Giovanni Pascoli

“ How the Saint understood that Paulo deemed his to be but a small desire, yet shewed him how great a one it was in deed.
HIS nearing form grew slowly, till he staid
His steps by Paulo’s side; then, grave and tender,
Upon his heart a gentle hand he laid.
Nought could he feel there save the quivering stir
Of beating wings. Again St. Francis spake:
‘Oh, brother Paulo, God’s own pensioner,
Little it is to thee that thou shouldst take
From these their freedom; yet how great the wrong
To the winged bird who of his tears must make
Thy pastime. ”