Legend of Saint Francis, Chapter 2: What Sort of Youth Francis was until His 25th Year
The Legend of St Francis: Index of all posts
Chapter 2: What Sort of Youth Francis was until His 25th Year
A magnanimous spirit and an air of openness and honesty surrounded the lad, Francis, as he began to grow up. There were, indeed, times when it seemed justified what Lady Pica would answer when questioned what sort of man her son would be, for she would say: “By God’s grace, he will become a son of God!”, and many concurred. For Francis had a pleasant way about him, and without delay he would forget all that was done against him. Urbane and great-souled was he, even in adolescence.
Gentle, too, and he showed great, warm, and spontaneous friendliness. He seemed, moreover, ready to oblige beyond the very ability of normal men. His generosity exceeded all bounds, exceeding even his means! For each occasion, the right word, tone, and expression seemed ever ready at hand for Francis – whatever the person or circumstance. Eloquence bubbled from the font of his heart, and it seemed right to him to never grieve anyone at all. Nor would he let a rude or unbecoming word slip out to anyone, and if anyone spoke bad language to him, he simply did not reply. All this seemed to bode well, seemed to be a promise, a foretaste of what was to come.
How lavish was this charming lad that spent ever so much on clothing, far more than was customary for his social rank! Lavish, yet quirky too. He was known, for instance, for demanding raiment of only the finest materials, yet he would also surprise all. At least once, he arrived at a party to the astonished stares of everyone, shocked to see the finery Francis had worn yesterday sliced apart and newly sewn together with coarse and common cloth, the material of the pauper, to make a comical costume.
Another story is told that shows how impressive his bearing was. It is said that once a citizen of Assisi, a very simple man, seeing Francis, spread his own cloak out before Francis’ feet as he passed on his way, while he cried like the town crier: “This man shall someday be great in every place, wherever the Christian sun has shone.”
Yet for all his convivial qualities, Francis’ mind was as of yet entirely set upon the world, set on business affairs, the pleasure of affection, the honour and joy of being loved and impressing everyone, the love of adventure, glory, fame. He was all aglow with youthful passion, and forgetful, or, rather ignorant, of the love of God, to Whom belongs glory forever. Amen.
Sources: 1 Celano, 2 Celano 1, Bonaventure 1.1.
