found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus; by the example of the
martyrs, who willingly exposed themselves to torments and death, that
they might obtain heaven; and, finally by such cogent reasons, so
pathetically set forth, that all the auditors admired the doctrine,
and felt what he wished to inspire them with. They found in the preacher
something divine, which commanded respect, and they fixed their looks
upon his countenance as if it had been that of an angel.

Count Orlando, more impressed with what he had heard than the rest,
went after the sermon to embrace the preacher, and he entreated him
particularly to instruct him in the affairs of his salvation. Francis,
who, in addition to his ardent zeal, had much discretion and suavity
of manner, said:--"Count, go now and do honor to your friends whom you
have invited, and we will talk of this affair at a more convenient
time." The count, complying with this advice, joined the nobility who
waited for him, and did not forget to take care of the servants of
God. The feast having ended, he returned to the prudent director, with
whom he had a lengthened conversation, with which he was so much struck,
that in order to have the comfort of seeing familiarly the religious
of the Institute, he offered Francis the Mountain of Alvernia, with
a promise, if he agreed to it, of building there a convent.

As this was a lonely place, very fit for contemplation, Francis gladly
accepted the offer, and promised to send two of his brethren to Chiusi,
before he should leave Italy. He did in fact send them, and the count
having received them as angels sent from heaven, he took them to Mount
Alvernia, where they fixed upon a spot which appeared to them an apt
location for a church. Fifty soldiers who had been brought thither
began immediately to fell timber, and a place was cleared, where hutting
was set up to lodge the religious, in which they dwelt until the church