of God, did not understand the meaning of this prediction. He knew not
that these honors were to be rendered him only after severe
humiliations, according to the words of the Gospel. Engrossed by the
affairs of the world, and attached to its vanities, he thought little
of this Divine truth, and he had less taste for it; nevertheless he
hoped that he should some day receive the honors which others foretold,
and which God permitted him likewise to predict of himself in an
affliction which came upon him.

The towns of Assisi and Perugia were at war with each other; he was
taken prisoner with some of his fellow-citizens: whether it was that
he had taken up arms in the service of his country, or that he was
beyond the limits of the town of his commercial affairs. His captivity,
however, did not affect his spirits, he preserved his cheerfulness and
good humor. His companions, who were dejected and cast down, were
offended at this, and upbraided him with it, saying that he might, at
least out of feeling for them, disguise them, disguise his satisfaction.
"I am very sorry for you" he replied, "but as to myself, my mind is
at ease and I am thankful that it is so. You see me now a prisoner,
but at a future period, you will see me honored by the whole world."
There was one among the prisoners whose quarrelsome temper and extreme
ill humor caused him to be shunned by the others. Francis entreated
them to draw a distinction between his person and his defects, and to
bear with him: not being able to induce them to do so, he had the
charity to keep him company himself, and by his good advice, he rendered
him more gentle. All were so delighted with his goodness of heart,
that they sought his friendship.

Liberated from captivity, he returned to Assisi, where God visited him
with a long and severe illness, which reduced him to a state of great