alea, i., p. 242. Cf. Palacky, _Literarische Reise nach
Italien_, Prague, 1838, 4to, no. 147. Potthast, 10,596; cf.
11,175.

[33] A. SS., _Vit. Clar._, p. 762. Cf. _Conform._, 84b, 2.

[34] A. SS., _Aprilis_, t. iii., p. 239a; _Conform._, 54a, 1;
177a, 2.

[35] A. SS., _Vit. Clar._, p. 764d.

[36] The bull of canonization says nothing of the Saracens whom
she put to flight. Her life in the A. SS. relates the fact, but
shows her simply in prayer before the Holy Sacrament. Cf.
_Conform._, 84b, 1. Mark of Lisbon t. i., part 2, pp. 179-181.
None of these accounts represents Clara as going to meet them
with a monstrance.

[37] Bon., 173; _Fior._ 16; _Spec._, 62b; _Conform._, 84b, 2;
110b 1; 49a, 1. With these should be compared _Spec._, 220b:
_Frater Leo narravit quod Sanctus Franciscus surgens orare_
(sic) _venit ad fratres suos dicens: "Ite ad saeculum et
dimittatis habitum, licentio vos._"

[38] 2 Cel., 3, 134.

* * * * *

CHAPTER X

FIRST ATTEMPTS TO REACH THE INFIDELS

Autumn, 1212-Summer, 1215

The early Brothers Minor had too much need of the encouragement and
example of Francis not to have very early agreed with him upon certain
fixed periods when they would be sure to find him at Portiuncula. Still
it appears probable that these meetings did not become true
Chapters-General until toward 1216. There were at first two a year, one
at Whitsunday, the other at Michaelmas (September 29th). Those of
Whitsunday were the most important; all the Brothers came together to
gain new strength in the society of Francis, to draw generous ardor and
grand hopes from him with his counsels and directions.

The members of the young association had everything in common, their
joys as well as their sorrows; their uncertainties as well as the
results of their experiences. At these meetings they were particularly
occupied with the Rule, the changes that needed to be made in it, and
above all, how they might better and better observe it;[1] then, in
perfect harmony, they settled the allotment of the friars to the various
provinces.

One of Francis's most frequent counsels bore upon the respect due to the
clergy; he begged his disciples to show a very particular deference to
the priests, and never to meet them without kissing their hands. He saw
only too well that the Brothers, having renounc