PART III
Mirabilis Deus in sanctis suis. Spiritus Sanctus, à quo omne donum, et gratiarum charismata utrique, et novi et veteris Testamenti Ecclesias, data, haec protulit per os Regii Psalmistae Davidis filii, etc.
Patrick left Presbyter Conaedh in Domnach-Airther-Maighe, in the territory of Hy-Briuin of the north. He rested there on Sunday, and then went after Patrick from that place as far eastwards as the wood. “What brought you?” asked Patrick. “I cannot bear your absence, holy man,” said he. “No wonder,” observed Patrick; “the place around thee is not the place of a son of life, but a place for pig-eaters; the soil of the place shall never be reddened” (which we have proved when Connacan, son of Colman, son of Niall Frossach, went into the district with an army, nine men moved off from a tree which Artifex, a pilgrim, selected. He was beheaded; eight were liberated, however, in his land).
Patrick went afterwards to Telach-Maine, and received a welcome from Maine, son of Conlaedh, who humbled himself to him; and Patrick blessed him, and blessed his wife, so that she was fruitful, and brought forth two daughters. Patrick baptized them, and blessed veils on their heads, and left a senior with them to instruct them.
Patrick did not visit Ard-Macha on that occasion, but went into the territory of Hy-Cremthand, where he founded churches and residences. One time, as Patrick was coming from Clochar, from the north, his strong man–_i.e._, Bishop Mac Carthend–carried him across a difficult place; and after lifting up Patrick, he said: “Uch, uch.” “My _debroth_,” said Patrick, “you were not accustomed to say that word.” “I am old and infirm,” said Bishop Mac Carthend, “and you have left all my early companions in churches, whilst I am still on the road.” “I will leave thee in a church,” said Patrick, “that shall not be too near us for familiarity, that shall not be too distant for intercourse between us.” And Patrick afterwards left Bishop Mac Carthend in Clochar, and the Domhnach-Airgid with him, which was sent to Patrick from heaven when he was on the sea coming to Erinn.
Patrick went after that to Lemhuin. Finnabhair is the name of the hill on which Patrick preached. Three days and three nights was he at the preaching, and each day did not seem to them longer than one hour. Then it was that Brigid slept at the preaching, and Patrick did not allow her to be awakened. Patrick asked her afterwards what she had seen. She said: “I saw fair synods and white oxen and fair cornfields; behind them spotted oxen, and black oxen after these. I afterwards saw sheep and pigs, and dogs and wolves, fighting amongst themselves. I saw subsequently two stones, one little and the other big. A drop was shed on each of them. The little stone increased at the ‘drop,’ and silvery sparks burst from it. The large stone withered, moreover.” “They were the two sons of Eochaidh, son of Crimthann,” said Patrick. Cairpre Damhairgit believed, and Patrick blessed him, and blessed his seed. Bresal, moreover, refused, and Patrick cursed him. Patrick also explained the whole vision of Brigid in an admirable manner.
He resuscitated Eochaidh, son of Crimthann, from death. Eochaidh possessed a daughter–_i.e._, Cinnu–whom her father wished to marry to a man of noble family–_i.e._, to the son of Cormac, son of Cairpre Mac Neill; she, walking along, met Patrick with his companions on the way. Patrick preached to her that she unite herself to the spiritual prophet; and she believed, and Patrick instructed her, and baptized her, afterwards. When her father was subsequently seeking for her, to give her to her man, she and Patrick went to converse with him. Patrick requested that he would permit her to wed the Eternal Spouse; Eochaidh agreed to this, if heaven would be given to him therefor, and he himself not be compelled to be baptized. Patrick then promised these two conditions, though he thought it hard. The king afterwards consented that his daughter–_i.e._, Cinnu–should be united to Christ, and Patrick made her a female disciple to him, and commanded a certain virgin to instruct her _i.e._, Cechtumbar of Druim-Dubhain, in which place both virgins rest.
After many years, moreover, the aforesaid Eochaidh reached the end of his life; and when his friends would remain by him, he said: “Let me not be buried,” said he, “until Patrick comes.” And when Eochaidh finished these words, his spirit departed. Patrick, moreover, was at this time in Ulster, at Sabhall-Patrick; and the death of Eochaidh was manifested to him, and he decided on going to Clochar-mac-Daimhin, where he found Eochaidh, who had been inanimate twenty-four hours. When Patrick went into the house where the body was, he sent out the persons who were about the body. He bent his knees to the Lord, and shed tears; and he prayed, and said in a clear voice: “Rise, O King Eochaidh! in the name of Almighty God”; and immediately, at the voice of the servant of God, he arose. When he had composed himself, he spoke, and the grief and lamentations of the people were changed to joy. And forthwith Patrick instructed the king in the rule of faith, and baptized him. He also commanded him, before the people, that he would describe the pains of the impious and the joy of the saints, and that he would speak to the people, that they might believe all that is said of the pains of hell and the joys of the blest to be true. And he spoke of these things, as he was commanded. And Patrick offered him a choice–_i.e._ fifteen years in the chief kingship of his country, if he would live piously and truthfully, or to go to heaven, if he preferred it. But the king said: “Though the sovereignty of the entire globe were given to me, and though I might live for many years, I would count it all as nothing in comparison with the good shown to me. Hence it is that I pray more and more that I may be freed from the miseries of the present life, and sent to the eternal joys exhibited to me.” To whom Patrick said, “Go in peace, and journey to the Lord.” Echu (or Eochaidh) gave thanks to God in the presence of his people, and he commended his soul to the Lord and Patrick, and his spirit departed to heaven.
Where Patrick went afterwards was to the territory of Ui-Meith-Tire, to Tech-Thalain; and he left Bishop Cilline there, and other holy men of his people, and the relics of saints which he brought with him across the sea from the east. Then it was that three robbers of Ui-Meith-Tire carried off the second goat that was wont to be bringing water, and they came to swear falsely to Patrick respecting him, but the goat cried from the bodies of the three who had acted treacherously. “My _debroth_,” said Patrick, “the goat himself announces you as thieves. From this day forth goats shall stick to your children and kindred”; which has been fulfilled.
Eoghan, son of Brian, son of Muiredach, son of Imchadh, son of Colla-fo-Crich, was King of Ui-Meith when the people believed, and he (Patrick) blessed them. Eoghan besought Patrick to resuscitate his grandfather, _i.e._, Muiredach. Patrick afterwards resuscitated him, and buried him again in the Erende, on the borders of Mughorna and Ui-Meith; but the place belongs to Mughorna. Then Patrick went into the district of Mughorna, to Domhnach-Maighen especially. When Victor, who was in that place, heard that Patrick had come to it, Victor went, to avoid Patrick, from the residence to a thorny brake at the side of the town. God performed a prodigy for Patrick. He lighted up the brake in the dark night, so that everything therein was visible. Victor went afterwards to Patrick, and gave him his submission; and Patrick gave him the church, and imposed the degree of bishop on Victor, and left him in Domhnach-Maighen. And Patrick blessed Mudhorna, and said that the most illustrious of laics and clerics should be of them. And he bade farewell to them, and left a blessing with them. Afterwards Patrick went to Fera-Ros, to Enach-Conglais, where he remained a Sunday. There it was that the Ui-Lilaigh gave the poison to Patrick in the lumps of curds. Patrick blessed the pieces, and made stones of them.
When Patrick went on Monday across the ford southwards, the Ui-Lilaigh went with fifty horsemen upon the ford after him to slay him. Patrick turned towards them upon the bank to the south of the ford, and he raised his left hand, and said: “You shall neither come out of the ford here nor go the other way; but you shall be in that water for ever.” The water immediately went over them. Ath-O’Lilaigh is the name of the ford for ever, and the stone lumps are at Enach-Conglaise, in commemoration of the miracle, to this present day.
He afterwards went to Rath-Cuile, where he blessed the Fera-Cuile–_i.e._, the Ui-Seghain. He went to Bile-Tortan after that, and constructed a church for Presbyter Justin near Bile-Tortan, which is near the community of Ard-Breccan. When Patrick was journeying to the territory of Leinster from Domhnach-Tortan, he remained a night at Drum-Urchaille. Patrick went afterwards to Naas. The site of his tent is in the green of the fort, to the east of the road, and his well is to the north of the fort (_dún_), where he baptized Dunlaing’s two sons, Ailill and Illann, and where he baptized Ailill’s two daughters, Moghain and Feidelm. And their father dedicated them to God and Patrick, from their consecrated virginity, and he (Patrick) blessed the veil on their heads.
Messengers went from Patrick to call the steward of the fort of Naas–_i.e._, Fallen. He avoided Patrick; and he pretended to be asleep, through enmity and ridicule of Patrick. And Patrick was told that the steward was asleep. “My _debroth_,” said Patrick, “I should not be surprised if it were his last sleep.” His people went to awake him, and they found him dead, through the disobedience he showed to Patrick. And hence is the proverb amongst the Irish: “Fallen’s sleep in the fort of Naas.”
Dricriu was the King of Ui-Garchon at Patrick’s coming, and the daughter of Laeghaire Mac Neill was his wife. And he refused Patrick regarding his feast at Rath-Inbhir, on Laeghaire’s account. But Cilline gave him welcome, and killed his own cow for him, and gave to Patrick the quantity of flour that he brought for his support from the king’s house, whereupon he (Patrick) prophesied that Cilline’s son should be king of Ui-Garchon.
He went afterwards to Magh-Life, and founded cells and houses there; and he left Usail in Cill-Usaille, and Iserninus and Mac Tail in Cella-Cuilinn, and other saints. On his going into Western Life, the sons of Laighis prepared water-pits in the way before him, and a covering over them. “For God’s sake,” said the little boys, “drive on your horses.” “Drive on, then, for God’s sake, your horses,” said Patrick. But no injury was done to them; and he cursed Laighis (_i.e._, Laighis, son of Find) where Moin-Choluim is to-day; and Patrick said that there would be neither a king nor a bishop from them, and that a foreign lord should be over them for ever.
Brig, the daughter of Fergnad, son of Cobtach, of the Ui-Ercain, went to report to Patrick the enmity that was in store for him. Patrick blessed her, and her father, and her brothers, and the Ui-Ercain altogether, and he said that they would never be without distinguished laics and clerics of them.
Then Patrick alighted on the hillock which was then called Bile-Mac-Cruaich; to-day, however, it is called Forrach-Patrick; and he said that there would never be a foreign king or steward over them; and when the King of Leinster would be distributing the feast in his royal house, he would have one shin (of beef), and the King of Ui-Ercan the other; they should have Patrick’s respect, Patrick’s _forrach_ (seat), the dignity of laics and clerics, wealth, and immortality. Eight princes they had up to the reign of Conchobhar, son of Donnchadh, in Tara. Laighis, moreover, was the tribe-name of the youths who committed the misdeed; and neither king nor bishop shall be from them, but strange lords shall govern them, and they shall never have rest from persecution and complaints.
Patrick went from Tara until he met Dubhtach Mac Ui-Lugair at Domhnach-mór of Magh-Criathar, in Ui-Cinnse-laigh, who believed for Patrick. Patrick requested from him a handsome youth who would not be of low family–a man of one wife, for whom but one son was born. “Hem,” said Dubhtach, “that is Fiacc, son of Ere, I am afraid–the man of those qualities, who went from me to the territory of Connacht with poems for the kings.” At these words he (Fiacc) came. “What are you considering?” asked Fiacc. “Dubhtach for the crozier,” said Patrick. “That will be a blemish to many, indeed,” said Fiacc; “why should not I be taken in place of him?” “You will be received, indeed,” said Patrick. He was tonsured, baptized, an alphabet was written for him, and he read his psalms in one day, as has been related to me. He was ordained in the grade of bishop, and the bishopric of Leinster was given to him by Patrick; and his only son, Fiachra, was also ordained. This Fiacc was, therefore, the first bishop ordained in Leinster. Patrick gave Fiacc a case–viz., a bell, a reliquary, a crozier, and a book-satchel; and he left seven of his people with him–viz., Mochatoc of Inis-Fail, Augustin of Inis-Bec, Tecan, and Diarmait, and Nainnid, Paul, and Fedilmidh.
He (Fiacc) afterwards resided in Domnach-Feic, and he was there until threescore of his people died with him. Then the angel went to him, and said to him: “It is on the west of the river (Barrow) thy (place of) resurrection is, in Cul-maighe”; and he said that where they would meet a boar, there they should build their refectory; but where they would meet a hind, there they should place the church. Fiacc said to the angel that he would not go until Patrick would come to mark out the boundary of his place, and to consecrate it, and that he might get the place from him. Patrick went then to Fiacc, and marked out his place with him, and fixed his site. And Crimthan presented that place to Patrick, for it was Patrick that baptized him; and it is in Sleibhte he is buried. It was there, afterwards, Fiacc was ordained.
They (the Ui-Ercan) were at that time persecuted by the King of Leinster, Crimthann, son of Enna Ceinnselach, so that they went into exile. Of them are the _manachs_ in Hy-Crimthann, and the _manachs_ in Ulster, and Cenel-Enna in Munster. Of them is Fiacc, of whom we have spoken before. Fiacc, Aengus, Ailill Mar, Conall, and Etirscel were five brothers. Their father was the son of Ere.
Through the action of Patrick, the king granted him (Fiacc) land, the fifth part of his father’s possessions, and thereon it was that he built Sleibhte.
The Aengus in question afterwards killed the king, Crimthann, son of Enna Ceinnselach, to avenge his exile. In thirties and forties are the churches which he gave to Patrick in the east of Leinster, and in Ui-Cennselaigh, including Domnach-mor of Magh-Criathar and Inis-Fail, where Mochonoc and Mochatoc are, and Erdit and Augustin in the smaller island (but their shrines are in Sleibhte, since the place was occupied by Gentiles); Domnach-mór of Magh-Reta. Patrick was a Sunday here (_i.e._, in Domnach-mór of Magh-Reta), and they were on that Sunday building Rath-Baccain, the royal fort of the district. Patrick sent to prevent this, but no notice was taken thereof. Patrick said, “Its building shall be troublesome, unless ‘offering’ is done there every day.” He also said that the fort would not be inhabited until the wind (_gaeth_) would come from the lower part of hell. This was Gaithini, son of Cinaed, who rebuilt the fort in the time of Fedhlimidh, and of Conchobhar in Tara.
After that Patrick had founded churches and establishments in Leinster, moreover, he left a blessing upon Ui-Cennselaigh, and upon the Leinstermen all; and he afterwards ordained Fiacc Find in Sleibhte, as bishop of the province.
He then went along Bealach-Gabhran, into the district of Ossory, and founded churches and establishments there; and he said that distinguished laics and clerics should be of them, and that no province should have command over them, whilst they remained obedient to Patrick. Patrick took leave of them afterwards, and he left the relics of holy men with them, and some of his people, in the place where Martar-tech is this day in Magh-Roighne. At Druim-Conchind, in Mairge, the cross-beam of Patrick’s chariot broke when he was going to Munster. He made another of the wood of the _druim_. It broke immediately. He made one again, and it broke also. Patrick said that there should never be any implement made of the timber of that wood, which has been fulfilled, for even a pin is not made of it. Patrick’s Disert is there, but it is waste.
Patrick went afterwards to the territory of Munster, to Cashel of the Kings. When Aengus, son of Nadfraech, got up in the morning, all their idols were prostrate; and Patrick and his people came to the side of the fort, and he (Aengus) bade them welcome, and took them into the fort to the place where Lee-Patrick is to-day. And Patrick after that baptized the sons of Nedfraech, and the men of Munster besides, and left a blessing and prosperity upon them. And he blessed the fort–_i.e._, Cashel–and said that only one race should be there for ever. And he was seven years in Munster. The learned calculate that he made an offering on every seventh ridge that he traversed in Munster.
When Patrick was baptizing Aengus, the point of the crozier went through Aengus’s foot. Patrick asked, “Why was it that you did not tell me?” “Because,” said he, “I thought it was the rule of the faith.” “You shall have its reward,” said Patrick; “your successors from this day forth shall not die of wounds.” No one is King of Cashel until Patrick’s comarb ordains him and imposes the grade on him. Patrick said:
The sons of Nadfraech, of sounding fame, Of them shall be kings and chieftains; Aengus, from the lands of Feimhen, And Ailill, his brother.
And twenty-eight kings, of the race of Ailill and Aengus, reigned in Cashel, ordained with the crozier, until the time of Cenngegan.
Patrick went after this to Muscraidhe-Breogain, and founded churches and establishments there.
One day he was washing his hands at a ford there, when a tooth fell out of his mouth into the ford. Patrick went upon the hillock to the north of the ford; and persons went from him to look for the tooth, and forthwith the tooth glistened in the ford like a sun; and Ath-fiaclai is the name of the ford, and Cill-fiacia is the name of the church where Patrick left the tooth and four of his people–viz., Cuircthe and Loscan, Cailech and Bedan. He bade them (_i.e._, the Muscraidhe) farewell, and left them a blessing.
He went afterwards to Aradha-Cliach until he was in Iochtar-Cuillenn in Ui-Cuanach; and Ailill, son of Cathbadh, son of Lughaidh, of the Eoghanacht of Airther-Cliach, met him. His wife went on the hillock where they (the clerics) were, and said: “The pigs have eaten our son Ailill through savageness,” said she. And Ailill said: “I will believe if you resuscitate my son for me.” Patrick commanded the boy’s bones to be collected, and he directed a Céle-Dé of his people–_i.e._, Malach Britt–to resuscitate him. “I will not offend the Lord,” said he. (He was seized with doubt.) Patrick said: “That is pitiful, O Malach! thy house on earth shall not be high; thy house shall be the house of one man.” His house is in the northeastern angle of the southern Deise; its name is Cill-Malaich. Five persons can never be supported there.
Patrick afterwards commanded Bishops Ibar and Ailbhe to resuscitate the boy; and he prayed the Lord with them. The boy was afterwards resuscitated through Patrick’s prayers. The boy subsequently preached to the hosts and multitudes in Patrick’s presence. Ailill and his wife thereupon believed; and all the Ui-Cuanach believed, and were baptized in that place. And the seat of the four–_i.e._, of Patrick, Ailbhe, Bishop Ibar, and the young boy–is in the place where the boy was resuscitated. His father said: “God cures by the hand of the physician.” Four persons stole Patrick’s horses southwards. Patrick forgave it. One of them was a leech, whose name was Caencomhrac; another was a carpenter; another was a bondman; but the fourth was a groom, whose name was Aedh. Patrick called the latter, and blessed his hands, and told him that his name should be Lamaedh from that day; and from him are the Lamhraighe.
It was then that disease seized Ailill’s wife, who was _enciente_, so that death was nigh unto her. Patrick asked what was the matter. The woman answered: “An herb I saw in the air, and I saw not the like of it on the earth; and I shall die, or the being in my womb shall die, or we shall both die, unless I taste that herb.” Patrick asked her of what kind was the herb. “Like rushes,” said the woman. Patrick thereupon blessed rushes, so that they were apparently the same. The woman then ate them, and was forthwith whole; and after some time she gave birth to a son, and blessed Patrick; and it is reported that Patrick said that all women who should eat of this herb would be healed.
He desired to remain by the side of Clar, at the fort of Coirpre and Brocan, but he was not permitted; and Patrick said that there never would be a king or bishop of the race of Colman, who opposed him. He also said that the place would belong to himself afterwards, and left a man of his people there, after a long period–_i.e._, Caemhan of Cill-Rath.
Ibar then selected a place of residence in Grian, in Aradha-Cliach. Dola opposed him. Patrick said that there would not be a house of his (Dola’s) there, or, if there should be, it would be only for (the lives of) two or three. This was fulfilled. They (Dola’s descendants) removed to Airther-Cliach, and Dal-Modola is their name until this day.
Nena went to him (Patrick), who refused to receive him, and said that he would not be prosperous. No successors of his occupied the place there since, but they are enslaved by Muscraighe-Mittine. “Menraighe” they are called.
As Patrick was leaving this place, the women of Grian came to bewail his departure from them. Patrick blessed them, and said that the children they would bear to extern tribes would be illustrious.
Patrick was in Aradha-Cliach, at Tedil (the name of a hill). When he was bidding farewell, two of his people remained behind. They were sent for, and found asleep under a bush there. This was told to Patrick. “Here their resurrection will be,” said he; which is true. Muin and Lomchu [who are] in Cill-Tidil [were left there] by Patrick.
He went after this to Hy-Fidhgente, where Lonan, son of Mac Eire, provided a banquet for him. Mullach-Cae, over against Carn-Feradhaigh on the south; and a man of Patrick’s people was preparing the banquet along with the king–_i.e._, Deacon Mantan. A band of artists came up to Patrick to solicit food, and would have no excuse. “Go to Lonan and to Deacon Mantan, that they may relieve me,” said Patrick. Who answered, “No, until our banquet is blessed.” Then Patrick said:
The youth who comes from the north, To him is vouchsafed the triumph; To Cothraige he comes, With his little wether on his back.
At that very time came another youth, attended by his mother, carrying on her back a cooked wether to the king’s supper. Patrick begged of him to give him the wether to save his honor. The son at once gave it cheerfully, though the mother was unwilling to do so, through fear of the king. Patrick gave the food to the players; and immediately the earth swallowed them. Derc, son of Scirire, of the southern Desi, was their chief; and Patrick said there would not be a king, or heir apparent, or bishop of his family of Lonan for ever; and he assured Mantan, the deacon, that his church would not be exalted on earth, but should be the abode of the dregs of the people, and that swine and sheep would trample on his own remains; but to Nessan, who had saved his honor, he promised that he should be honored among the nations. And he baptized him, ordained him deacon, and founded for him a church–_i.e._, Mungarit. His mother excused herself, and he said she should not be buried in her son’s church. This came to pass, for her grave is to the west of Mungarit, and the bell of the great church is not heard in that place; they are almost together, only separated by a wall.
The men of North Munster, to the north of Luimnech, went in fleets of boats to meet Patrick southwards as far as Domhnach-mor of Magh-Aine–_i.e._, to Dun-Nocfene, then and now so called; and he baptized them in Tir-glass, to the southeast of it. He afterwards went to Finnine, to the northwest of Domhnach-mor, a hill from which he could see the country to the north of Luimnech, when he gave a blessing to the men of North Munster, who had gone with a profusion of gifts to meet Patrick.
Cairthend, son of Blat, the senior of the Clann-Toirdhelb-haigh, believed in the Lord, and Patrick baptized him at Sangul (_i.e._, a different angel that went to converse with him that day, and not Victor). No children were born to Cairthenn, except deformities, up to that time. It was then that Eochu Ballderg was born to Cairthenn. Patrick that procured this; and he formed a clot of gore, which was on his (Eochu’s) body, as a sign of that miracle. Patrick himself did not go into the country, but he saw from him about Luimnech to the west and to the north; and he blessed the district and its islands, and prophesied of the saints who would appear in them, of their names, and the time in which they would come. “The green island in the west,” said Patrick, “in the mouth of the sea; the lamp of the people of God shall come into it, who will be the head of counsel to this district–_i.e._, Senan of Inis-Cathaigh–six score years from this.” (Senan, son of Gerrgenn, son of Dubhthach.) He did not go across Luachair, indeed, into West Munster. He prophesied of Brenainn, son of Ua-Altae, who was to be born 120 years after, which was fulfilled.
Patrick then went into the southern Desi, and set about building a church in Ard Patrick; and Lec-Patrick (Patrick’s flag) is there, and the limits of his church. Derball, son of Aedh, opposed him. Derball said to Patrick: “If you would remove that mountain there, so that I could see Loch-Lunga across it to the south, in Fera-Maighe-Feine, I would believe.” Cenn-Abhrat is the name of the mountain, and Belach-Legtha (melted pass) is the name of the pass which was melted there. When the mountain began to dissolve, Derball said that whatever he (Patrick) did would be of no use. Patrick said to Derball: “There shall be no king nor bishop of your family, and it will be allowable to the men of Munster to plunder you all every seventh year for ever as bare as a leek.”
As Patrick was in the district of the Desi, awaiting the king of the country–_i.e._, Fergair, son of Rossa–Patrick said to him, after his arrival: “How slowly you come!” “The country is rough” [said he]. “True indeed,” said Patrick. “There shall be no king from you for ever. What delayed you to-day?” asked Patrick. “The rain delayed us,” said the king. “Your meetings shall be showery for ever,” said Patrick. Patrick’s well is there, and also the church of Mac Clairidh, one of Patrick’s people. And assemblies are not held by the Desi except at night, because Patrick left that sentence upon them, for it was towards night they went to him. Patrick then cursed the streams of that place, because his books were drowned in them, and the fishermen gave his people a refusal. Patrick said that they would not be fruitful, and that there would never be any mills upon them, except the mills of strangers, notwithstanding their great profusion up to that time. He blessed the Suir, moreover, and the country around; and it is fruitful in fish, except the places where those streams (_glaise_) flow into it.
Patrick went into Muscraighe-thire, and to preach and plant the faith there. He met three brothers of that nation, men of power–Furic and Muinnech and Mechar, the sons of Forat, son of Conla. Muinnech believed at once, and Patrick baptized and blessed him, and said that illustrious heroes and clerics should descend from him for ever; and that the chief kingship of his country should be [filled up] from him for ever, as the poet said:
Muinnech the Great believes In Patrick, before all; That there might be over his country Chieftains of his race for ever. Mechair believed, For he was a true, just man. Patrick gave him a lasting blessing– The companionship of a king. Fuirec, the furious man, Opposed, though he was hoary and old; His ultimate fate, after this world, Is not to be deplored. When Cothraige imposed A tribute (_cain_) upon noble Eri, On the host of this island He conferred a lasting blessing. Choice was this blessing Which he conferred seven-fold On each one who would observe His plain rule, his law. Whoever would disobey The noble, just rule, Should not see him, he said, In the region of the saints. Patrick’s _cain_ in great Munster Was imposed on each family, Until Dungalach violated it, [Who was] of the race of Failbhe Flann. Dungalach, son of Faelghus, Grandson of just Nadfraech, Was the first who transgressed Patrick’s _cain_ from the beginning. It is related in histories, All ages know it, That his successorship is not found In Cashel of the Kings. There is not of his progeny (Though he won battles) A noble bishop or herenagh, A prince or a sage. Saergus the Young, also– * * * * * Violated the _cain_ he had adopted, For the vehement Dungalach. It is seen that illustrious men Are not of his wondrous family; If there are now, they will not Be found till judgment comes.
Now, after that Patrick had founded cells and churches in Munster, and had ordained persons for every grade, and healed all sick persons, and resuscitated the dead, he bade them farewell, and left his blessing with them. He then went to Brosnacha, and the men of Munster followed after him, as if with one accord; and their households (hillocks? _telcha_) followed them, to go after Patrick. Patrick thereupon blessed the households (hillocks?), and they remained in their places.
Where the men of Munster overtook Patrick, men, youths, and women, was at Brosnacha, when they raised great shouts of joy at seeing him; hence it is called Brosnacha. It was here Patrick resuscitated Fot, son of Derad, a Munsterman, who had been twenty-seven years dead. It was here, too, he blessed the banquet of the youth at Craibhecha, with Bishop Trian, a pilgrim of the Romans, by which the men of Munster were satisfied, and the saints of Eri besides. He again bade farewell to the men of Munster, and gave them his blessing, saying:
A blessing on the men of Munaani Men, sons, women. A blessing on the land That gives them food. A blessing on all treasures Produced upon the plains. A blessing upon Munster. A blessing on their woods And on their sloping plains. A blessing on their glens. A blessing on their hills. As the sands of the seas under ships– So numerous be their homesteads, In slopes, in plains, In mountains, in peaks, A blessing.”
Patrick afterwards went to the territory of Hy-Failge, and Foilge Berrad boasted that, if he met Patrick, he would kill him, in revenge of the idol Cenn Cruach; for it was this that was a god to Foilge. This boast of Foilge was kept back from Patrick by his people. One day Odran, his charioteer, said to Patrick: “Since I have been a long time driving for you, O Patrick! let me take the chief seat for this day. Be you the charioteer, O father!” Patrick did so. After this Foilge came, who dealt a thrust through Odran, in the guise of Patrick. “My curse,” said Patrick. “Upon the tree of Bridam,” said Odran. “Be it so,” replied Patrick. Foilge died at once, and went to hell. As to Foilge Ross, indeed, it is his children who are in the district at this day; and Patrick blessed him, and from him is the sovereignty of the district filled for ever.
On one occasion, as Patrick was going the way of Midluachair, in order to come to Uladh, he met carpenters cutting down trunks of yew. Patrick saw their blood ooze from their palms in the operation. “Whence are ye?” said Patrick. “We are slaves belonging to Trian, son of Fiac, son of Amalgad–_i.e._, brother to Trichem–who are in subjection and affliction, so much so that we are not allowed to sharpen our axes (irons), in order that our work may be the heavier and more difficult, so that blood flows from our hands.” Patrick blessed the irons, so that they could easily cut with them; and he went to the king, to Trian’s fort. Patrick fasts on him. He disobeyed. He returns on the morrow from the fort. He spat on the rock which was there on his way, so that it broke into three pieces; one third part was cast to a distance of one thousand paces. Patrick said: “Two-thirds of the fast on the rock, another third on the fort and king, and on the district. There will not be a king nor _roydamhna_ of the children of Trian. He shall die prematurely himself, and shall go down to a bitter hell.” The wife of the king came, following Patrick. She performed penance, and knelt. Patrick blessed her womb and the beings in it–_i.e._, Setna, son of Trian, and Iarlaid, son of Trian. Sechnall that baptized Setna, Patrick that baptized Iarlaid, and Patrick said that he would be his successor afterwards. Trian himself proceeded to bind and maltreat the slaves who reported him. His horses bore him off in the chariot, and his driver, so that they went into the lake. Loch-Trena is its name. This was his last fall. He will not arise out of the lake till the vespers of judgment; and it will not be to happiness even then. There was a certain wicked man in the country of Uladh–_i.e._, Magh-Inis–at that time, an impious man, and a son of death–_i.e._, Mac Cuill–who was plundering and killing the people. On one occasion Patrick and his companions passed by him a certain day, and he desired to kill Patrick. This is what he (Mac Cuill) said to his followers: “Behold the _tailcenn_ and false prophet, who is deceiving every one; let us arise and make an attack on him, to see if perhaps his God will assist him.” This is what they planned afterwards: to bring one of their people on a bier, as if dead, to be resuscitated by Patrick, and to deceive Patrick; and they threw a cover over his body and over his face. “Cure,” said they to Patrick, “our companion for us, and beseech your God to awake him from death.” “My _debroth_,” said Patrick, “I would not wonder if he were dead.” Garban was the name of the man; and it is of him Patrick said: “The covering of Garban shall be the covering of a dead body; but I shall tell you more: it is Garban who will be under it.” His friends removed the covering from his face, so that they found it so. They afterwards became mute, and then said: “Truly this is a man of God.” They all believed at once. Mac Cuill believed also; and he went on sea in a cot of one hide, by the command of Patrick. Garban was awakened from death through the prayers of Patrick. Mac Cuill, however, went that very day on sea, and his right hand towards Magh-Inis, until he reached Manann; and he found two venerable persons before him on the island. It was they who preached the word of God in Manann, and it is through their teaching that the people of that island were baptized and believed; their names are Coninnri and Romael. When those men saw Mac Cuill in his cot, they took him off the sea; they received him kindly; and he learned the divine knowledge with them, and spent his whole time with them, until he got the episcopacy of the place after them. This is Mac Cuill, of Mann, famous bishop and abbot. May his holy favor assist us!
One time Patrick slept on a Sunday, on a hill over the sea, at Drombo, when he heard the noise of Gentiles digging a rath on the Sabbath. He called them, and told them to cease. They heeded him not, but began to mock him. And Patrick said: “My _debroth_, your labor shall not profit you.” This was fulfilled; for on the following night a great tempest arose and destroyed their work, according to the word of Patrick.
Patrick said to Eochaidh, son of Muiredach that there should never be a king from him, nor enough of his race to constitute an assembly or army in Ulster, but that his tribe would be scattered and dispersed, that his own life would be short, and that he would meet a tragic fate. This was the cause Patrick had against Eochaidh, as the learned say: Two virgins, who had offered their virginity to the Lord, he bound and sent on the waves to be drowned, as they refused to adore idols and to marry. When Patrick heard this, he besought the king regarding them, but in vain. “Your brother Cairell has got thy luck, since he granted me a good request,” said Patrick, “and you have lost it through your disobedience. He (Cairell) shall be a king, and there shall be kings and chiefs of his race over your children and over all Ulster”; so that of him sprang the race of kings, and of his son Deman, son of Cairell, son of Muiredhach, according to the words of Patrick. Eochaidh’s wife cast herself at the feet of Patrick. He baptized her, and blessed the child in her womb–_i.e._, the excellent and illustrious son, Domangart, the son of Eochaidh. He it was whom Patrick left in his body, and he will be there for ever. He turned back to the Fera-Ross, and commenced a church in Druim-Mor, in the territory of Ross, over Cluain-Cain. It was here the angel went to him and said: “It is not here you have been destined to stay.” “Where shall I go?” said Patrick. “Pass on to Macha northwards,” said the angel. “The _cluain_ below is fairer,” replied Patrick. “Be its name Cluain-Cain” (_fair cluain_), answered the angel. “A pilgrim of the Britons shall come and occupy there, and it shall be yours afterwards.” “_Deo gratias ago_,” said Patrick. Where Patrick went then was to Ard-Phadraig, on the east of Lughmadh, and he proposed to build an establishment there. The Dal-Runter went after him to keep him, as one presented him to another. He blessed them afterwards, and prophesied that distinguished chiefs and clerics should be of them, and that they should have possessions outside their territory, because they went forth out of their own country after him. Patrick used to come every day from the east, from Ard-Phadraig, and Mochta used to come from the west, from Lughmadh, that they might converse together every day at Leac-Moctae. One day the angel placed an epistle between them. Patrick read the epistle, and what was in it was: “Mochta, the devoted, the believing, let him be in the place he has taken.” Patrick goes, by the order of his king, to smooth Macha, and he assigned the twelve lepers left in Ard-Phadraig to Mochta, and their food used to be given to them each night by Mochta. Patrick went afterwards to the _macha_, by order of the angel, to a place where Rath-Daire is this day. There was a certain prosperous and venerable person there. Daire was his name–_i.e._, Daire, son of Finchad, son of Eogan, son of Niallan. Patrick asked for a site for his _regles_ from him. Daire answered: “What place do you desire?” “In this great hillock below,” says Patrick, where Ardmacha is to-day. “I will not give it,” said Daire, “but I will give you a site for your _regles_ in the strong rath below,” where the _ferta_ are to-day. Patrick founded a church there, and remained a long time. One day two steeds of Daire’s were brought to him, to his _regles_, for the _relig_ was grassy. Patrick became very angry. The horses died at once. His servant told this to Daire, saying: “That Christian,” said he, “killed your steeds, because they ate the grass that was in his _regles_.” Daire was angry at this, and ordered his servants to plunder the cleric, and expel him from his place–_i.e._, the _ferta_. A colic seized on Daire immediately, so that death was near him. His wife recalled the plunder of Patrick, and told Daire that the cause of his death was the attack on Patrick. She sent messengers to beg prayer-water for Daire from Patrick. Patrick said: “Only for what the woman has done, there would never be any resurrection from death for Daire.” Patrick blessed the water, and gave it to the servants, with orders to have it sprinkled over the horses and over Daire. They did so, and immediately they all returned from death. A brazen caldron was brought to Patrick as an offering from Daire. “_Deo gratias_,” said Patrick. Daire asked his servants what Patrick said. They answered, “_Gratzicum_.” “This is little reward for a good offering and a good caldron,” said Daire. He ordered his cauldron to be brought to him. “_Deo gratias_,” said Patrick. Daire asked what Patrick said when they were bringing the caldron from him. The servants answered: “It was the same thing he said when we were bringing it away from him–_Gratzicum_.” “This is a good word with them, this _Gratzicum_,” said Daire; “_Gratzicum_ when giving it to him, and _Gratzicum_ when taking it away from him.” Daire and his wife then went with his submission to Patrick, and gave Patrick the caldron willingly back again, and the hill which he before asked; and Patrick accepted and blessed them, and founded a church in that place called Ard-Macha. Patrick and his divines, and Daire, with the nobles of Airther besides, came to the hill to mark out its boundaries, and to bless it, and consecrate it. They found a doe, with its fawn, in the place where the Sabhall is to-day, and his people went to kill it. _Prohibuit Patricius, et dixit, “Serviat sibi postea_,” and sent it out of the hill northward, to the place where Telac-na-licce is to-day, _ibi magna mirabilia fecit_.
Daire’s daughter loved the person Benen; sweet to her was the sound of his voice in chanting. Disease seized her, so that she died of it. Benen carried _cretra_ to her from Patrick, and she suddenly afterwards arose alive, and loved him spiritually. She is Ercnait, the daughter of Daire, who is in Tamlaght-bo.
One time there came nine daughters of the King of the Longbards and the daughter of the King of Britain on a pilgrimage to Patrick; they stopped at the east side of Ard-Macha, where Coll-na-ningean is to-day. There came messengers from them to Patrick to know if they should proceed to him. Patrick said to the messengers that three of the maidens would go to heaven, and in that place (_i.e._, Coll-na-ningean) their sepulchre is. “And let the other maidens go to Druim-fenneda, and let one of them proceed as far as that hill in the east.” And so it was done.
Cruimthir went afterwards, and occupied Cengobd; and Benen used to carry fragments of food to her every night from Patrick. And Patrick planted an apple-tree in Achadh-na-elti, which he took from the fort, in the north of the place–_i.e._, Cengoba; and hence the place is called Abhall-Patrick, in Cengoba. It was the milk of this doe, moreover, that used to be given to the lap-dog that was near the maiden–_i.e._, Cruimthir.
Another time, when Patrick was at rest in the end of night, at Tiprad-Cernai, in Tir-Tipraid, the angel went to him and awoke him. Patrick said to him: “Is there anything in which I have offended God, or is His anger upon me?” “No,” said the angel; “and you are informed from God,” added the angel, “if it is it you desire, that there shall be no share for any else in Eriu, but for you alone. And the extent of the termon of your see from God is to Droma-Bregh, and to Sliabh-Mis, and to Bri-Airghi.” Patrick replied: “My _debroth_, truly,” said Patrick, “sons of life will come after me, and I wish they may have honor from God in the country after me.” The angel responded: “That is manifest. And God gave all Eriu to you,” said the angel, “and every noble that will be in Eriu shall belong to you.” “_Deo gratias_,” said Patrick.
Patrick was enraged against his sister–_i.e._, Lupait–for committing the sin of adultery, so that she was pregnant in consequence. When Patrick came into the church from the eastern side, Lupait went to meet him, until she prostrated herself before the chariot, in the place where the cross is in Both-Archall. “The chariot over her,” said Patrick. The chariot passed over her thrice, for she used still to come in front of it; so that where she went to heaven was at the Ferta; and she was buried by Patrick, and her _ecnaire_ (requiem) was sung. Colman, grandson of Ailill, of the Ui-Bresail, that fixed his attention on Lupait at Imduail. Aedan, son of Colman, saint of Inis-Lothair, was the son of Lupait and Colman. Lupait implored of Patrick that he would not take away heaven from Colman with his progeny. Patrick did not take it away; but he said they would be sickly. Of the children of this Colman, moreover, are the Ui-Faelain and Ui-Dubhdara.
One time Patrick’s people were cutting corn in Trian-Conchobhair. They were seized with great thirst, whereupon a vessel of whey was taken to them from Patrick, who persuaded them to observe abstinence from tierce to vesper time. It happened that one of them died; and he was the first man that was buried by Patrick–_i.e._, Colman Itadach, at the cross by the door of Patrick’s house. What Patrick said when it was told to him was: “My _debroth_, there will be abundance of food and ale and prosperity in this city after us.”
Once the angels went, and took from off the road the stone which was before the chariot, and its name is Lec-na-naingel. It was from that place–_i.e._, from Druim-Chaile–that Patrick with his two hands blessed the _macha_. The way in which Patrick measured the rath–_i.e._, the angel before him, and Patrick behind, with his people, and with the holy men of Eriu, and the Bachall Isa in Patrick’s hand. And he said that great would be the crime of any one who would transgress in it, as the reward would be great of such as fulfilled the will of God in it.
The way in which Patrick measured the _ferta_ was thus, viz., one hundred and forty feet in the _lis_, and twenty feet in the great house, and seventeen feet in the kitchen, and seven feet in the chamber; and it was thus he always constructed the establishment.
The angel went to Patrick in Ard-Macha. “This day,” said he, “the relics of the apostles are distributed in Rome throughout the four parts of the globe; and it would be becoming in you that you should go there.” And the angel bore Patrick in the air. At the southern cross, in Aenach-Macha, it was that four chariots were brought to Patrick; at the northern cross, moreover, it was that God manifested to him the form he will have in the Day of Judgment. And he went in one day to Comur-tri-nuisce. He left Sechnall in the episcopacy with the men of Eriu until the ship would come which would bear him from the shore of Letha.
Patrick went subsequently, and arrived at Rome; and sleep came over the inhabitants of Rome, so that Patrick brought away a sufficiency of the relics. These relics were afterwards taken to Ard-Macha with the consent of God and with the consent of the men of Eriu.
What was brought were the relics of three hundred and sixty-five martyrs, and the relics of Peter and Paul, and Lawrence, and Stephen, and of many more; and a cloth in which was the blood of Christ and the hair of the Virgin Mary. Patrick left this collection in Armagh, according to the will of God, of the angel, and of the men of Eriu.
His relics–the relics of Letha–were stolen from Patrick. Messengers went from him to the Abbot of Rome. They brought an epistle from him, directing that they should watch the relics with lamps and torches by night for ever, and with Mass and psalmody by day, and prayers by night, and that they should elevate them every year (for multitudes desired to see them).
Two brothers of the Ulstermen, Dubhan and Dubhaedh, stole Patrick’s two garrons from the land (_tir_) to the east of the Nemhed (Tir-suidhe-Patrick is its name). They carried them off into the moor to the south. Dubhan said; “I will not take what belongs to the _tailcenn_.” “I will take what comes to me,” said Dubhaedh. Dubhan went and did penance. “Your comrade’s journey is not a good one,” said Patrick. He got a fall, so that his head was broken, and he died. Dubhan became a disciple, and was ordained; and Patrick said: “Here thy resurrection shall be.” Another time, in carrying a bag of wheat from Setna, son of Dallan, to Patrick, the manna which dropped from heaven, in a desert place, over Druim-mic-Ublae, Patrick’s horse [fell] under it. A grain of the wheat dropped out of the bag, and the horse could not rise until there came from Patrick. “This is the reason,” said Patrick through prophecy, “a grain of wheat that fell out of the sack, in the spot where the cross is on the way southwards to the Nemhed.” “Nenihed then will be the name of the place where the horse stopped,” said Patrick; and so it is.
Another time Sechnall went to Armagh, and Patrick was not there. He saw before him two of Patrick’s horses unyoked, and he said: “It were fitter to send those horses to the bishop–_i.e._, to Fiacc.” When Patrick returned, this thing was told to him. The chariot was attached to the horses; and he sent them on without a man with them until they were in the disert with Mochta. They went right-hand-wise on the morrow to Domhnach-Sechnaill. They then went eastwardly to Cill-Auxili. They went afterwards to Cill-monach; then, after that, to Fiacc to Sleibhte. The reason for giving the chariot to Fiacc was because he used to go every Whit-Saturday as far as the hill of Druim-Coblai, where he had a cave. Five cakes with him, as report says. On Easter-Saturday he used to come to Sleibhte, and used to bring with him a bit of his five cakes. The cause of giving the chariot to Fiacc was that a chafer had gnawed his leg, so that death was nigh unto him.
Sechnall said to Patrick: “When shall I make a hymn of praise for thee?” “You are not required,” observed Patrick. “I have not said to thee, ‘Shall it be done?'” said Sechnall, “for it will be done, truly.” “My _debroth_,” said Patrick, “it is time it were finished now”; for Patrick knew that it would not be long until Sechnall’s time [arrived], for he was the first bishop who went under the clay of Eriu.
When he was composing the hymn, they were holding an assembly near him. It was commanded to them from him that they should go away from the place. They began to mock him. He told them that the ground would swallow them; and it swallowed twelve chariots of them at once. Sechnall said to Patrick’s people at Ferta-Marta: “A good man is Patrick, but for one thing.” When he heard these words with his people, he asked Sechnall for the previous message, and Sechnall said; “O my lord! the reason I have said it is because little do you preach of charity.” “Young man,” said Patrick, “it is for charity that I preach not charity; for if I did preach it, I would not leave a stud of two chariot horses to any of the saints, present or future, in this island; for all belong to me and them.”
Sechnall went with his hymn to Patrick, and Patrick went along Belach-Midhluachra into the territory of Conaille. He returned along the mountain westwards. He met Sechnall. They saluted one another. “I should like that you would hear a [hymn of] praise which I have made for a certain man of God,” said Sechnall. “The praise of the people of God is welcome,” answered Patrick. Sechnall thereupon began “Beata Christi custodit,” fearing that Patrick would prohibit him at once if he heard his name. When he sang “Maximus namque,” Patrick arose. The place where he sang so far is called Elda. “Wait,” said Sechnall, “until we reach a secret place which is near us; it is there the remainder will be recited.” Patrick enquired on the way how “Maximus in regno coelorum” could be said of a man. Sechnall replied: “It [_maximus_] is put for the positive [_magnus_],” or because he excelled the men of his race of the Britons or Scoti. They came then to a place called Dal-Muine, where he, Patrick, prayed and sat; and Sechnall afterwards sang the remainder of the hymn; and Patrick heard his name, and thereupon thanked him. Three pieces of cheese, and butter, were brought up to him from a religious couple–viz., Berach and Brig. “Here is for the young men,” said the woman. “Good,” said Patrick. A druid came there, whose name was Gall-drui (“foreign druid”), who said: “I will believe in you if you convert the pieces of cheese into stones”; which God performed through Patrick. “Again convert them into cheese”; and he did. “Convert them into stones again”; and he did. “Convert them again.” Patrick said: “No, but they will be as they are, in commemoration, until the servant of God, who is Dicuill of the Ernaidhe, shall come here.” The druid (_magus_) believed.
Patrick flung his little bell under a dense bush there. A birch grew through its handle. This it was that Dicuill found, the _betechan_, Patrick’s bell–a little iron bell–which is in the Ernaidhe of Dicuill. And two of the stones made of the cheese are there; the third one was, moreover, carried by Dicuill to Lughmagh when he was abbot there. It is to-day in Gort-Conaidh.
Sechnall asked something for the hymn. “As many as there are hairs in your _casula_,” said Patrick, “if they are pupils of yours, and violate not rules, shall be saved. The clay of your abode has also been sanctified by God,” said Patrick. “That will be received,” said Sechnall. “Whosoever of the men of Eriu,” said Patrick, “shall recite the three last chapters, or the three last lines, or the three last words, just before death, with pure mind, his soul will be saved.” “_Deo gratias ago_,” said Sechnall. Colman Ela recited it in his refectory thrice. Patrick stood in the middle of the house, when a certain plebeian asked, “Have we no other prayer that we could recite except this?” And Patrick went out afterwards. Cainnech, on the sea, in the south, saw the black cloud of devils passing over him. “Come here on your way,” said Cainnech. The demons subsequently came, stating, “We went to meet the soul of a certain rich rustic observing the festival of Patrick; but his sons and people ate, and he sang two or three chapters of the hymn of Patrick; and, by your dignity, we thought it more a satire than praise of Patrick as they sang it; but by it we have been vanquished.”
The miracles of Patrick are these–viz.: The hound in the territory of Gailenga, at Telach-Maine; the buck speaking out of the bodies of the thieves in the territory of Ui-Meith; the travelling of the garron without any guide to Druimmic-Ublae, when he lay down beside the grain of wheat; the chariot, without a charioteer, [going] from Armagh to Sleibhte; the appearance of the King of Britain in the form of a fox in his country, an ever-living miracle; a part of Aenach-Tailten, from which nothing dead is taken; the King of Cashel not to be killed by wounding, provided that he be of the race of Aenghus, son of Nad-fraech; these bare residences not to lie demolished–viz., Rath-Airthir, and Sen-domhnach of Magh-Ai (“_Eccor Sen-domhnaigh_” is an old saying); Dun-Sobhairce charmed to the herenaghs–viz., an altar-sop with the Forbraige; and the _dominica_ of Naas, and Magh-itir-da-glas in Macha; the navigation from Bertlach to Bertlach of Calry-Cuile-Cernadha; the streams which the _gilla_ blessed at Drob-hais; the take [of fish] at Eastern Bann; the take at Sligo every quarter [of the year]; the Samer, which goes from the loughs of Erne to the sea–its eastern half, against Cenel-Conaill, is fruitful; its western part, towards Cenel-Cairbre, is unfruitful, through Patrick’s word; Finn-glas, at the martyr-house of Druim-Cain, and Druim-Cruachni; the taking of his kingship from Laeghaire, from Cairbre, from Fiacha, from Maine; the grant of his kingship to Eoghan, to Conall, to Crimthann, to Conall Erball; the smiths making the bells–_i.e._, Mac Cecht, and Cuana, and Mac Tail; the artificers making the dishes and reliquaries and the altar chalices–viz., Tassach, and Essa, and Bitiu; the nuns making the altar-cloths–viz., Cochnass, and Tigris, and Lupait, and Darerca.
After these great miracles, however, the day of Patrick’s death and of his going to heaven approached. What he began to do was to go to Armagh, that it might be there his resurrection would be. The angel Victor came to him. What he said to Patrick was: “It is not there thy resurrection has been decreed; go back to the place from whence you came (_i.e._, to the Sabhall), for it is there God has decreed that you shall die–not in Macha. God has granted thee,” said the angel, “that thy dignity and rule, thy devotion and teaching, shall be in Ard-Macha, as if thou thyself wert alive there.”
The angel left advice with Patrick as to how he would be buried, saying: “Let two young, active oxen be brought,” said he, “of the herds of Conall, from Finnabndir–_i.e._, from Clochar; and let your body be placed in a wagon after them; and what way soever these young oxen go by themselves, and the place where they will stop, let it be there your interment shall be; and let there be a man’s cubit in your grave, that your remains be not taken out of it.” It was so done after his death. The oxen carried him to the place where to-day is Dun-da-leth-glas; and he was buried there with all honor and respect. And for a space of twelve nights–_i.e._, whilst the divines were waking him with hymns and psalms and canticles–there was no night in Magh-inis, but angelic light there; and some say there was light in Magh-inis for the space of a year after Patrick’s death, quia nulli adanti viri meritum declarandum accidisse dubium est, et ita non visa nox in tota ilia regione in tempore luctus Patricii, qualiter Ezechiae langenti in horologio Achaz demonstrato sanitatis indicio, sol per xv lineas reversus est, et sic sol contra Gabon, et luna contra vallem Achilon stetit.
In the first night the angels of the Lord of the elements were watching Patrick’s body with spiritual chants. The fragrant odors of the divine grace which issued from the holy body, and the music of the angels, gave tranquillity and joy to the chief clerics of the men of Erin who were watching the body on the nights following; so that the blessing of Jacob to his son was kept regarding him–_i.e._, “Ecce odor filii mei sicut odor agri pleni, quem benedixit dicens,” etc.
There was, moreover, a great attempt at conflict and battle between the provinces of Erin–viz., the Ulidians and the Ui-Neill and Airghialla–contending for Patrick’s body. The Airghialla and Ui-Neill were trying to take it to Ard-Macha; the Ulidians were for keeping it with themselves. Then the Ui-Neill went to a certain water [river] there, when the river rose against them through the power of God. When the flood left the river, the hosts proceeded to quarrel–viz., the Ui-Neill and the Ulidians. It appeared then to each party of them that they were bringing the body to their own country, so that God separated them in this wise through the grace of Patrick.
The miracles so far shall be unto to-day. They are the miracles which the divines of Eriu heard, and which they put into order of narration. Colum-Cille, the son of Fedhlimidh, firstly, narrated and compiled the miracles of Patrick; Ultan, the descendant of Conchobhar; Adamnan, the grandson of Atinne; Eleran the wise; Ciaran of Belach-Duin; Bishop Ermedach of Clogher; Colman Uamach; and Cruimther Collaith of Druim-Roilgech.
A just man, indeed, was this man; with purity of nature like the patriarchs; a true pilgrim like Abraham; gentle and forgiving of heart like Moses; a praiseworthy psalmist like David; an emulator of wisdom like Solomon; a chosen vessel for proclaiming truth like the Apostle Paul. A man full of grace and of the knowledge of the Holy Ghost like the beloved John. A fair flower-garden to children of grace; a fruitful vine-branch. A sparkling fire, with force of warmth and heat to the sons of life, for instituting and illustrating charity. A lion in strength and power; a dove in gentleness and humility. A serpent in wisdom and cunning to do good. Gentle, humble, merciful towards sons of life; dark, ungentle towards sons of death. A servant of labor and service of Christ. A king in dignity and power for binding and loosening, for liberating and convicting, for killing and giving life.
After these great miracles, therefore–_i.e._, after resuscitating the dead; after healing lepers, and the blind, and the deaf, and the lame, and all diseases; after ordaining bishops, and priests, and deacons, and people of all orders in the Church; after teaching the men of Eriu, and after baptizing them; after founding churches and monasteries; after destroying idols and images and druidical arts–the hour of death of St. Patrick approached. He received the Body of Christ from the bishop, from Tassach, according to the advice of the angel Victor. He resigned his spirit afterwards to heaven, in the one hundred and twentieth year of his age. His body is here still in the earth, with honor and reverence. Though great his honor here, greater honor which will be to him in the Day of Judgment, when judgment will be given on the fruits of his teaching, like every great apostle, in the union of the apostles and disciples of Jesus; in the union of the nine orders of angels, which cannot be surpassed; in the union of the divinity and humanity of the Son of God; in the union which is higher than all unions–in the union of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I beseech mercy through the intercession of Patrick. May we all arrive at that union; may we enjoy it for ever and ever. Amen.
These miracles, then, which we have related, the Lord performed for Patrick. Though one should attempt to recount them, he could not. Nevertheless, they are but a few of many related in commemoration; for there is no one who could remember them all. And there is no writer who could write all the prodigies and miracles he wrought in the countries he reached.
After the foundation, then, of numerous churches; after the consecration of monasteries; after baptizing the men of Eriu; after great abstinence and great labor; after destroying idols and images; after degrading numerous kings who would not obey him, and raising up those who obeyed him; and after he had three hundred and fifty or three hundred and seventy bishops; and after ordaining three thousand priests and persons of all other orders in the Church; after fasting and prayer; after showing mercy and mildness; after gentleness and sweetness towards sons of life; after the love of God and his neighbor, he received the body of Christ from the bishop, from Tassach; and he afterwards resigned his spirit to heaven. His body, lowever, is here on earth still, with honor and reverence. And though great his honor here, his honor will be greater in the Day of Judgment, when he will shine like a sun in heaven, and when judgment will be given regarding the fruit of his teaching, like Peter or Paul. He will be afterwards in the union of the patriarchs and prophets; in the union of the saints and virgins of the world; in the union of the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ; in the union of the Church, both of heaven and earth; in the union of the nine orders of heaven, which cannot be surpassed; in the union of the divinity and humanity of the Son of God; in the union which excels every union–in the union of the Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. I beseech the mercy of God, through the intercession of Patrick. May we all reach that union; may we deserve it; may we inhabit it for ever and ever.
These are the four-and-twenty who were in orders with Patrick–viz., Sechnall, his bishop; Mochta, his priest; Bishop Ere, his brehon; Bishop MacCairthen, his strong man; Benen, his psalmist; Caemhan of Cill-Ruada, his youth; Sinell, from Cill-Daresis, his bell-ringer; Athgein of Both-Domhnach, his cook; Cruimther Mescan, from Domhnach-Mescan at Fochan, his brewer; Cruimther Bescna, from Domhnach-Dala, his mass-priest; Cruimther Catan and Cruimther Ocan, his two waiters; Odhran, from Disert-Odhran in Hy-Failghe, his charioteer; Cruimther Manach, his wood-man; Rodan, his shepherd; his three smiths, MacCecht, Laeban from Domhnach-Laebhan (who made the Findfaithnech), and Fortchern in Rath-Adiné. Essa and Bite and Tassach were his three artists. His three embroiderers were Lupait, and Ere, daughter of Daire, and Cruimthiris in Cenn-Gobha. And this is the number that were in the company of Joseph; and it is the number that is allowed at the table of the King of Cashel, down from the time of Fedhlimidh, son of Crimthann–_i.e._, the king of the two provinces of Munster, etc.
The Annals of the Lord Jesus Christ, the year this Life of St. Patrick was written, 1477; and to-morrow will be Lammas Night. And in Baile-in-Miónín, in the house of O’Troightigh, this was written by Domhnall Albanach O’Troightigh; et Deo gratias Jesu.
