vi l^rtfact. 



until by the advice of a pilgrim who 

 came that way ilie was laid on a bed 

 of ftraw in a flable. Thus began that 

 likenefs between the life of Francis 

 and that of Chrift, which was contin- 

 ued throughout. Another flranger ap- 

 peared to a6l as godfather, and flill 

 another took the baby in his arms 

 and, marking his right flioulder with a 

 crofs, foretold the viflory which he was 

 to win over the Devil. Madonna Pica 

 named her child John, in memory of 

 the beloved difciple; but on his father's 

 return with rich profits, he chofe to 

 call him Francis, for the country where 

 he had been fo fuccefsful. 



The boy was taught by the priefls 

 of the parifli, and learned eafily all 

 that was taught him, fliowing an ef- 

 pecial talent for the language of the 

 land from which he took his name. 

 As he grew to manhood he was fore- 

 moft in the gayeties of the town, win- 

 ning for himfelf the fobriquet of the 

 " flower of youth." 



Thomas of Celano, a Francifcan 



