But about this time he felt the need of turning to St.Clara and Brother Silvestro for counsel on the subject of the doubts and hesitations which assailed him; their reply restored to him peace and joy.

God by their mouth commanded him to continue his apostolate.[13] Immediately he rose and set forth in the direction of Bevagna,[14] with an ardor which he had never yet shown.

In encouraging him to persevere Clara had in some sort inoculated him with a new enthusiasm.

One word from her had sufficed to give him back all his courage, and from this point in his life we find in him more poetry, more love, than ever before.
Full of joy, he was going on his way when, perceiving some flocks of birds, he turned aside a little from the road to go to them.

Far from taking flight, they flocked around him as if to bid him welcome.
"Brother birds," he said to them then, "you ought to praise and love your Creator very much.