This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter I.--francis the saint. rpommaso di celano, one of the first historians of Francis, gives a detailed portrait of him which serves well as an introduction to the study of his character. "Oh, how beautiful, how splendid, and how glorious was this countenance which reflected the innocence of his life, the purity of his heart, and on which could be continually read his burning love for God and for his neighbor. His was truly an angelic appearance. Sweet in his manners, he was of a tranquil nature; affable in his discoursehis exhortations were appropriate; he was faithful in his charge, foreseeing in counsel, and effective in his transactions; gracious in all, he was ever serene in mind and tender in feeling; he was constant in contemplation, prompt in pardoning, and slow to anger; gifted with a wonderful memory, he was sharp in discussion, circumspect in choice, and yet simple in all. Strict towards himself, he displayed the utmost consideration for others. Simple and eloquent in his speech, he continually spent himself in the service of others, and far from being haughty in his demeanor, he showed himself cheerful and kind to all. "In stature he was a little above the middle size; his head was round and not too large; his face was oval and his features drawn; his forehead was small and even; Ms eyes were of medium size, black and truthful; black hair, eyebrows straight, a nose fine, even and straight, ears--erect and small, and flat temples, constituted the upper part of his countenance; his voice was vehement, sweet, clear, and sonorous; his teeth were closely set, even, and white, his hps small and thin; his slender neck was set on square shoulders, and his short arms ended in small hands with long fingers, the nails of which were...