Saint Francis Upholds the Dignity of Lady Poverty

Before the brethren were multiplied, and even afterwards, whenever they went through the world preaching, and were invited by anyone to eat and lodge at his house, however high in rank and rich their host might be, they would always at meal-times go for alms before they went to his house, on account of the good example the brethren were bound to show, and of the dignity of the Lady Poverty. And many times when he who had given the invitation asked Francis not to go [for alms], his answer was: 'I will not give up my royal dignity and inheritance, and the profession of myself and my brethren - namely, to go for alms from door to door.' Sometimes his host would accompany him, and would take the alms which Francis received, and, out of devotion to him, keep them as relics.

- text taken from Franciscan Days: being selections for every day in the year from ancient Franciscan writings, translated and arranged by Alan George Ferrers Howell