The Lady Poverty: A XIII. Century Allegory

Chapter 29: XXIII

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About This Book

A thirteenth-century allegory recounts a saintly founder's quest to find and wed the personified Lady Poverty, narrated in episodic chapters that cover his search, guidance from elders, the discovery on a mountain, and the companions who join him. The work praises evangelical poverty, distinguishes authentic devotion from counterfeit forms, and examines obstacles such as avarice, prudence corrupted into greed, and spiritual sloth. It outlines the ideal conduct of religious life, records Poverty's consent and blessing upon the brethren, and is accompanied by a reflective essay on the spiritual significance of evangelical poverty together with devotional appendices.

XXIII

HOW THE BLESSED FRANCIS THANKED GOD FOR THE CONSENT OF THE LADY POVERTY

But the Blessed Francis, beside himself for joy, began to praise Almighty God with a loud Voice, for that He had not abandoned those who trusted in Him, saying: Bless the Lord, all ye ♦Tob. xiii. 10.♦ His Elect, keep Days of Rejoicing, and give Glory ♦Ps. cv. 1.♦ unto Him, for He is Good and His Mercy endureth Forever. And coming down from the Mountain they brought my Lady Poverty to the Place where they dwelt. And it was about the Sixth Hour.