Esiring to relate in order, with pious devotion and under the constant guidance and teaching Of truth, the acts and life of our most blessed father Francis, it has been my endeavour, at the bidding of the lord and glorious Pope Gregory, to set forth to the best of my ability (though with unskilled words) at least those things that I have heard from blessed Francis' own mouth or have understood from faithful and approved witnesses, smee the memory of none can retain all that he did and taught. But would that I might deserve to be the disciple of him who always avoided dark sayings and knew no pomp of words!