ho, leaving all else, cast themselves into the
infinite ocean of the Divine will and design.

CHAPTER II.

A CHANGE.

"In this easy, painless life,
Free from struggle, care, and strife,
Ever on my doubting breast,
Lies the shadow of unrest;
This no path that Jesus trod--
Can the smooth way lead to God?"

As health returned, Francis determined that he would no longer waste
his life. He had spent a quarter of a century in ease, and pleasure,
and amusement. Now, some way or other, there should be a change.
Religion to Francis meant acting up to all the duties of his church.
This he had already done, and not for a moment did he dream that there
was in what he called "religion" any balm for a sore and wounded
spirit. It never occurred to him to seek in prayer the mind of the
Lord concerning his future. Oh, no, it was many a long day before
Francis knew the real meaning of the word prayer. He was convinced of
his wrong, and determined to right it. That was as far as he had got.
What to do was now the great question.

Just about this time, a nobleman of Assisi, Walter of Brienne, was
about to start for Apulia, to take part in a war which was going on
there. All at once it occurred to Francis that he would go too. He was
naturally courageous, and visions filled his mind of the deeds he
would do, and the honours that would be bestowed upon him.

He hastened at once to the nobleman and begged to be allowed to
accompany him. Permission was granted, and Francis set about getting
his outfit ready. His rich costume was far more splendid than that of
Walter himself, and the trappings of his horse and his general
accoutrements were all in keeping, so that altogether Francis was a
very magnificent personage indeed!

[Sidenote: _A Voice._]

A few nights before he started, he dreamed a strange dream. He was
sleeping, and he thought somebody called him out of his sleep.

"Francis, Francis," said a voice.

Then it seemed to Francis that he awoke and found himself in a vast
armoury. All around him hung shields and spears and swords, and
weapons of all kinds. But the most curious part of it was that each
weapon was marked with a cross. In his heart he wondered what it could
all mean, and as he was wondering, the voice answered his thoughts.

"These are for thee and for thy followers," it said, and then Francis
awoke.

It was an age when dreams were counted of much importance, and Francis
rejo