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How Brother Masseo obtained of Christ the virtue of his humility
The first companions of S. Francis strove with all their might to be poor in the things of the world and rich in virtues, through the which men attain unto the true riches that are heavenly and eternal. It befell on a day that being gathered together to speak of God, one among them related this example: There was a man that was a dear friend of God, and had great grace in the active and contemplative life, and therewithal had such exceeding deep humility that he deemed himself the greatest of sinners: the which humility did sanctify him and strengthen him in grace, and made him continually to grow in virtue and in the gifts of God, and suffered him never to fall into sin. Now Brother Masseo hearing such marvellous things touching humility, and knowing full well that it was a treasure of eternal life, began to be so inflamed with love and desire for this virtue of humility, that with great fervour lifting up his face to heaven, he made a vow and firm resolve never to be joyful in this world again, until such time as he should feel this virtue in his soul in all perfectness; and from thenceforward he abode well-nigh continuously shut up within his cell mortifying his body with fasts, and vigils, and prayers, and weeping exceedingly before God, for to obtain of Him this virtue, without the which he deemed him worthy of hell, and wherewith that friend of God, of whom he had heard, had been so richly dowered. And as Brother Masseo continued for many days in this desire, it befell on a day that he went into the wood, and in fervour of spirit passed through it with tears and cries and sighing, calling with fervent desire on God for this heavenly virtue; and for that God gladly heareth the prayers of humble contrite souls, while Brother Masseo was in this case, there came a voice from heaven that called him twice: ” Brother Masseo, Brother Masseo” And he knowing in spirit that it was the voice of Christ, answered: " Speak, Lord." And Christ said unto him: " What wouldest thou give, for to gain the grace thou askest for? " Replied Brother Masseo: ” Lord, I would give the eyes of my head." And Christ said unto him: " And it is My will that thou have the grace and thine eyes also." And this said, the voice ceased, and Brother Masseo remained so filled with the grace of the virtue of humility he had longed for, and of the light of God, that from thenceforward he was always joyful and glad; and ofttimes, when he prayed, he would break forth into sounds of joy, cooing like a dove, U U U; and he abode thus in contemplation with a cheerful countenance and a merry heart; and therewithal, having become exceeding humble, he deemed himself the least of all men upon earth. When Brother Jacques of Fallerone asked him why in his song of joy he never changed his note, he blithely answered him, that when one thing brings us full content, there is no need to change the note.