holy project, Francis, who was at prayer in a neighboring wood, came
out to meet him.

As soon as Giles saw him, he went to him, and threw himself at his
feet, and begged the favor of being received into his society. The
holy man, who was at once satisfied of the faith and piety of the
postulant, replied: "My brother, your request is that God would receive
you as His servant and soldier. This is no small favor. It is as if
the emperor were to come to Assisi, and wish to make choice of a
favorite; each one would say, 'I wish to God it may be myself.' It is
thus God has made choice of you." He assured him that his vocation
came from heaven and exhorted him to persevere. Then presenting him
to Bertrand and Peter, he said: "Here is a good brother, whom God has
sent us." And when he was alone with them, he told them that Giles
would one day excel in sublime virtue.

After a slender meal, and a spiritual conference, Francis set out with
his new postulant for Assisi, to procure what was requisite for
clothing. On the way, a woman having asked charity of them, the Saint
turned to Giles, and with an angelic countenance, said: "My dear
brother, let us give this poor woman the cloak you have on for the
love of God." Giles gave it immediately, and it seemed to him that
this alms ascended to heaven, which filled him with great joy. They
begged at Assisi for some very coarse cloth, with which Francis clothed
his third disciple, in the small hut where he instructed him in the
religious exercises of a religious life.

Francis did not permit his disciples long to enjoy the sweetness of
a life of retirement. Having informed them that they were bound to go
forth to instruct their neighbors by unstudied words and an edifying