I have translated from Père Edouard d’Alençon’s version of the Codex Casanatensis.[16] But I have not slavishly adhered to this, using, when they seemed more apt, the variants which he has so diligently noted at foot. I have also, now and again, used the Italian version of the Codex Vallicellianus, and, though very rarely, even the classic “Meditazione.” In my translation I have been no bondsman, but have rendered freely, while seeking to convey accurately the spirit and meaning of the work, and to preserve, as far as that might be, the elemental simplicity of its language. The “Sacrum Commercium” is a tissue of the words and phrases of St Jerome’s beautiful Latin version of Holy Scripture. Where so much is Biblical, I have had to a certain extent to adopt Biblical language, but I have striven earnestly to avoid those excesses of Archaism which irritate even the most equable nerves. With the help of Cardinal Hugo’s “Concordantiæ Sacrorum Bibliorum” (may his name live for ever!) I have endeavoured to give references to the principal quotations from Holy Writ. Some will assuredly have escaped me, and I shall be grateful to him who points out to me any omissions. The reader must not forget that it was the Latin Vulgate which was used by the author of the “Sacrum Commercium.” To be faithful, therefore, I could not take my quotations straight from the “Authorised Version.” I have translated sometimes after my own fashion, sometimes with the help of the “Douay” version, but when the sense has allowed of it, I have gladly adopted the noble English of King James’ Bible.[17] * * * * * And now, _lector humanissime_, I am glad to have done with all these dry details, necessary perchance to a right understanding of the subject, and to leave thee free to hasten onward to the green Pastures and still Waters of one of the fairest of Mediæval Idylls. Feed in those fresh Pastures, dip in the restoring Waters: thou canst not but gather therefrom health and strength, life, and the Life to come; together with a right knowledge of the Past, a loving pity for the Present, and a valorous good resolution for the Future. VALE! M. C. LIVORNO, _13th June 1901_. THE LADY POVERTY “O amor di Povertade La tua gran nobilitade Chi potrìa gia mai narrare?” --_Jacopone da Todi._ HERE BEGINNETH THE HOLY COMMERCE OF THE BLESSED FRANCIS WITH THE LADY POVERTY: I IN PRAISE OF POVERTY[18]