196 Kf^t nettle jFlotoers of 



CHAPTER XLVII. 



0/ that Holy Mo?ik to who77i the Mother of 

 Chriji appeared wheit he was iufirm, afid 

 brought him three Boxes of Electuary. 



IN the aforefaid Convent of Soffiano 

 there was of old a Gray Friar of 

 fuch exceeding fan61ity and grace that he 

 feemed all divine, and ofttimes was he rapt 

 in God. This Brother being on a certain 

 time quite abforbed in God and exalted, 

 forafmuch as he was notably endowed with 

 the grace of contemplation, there came unto 

 him birds of divers kinds, and familiarly 

 alighted upon his fhoulders, upon his head, 

 and upon his arms, and upon his hands, 

 and marvelloufly did they fing. This man 

 was a folitary foul and but rarely fpake ; 

 but when he was queftioned concerning 

 aught, he made anfwer fo gracioufly and fo 

 prudently that he feemed rather an Angel 

 than a man ; and he was moft fervent in 

 prayer and contemplation ; and the Brothers 

 held him in great reverence. This Brother 

 having fulfilled the courfe of his virtuous 

 life, according to Divine ordinance, he fell 



ill 



