¹⁷⁰The gate of heaven is too narrow for anyone larger.^a
After^b this new Order became known by name,
Shelter for Francis and comrades was a derelict hovel
With rotten straw for a roof, its scrawny timbers
Jutting out, destined to stand but a few more days:^c

¹⁷⁵Its very poverty was comfort to men that loved her.
Till there came this peasant leading his laden ass
And annoyed them by passing a silly remark.
Forced by a heavy downpour to shelter,
He turns to his beast and this does he say:

¹⁸⁰"In you go, to be sure, my little brown donkey;^d
We'll lend a hand in this house in due time."
As much as to say: These brothers are starting to build
Themselves houses. His notion and hidden meaning are hateful
To Francis, who betakes himself to places not vexed

¹⁸⁵By travelers' pert words, where habitual peace finds a home.

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¹⁶⁵Ianua caelestis maioribus est nimis arcta.
Postquam per nomen novus hic innotuit Ordo,
Franciscum sociosque suos utcumque fovebat
Stramine tecta putri deserta domuscula, tignos
Praetendens graciles, paucis statura diebus

¹⁷⁰Paupertasque suis cultoribus ipsa placebat:
Donec praeteriens onerati ductor aselli
Rusticus inferret fatuo fastidia verbo,
Poscere qui latebras pluvia veliemente coactus
Affuit et proprium sic est affatus asellum:

¹⁷⁵" Intra securus, brunelle, iuvabimus istam
Quandocumque domum ". Quasi diceret: Hi quoque fratres
Intendunt cumulare domos. Promissa perosus
Edita Franciscus intellectumque latentem,
Ad loca se transfert non sollicitanda procaci

¹⁸⁰Voce viatorum, solitaeque domestica paci.