and related it to Francis, with the minutest exactness. This humble
servant of Jesus Christ, far from having the least complacency at it,
only made use of it to admire the goodness of God who grants such
favors, and to animate himself to combat the infernal dragon with
renovated energy, and publish the glory of the cross of our Saviour.
But Sylvester, profiting by the grace attached to the vision, was not
satisfied with restoring what he had unjustly extorted; he resolved,
moreover, to leave all that he possessed, to embrace poverty under the
guidance of Francis, which his affairs did not permit him to carry
into execution till the end of the year 1209. St. Bonaventure says,
that on authentic proof of the truth of the vision was the holiness
of the life he led when in the order. In fact, he undertook so sincerely
to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and made such vast progress
in prayer, that, according to the account of this blessed Father, he
conversed with God in a manner nearly similar to what is written of
Moses: "That the Lord spoke to him as a man is accustomed to speak to
his friend."

Francis, full of the tenderest feelings for his children, was desirous
of having them all assembled together. He entreated the Lord, who had
in former times congregated the people of Israel dispersed among the
nations, to do him a similar favor in regard to his small family, and
his prayer was heard. The six who were out on missions returned to
Assisi from various places, as if they had acted in concert, without
having any notice given them. The pleasure which their return gave him
was greatly increased by the sincere and modest recital which they
made him of all that had passed in their travels for the glory of God
and the benefit of their neighbor. They gave an account, with evident
joy, of the outrages and blows they had endured and suffered, pleased
to have been found worthy to undergo those trials in the service of