learned and rich, of one of the first families of Milan, who wishes
to become your disciple." Francis replied, before them all, smiling:
"This young man does not seem to me to be fit for our Order, for, when
people come with so much pomp, which is the mark of a proud spirit,
to embrace a state of poverty, we are led to believe that they have
not yet sufficient contempt and aversion for the world, and that they
are not prepared wholly to relinquish it. But I will consult our
brethren on the subject."

He assembled them all, and asked their opinion, which was not to receive
him, because he had still a fund of pride, and because the love for
the splendor of the world was not yet eradicated from his heart.

The young man who was present burst into tears; and Francis, who was
moved with compassion, said: "My brethren, will you receive him if he
consents to serve in the kitchen? it will be the means of inducing him
to renounce the vanities of the world." They assented on this condition,
which the postulant willingly agreed to, protesting that he was prepared
to do anything that was required of him. The Father embraced him, after
having returned to those who accompanied him his money and his equipage.
He sent him to the hospital of St. Blasius of Rome, there to act as
cook; and the young novice attained to such perfection in that humble
employment, that Francis judged him worthy to be placed over others,
and made him superior of the same place.

The line adopted in respect to this young man shows evidently, that
for the religious profession neither birth, nor riches, nor talents,
are to be heeded, but that the essential qualifications principally
to be considered for this holy state, are, to be sincerely prepared
to die to the world and to self.