The Swallows Of Alviano

It happened once when St. Francis was preaching in Alviano that he could not be heard because of the chattering of a flock of sparrows building their nests there. So St. Francis said to the birds:

"My Sister Swallows, you have had your say. It is now my turn to speak. Be quiet now and listen to the word of the Lord."

Then to the astonishment of the people standing about, the little birds fell silent and did not move until St. Francis finished preaching.

Celano - First Life 59