COLLOQUY XXX.
The Devils are easily Put to Flight
A CERTAIN Brother named Angelo, had a great fear of the devils, on account of the terrible combat he heard St. Francis had had with them. Being called by the holy Father he confessed this weakness to him, and even begged to be allowed a companion at night to sleep in his cell with him, for his fears were greater and more distressing by night than by day. The Saint replied : ‘ O timid soul ! why dost thou fear such weak and insignificant enemies, whose strength and power thou knowest well are in the Hands of God. In order that thou mayest experience this, I command thee to ascend this night, alone, the highest point of the neighbouring mountain, and there to cry out in a loud voice : ‘ Proud devils, come to me now all of you, and exercise your fury on me, and do to me what you are able.’ The Brother humbly obeyed this order, but no devils appeared, and he was delivered for ever from his great fear.