The poor hen was himself, the chickens were the friars.

This dream was a providential indication commanding him to seek for them a mother under whose wings they could all find a place, and who could defend them against the birds of prey.

At least so he thought.[10] He repaired to Orvieto without taking Assisi in his way, since if he went there he would be obliged to take some measures against the fomentors of disturbance; he now proposed to refer everything directly to the pope.
Does his profound humility, with the feeling of culpability which Ugolini had awakened in him, suffice to explain his attitude with regard to the pope, or must we suppose that he had a vague thought of abdicating?
Who knows whether conscience was not already murmuring a reproach, and showing him how trivial were all the sophisms which had been woven around him?
"Not daring to present himself in the apartments of so great a prince, he remained outside before the door, patiently waiting till the pope should come out.

When he appeared St.Francis made a reverence and said: "'Father Pope, may God give you peace.' 'May God bless you, my son,' replied he.

'My lord,' then said St.Francis to him, 'you are great and often absorbed by great affairs; poor friars cannot come and talk with you as often as they need to do; you have given me many popes; give me a single one to whom I may address myself when need occurs, and who will listen in your stead, and discuss my affairs and those of the Order.' 'Whom do you wish I should give you, my son ?' 'The Bishop of Ostia.' And he gave him to him."[11] Conferences with Ugolini now began again; he immediately accorded Francis some amends; the privilege granted the Clarisses was revoked; Giovanni di Conpello was informed that he had nothing to hope from the _curia_, and last of all leave was given to Francis himself to compose the Rule of his Order.