lack
such chastisement," but the woman hearing this was smitten with inward
remorse, and said in a changed voice: "What should it profit me to help
you to the kingdom of heaven, but myself to hell!" for she perceived that
by her chiding the Brother earned fresh merit, but she punishment for her
frowardness.