I04 STfjc aittlc JFlotocrs of 



martyr's fervor, which was apparent in 

 him. Thenceforth the Sultan hearkened 

 unto him gladly, and begged him that he 

 would return to him oft, freely conceding 

 to him and to his Mates that they fhould 

 preach wherefoever it feemed good to them ; 

 and he gave them a token, which fhould let 

 no man offend them. . . . Finally, Saint 

 Francis feeing by Divine Revelation that 

 he could reap no more fruits in thofe 

 parts, difpofed all things to return with his 

 Companions to the land of the Faithful ; 

 and calling them all together, he went into 

 the prefence of the Sultan, and took leave 

 of him. And then faid the Sultan unto 

 him : " Brother Francis, I would gladly be- 

 come a convert to the faith of Chrift, but 

 I fear to do fo now ; forafmuch, as fhould 

 my people be ware of it, they would flay 

 both you and me and all your Companions ; 

 and feeing that you may yet do many good 

 works, and I have many weighty matters 

 to defpatch, I would not now occafion your 

 death and mine. But teach me, I pray, how 

 I may be faved ; I am prepared to do that 

 which you may lay upon me." Then faid 

 Saint Francis : " Sir, I now take my leave of 

 you ; but when that I am once more in mine 



own 



