The natives do not really respect these wandering friars, but they dread their curses.
As the friars became more and more numerous their missionary labours extended wider and wider, spreading first over Italy, and then to other countries.
See Little, The Grey Friars in Oxford (1892).
Another striking feature of Francis's character was his constant joyousness; it was a precept in his rule, and one that he enforced strictly, that his friars should be always rejoicing in the Lord.
While he was engaged upon some pieces for the convent of the Dominican friars, he made the acquaintance of Savonarola, who quickly acquired great influence over him, and Bartolommeo was so affected by his cruel death, that he soon after entered the convent, and for some years gave up his art.
