Refusing Entirely To Offer Flattery To Kings And Princes

St. Francis taught not only to mortify vices and repress carnal movements, but also to restrain the exterior senses themselves, for through them death enters the soul. When at that time Emperor Otto was passing through the place with much clamor and pomp to receive the crown of his earthly empire, the most holy father, who was living with his brothers in that hovel close to the road on which the emperor would pass, did not even go out to watch; and he did not allow anyone else do so except one who continuously called out to the emperor that his glory would last but a short time. For the glorious saint, withdrawn within himself and walking in the broadness of his heart, had prepared within himself a dwelling fit for God, and therefore the outward clamor did not catch his ears, nor could any sound drive out or interrupt the great business he had at hand. The apostolic authority was strong in him, and he therefore refused entirely to offer flattery to kings and princes.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XVI

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