COLLOQUY VIII
That it is not becoming for Superiors to indulge their Appetite, or make use of Delicate Meats
One of his companions asked St. Francis why he did not deal more mildly with himself, and why he afflicted his tender body, half dead with penance, with such rigorous abstinence; begging him that for the future he would allow better food to be prepared for him. This true model of penitents and Superiors replied : ‘I know well, Brother, that many things are necessary for my body, and that I do not always give it what it really requires ; but I remember that I am placed by God as a model and example to many, and therefore I will not use more delicate nor better dressed food, but poor food, poorly cooked ; and in all things that are needful for this life, I rejoice and delight only in those which savour of holy Poverty, and all that are sumptuous and delicate I utterly abhor.’