ITALIAN GARDENS OF THE RENAISSANCE 



from this point a rough path cut in the rock leads to 

 the convent gates. 



The story of the foundation of the sanctuary in 

 this secluded and inaccessible region can only be 

 briefly told here, but is given in all its picturesque 

 details by the Saint's biographers. 



When Francis was passing by the castle of Monte- 

 feltro on one of his journeys his attention was 

 attracted by the sound of music and festivities pro- 

 ceeding from its walls. Hearing that these rejoicings 

 were kept to celebrate the investiture of a member 

 of the family with knighthood, he entered the court 

 of the castle, and preached to the assembled guests 

 with such fervour, that the whole company listened 

 entranced at his eloquence. Among the guests was 

 a certain Orlando, Count of Chiusi, or Clusentinum, 

 a citadel in the neighbourhood of Monte Alvernia, 

 whence the name of Casentino is derived. This 

 wealthy Tuscan noble desired to converse with 

 Francis, and deeply moved by his zeal and devotion, 

 offered him a wild and barren mountain which he 

 owned in Tuscany as especially fitted by its seclusion 

 for a place of retreat and contemplation. 



Francis accepted the gift gratefully, and finding 



the lonely heights of La Vernia " devout and apt for 



prayer," spent many weeks in a rude hut, which 



Orlando, who had climbed the hill to welcome him 



262 



