A Book of the Praises of Saint Francis
(1277–1283)

Introduction^a

¹In Italy, Brother Thomas, a man of exquisite eloquence, at the command of Pope Gregory IX, wrote a Life of Saint Francis;^b it is said that John, a venerable man who was a Notary of the Apostolic See, wrote a life which begins: Quasi stella matutina^c

³In France, there was Brother Julian, famous for his learning and holiness, who also wrote a Life of Saint Francis.^d He also composed the words and music for the Night Office of Saint Francis, besides some hymns, some antiphons and responses which the Supreme Pontiff himself and some of his Cardinals published in praise of the saint.^e Lastly, the General Minister, Brother Bonaventure, an admirable vessel of graces and a storehouse of knowledge and virtue—formerly an outstanding Master of Theology in Paris and later a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church and Bishop of Albano; a man of such authority, discernment, and character that the world acclaimed him most worthy of the highest prelate's office—described more

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Incipit liber de Laudibus beati Francisci.

¹Plenam virtutibus beati Francisci vitam scripsit in Italia exquisitae vir eloquentiae frater Thomas, iubente domino Gregorio Papa nono; ²et eam, quae incipit Quasi stella matutina vir venerabilis dominus, ut fertur, Iohannes apostolicae Sedis notarius.

³In Francia vero frater Iulianus, scientia et sanctitate conspicuus, qui etiam nocturnale Sancti Officium in littera et cantu posuit praeter hymnos et aliquantas antiphonas ac responsoria, quae summus ipse Pontifex et aliqui de Cardinalibus in Sancti praeconium ediderant. ⁴Postremo compertum plenius vitae decursum vas admirabile gratiarum, virtutum et scientiae apotheca, frater Bonaventura, Generalis Minister, prius excellens in theologia magister Parisius, postmodum sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalis et Albanensis episcopus, ⁵vir tantae auctoritatis, discretionis et morum, ut orbis eum clamaverit summo dignissimum praesulatu, authentico nimirum discretoque sermone descripsit,