It is the easiest route, and the delightful hermitage of that city was one of the best ordered to permit of his taking some repose.

He doubtless remained there a very short time: he was in haste to see once more the skies of his native country, Portiuncula, St.Damian, the Carceri, all those paths and hamlets which one sees from the terraces of Assisi and which recalled to him so many sweet memories.
Instead of going by the nearest road, they made a long circuit by Gubbio and Nocera, to avoid Perugia, fearing some attempt of the inhabitants to get possession of the Saint.

Such a relic as the body of Francis lacked little of the value of the sacred nail or the sacred lance.[16] Battles were fought for less than that.
They made a short halt near Nocera, at the hermitage of Bagnara, on the slopes of Monte-Pennino.[17] His companions were again very much disturbed.

The swelling which had shown itself in the lower limbs was rapidly gaining the upper part of the body.

The Assisans learned this, and wishing to be prepared for whatever might happen sent their men-at-arms to protect the Saint and hasten his return.
Bringing Francis back with them they stopped for food at the hamlet of Balciano,[18] but in vain they begged the inhabitants to sell them provisions.