XIV
The

Little Bedesman of Christ
.

HIS is the legend of Francis, the Little
Bedesman of Christ. Seven hundred
years ago was he born in Assisi, the quaint
Umbrian town among the rocks; and for
_ twenty years and more he cherished but one
thought, and one desire, and one hope; and
these were that he might lead the beautiful
and holy and sorrowful life which our Lord
lived on the earth, and that in every way he
might resemble our Lord in the purity and
loveliness of His humanity.

Home and wealth and honour he surren-
dered, and the love of a wife and of little
prattlers on his knees; for none of these
things were the portion of Christ.

No care he took as to how he should be
sheltered by night or wherewith he should
be clothed by day; and for meat and drink
he looked to the hand of God, for these were