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How Brother Masseo, as though mocking, said unto S. Francis that all the world came after him: and he replied that this was for the confusion of the world and the grace of God
When as S. Francis on a time abode in the House of Portiuncula with Brother Masseo of Marignano, a man of much sanctity, discretion and grace in speaking of God, for the which cause S. Francis loved him much: one day S. Francis returning from the wood and from prayer, and being at the entrance to the wood, the said Brother Masseo desired to make proof of his humility, and stood over against him, and as though mocking said:,” Why after thee ì why after thee? why after thee? " Replied S. Francis: " What is this thou wouldest say Ì " Quoth Brother Masseo: ” I say, why doth all the world come after thee, and why is it seen that all men long to look on thee, and hear thee, and obey thee? Thou art not a man comely of form, thou art not of much wisdom, thou art not noble of birth: whence comes it then that it is after thee that the whole world doth run.f*" Hearing this S. Francis, all overjoyed in spirit, lifting up his face unto heaven, stood for a great while with his mind uplifted in God; anon returning to himself again, he knelt him down and rendered thanks and praises unto God: and then with great fervour of spirit turned him to Brother Masseo and said: " Wilt thou know why after me? wilt thou know why after me? wilt thou know why after me the whole world doth run? This cometh unto me from the eyes of the most high God, which behold at all time the evil and the good: for those most holy eyes have seen among sinners none more vile, none more lacking, no greater sinner than am I: wherefore to do this marvellous work the which He purposeth to do. He hath not found upon the earth a creature more vile, and therefore hath He chosen me to confound the nobleness and the greatness and the strength and the beauty and wisdom of the world: to the intent that men may know that all virtue and all goodness come from Him, and not from the creature, and that no man may glory in himself; but whoso will glory, may glory in the Lord, unto whom is all honour and glory for ever and ever." Then Brother Masseo, at so humble a reply uttered with so great fervour, was afraid, and knew of a surety that S. Francis was rooted and grounded in humility.