The Death of Clare

Finally she turned toward her weeping daughters and commending to them the poverty of the Lord, recalled the Divine benefits in words of praise. Then she blessed all who had been kind to her, both men and women, and invoked a benediction rich in graces upon all the Ladies of the poor monasteries present and to come. As to the rest, who can relate it without tears? Two of the holy companions of the Blessed Francis stood near. One of them, Angelo, though weeping himself, comforted the rest in their sorrow. The other, Leo, kissed the bed of the dying Saint.

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But the most holy virgin adverting to herself, spoke to her own soul softly: “Go forth,” she said, “without fear. For thou hast a good guide for thy journey. Go forth,” she said, “for He who created thee hath sanctified thee and, protecting thee always, loveth thee with a love as tender as that of a mother for her son. Blessed be Thou, Lord,” she said, “who hast created me.” When one of the Sisters asked her to whom she was speaking, Clare replied: “I am speaking to my blessed soul.” Nor was that glorious guide far distant. For, turning to a certain daughter, she asked: “O daughter, dost thou see the King of Glory whom I behold?” And the hand of the Lord came upon another one [one of the Sisters], and with her bodily eyes she beheld in her tears a blissful vision. Wounded with a dart of profound sorrow, she directed her gaze toward the door of the house. And behold! there entered a multitude of virgins, clothed in white garments, all of whom wore golden crowns upon their heads. There walked one amongst them more resplendent than the rest, from whose crown, which in its uppermost part had the appearance of a windowed thurible, such splendor shone forth within the house as to change the night itself into daylight. She advanced to the bed where the spouse of her Son lay, and bending over her lovingly embraced her most sweetly. A mantle of wondrous beauty was then brought forth by the virgins and, all working together with emulation they covered the body of Clare and adorned the couch. Thus on the day after that of Blessed Laurence that most holy soul passed away to be crowned with an everlasting reward, and, the temple of the flesh being dissolved, the spirit soared happily heavenward. Blessed be this going forth from the vale of misery which for Clare became the entrance to a blessed life. And now in lieu of her poor fare on this earth she rejoices at the table of the heavenly citizens; for her mean attire she is blessed in the celestial kingdom adorned with a robe of eternal glory.