34 ^t)^ Hittle iFIotatrs of 



not ; forafmuch as all the temptations by 

 which Brother Bernard is to be affailed 

 are allowed of God as a teft of his valor 

 and a Crown of Glory, and finally he fhall 

 triumph over all his enemies, forafmuch as 

 he is one of the Commiffaries of the kingdom 

 of Heaven." At the which anfwer Saint 

 Francis rejoiced greatly, and praifed the 

 Lord ; and from that time forth his love and 

 reverence waxed ever greater. And well he 

 proved them, not only in his life, but alfo 

 in his death. Forafinuch as Saint Fran- 

 cis, being about to die, even as that holy 

 Patriarch Jacob, his mourning fons ftanding 

 about him devoutly, weeping at the de- 

 parture of fo amiable a father, he afked 

 them, " Where is my Firftborn ? Come 

 hither to me, my Son, that my Soul may 

 blefs thee before I die." Then Brother 

 Bernard faid privily to Brother Elias, who 

 was the Vicar of the Order, " Father, go 

 thou to the right hand of the Saint, that 

 he may blefs thee." And Brother Elias, 

 placing himfelf upon his right hand. Saint 

 Francis, who had loft his fight by reafon of 

 his many tears, laid his right hand upon 

 the head of Brother Elias and faid, " This 

 is not the head of my firftborn fon, Brother 



Bernard 



