Francis and the Sultan

I read in one of Richard Rohr’s books about Francis of Assisi traveling to Egypt during the Crusades.  He was hoping to be able to stop the senseless war.  He was a guest of the Sultan.  The book described a friendship that developed between the two.  I believe if they had each known the Sanskrit term “Namaste”…the Divine light in me, sees and honors the Divine light in you, they would have said it to each other.  I wanted to capture the affection I believe they held for each other.  Monk’s attire is very course like burlap and the Sultan is portrayed in very fine clothing. The model for the boots was found in a cheese shop being worn by the proprietor. I donated this piece to the New Camoldoli Hermitage in Big Sur.