One evening, St. Francis de Sales sat by his window with some friends. Suddenly, their visit was very rudely interrupted by obnoxious noises coming from outside, right under his window. Dogs barked loudly, and people shouted insultingly at Francis.

This tumult was caused by a certain young gentleman who hated Francis. It was his dogs and servants sent to harass the saint. But as the miserable fellow looked up to the window, he saw that Francis just ignored the clamoring.

So the arrogant young man burst into Francis’ house, and stormed into his room. Spewing the worst insults he could think of, the poor wretch did all in his power to upset him. But Francis said nothing, and did not lose his peace.

This only made the man angrier, and he became even more insulting than before, if such was possible. He just kept venting his hatred until he finally became exhausted. Then, seeing he could not make Francis angry, he went away.

As soon as the man had gone out, Francis’ friends asked how he had been able to bear such abuse so patiently.

He answered: "It is not because I did not feel it, for in my heart I was much tempted to rise up and order him away; but I have long ago made an agreement with my tongue that when my heart is disturbed it is not to say one word until the angry feeling has died away. This was how I was able to bear so patiently with him who spoke to me with so much anger."