and sing we our hours canonical to our Lord.' And they entered in among them and they moved not, but because they might not hear each other for the chittering and noise of birds he said: 'My sister birds, cease your songs till we have yielded unto our Lord due praisings.' And then they held them still, and when they had finished their lauds, he gave to them licence to sing again, and anon they reprised their song after their custom.
On a time when he preached at the castle Almarye, and he might not be heard for the swallows which made their nests, to whom he said: 'My sister swallows, it is time that I speak, for ye have said enough; be ye now still till the word of God be accomplished.' And they obeyed and were still anon.
He was on a time harboured with a knight, and S. Francis said to him: 'Brother, fair host, agree to that I shall say to thee; confess thy sins, for thou shalt soon eat in another place.' And anon he granted that to him, and ordained for his meiny, and took penance of health. And also soon as they went to the table the host died suddenly.
And as this holy man S. Francis passed through Apulia, he found in his way a purse full of money, and when his fellow saw it, they would have taken it for to have given it to the poor people, but he would not suffer him in no manner, and said to him: 'Son, it appertaineth not to thee to take the goods of others.' And when his fellow hasted to take it S. Francis prayed a little, and after, commanded him to take the purse, which then found therein a great adder, instead of money. And when the friar saw that he began to
