Chapter CXV Of the love and obedience of the fire unto him when he made himself be burned by cautery Whenhe had come to the hermitage of Fonte Palumbo near Rieti for
Complete three-work composite: CCEL Fioretti; Salter 1904 Life and Miracles; Evans 1899 / Goretti 2025 Mirror
Chapter CXV Of the love and obedience of the fire unto him when he made himself be burned by cautery Whenhe had come to the hermitage of Fonte Palumbo near Rieti for
the cure of the infirmity of his eyes, whereunto he was compelled
on his obedience by the Lord Bishop of Ostia and by brother Elias the Minister General, one day the leech came unto him.
Who, after examining his infirmity, said unto the Blessed Francis that he wished to make a cautery over the cheek as far as the eyebrow of the eye that was worse than the other. But the Blessed Francis would not that he should begin the operation save brother Elias were there, for that he had said he would fain be present when the leech should begin that operation, for the Blessed Francis was afraid, and right grievous was it unto him that he should have so great solicitude about himself; wherefore he would that the Minister General should be the one to have everything done as concerning him.
When, therefore, he had waited for him, and he came not by reason of the many hindrances that he had, the Blessed Francis gave the leech leave to do as he would. And when the iron was set in the fire for making of the cautery, the Blessed Francis, being fain to comfort his spirit lest he should be overmuch afraid, spoke thus unto the fire: “Fire, my brother, noble and useful amongst other creatures, be thou gracious unto me in this hour, seeing that of old have I loved thee and yet will love thee for the love of Him that did create thee. Earnestly, moreover, do I pray the Creator that did create both thee and me, that He will so temper thine heat as that I may be able to abide it.” And when he had ended his prayer he did sign the fire with the sign of the Cross.
But we that were with him at that time did all flee away for pity and compassion toward him, and only the leech did remain with him. But when the cautery was made we returned unto him, who said: “O feeble-hearted and of little faith, wherefore did ye flee? In truth I say unto you that I felt neither pain nor any heat of the fire. Yea, and it be not now well seared, let him again sear it better!”
And thereat did the leech marvel greatly; saying: “My brethren, I tell you that I should fear, not only for him that is so feeble and ailing, but for any man, even were he the strongest, lest he should not be able to endure so great a cautery; yet truly did this man never flinch nor show any the least sign of pain.”
For it was necessary that all the veins from the ear as far as the eyebrow should be cut, yet, nevertheless was he thereby nothing benefited. In like manner did another leech pierce both his ears with a hot iron, yet naught did he profit thereby.
Nor is it a marvel that the fire and other creatures were at times obedient unto him and did reverence him, for, as we that were with him have full ofttimes seen, he had so great affection toward them and did so greatly delight in them, and his spirit was moved with so great pity and compassion for them, that he would not see them treated unfairly, and he would so talk with them with gladness both inward and outward, as if they had reason, whence by occasion thereof was he oftentimes rapt up to God.