After having fashioned for himself a hermit's dress, he began to go into the squares and open places of the city.

There having sung a few hymns, he would announce to those who gathered around him his project of restoring the chapel.

"Those who will give me one stone," he would add with a smile, "shall have a reward; those who give me two shall have two rewards, and those who give me three shall have three." Many deemed him mad, but others were deeply moved by the remembrance of the past.

As for Francis, deaf to mockery, he spared himself no labor, carrying upon his shoulders, so ill-fitted for severe toil, the stones which were given him.[22] During this time the poor priest of St.Damian felt his heart swelling with love for this companion who had at first caused him such embarrassment, and he strove to prepare for him his favorite dishes.
Francis soon perceived it.

His delicacy took alarm at the expense which he caused his friend, and, thanking him, he resolved to beg his food from door to door.
It was not an easy task.