Chapter V

How the holy Brother Bernard of Assisi was sent by S. Francis to Bologna and there founded a House

Hgw the holy Brother Bernard of Assisi was sent by S. Francis to Bologna and there founded a Mouse

Seeing that S. Francis and his companions were called of God and elect to bear in their hearts and in their deeds and preach with their tongues the cross of Christ, they seemed to be and were in very sooth men crucified, so by reason of their habit as of their austere life and deeds and works: and therefore they desired the more to suffer shame and contumely for the love of Christ, rather than honour of the world and reverence and praise of men: in insults they rejoiced and at honours they grew sad: and so they passed through the world as strangers and pilgrims, bearing with them naught save Jesu Christ Crucified. And sith they were true branches of the true vine, that is Christ, they brought forth great and good fruit of souls, that they won for God. It happened in the beginning of the Order that S. Francis sent Brother Bernard to Bologna to the end that he might there, according to the grace that God had given him, bring forth fruit to God; and Brother Bernard making the sign of the most holy cross, for holy obedience departed and came unto Bologna. And the children seeing him in poor and threadbare habit, despitefully intreated and made much mock of him, as though he were a fool: but Brother Bernard with patience and with joy bore all things for the love of Christ; nay, of set purpose that he might the more be evilly intreated, betook him to the market-place of the city: whereby, he sitting there, many children and men came together about him, and some from behind, and others before, plucked at his hood; some pelted him with dust and some with stones; some pushed him this way and others that: and Brother Bernard continuing always after the same fashion and with the same patience, with a joyful countenance, neither complained nor changed at all, and for the space of many days returned to the same place, but for to suffer the like usage. And sith patience is a work of perfection and proof of virtue, a learned doctor of the law, beholding and musing on the great constancy and virtue of Brother Bernard, how for so many days nor taunt nor contumely could e*er disquiet him, saidthus within himself: ”Of a surety this needs must be a holy man; " and coming near unto him, he asked: " Who art thou? and wherefore art thou come hither? " And Brother Bernard for reply put his hand into his bosom and drew forth the Rule of S. Francis, and gave it him that he might read, and when he had read it, musing on its most lofty state of perfection, with exceeding great marvel and amazement he turned him unto his companions and said: '* Of a truth this is the highest state of religion whereof I have ever heard: wherefore this man and his companions are the holiest men in this world, and whoso does him wrong committeth a most grievous sin; most highly should we honour him, seeing that he is a true friend of God." And he said to Brother Bernard: " If 'tis your wish to found a House, wherein you may serve God conveniently, with right good will, for the salvation of my soul, will I give it you." Replied Brother Bernard: " Good sir, methinks our Lord Jesu Christ hath put this thought within your heart; and therefore for the honour of Christ I willingly accept your proffered gift." Then with great joy and love the said judge took Brother Bernard to his house; and gave him anon the promised House and made it all ready and at his own charges furnished it: and from that time forth became the father and special defender of Brother Bernard and his companions. And Brother Bernard, through his holy life, began to be much honoured of the people, in such sort that whoso might touch and see him, deemed himself blessed thereby; but he, like a true disciple of Christ and the humble Francis, fearing that the honour of the world might hinder the peace and salvation of his soul, on a day departed and returned unto S. Francis and spake thus unto him: " Father, the House is founded in the city of Bologna: send brothers thither to maintain it and abide therein: since I have no more profit therein, nay, rather for the too great honour done to me I fear me I have lost e'en more than I have gained." Thereat S. Francis, learning all things in order, how God had worked through Brother Bernard, gave thanks to God, who thuswise was beginning to enlarge the poor little disciples of the Cross: and anon he sent of his companions to Bologna and into Lombardy, the which founded many Houses in diverse places.