universe, as far as learning and culture went, to the Italians of that
day. As soon as Bernardo and his followers showed themselves in the
town, the children, seeing them dressed so plainly and poorly, laughed
and scoffed, and threw dirt and stones at them. They accepted these
trials manfully, and made their way to the market-place. The children,
who followed them here continued to pelt them with stones and dust,
and pulled them round by the hoods of their garments. Day after day,
and day after day, Bernardo and his little handful returned, though
they could never get anybody to give them a civil hearing. Poor
fellows, during those first few days, they all but starved.

[Sidenote: _A Great Saint!_]

There was a doctor of the law, who used to pass round by the
market-place every day, and seeing Bernardo patiently put up with such
insult and contempt, wondered much to himself. At last he arrived at a
conclusion.

"This man must be a great saint."

Going up to him, he said--

"Who art thou, and whence dost thou come?"

Bernardo put his hand into his bosom, and gave him what was then the
rules of the Order. This was in other words the Divine commission that
Francis had received through the Gospel for that February day, "Go ye
forth and preach the gospel, &c."

The doctor read it all through and then, turning to some of his
friends who were standing by, said--

"Truly, here is the most perfect state of religion I have ever heard
of; this man and his companions are the holiest men I have ever met
with in this world! Guilty indeed are those who insult him! We ought,
on the contrary, to honor him as a true friend of God!"

Then addressing Bernardo, he said--

"If it is thy wish to found a convent in this town, in which thou
mayst serve God, I will most willingly help thee."

Bernardo thanked him, and said--

"I believe it is our Saviour Jesus Christ who hast I inspired thee
with this good intention, I most willingly accept the offer, to the
honor of Christ."

Then the doctor took them home with him and entertained them, and
presented them with a convenient building, which he furnished at his
own expense.

In a short time, Bernardo was much sought after, on account of the
holiness, together with the brilliancy of his sermons. The whole town
was at his feet, people came from far and near to hear him, and
thousands were converted.

When things were at a height, Bernardo turned up unexpectedly one day
in Assisi