Linguistic DNA - Concept Modelling Demonstrator

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
heaven_n	pray_v	prayer_n	saint_n	5,346	5	6.7276	4	true

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A04498	The life of the glorious bishop S. Patricke apostle and primate of Ireland Togeather with the lives of the holy virgin S. Bridgit and of the glorious abbot Saint Columbe patrons of Ireland.	Jocelin, fl. 1200.; Rochford, Robert.; Cogitosus, Saint. Vitae Sanctae Brigidae virginis. aut; Capgrave, John, 1393-1464. Lyfe of Seynt Birgette.; Adamnan, Saint, 625?-704. Vita S. Columbae. English & Latin.	1625 (1625)	STC 14626; ESTC S106779	103,762	256

grace of regeneration and leading a life conspicuous both for miracles and vertues being after made Bishop departed to a better life in the citty of Slane 3. A certaine Magician that was in great fauour with the King whome the King honoured as a God opposed himself against S. Patrike euen in the same kind that Simon Magus resisted the Apostle S. Peter the miserable wretch being eleuated in the ayre by the ministery of Diuels the King and the people looked after him as if he were to scale the heauens but the glorious Saint with the force of his feruent prayers cast him downe vnto the ground where dashing his head against a hard flint he reÌ„dred vp his wicked soule as a pray to the infernall Fiendes 4. The Magitians death put the King in a great rage so that with a great troup well appointed for so cruell a masacre he attempted to kill the Saint Who perceiuing their desperate intention began to sing that verse of the Psalme Let God arise and let his ennemyes be dispersed let them that hate him fly from his face Almighty God in whose protection the Saint was with thunder and lightning stroke some of them downe starke dead and the rest he put to flight The King hauing but foure in his company hid himselfe in a close roome from the fury of God the Queene falling prostrate before the Saint vndertooke in the behalfe of her husbaÌ„d that he would adore the true God submit himselfe to the Saints directions who praying to Almighty God the vehement storme ceased The King came as the Queen had promised couering with the vaile of humility the obstinate malice of his hart in shew and outward adoration acknowledging the soueraigne maiesty of God he intreated the Saint that he would be pleased to come to his court promising that he would be wholy directed gouerned by the St. wherto he condescended albeit he were not ignorant of the Kinges deep wicked dissimulations 5. But the wicked King being obdurate in his malice beset al the way wherby the Saint was to passe with armed chariots for euery seuerall passage he belayd with nine chariots to the end if he escaped one passage he should be intrapt in another But the malice of man cannot preuaile against the goodnes of God who conducted his true seruant Patricke with eight more and the holy youth Benignus inuisible through the midst of their blood-thirsting ennemyes to Tarach where the King kept court When the Saint entred the Kings pallace none did exhibite him any honor or reuerence excepting the Kings Poet who with great submission saluted him which was reputed in him to iustice for he receaued the grace of baptisme the poems which before he sung in honor of the false Gods thence forwards he imploied in praysing the true and liuing God 6. The wicked King seeing he could not by force cut off the Saint attempted to make him away by fraude for by the hand of his MagitiaÌ„ he offered the Saint a poysoned cuppe which to the great astonishment of all the company he drunke off without receauing any dommage thereby but the Magitian fearing to be ouercome with his diabolicall spels caused a fantasticall snow to fall ouer all the adioyning country in like manner by force of his magical charmes he ouercast all the land with a palpable darknes the one or other he was not able to remoue as himselfe publikely coÌ„fessed But S. Patricke the child of light offering his deuout prayers to the Sunne of iustice chased away both the fantasticall snow and diabolicall darknes the people of that Region who sat in darknes now seeing this great light praysed the true God magnifyed his holy seruaÌ„t S. Patricke 7. All this could not bring the child of Belliall the Magitian to any good therefore to discerne the light of fayth from the darkenes of idolatry the verity of true doctrine from the vanity of magical leuity a new course of tryal was set down for by the appointment of al the company S. Pawicke and the Magitian according thereunto a new house was built after a strange extraordinary manner the one halfe being made of greene Oake the other of dry and withered Timber then binding both Saint Benignus and the Magician they placed them in the house opposite one against another S. Benignus attyred in the Magitians apparell was placed in the part that was made of dry wood and the Magitian with S. Patrickes vestement was placed in the part that was built of greene Timber this being done fire was put to the house O strange and vnheard euent the fire burnt the Magitian with the greene part of the house euen to ashes leauing not so much as the least signe of burning in the Saintes vestement But the holy youth Benignus was not touched by the fire nor receaued any harme by it the Magitians garment being consumed into ashes Behold then the renouation of the miracle of the three ChildreÌ„ in the Babylonian furnace registred by Daniel in his booke of prophecyes 8. For all this King Leogarius relented not from his wicked malice but rather hardned his hart like another Pharaoe for in reuenge of the Magitians death he contriued by al meanes possible the Saints vtter destruction finding many of his subiects willing prompt to execute his blody purpose but Almighty God the powerful protector of his seruant armed the zeale of senseles creatures to fight against those senceles idolaters for the earth gaping horribly swallowed downe to the bottomles pit of hell those officers of malice and many of the Cittizens of Tarach who had any hand in this wicked designe This seuere reuenge strooke such a terrour in their mindes that all the people of the Country thereabout fearing to incurre the like danger became Christians receaued the grace of Baptisme but the wicked King he could not reclaime therefore he thuÌ„dred out his malediction against him denouÌ„cing prophetically that none of his progeny should raigne after him in the kingdome but that it should descend to his youÌ„ger brother But the Queene imbraced the Christian ReligioÌ„ receaued Baptisme at the Saints hands and ended her dayes happily After this he went ouer al the couÌ„trey preaching the Gospel our Lord working withall dayly confirming his doctrine with sundry miracles Of S. Patrickes sisters Tygridia Darercha Lupita and of S. Patrickes iourney into Meath and Connacke CHAP. VI. SAINT Patricke had three sisters of remarkeable sanctity perfection whose names were Tygridia Darercha and Lupita Tygridia was the happy mother of seauentene sonnes and three daughters all the sonnes were eyther Bishops of renowned sanctity or els Priests and Monkes of great perfection The daughters became Nunns ended their dayes in great saÌ„ctity The Bishops names were Brochaduis Brochanus Mogenochus Lumanus who came with their Oncle into Ireland and laboured diligently in cultiuating the field of our Lord. Darercha his youngest sister was mother to the

quicknesse of the angelicall motion for that heauen-dweller who flew away from vs when yonder man began to fall as it were in the shutting of an eye preuented him before he touched the earth neither could the party that fell feele ane bruse or payne O how stupendious is this most swift and oportune subuention that could so speedily be performed such spaces of sea and land lying in the way 4. The Saint on a tyme called all the company togeather and straightly charged them in this manner I meane to go out all alone to the western field of this I le let none therfore presume to follow me They all obeyed excepting one brother who went another way and hid himselfe on the top of a little hillocke whence he might espy the cause of the Saints solitary retyre whom the prementioned brother saw standing on a little hill with his hands and eyes cast towardes heauen lo suddenly a strange thing appeared for the holy Angels the inhabitants of the heauenly citty being all white flow downe and enuironed the Saint as he prayed and after some conference with him that heauenly squadron returned soon againe to their heauenly mansions The Saint likewise after that angelicall meeting returned to the monastery and calling all the company together againe not without a seuere reprehension he began to examine which of them had trespassed against his commandement The guilty party being not able to conceale what he had done fell prostrate before the saint acknowledging his fault begging pardon very humbly The saint brought him aside with great commination charged him not to reueale the matter all the dayes of his life By this we may wel coniecture the many apparitions and angelic all visitations the glorious saint had at other tymes especially in the loÌ„g winter nights which for the most part he spent all alone without taking any rest How S. Brendanus saw a fiery piller ascending fro S. Columbes head as he sayd masse how for three entire dayes he enioyed heauenly visions and of other miracles in this kind CHAP. IIII. FOVRE holy founders of monasteryes whose names were Congellus Cahinnechus Brendanus and Cormacus comming out of Ireland to visit the Saint found him in the I le Himba these holy men with one accord did choose that S. Columbe should confecrate the holy mysteryes of the Eucharist in their presence who yeelding to their pious desire entred the church at once with them and whilest the masses were celebrating S. Brendan saw a very brightsome globe of fire shinning ouer the head of S. Columbe all the while he consecrated the sacred oblation and ascending like a piller of fire vntill he had made an end of the most holy mysteryes 2. Another tyme in the sayd I le of Himba the grace of the holy Ghost so copiously desceÌ„ded on him that remayning the space of three entire dayes lockt vp in his cell he was so replenished during that tyme with diuine light that he did neyther eate or permitted any to come at him In the night two beames of immense brightnes issued out at the chinckes of the doore and holes of the locke he was likewise heard to sing most sweet and ineffable verses many secrets that were hidden from the knowledge of men since the beginning of the world were manifested to him the eyes of his most pure hart pierced into the difficultyes of the most obscure and abstruse passages of holy scriptures and he complained of the absence of Batthaneus his disciple who had he been present during those three dayes should haue described touching the forepassed or future ages many misteries vnknowne to other men 3. A Monke named Virgnous a man feruent in the loue of God entred the Church one night all alone sat him downe to pray in one of the oratories Within the space as it were of an houre S. Columbe likewise entred the sayd holy house together with him a golden light descending froÌ„ heauen was seen to replenish al the house as none can contemplate the meridiaÌ„ sunne with stedfast and vndaseled eyes so could not Virgnous sustaine that heauenly splendour that blunted the quicknesse of his eyes where with he was so astonished and terrifyed that no strength remayned in him The next morning the Saint called on Virgnous speaking these comfortable wordes to him O my little child you haue pleased almighty God much yesternight by casting your eyes on the earth for had you not done so your eyes had beene blinded with the lustre of that diuine light beware you neuer bring this diuine visitation to the knowledge of men during my life Another brother named Colgus coÌ„ming that night by chance to the Church doore saw the same glistering light whome the saint admonished the next day not to speake of it to any all his life tyme. 4. Another tyme the saint charged one of his disciples named Brochanus Beware my sonne you approach not this night to my cell as you are wont Who notwithstanding the saints forbidding went to the doore and looked in at the key-hole thinking with himselfe as it fell out that the saint had within some heauenly vision for at that tyme the saints little lodging was replenished with diuine light which the disobedient young man being not able to sustaine fled way in haste The next day the Saint called Brochanus aside and he reprehended him with great seuerity speaking to him in this manner My sonne you haue sinned before God this last night in thinking it possible to conceale your crafty prying for if the holy Ghost did not yet I behould you comming returning from the doore of our lodging had not I then offered my prayers in your behalfe you would eyther haue fallen downe dead before the doore or els your eyes had fallne out of your head and know this that in your owne country of Ireland for liuing lasciuiously you shall sustaine shame and reproach all the dayes of your life yet I haue obtayned from our Lord that in regard your are our disciple that you shall do bitter pennance before your death and obtaine mercy All which happened to him afterwardes according to the Saints prophecy How S. Columbes life was prolonged by the prayers of many Churches How he foresaw his death and reuealed the tyme to Diarmitius his familiar tender CHAP. V. THE glorions Abbot being in Hoy a marueilous sweetnesse pleasantnesse appeared on his countenance and casting his eyes to heauenwardes he was wholy replenished with ioy but within a little space the sweetnes of his face was conuerted into heauines his ioy into sorrow which when two of his monkes named Lugneus and Pilu saw and perceaued they obtained of him not without great intreaty and a faythfull promise of neuer reuealing it in his life tyme the cause of that sad strange alteration to whom he spoke in this manner Loe to this present day there are runne out thrice ten years of my peregrination in Brittany

to kill the Saint 4. S. Patricke leauing his furniture in the custody of Dichu his first be gotten in Christ weÌ„t himselfe as he had purposed often to visit his old Master Milchoe in hope by his preaching to subdue him to the sweet yoke of our Sauiour but the wicked wretch fearing that S. Patrickes efficacious preaching should soften his stony hart and withal disdayning to submit himselfe to the doctrine of him who in former tymes had beene his slaue when he heard of the Saints approching being giuen ouer into a reprobate sense and gatheringe all his substance in a heap togeather he set fire to it and after cast himselfe into the midest of the flames as a sacrifice to the infernall Furyes But Milchoes two Daughters were conuerted to the faith by Saint Patricke and receaued the grace of Baptisme wherein both were named Emeria These holy virgins were endued in their life with many ornaments both of grace and vertue and the many miracles wherewith according to S. Patrickes prophecie God honoured their sepulcher in Cluainbron giue euident testimony that they are translated to a better life 5. As S. Patricke passed through the couÌ„try sowing the seed of euangelicall doctrine he became acquainted with a youth named Mochna whome by diuine inspiratioÌ„ he knew would proue a chosen vessell the holy youth Mochna imbraced willingly S. Patrickes doctrine the Saint himselfe baptised him and taught him his crosse row The youth within the compasse of one month learned all the psalter and before a yeare came to an end attayned the vnderstanding of holy Scriptures After a while as S. Patricke passed by that place Mochna repaired to him and being both in talke of diuine matters a pastorall staffe sent from heauen fell iust betweene them S. Patricke tooke great ioy in that miraculous guift turning to Mochna sayd to him Know my deerest child that by this pastorall staffe you are designed to take vpon you the charge of soules promoting him therefore though much against his will to holy orders at last he installed him Bishop of Edruim S. Mochna did great good in the Church of God by meanes of his holy conuersation and singular doctrine and ascended to the triumphant being indued with the ornaments of rare vertues and glory of many miracles 6. Leogarius the Monarch to keepe his subiectes in awe and subiection constrayned all his Princes and great Lords to giue him hostages of their loyalty amoÌ„g others he had Dichues sonnes as pledges of their Fathers fidelity when King Leogarius who was wholly addicted to superstitioÌ„ and idolatry heard that Dichu and all his family was conuerted to the Christian Religion he fell into a great rage and chafe against him commaunded that his two sonnes who where hostages should be put to death by keeping all manner of liquour and drinke from them The Saint knowing by diuine reuelation of that most cruel commandement had his recourse to his wonted weapons of holy prayer and loe the night following an Angell comming into the prison presented to the young noble men a soueraigne liquor that quenched their present thirst and which is farre more strange extinguished in them all appetit of drinking vntil within a few dayes he came againe and released them at S. Patrickes intercession How S. Patricke prophecyed that S. Benignus should succeed him in the Primacy of Ireland and of many hard conflictes the Saint had with King Leogarius and his Magitians CHAP. V. THE solemne feast of our Sauiours triumphant Resurrection approached which S. Patricke determined to celebrat with great solemnity in a fayre and spatious field called Breage and there by euangelizing the Kingdome of heauen and administring the sacrament of holy Baptisme to encrease the number of the faythful for which end he went to a certaine noble maÌ„s house hard by the field aforesayd The noble man whose name was Sesgnen entertayned the Saint very courteously and was himselfe with all his house conuerted to the true fayth This noble man had a Son whom at the sacred font the Saint called Benignus a name rightly beseeming him for in his life and demeanour he was most benigne and sweet being beloued both of God men worthy of eternall glory in heauen and to be reuerenced of all men vpon earth This holy child could not be separated from the company of the Saint for when the Saint layd him downe to rest the child stealing from his Father and Mother fell downe at his feet imbracing theÌ„ very louingly and fixing many a sweete kisse vpon them The next morning as the Saint got vp into his Coach hauing one foot in the boote of his Coach another vpon the ground the child tooke him by the feet beseeching him after a most earnest manner not to leaue him behind and returning to his Parents that laboured to detayne him he sayd weeping crying out aloud Get you hence Get you hence dismisse me I pray you that I may follow my spirituall Father The Saint behoulding admiring such great deuotion in such a tender breast gaue the child his benediction prophecied that he should be his Successour in the Primatship of Ireland which thing fell out accordingly 2. The holy Bishop solemnised the Paschall feast in the foresayd field and according to the custome of holy Church did light the candells with hallowed fire The Idolatrous people celebrating at that tyme a great solemne feast of theirs called Rach in which feast dedicated to the Prince of darknes the children of darcknes vsed no light for it was the custome with them to quench the fire in all places thereaboutes and it was treason for any to light it before it were seene lighted in the Kings pallace King Leogarius with all his nobility then kept court at Tarach his principall howse from whence seeing the fire which the Saint had kindled he raged extremely and diligently inquired who presumed to attempt such a matter One who was in the company presently answeared as it were by way of prophecy If this fire be not extinguished this night the kindler of it with his followers shal beare rule in all this kingdome The King being wholly incensed hereat hastned with all expedition to quench the same taking with him thrice nine that is 27. chariots in regard that his Magicians put him in the head that that number was fortunate and prosperous VpoÌ„ the sight of all these chariots the Saint sung that verse of the psalme These in charriots and these in horses but we will inuocate in the name of the Lord our God When the King came neere the place he sent for the Saint coÌ„manding him to make his appearance before him The diuine office being ended the Saint came but none of the Courtiers as the King commanded exhibited him any reuerence or honour except one Hercus who rose saluted the Saint very officiously The Saint gaue him his benediction and promised him life euerlasting Hercus receiuing the

vp euen to the eares for attempting some mischeefe against the Saint to the detestation of Idolatry and how by rowling a stone which a hundred men could not stirre he drew a grat multitude to beleeue in the corner stone our deare Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. The glorious bishop S. Patricke ceased not in all places to enlighten the hartes of such as were blinded with Idolatry so that the number of the faythfull increased dayly One day coÌ„ming to a place called Fearta he found two womeÌ„ dead ouer whom inuocating the name of Christ he restored them againe to life who being reuiued exclaymed against the Idols panyme Gods in the hearing of all the company proclaymed Christ to be the true and only God all who were present gaue glory to God deuoutly receaued the sacrament of Baptisme A certaine woman named Fidelina dyed in trauayle of child birth her friendes brought her dead corps layd it before the glorious Bishop requesting him with teares in their eyes to restore her to the number of the liuing which the B. Saint did by vertue of his feruent prayers the woman after her restoring to life againe was deliuered of a sonne both of them were christned within a few dayes The woman relating what she had seene of the glory of heauen and paynes of hell excited many thousands to become Christian this miracle the Saint reiterated in another woman 3. The holy Saint trauailed about all Connact neuer ceasing from preaching or working of miracles vntill such tyme as he brought all the couÌ„trey to imbrace the fayth of Christ. In many places he builded Churches appointed Priests other ecclesiasticall persons to direct them in the way of saluation to sing the diuine office In a fayre and spatious field farre distant from woods quarryes he built by miracle a fayre Church which standeth to this day Of two riuers that were in those quarters one called Dubh abouÌ„ding with fish another called Drobhois which wanted that commodity the holy Bishop requested some Fishers who drew in their nets full of Fish to help him to some but the Fisher men deuoyd of all charity dismissed the faythfull seruant of our Lord empty but God the louer and author of charity depriued Dubh of that benefit bestowed it vpon Drobhois which vntill that tyme had beene barren Hereby the prudent Reader may learne how meete it is to entertaine with all charity the true members of Christ and faythful seruants of Almighty God 4. In regard of the great scarsity of Churches in Ireland in the infancy of Christian Religion the Blessed Saint ordained that at the sepulcher of euery Christian who could not be buryed in a Church-yeard a Crosse should be erected the better thereby to distinguish the faythfull sheep from the vnbeleeuers as also to excite the faythfull who suruiued to impart their charitable suffrages to their deceased Brethren It happened that at what tyme the Saint departed Connact he saw the head of one at the tombes of two lately interred a crosse standing The Saint bid his coach man make a stand then turning himselfe to the graue where the crosse was he questioned with the dead What sect or Religion he was Who answered that he was a Pagan ignorant of the Christian Religion To whome the Saint replyed what then haue you to doe with the Crosse of Christ The dead man answered He that is buried neere vnto me was a Christian one of your Religion bringing a crosse by mistaking fixed it ouer our graue The Saint without delay descended out of his coach to put the Crosse ouer the Christians graue and after departed Of S. Patrickes iourney into Leinster of his prophecy of Dublin and conuersion of that Citty CHAP. VIII SAINT Patricke hauing confirmed the inhabitants of Connact in the Christian Religion made a iourney into Dalnardia in the North wher with his doctrine example miracls he brought the inhabitants of that Country to the profession of Christianity thence he departed and passing through Meath Leinster in all places he preached the Ghospell kingdome of heauen in places coÌ„uenient he ordayned Bishops It would be a worke able to blunt the penne of the most eloquent Oratour to set downe the stupendious miracles which he wrought in that iourney for euen like another S. Peter with the very shadow of his body did he worke miraculous cures so many as he receaued to Baptisme knowing that our aduersary would labour to entangle them in his snares he endeauoured to confirme in fayth fearing their relapse into infidelity And because as witnesseth S. Iames the Apostle Faith without good workes is dead yea which is more that a dead fayth is not fayth The glorious Saint laboured to excite in them that pure and sincere fayth which through loue performeth good workes 2. When S. Patricke came in his iourney so farre as Finglas a place distant a mile from Dublin being then but a little village and contemplating the place territory there about blessing it he prophetically broke forth into these wordes That village which now is very small shal be hereafter very eminent it shal be enlardged in riches and dignity neyther will it cease to increase vntill such tyme as it become the principall seate of all the kingdome The inhabitants of that village hearing what great miracles and signes God had wrought by the meanes of his faythfull seruant Patricke went forth with great ioy to meet him The Lord of that places only sonne lay sicke euen ready to yeild vp his Ghost the Saint being intreated by his father and all the assembly thereunto went to the place where the sicke was and by prayer restored him to perfect health the people seeing this miracle beleeued in the author of life our Sauiour Iesus 3. In that village an honest matron in whose house then the Saint lodged complained to him of the penury of fresh water The B. Bishop taking pitty of her as also what the whole multitude newly regenerated there suffered that he might inkindle their thirst after the fountaine of life our dearest Sauiour he deemed it expedieÌ„t to mainfest his vertue and power The next day in the presence of many he went to a commodious place where stricking the earth with the end of the staffe of IESVS and making his prayer he produced thence a faire Well full of sweet and pleasant water and soueraigne in curing many diseases which well to this day is called S. Patrickes Well 4. Here the course of my history requires that I declare how the glorious Bishop S. Patricke came to the famous citty of Dublin which he fouÌ„d lying in the suddes of Paganisme and Idolatry but the Saint washed it with the pure waters of euangelicall doctrine and that with great facility by reason of a memorable accideÌ„t that happened the which was this The King and all the CittizeÌ„s were drowned in sorrow anguish for the death of the two flourishing

hopes of the kingdome the Kinges only sonne who dyed of a naturall death in his bed roome and the Kinges daughter who was drowned in the adioyning riuer the young ladyes body was drawne out of the waters and layd by her brothers dead corps to solemnise their obsequies both together In the meane time newes was spread ouer ouer all the Citty that S. Patricke of Ardmuch the potent reuiuer of many dead to life was seene in the towne The King hearing thereof reioyced much and caused him to come where his two children were dead full of fayth promised that if God by his prayers did restore his children to life he himselfe with all the Citty would become Christians The Saint seeing such gayne of soules in a readines in the sight of the King his Nobles and all the communalty raysed from death to life the princely children whose corporall resurrection cooperated much to the spirituall resurrection of their Father with the rest of the people The King was named Alphinus his sonne Cochad his daughter Dublinia who gaue her owne name to the Citty The King and all the Citty being astonished at this great miracle abiured the worship of Idols and were baptised in S. Patrickes Well which to encrease the beliefe of the faythful the Saint made to gush out by stricking the point of the staffe of Iesus in the earth From that day forwards King Alphinus with all the Cittizens of Dulbin obliged themselues by vow and their posterity to the seruice of Saint Patricke and the Primates of Ardmach moreouer as a perpetuall gage of their seruice ordained that euery company of trades-men should pay a yearely annuity to the Primat of Ardmach The King and the Princes offering each of them a talent of pure refined gold to the Saint al which liberall guifts the true professour of pouerty bestowed vpon the poore reseruing oÌ„ly a part which he kept for the building of Churches 5. The glorious Bishop gaue his benedictioÌ„ to the people of Dublin and taking his leaue of them he went to a towne called Cnoc where he sent often for one named Murinus a man of Belial who would not in any wise present himselfe before the Saint whose wisedome he deemed able to conquere the hardest hart the Saint sent for him often but all in vaine for he caused answer to be made that the S. should suffer him to sleep The Saint knowing by inspiration of the holy Ghost that he was a child of perdition adioyned therunto saying Let him sleep let him sleep and before the generall day of iudgment let him not awake or arise Which being sayd the Saint hastned on his iourney and the wicked wretch dyed a double death both of soule and body 6. A wicked man named Foilge carryinge great malice and spite to the Saint for the destruction of the formentioned idoll called the head of the Godes attempted to lay violent handes vpon the Saint and being not able to compasse his wicked intent he rushed very violently vpon Odranus the Saints Coachman and murdered him in the Saints sight the Saint stunge at the hart thundred out his malediction against the man of Belial who being stricken therwith yelded vp his wicked spirit to be ingulfed in hell fire But as for Odranus his soule the Saint saw it carryed vp betweene Angels to heauen where it was ranged among the triumphant hostes of Martyrs Of S. Patrickes iourney into Munster and of the miraculous refection of 1400. with many other miracles wrought by the Saint in those quarters CHAP. VIIII THE Saint leauing Leinster tooke his iorney towards Mounster The King of that Country named Oengus hearing of the approach of the glorious Bishop went to meet him and receaued him with great honour and exultation A principall motiue of the Kinges ioy and of receauing the Christian fayth was that hauing entred his Idolatrous temple that morning to adore his false Gods he found them all prostrate vpon the ground and albeit he did set them often vp in their owne place yet still they tumbled downe for as Dagon could not stand before the Arke of Gods couenant so could not these Idols stand in their place wheÌ„ the Blessed Bishop Patricke drew neere vnto them who deseruedly we may call the Arke of the couenant seeing in his cleane hart he carryed as in a golden vessel the diuine Manna of contemplatiue sweetnes the table of the diuine Law and the Rod of heauenly discipline The aforesayd King led the Saint with great reuereÌ„ce and honour to his Court at Cashell where vpon the Saints preaching he beleeued in the most holy Trinity and receaued the grace of regeneration 2. As the Saint gaue the King his benediction by laying his sacred handes vpon his head the King requiring it often with great deuotion it happened that the point of the Saints staffe wounded the kinges foot which yet put him to no payne in regard that his hart being wounded with ardent charity expelled all sense feeling of that bodily sore but wheÌ„ the Saint saw in what case the kinges foote was blessing it with the figure of Christs baÌ„ner he cured it perfectly The king reioycing giuing thankes vnto God for so great a signe wrought vpon him the holy Prelate ful of the spirit of prophecy spake to the king as immediatly followeth The blood of no King of thy stocke who shall fit in this place vpon thy throane shal be shed but of one only Which prediction the inhabitants of that Country constantly auerre to haue proued true in as much as no king of his posterity was euer kild vnto the tenth generation but only one 3. From Cayshell the holy Saint went into Ormand there to extirpate roote out the briers of Idolatry and to sow in steed thereof the pure wheate of Euangelicall doctrine where God with suddaine death seuerely punished a wicked wretch with al his complices for disgorging impious obloquies against the Saint At what time the Angell of peace S. Patricke passed through the country of Ciarragi he saw two brothers named Bibradius and Locradius at mortall debate about the parting of their Fathers inheritance in so much that from high words they fell to bloody blowes and stroakes the Saint fearing least so heinous a sinne as fratricide should be coÌ„mitted in his presence with his holy prayers he so benummed their handes that they hunge stiffe and inflexible in the ayre vpon sight of that stupendious miracle the two brethren referred their cause to be decided by the Saints arbitrement who not only reneued between them the league of brotherly loue but also restored to them the perfect vse both of their armes hands the place where this miracle hapned the two brothers was bestowed vpon the Saint towardes the building of a Church there 4. After that the blessed Bishop had confirmed the people of Munster in the knowledge and loue of the true God he tooke his iourny towards the North king

Oengus being attended vpon with twelue of his Princes and 1400. of his subiects followed the Saint wheÌ„ he came as farr as Coiueach a towne lying vpon a riuer Prosnach where a holy Bishop named Frianus a RomaÌ„ by nation kept his residence by diuine prouidence it fell out that noe victuals could be had for that great company the blessed Bishop being desirous to giue the multitude a spirituall and corporall refection commanded a Cow by whose milke S. Frianus liued to be made ready for supper but what was it among so great a company The Saint therfore directed his prayers to the heauenly sanctuary loe there ranne out to the adioyning wood two great Stagges and two great Hogges which presented themselues before the Saint who commaÌ„ded that they should be likewise made ready so al the company being set to supper that little prouision was layd before them which by vertue of the Saints sacred benediction serued to satisfy all the company so plentifully that a great deale of reuersion was gathered vp and carryed thence which need not seeme incredible to any who will reflect with the eye of their consideration vpon our Sauiours promise He that beleeueth in me the miracles that I doe he shall also doe and greater then these shall he doe 5. This miraculous refection was seconded by as miraculous a signe for the holy Saint to remoue and roote out of their harts the tares of infidelity in presence of that great assembly restored to life 19. dead bodyes at once all those who were so miraculously restored to the number of the liuing rehearsed in the hearing of all the assembly what they had seen touching the torments of hel proclayming Patrickes God to be the true and liuing God King Oengus and his subiects magnifyed God and honoured the Saint as their proper Apostle the men who were reuiued were christned became Monkes vnder the obedience of S. Frianus Of S. Patrickes returne into the North of the resuscitation of King Echu and of his prophecy touching the sanctity of S. Columba CHAP. X. THE holy Bishop came againe vnto the North where King Echu reigned who had a daughter named Cynnia whome he loued most tenderly This young Princesse imbraced S. Patrickes doctrine and against her Fathers will loathing a carnall wedlocke she resolued to dedicate her virginity to her heauenly spouse her Father seeing the loue of chastity soe deeply rooted in her hart sent for the Saint and spoke to him as followeth The hope I had by my daughter to be blessed with a copious posterity of Nephueus is cut off by your meanes if then for the want of so great a blessing you promise me the kingdome of heauen without compelling me to receaue Baptisme she shall serue her Creator as you shall thinke good otherwise you shall misse of your desire The Saint full of confidence in God leauing all the matter to his diuine disposition yeilded to the Kinges request The young Lady being vayled consecrated by the Saint led a life so excelling with many ornaments of vertue that she by her example drew many to the seruice of Christ both in this life after her death shined aboundantly with the glory of miracles The Saint commended her to the care of S. Cethuberis who was the first of all the Irish Virgins that receaued the veyle of virginity from the Saint to her being Superiour of the Monastry of Druimduchan where a great number of sacred virgins liued the Saint wrote a letter of exhortation 2. Within a few dayes King Echu departed this life who before his death commanded that his buriall should be deferred vntill such tyme as the Saint came who knowing by reuelation all what happened made al hast possible to the kings court where arriuing he offered his ferueÌ„t prayers to Almighty God in the behalfe of his resurrection The King being reuiued rehearsed what he had seene touching the glory of heauen and the torments of the damned and further added that he saw the place which the Saint promised him in the heauenly glory whereof he could not take possession because he was not baptised after baptisme the Saint put the King to his choice eyther of prolonging his dayes in this life or going speedily to heauen the King misprising al the glory of this world in comparison of the celestial felicity did choose to be dissolued and to be with Christ so taking the diuine Viaticum of the holy Eucharist he was translated to an immortall life 3. The Blessed Saint by occasion of difficultyes and doubtes which in some places where he preached the Ghospell were obiected against the last generall resurrection of the dead brought to life againe men whose bodyes were resolued into cinders many yeares before as himselfe in an epistle directed to a deare friend of his beyonde the seas deposeth in these tearmes Our Lord imparted to me his vnworthy little one the vertue of doing such signes among this Pagan people as we reade neuer the like to haue beene wrought euen by the Apostles themselues so that in the name of our Lord Iesus I haue reuoked from the dead bodyes turned into ashes many yeares before yet notwithstanding I pray that none esteeme me for these or other like miracles worthy to stand in comparison with the Apostles or any men of perfection considering I am a wretched sinner and contemptible Stay thy selfe heere courteous Reader and obserue to what height of perfection this B. Bishop had attained who working such and so great miracles was so abiect and so contemptible in his owne eyes for my part I admire more this profound humility in him theÌ„ the raysing of the cad 4. My intended course of breuity makes me not to set down at large how the Saint reclaymed from idolatry a petty King called Elelius with all his kingdome by reuiuing the kings sonne whoÌ„ swine had torne in peeces As also a noble man who was very hard fauoured and contemptible in his person by vertue of S. Patrickes prayers became very faire of complexion and very personable of stature to the great astonishment of all that knew him A tender suckeling found in the tombe where his mother lay buryed was brought to S. Patricke who named him Olcanus and set him to his booke being come to riper yeares he passed into France where he attayned to great learning Afterward comming into Ireland he taught in publick schooles and was master of many a holy Bishop and himselfe became a Bishop of great merit and vertue 5. A certaine Prince named Conallus sought and obtayned S. Patrickes blessing his younger brother named Fergusus came to the Saint with the like intention the Saint hauing first prayed blessed Fergusus with great attention Conallus seeing what diligence and deuotion the Saint vsed in in blessing his younger brother aboue him selfe was not a little astonished and troubled thereat S. Patricke obseruing that alteration in the Princes countenance declared what moued him to vse

such diuersity in blessing them fortelling prophetically Blessing I haue blessed thy brother Fergusus in regard of a blessed sonne that shall descend from him for his sonne Feleminus shal beget a sonne who shal be called Columba a name very answerable to his holy life for from his Mothers wombe he shal be full of the holy Ghost and shal be inriched with the treasures of diuine wisedome and vnderstanding he wilhe the shyning and burning lanterne of his generation and shal be iustly called the Prophet of the highest from the time that he comes to yeares of discretion a deliberate vntruth shall not escape out of his mouth How truly this hath beene presaged of S. Columba called Columcill who was the founder of an hundred Monasteryes the history of his life sufficiently declareth 6. Within the compasse of seauen weekes which S. Patrike spent in the country called Turtirini he builded seauen Churches ouer which he ordayned Pastour S. Connendus a man of great vertue and learning After a few dayes S. Connedus came to S. Patricke who commanded him to returne back to his Church fortelling that he need not to feare the effusion of his blood for that none should be killed in that place for euer The euent hath showed his prophecy to haue beene most true The B. Bishop prophecied of the natiuity of S. Treha at whose consecratioÌ„ a vayle was sent from heauen wherwith the Saint vayled her Of the conuersion of the I le of Man of a strange vision S. Brigit had and of the prophecye touching the future sanctity of the Saints Colmanellus and Comgallus CHAP. XI SAINT Patricke seeing that in Ireland the haruest was great and the workemen few tooke shipping to passe into England there to gather many coadiutors and fellow-helpers in cultiuating our Lords field In those dayes the Arrian perfidy and Pelagianisme tooke great rootinge in England which the Blessed Bishop laboured to extirpate by reclayming with signes sermoÌ„s his deere Country-men to their former integrity of fayth so comming backe into Ireland he brought with him many learned and Religious men of which number thirty were installed by him Bishop in seuerall Episcopall seas In his returne he conuerted the Isle of man ordayninge a learned and holy person named Germanus Bishop ouer that young flocke the like he did in seuerall other Isles It was his custome not only in citties but euen in principall townes to install Bishops to the end the faythful should not be depriued of the sacrament of Confirmation 2. After the Saints returne out of England he bestowed vpon six Cleargy-men that were going in pilgrimage ouer the seas a Whales skinne wherin himself was accustomed to staÌ„d wheÌ„ he said Masse hauing that guift of the Saints loue they neuert felt in all the tyme of their trauaile any penury or want In processe of tyme they all six became very learned and were made Bishops ended their dayes in great sanctity their names were Lugacius Columbanus Meldanus Lugadius Cassanus Ceranus 3. Three whole dayes without intermission did the Saint preach to infinite multitudes that flocked from all parts to heare him they thought they had not beene there one day so sweet and attractiue were the Saints doctrine discourses In that assembly was present the most holy virgin S. Brigit who reclyning her head slept which Saint Patricke perceauing forbad that any should awake Gods beloued spouse till she pleased her selfe by the issue it was manifest that that passage of the Canticles might be fitly applyed to her I sleepe but my hart waketh in regard that her heauenly spouse imparted his secrets to her WheÌ„ she awaked the Saint coÌ„manded her to tel in the hearing of all the people what she had seene who obeying him tould that she saw first a Synod of meÌ„ all in white with ploughes oxen and fieldes all white after that she saw them to be stayned with spots and lastly to become wholy blacke S. Patricke interpreted the former part to his own time wherein good workes and fayth were vnited together and exercised the second state to the following generation which would indeed persist in the candour of fayth but would deface it with depraued workes the third state he referred to the insueing ages wherein men would not only giue ouer the exercise of good workes but also would prophane their liues with renouncing of their fayth 4. On a tyme S. Patricke made a iourney into Dalnardia as he passed by a place called Mucoomuir his disciple Benignus saw quires of Angells inuironing that place with celestiall splendour piercing the skyes with the harmonious concent of diuine prayses the vision disappering he related to S. Patricke all what he had contemplated who being inspired by God declared to his disciples what that admirable vision pretended Know then sayd he that a sonne of life whose name shal be Colmanellus will build a Church in that place where he will gather togeather manny sonnes of light who will become with the Angels cohabitants of the heaueÌ„ly citty and he himselfe shal be the primate and legate of all Ireland In processe of time all fell out to be true as the Saint foretould 5. Another time S. Patricke with his holy family ascended a little mountaine not far distant from the valley where afterwardes the monastery of Bangor was built from the hill topp they saw al the valley replenished with celestial brightnes and Angelicall quires which admirable vision moued all the company to intreate the Saint to build a Church in that sacred valley which the Saint would not doe but prophecying foretould After the space of 60. years completely expyred there will be borne a sonne of Light named Comgallus which is interpreted a fayre pledge who shal be beloued both of God and men and shall build in the place a foresayd a Church of Saints wherein shal be gathered innumerable troupes of the children of light that shall dedicate themselues to the seruice of Christ. Not one iote of all this did passe vnaccomplished for in the tyme fortould Comgallus being borne built the monastery of Bangor wherein he begot to Christ by meanes of the Ghospell many thousands of perfect Monkes in so much that that holy place the fruitfull mother of Saintes as a vine fructifying in sweetnes of odour did extend its branches to the sea and its plants beyonde the sea for it filled Ireland Scotland and many other Ilandes with perfect Monkes and monasteries as also forraine Countryes One of the sonnes of that Monastery named Luanus founded a hundred monasteries another named Columbanus a most holy man full of diuine grace erected many Monasteries and was the father of a numberles number of holy Monkes he builded the famous Monastery of Luxonium in France and Bobium in Italy where he ended his dayes most gloriously and happily 6. A wicked man named Fergus who liued in Meath hindered the Saint from building a church within his territoryes which the Saint

which difficulty he made knowne to S. Patricke who offered deuout and feruent prayers vp to God for this effect And loe the next night after God traÌ„sferred the water and the pallace so farre of that it wrought his seruant no annoye who afterwardes though very much against his will was ordained Bishop departed this life shining with vertues and miracles How S. Patricke penetrated S. Fiechus his conscience of S. Fiecus his sanctity and some great miracles wrought by S. Patricke CHAP. XIII A Young gentleman of excellent education and learning named Fiechus had marryed a wife which within few dayes dyed As this man came where S. Patricke was the Saint by inward illustration of the holy Ghost penetrating his conscience said Behould a man or one wife who according to the Apostle may be worthely aduanced to the sacred order of preisthood and Episcopall diginty The younge gentle man admiring how he came to see the secrets of his hart receiued the lauer of regeneration and by vertue of Saint Patricks blessing made such progresse in learning that in one day he learned the whole Psalter and in a short time attayned to the vnderstanding of sacred Scriptures he was successiuely inuested with holy orders and in fine made Bishop in the Church of Sclepten who in his episcopall sea erected a faire conuent of Monkes 2. Because this holy Bishop in regarde of his many infirmityes weakning by long fasts could not visite his Diocesse on foote or exercice his Bishop-like function S. Patricke sent him a Coach which S. Secundinus being ouercome by humane frailty tooke ill thinking that himselfe deserued it better S. Patrike knowing of the trouble Secundinus was in sayd vnto him fearing that by following of our own iudgmeÌ„t we may erre let vs leaue the discussioÌ„ of the matter to the arbitremeÌ„t of an Angel With that the Saint prayed to God who sent an Angel by whose order the horses were put into the coach dismissed without any to driue theÌ„ adding further that they were sent to him with whome they would make a stay The horses being harnished and dismissed in manner as the Angell had set downe the first night they came to S. SecuÌ„dinus dwelling place the next night to another Saints house and the third night to S. Fiechus house where they stayed giuing therby to vnderstand that they were chiefly sent to him 3. Another tyme the Angell commanded S. Fiechus to build a monastery and the Angell himselfe designed the Refectory Oratory all other houses belonging thereunto This holy Bishop was accustomed in the beginning of lent to retire himselfe to a solitary place bringing with him for his sustenance but fiue barly loaues mingled with ashes On Palme Sunday or Maundy Thursday he would returne bringing with him halfe of one of the loaues vneaten this Blessed Fiechus sent before him to heauen 60. Saintes whome himselfe followed being renowned both for sanctity and miracles 4. Some wicked men sent the Saint as it were by way of present some poysoned cheses which to the great astonishment of many he conuerted into hard stones wherwith they were nothing reclaimed from their malice but rather became more obstinate for conspiring together against him they sent fifty men to kill him As they entred a certaine Forde to passe ouer it the Saint seeing them and knowing by diuine instinct what mischiefe they intended sayd vnto them with a loud voyce You shall neyther come hither to vs nor yet returne backe to your owne people for your bodyes shal remaine in that water vntill the day of iudgment According to the Saints censure they were without delay drowned neither could their bodyes be euer after found albeit great and diligent search had beene made after them 5. Another tyme some children of Beliall digged vp deep pits and holes in the way which the Saint with al his retinue was to passe couering them ouer with greene grasse The Saint full of confidence in God gaue his benediction to his holy family and so he and they passed without receauing any hurt or detriment the green grasse like solid earth yealding them firme passage The Saint commanded a yong mayd who gaue them notice of the ambush layd for to call her Father whome with his ten sonnes and three daughters he conuerted to the Christian faith the daughters became Nunnes and were vayled with the Saints owne handes Of the sonnes fiue florished in the world in great prosperity and the fiue others became Monkes of great perfection and sanctity as the Saint had prophecied of them 6. A certaine maÌ„ named Domnardus being blind for a long time hearing that S. Patricke passed by went forth to meet him hoping by the Saints merits to recouer his eye-sight As the blind came along in the way he stunbled very often which moued a cleargy man who was in the Saints coÌ„pany to laughter which when the Saint vnderstood that none of his coÌ„pany should euer after presume to do the like he spoke as followeth to the Clergy maÌ„ Amen I say to thee that the eyes of this blind shal be opened thy eyes excyting to thee irrilegious laughter shal be stricken with blindnes with that making the signe of the crosse he opned the blind maÌ„s eyes shut the eyes of the cleargy man The same day did the Saint erect vpon their feet three criples 7. Nine Magitians coÌ„spired the Saints death to haue the more free accesse to him they couÌ„terfeited theÌ„selues to be Monks putting on religious weeds The Saint by diuine inspiration knew theÌ„ to be wolues wraped in sheeps cloathing making therfore the signe of the crosse against the childreÌ„ of Satan behould fire descended from heauen consumed them all nine The Saint lifting vp his haÌ„ds anathematized anidolatrous wood dedicated to Idols O most straÌ„ge remarkable miracle all the wood like vnto the figge tree spoken of in the holy Ghospel withered by by and neuer after was seruiceable for any other vse then the fire Of a mountaine swallowed downe by the earth and cast vp againe at the Saints intercession and of seueral other great miracles CHAP. XIIII ONE of the noble men of Munster named Coruallus would not permit S. Patricke to build a Church within his territoryes Not farre from the noble mans house was a faire spacious poole very pleasaÌ„t to behold but the house by the interposition of a great mountayne was depriued of the pleasure of that gratful prospect the Saint vrged the noble maÌ„ very much to giue him leaue to build a church who answeared If you remoue this great mountaine that depriues my house of the pleasaÌ„t prospect of the broad spatious poole that lyes on the further side I will then yeild to your request The Saint offered his prayers vp to God and with that the earth swallowed downe the mountaine notwithstanding the wicked man would not stand to his former promise wherefore the Saint prayed to

of the Saints blessing learned all the Psalter in fiften dayes who after led a most holy life and dyed glorious for vertue and miracles The Saint by reuiuing a noble mans wife named Ethra gayned the noble man himselfe with all his followers vnto Christ. 5. Some wicked men enuying the progresse of Christian religion and the Saints glory suborned a woman that vsed to beate and to dresse flax in the way the Saint was to passe to hide a great quantity of the flax in a hollow tree not farre off and when the Saint should passe that way they wished her to exclaime against him and his holy company as hauing stolne the flaxe The womaÌ„ did as she was put in the head by those wicked men who rushed out of their dennes when the woman began to crye and flocking about the Saint and his companions they accused them as theeues guilty of torments and of death Neere the place where this tumult was excited there was one buryed whome the Saint reuiued the reuiued man by his testimony cleared the innocency of the Saint and freed him from that slaunder shewing where the flaxe was hidden The contriuers of this mischiefe were by this miraculous euent reclaymed from idolatry to the acknowledgement of the true God 6. A man of Iueach hauing stolne eaten a he-Goate S. Patricke had and thinking by oath to cleare himselfe of all suspition swore that he had no hand at all in the theft loe the eaten goate by a hideous noyse made in his belly bewrayed him to be the author of the theft whose posterity euer after wore goates beardes It was S. Patrickes custome to keepe company to loue and frequent the society of vertuous and holy men which custome how gratefull it was in the eyes of the Almighty himselfe vouchsafed to manifest by this insuing miracle For as he and a man of a most venerable life named Vinnocus were in conuersatioÌ„ together of diuine matters and hauing bestowed their garmentes vpon the poore behold there came from heauen a cloake that fell iust between them both Each of the Saintes alleadged that it was sent to the other they being in this humble and charitable debate the cloake disappeared and two others were brought by an Angell for each of them one 7. In that part of Britanny which is now called VVales there reigned a wicked Tyrant a cruell persecutour and ennemy of Christians named Cereticus The Saint directed to him a commonitory epistle hoping thereby to reclaime him from his wicked courses but he derided the Saint and became more obstinate in mischiefe and iniquity which when the Saint vnderstood he prayed to God in manner following Our Lord God omnipotent cast this foxe-natured man who is so monstruous in vices after a monstruous manner from the face of the earth Our Lord inclined his eares to the voyce of his seruant for he transformed him into a fox who flying away was neuer seene afterwards Of S. Machaldus conuersion and most rigid pennance and of S. Memessaes holy life CHAP. XVI A Wicked man named Machaldus the prince of theeues and robbers seeing S. Patricke passe by the way determined to kill him but after holding it a disgrace to shed the blood of so poore weake and seeble a man as the Saint was he and his ruffian like company throÌ„ged about the Saint and by way of contempt and derision requested him to reuiue againe one of his company named Garbanus whome they had couered with a cloake counterfeiting him for dead The Saint could them that their iest was turned into a truth and so departed The theeues found their companioÌ„ dead and fearing that the like mischance might fall vpon themselues they rann apace after the Saint prostrated themselues before him acknowledging their heynous offence they became Christians The Blessed Bishop at their request restored againe their dead companioÌ„ to the number of liuing 5. Machaldus hauing confessed his sinnes requested the Saint to set downe for him some course of pennance by which he might purchase eternall life the holy Bishop being inspired from aboue inioyned him to forsake his natiue soyle for euer and to bestow all his substance vpon the poore then did he attyre himselfe in a course and despiceable weed and locked his feet in fetters casting the key into the sea after he commanded him to enter all alone into a boate whither soeuer the boate should carry him there to liue all the dayes of his life The truely penitent Machaldus followed the Saints direction and so committing himself to the sea he laÌ„ded in the Isle of Man The two holy Prelates Counidrius and Romulus whome S. Patricke sent to succeed S. German in the gouernement of that Isle seeing the man in so miserable a plight knowing the cause intertayned him very charitably detayning him with themselues After the compasse of many yeares in the belly of a fish that by diuine prouidence was brought to Machaldus was found a key which vnlocked his fetters S. Machaldus attayned to such eminent sanctity that after the death of the two forementioned Bishops he was created Bishop of the Iland and ended his dayes there in great sanctity being famous both for vertue and miracles 3. The glorious Saint by conuerting stones into milke milke into stones conuerted a Magitian from the worshiping of stones to the seruice of the true and liuing God Such reuerence did the Blessed Saint carry to Sunday in honour of our Sauiours triumphant resurrection that he was neuer accustomed to trauaile vpon Sonday for wheresoeuer he was belated vpon Saterday there did he stay vntill Munday morning giuing himselfe wholy to diuine contemplation 4. One Saterday he was benighted in a great field farre from any shelter it began to rayne heauily but not a drop did touch the Saint or any of his company This miracle was seconded with a farre greater for euen that night the Saint was thus sheltred miraculously from the rayne the plane was ouercast with so thicke a mist that the Saints coach-man could not find the coach horses which he let out to pasture The Saint knowing in what affliction his faithfull seruant was of coÌ„passion towardes him he stretched out his sacred hand and loe an vnseene and neuer heard of prodigy his fiue fingers like fiue brightsome Sunne beames illuminating all the country ouer conuerted the darknes into light and the night into day By helpe of this immense splendour the coach man found his horses and so returned ioyfull and greatly conforted to his good Father Whiles the Saint preached the Ghospell to a certaine noble man there came a flame out of the Saints mouth which entered in at the noble maÌ„s mouth and eares heating therewith his hart and also all his inward powers 5. A yong Lady named Memessa daughter to a great Prince in England by contemplation of the creatures attayned to such perfect knowledge and loue of the Creator that for his loue she misprised all the world

her parents laboured very much but could not nether by faire or foule meanes enforce her euer to contract with any of the great Lordes that were suters to her so constant she was in her purpose of dedicating her virginity to her maker her parents seeing nothing could preuaile with her sent her into Ireland to S. Patricke who instructed her in the Christian religion and after receiuing the blessed Sacrament being in prayer she yeilded vp her pure soule which was carried betweene Angells into the bed chamber of her heauenly spouse Holy water made by the Saint was no sooner besprinkled vpon a noble man named Darius who lay sicke vpon a dead horse but the noble man recouered his health and the horse his life Of a vision S. Patricke had touching the building of Ardmuch and of the cure of 16. Leapers CHAP. XVII THE formentioned noble man Darius being willing to gratify the Saint bestowed vpon him a faire pleasant and delightfull peece of ground antiently called Druimsallac and now Ardmuch the next night after the saint saw the Angells squaring the forme and compasse of a faire Citty that was to be built in that pleasant and delightful field One of the Angels commanded him the next day to goe to a place called S. Patrickes well where he should cure 16. leapers couered ouer with vgly soares the Saint did accordingly and baptized the leapers in the well aforesayd which miracle comming to the notice of the people was a mayne helpe towardes the building of the citty At the Saints request an Angel remoued out of his place a great rocke that was like to make the entraÌ„ce into the citty very cumbersome and difficulte 2. The glorious Bishop with Gods help and fauour begun throughly built a citty faire for the situation greatnes and compasse brought many principall cittizens to inhabit therein The citty it selfe was adorned with faire and deceÌ„t churches wherin were ordained by the Saint Cleargy men for the singing of the diuine office the gouernement of soules and instruction of the people There were besides Monasteryes furnished with Monkes and others replenished with sacred Virgins In a monastery of holy Virgins liued a virgin the King of Englands daughter nine other ladyes which accompanyed her when she came to S. Patricke the Saint saw with his owne eyes three of his holy number ascend vp to heauen In this Citty did the Saint erect his Archepiscopall sea intending to make it the principall and metropolitan Church of all Ireland and that this his intention might be established for all succeeding ages he purposed to make a iourney to Rome there to haue it confirmed and ratifyed by Apostolicall authority The Angell appearing liked well thereof and because for the present the Saint wanted horses he prouided him miraculously of coaches to carry him and his retinue to the water side 3. The glorious Bishop after that with infatigable trauaile of preaching marueilous pleÌ„ty of miracles he had conuerted the kingdome to the Christian religion hauing ordained Bishops Priests and other Cleargy men in all places that he thought conuenient blessing and taking his leaue of them all he went with some of his company to Rome Comming thither he acquainted the Popes holines with the affaires of Ireland and the cause of his iourney His holynes imbracing the Saint as the Apostle of Ireland honoured him with a palle and constituted him as his owne Legate ouer all Ireland confirming with his apostolicall authority all what the Saint had ordered disposed or done in Ireland His holynes gaue him rich presents and pretious guifts among other his guifts were relicques of the Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul and S. Stephen the Protomartyr and that which passeth all his Holynes bestowed vpon him a certaine sheet died with our Sauiours blood The Blessed Bishop after his returne placed all these rich relicques behinde the high Altar in the Metropolitan Church of Ardmuch It was the custome in that church euery yeare to expose these relicques at Easter and at Whitsontide to be seene and honoured of the people 4. It passeth our abilityes to set downe the innumerable signes which he wrought in his iorney going and comming from Rome for in all places did he manifest signes of his sanctity In EnglaÌ„d his natiue soyle he made some stay where he built many Monasteryes and repaired many more destroyed by the Pagans which he furnished with Monkes which liued according to the forme of religious discipline life that the Saint prescribed them he also prophetically foretould many aduerse and prosperous euents that should happen in England In like manner did he forsee and fortell the sanctity of S. Dauid being as yet in his mothers wombe After his returne from his tedious paynefull iourney bringing with him from beyond the seas thirty Bishops whome he sent to labour in the feild of our Lord he began in time conuenient to celebrate solemne councells in which he cut off any thing he found to be preiudiciall to Christian religion or contrary to the churches canons placed established such constitutions as were conformable to the holy Canons and made for the aduancement of religion piety and good life in the meane space he dayly shined with the splendour of infinite miracles whereof this insuing as it cannot but be deemed most stupendious so questionles is to be accounted most beneficiall How S. Patricke freed Ireland from the encombrance of Diuels Magitians and venemous beasts And how he fasted 40. dayes without corporall food CHAP. XVIII IRELAND since its first inhabitation was pestered with a triple plague to wit with great aboundance of venemous beastes copious store of Diuells visiblely appearing and infinit multitudes of Magitians that the like is not recorded of any other country or kingdome The glorious and most holy Bishop laboured by intercession of most feruent prayers and other exerecices of deuotioÌ„ to deliuer the Iland of that triple pestileÌ„ce the most excellent Prelate taking the staffe or wand of Iesus into his sacred hand and eleuating it after a threatning manner as also by the fauourable assistance of Angels he gathered together in one place all the venemous beastes that were in Ireland after he draue them vp before him to a most high mountaine hanging ouer the sea called then Cruachanailge and now Cruach Padruig that is S. Patrickes mountaine from thence he cast theÌ„ downe in that steepe precipice to be swallowed vp by the sea O singuler signe O magnificent miracle vnseene vnheard of since the beginning of the world now known spoken of by al nations after directing his face towards the I le of Man blessing it with all the other Isles by him conuerted to Christ by help of his prayers he procured them the same singuler benefit Of the Magitians he conuerted and reclaimed very many and such as persisted incorrigible he rooted them out from the face of the earth By his prayers

a desire to compose a hymne in honour of a Saint that yet was liuing and because it was S. Patricke himselfe he ment he concealed the Saints name the glorious Bishop answered it is iust and reasonable that people display the vertues of Saintes and that the Church declare their prayses which yet is more securely done after their deaths when all occasion of sinning is cut off but if you will put in execution what you entende do it quickly loe death is at the doore of all the Bishops that are in Ireland you are the first that shal depart this life Secundinus made the hymne and within a few dayes after he dyed at Donnachseachluin his episcopall citty showing by frequent miracles that he reigneth with Christ. 4. S. Kennechus saw a company of Diuels to go fetch the soule of a flagitious sinner who for his many misdeedes deserued to be buryed in Hell The Saint abiurde them at their returne to let him vnderstand the successe of the matter After a little respit the Diuels comming againe tould S. Kennechus how S. Patricke defended the sinners soule from theÌ„ in regard that he was accustomed vpoÌ„ the Saints day to keep a great feast in honor of him euery day to sing some chapter of that hymne S. Kennechus reioyced much thereat and by telling that miracle excited many to sing that hymne very deuoutly in honour of the Saint An Abbot S. Patrickes disciple named Colmanus did sing the foresayd hymne very often being demanded the cause he answered that whilest he sung it he enioyed stil the Saints presence before him and that his eyes could neuer be satiated with the contemplation of his delectable face wherby it is cleare how faythful a friend this blessed Saint is to all those who frequent his memory or haue him for their patron Of the Saints admirable contemplations reuelations mortifications and prayers CHAP. XX. OFtentims did the glorious Saint see our Sauiour the heauens open our Lord Iesus staÌ„ding in the midst of the multituds of Angels this sometimes wheÌ„ he sayd masse other times when he deuoutly sung S. Iohns reuelatioÌ„s besides the Angel Victor so often meÌ„tioned in this volum was wont to appeare to him thrice euery week for to recreate him with his diuine colloquies discourses Of soules departing this life our B. Saint saw ful often some to go to endure the paynes of hel others to be sent to enioy the ioyes of heauen one example very remarkable which the Saint himselfe for edificatioÌ„s sake was wont to recite I will here recount A great noble man who liued in much prosperity dyed with no lesse glory was accounted by them that knew his life end most happy pleasing vnto God wheras a poore indigeÌ„t lazar who liued al his life in great misery after his death wanting the honour of burial became a prey to the fouls of the ayre was esteemed most wicked before God but the B. Bishop seeing the blindnes of humane iudgement tould them that he saw the rich mans soule to be buryed in hell and the poore mans soule to be carryed vp to heauen and this which the Saint saw concerning these two he was wonte to recite of many other 2. The fame of S. Patrickes vertues excited a holy man of great merit and vertue named Vinuualoeus who liued in Britany in France to leaue his natiue soyle and to go for Ireland there to become S. Patrickes disciple scholler The night before he was to begin his iourney he saw in a vision a most venerable man attyred in episcopal robes who tould him that himselfe was S. Patrike know my dearest Vinuualoeus that I am Patricke to whoÌ„ you repaire know that the time of my resolutioÌ„ is neere at hand so that before you can come where I am I shall depart this life it is the wil of God that you forsake not this place with that the vision disappeared 3. The course which the Saint held in his deuotion as it was most admirable so did he continue it daly without any intermission euery day was he wont to say deuoutly the whole Psalter with canticles hymnes and S. Iohns reuelation besides two hundred other prayers three hundred times in the day did he prostrate himselfe in adoration before God and in singing euery canonicall hower he was accustomed to blesse himselfe a hundrd times with the signe of the Crosse moreouer it was his wont euery day to say masse with great deuotion and reuerence neither did he omit to preach to the people or to teach his disciples The night tyme which he deuided into three partes he spent after a most heauenly manner the former part he imployed in reciting twice fifty Psalmes and in making two hundred genuflexions the second part he spent in saying of the third quinquagenary of psalmes and of other prayers all which time he stood immersed in colde water the third part he allotted to his sleep hauing for his bed a bare stone another stone in steede of a bolster giuing himselfe in this manner to his rest he would girde his loines with a roughe and course haire cloath steeped in cold watter to keepe his body in due subiection fearing it should stirr vp any dishonest motions against the spirit in this manner did the blessed Bishop offer himselfe a holy liuing and gratfull victime vnto God Of Saints Patrickes most profound humility and of his many miracles CHAP. XXI THE glorious Bishop ouer his other attire wore a white robe repesenting by the forme and colour of his attire the candour of his inward powers nay he would accept of no guifts or presents esteeming it happier to giue then to receaue and if sometymes rich men did bestow any present vpon him he would without delay giue it to the poore easing himselfe of it as of a heauy burthen In his countenance in his aspect in his talke in his gate euen in the motion of his members and deportement of all his body the beholders might see and learne lessons of edification his speech being tempered with sweetnes and seasoned with the salt of discretion he accomodated himself to al sexes people occasions he was wel seene in foure languages the English Irish French and Latin attained to good insight in the Greeke he wrote a volume called S. Patrickes canons which is furnished with excellent doctrine for all sorts of people 2. When any difficulte or obscure questions were put vnto him he was wont of his profound humility first to answeare I know not God knowes He was indued with the gift of prophecy whatsoeuer he foretould fell out without any ambiguity He did prophecie of the Saints of Ireland and especially of all the Saints of Munster Connact that were to be borne within the compasse of one hundred yeares so clearly that he fortould their names liues and places of their habitation In giuing his benediction he extended his right hand and in bestowing his

malediction he stretched out his left hand whoÌ„soeuer he blessed Gods blessing did light vpon him and whomesoeuer he cursed Gods curse came vpon him 3. And though in all vertues he did match or rather surpasse other Saints yet in humility he did farre surpasse himselfe hence it came that in his missiue letters he styled himselfe The greatest sinner in the world the least and most despiceable among them and setting little by the signes he wrought he deemed himselfe vnworthy to be compared to any perfect man He exercised himselfe in the manuall workes as S. Paul did of tilling the ground and fishing but especially in building of Churches three hundred and fifty Bishops did he consecrate with his owne handes fiue hundred did he inuest with the holy functioÌ„ of Priesthood the number of them that were ordayned in inferiour orders as also of Monkes Nunnes is so numberlesse that God alone doth know them 4. The Blessed Bishop liuing and leading a life of this tenour shined with so many and so great miracles that in them he was not inferiour to any of the Saints that went before him It was in a manner a dayly exercise with him to cleanse leapers cripels deafe dumbe to cure palseies lethurgies lunatickes epilephies to erect cripls to restore sight to the blind speach to the dumbe to the deafe hearing in a word to heale all diseases he merited to be the magnificent reuiuer of three and thirty dead persons threescore and six treatises were written of his giftes vertues and miracles a great part of them perished by fire vnder the Pagan Princes Iurmundus Turgesius Foure volumes are yet extant written by foure of his disciples S. Benignus S. Mell S. Lumanus S. Patricke the yonger who lyes buried in Glastenbury monastery in England S. Euinus compiled his actes and miracles partly in Irish and partely in Latin out of which holy authors we haue extracted what we thought good and digested it into this volume 5. The most glorious bishop being loaded with yeares and abounding with merits knew by diuine reuelation that the dissolution of his earthly tabernacle was neere at hand which moued him to goe towardes the citty of Armuch thinking to inrich that his MetropolitaÌ„ Church with the pretious depositum of his sacred body but the Angell Victor appearing to him tould him that it was the diuine pleasure he should expect the generall resurrection in the Cittie of Downe in Vlidia The Saint embracing with great resignation the disposition of the diuine prouidence returned backe againe to Vlidia 6. Within a few dayes after as the most holy Prelate S. Patricke preached of the glory of heauen to a great multitude of religious and ecclesiasticall men there descended from thence an immense splendour that illustrated a place in the east part of the Church-yeard the pearle of Ireland S. Brigit being present The Saint commanded her to declare the mistery of that diuine light she tould in the hearing of all the assembly how that celestial light sanctifyed and designed the place where a Saint most glorious most deare vnto God shold be shortly interred then rounding S. Ephembria in her eare she tould it was the patron Apostle of Ireland S. Patrik adding further that she would account her selfe happy if his sacred body might be wraped in a winding sheet which she had spunne and weaued with herown hands had prepared for that purpose 7. The Blessed Saint knowing by diuine inspiration the holy Virgins desire commanded her to go and bring that sheet wherein for the most tender loue he carryed to the most blessed vigin he would haue his sacred body wrapt himselfe went to the Monastery of Sauall where sickning he expected the end of this life or rather the beginning of the other life that hath no end the B. virgin Brigit was so ouer wearied with the length and difficulty of the iourney that she could not come so soone as she purposed The Blessed Bishop knowing in what distresse the holy virgin was in he sent his coach-man to meet her the sacred virgins that came in her company so the virgins comming to Sauall where the Saint laye sicke she presented him with the sheet which he receaued very gratefully then kissing his feet handes she and her virgins receaued his benediction Of S. Patrickes death of the Angelicall obsequies exhibited to him and of his entertainment at Downe CHAP. XXII THE Blessed Saint being brought very low by his infirmity as the Angell had admonished receaued the holy Sacraments at the haÌ„des of his disciple S. Tasach Bishop eleuating his eyes he saw Iesus standing in the midst of a multitude of Angels then blessing his disciples and rendring thankes to God he passed out of this life his blessed soule was receaued into the ioyes of his Lord by the all-immaculate Virgin the Mother of God and sacred quires of virgins with the Patriarkes Apostles Martyrs Confessours and Angels no maruaile that he was honored of all Saints sith there shined in him the vertue of all Saints an Angell he was not by nature but by office since his lips did keep science and the law of life a Prophet since few of the Prophets were indued with the foresight of future thinges so copiously as he was an Apostle he was since Ireland and the neighbour Ilands are signes of his Apostleship a Martyr he was in regard of the many coflicts he had against Kings Magitians Idolaters and Diuels A confessour he was since that he neuer ceased from the preaching and confessing the name of Christ. A virgin he was for as much as he kept the integriof fayth in body soule The glorious Saint deceased at the age of a hundred and twenty three yeares he was sixteene yeares old when he was carryed away by the Pirates six yeares did he serue in captiuity eightene yeares did he liue with S. German in France he was fiue and fifty when he came into Ireland to preach the Ghospell fiue and thirty yeares did he imploy in the conuersion of Ireland and the adioyning Iles afterwardes for three and thirty yeares he gaue himselfe to the sweet rest of contemplation eyther at Ardmuch or at Sauall monastery during which tyme he neuer came abroad vnles it were for great affaires or keeping a Councel once a yeare for the redresse of abuses 2. After his departure his sacred body was wrapt vp in the sheet which the blessed virgin S. Bridgit had prepared and a great multitude of cleargy men and seculers came to bemone the death of their common father and Apostle and to solemnize his funerals The night following a brightsome quier of Angels that kept watch at his body with their sweet harmony cast all the multitude into an extaticall sleepe vntill their departure the next morning the Angels left so fragrant an odour behind them that it continued for the space of twelue daies whilst the holy body was vnburied during which time in all that region

they inioyed the brightnes of the day light without the interposition of any night By occasion of this stupendious miracle the Archmachians and Vlidians fell into grat debate and contention for the possession of that sacred treasure and as they were vpon the poynt of entring into a fierce and bloody conflict they heard a voyce from heauen which seemed to be S. Patricks coÌ„maunding them to surcease from the effusion of blood the sea moreouer passing its woÌ„ted boundes swole vp so high that it impeached their mutuall fight and slaughter for the present 3. The Vlidians put the blessed Saints body vpon a new wayne drawen by two kine and so carried it away with great ioye and singing of psalmes hymnes and spiritual canticles wherat the Ardmuchians fury was so inkindled that they intended by force of armes to detayne the holy body of their patron and primat but Almighty God to stint that bloody strife substituted before the Ardmuchians eyes a phantasticall wayne which resembled so fully the former that they being perswaded it was the same that carried the rich treasure of the Saintes sacred body followed it so farre as the riuer Caulune in the confines of the prouince of Ardmuch where that imaginary wayne disappeared out of their sight in the meane time the Vlidians entred the citty of Downe and after great solemnity of masses they interred the holy body in the place aforesaid S. Patricke departed this life in the yeare of our redemption 493. Felix being Pope Anastasius being Emperour Aurelius Ambrosius being Gouernour of England and Forchernus reigning in Ireland and Iesus Christ being sole monarch of all the world to whome all honour glory and prayse for all eternity Amen Heere ends S. Patrickes life THE LIFE OF THE HOLY VIRGIN SAINT BRIGIT PATRONESSE OF IRELAND Abridged out of what COGITOSVS her owne nepheu and IOANNES CAPGRAVIVS haue written more largely of her famous Actes and Miracles Of S. Brigits Countrey Parents Birth and many vertues and especially of her charity to the poore CHAP. I. THE glorious virgin S. Brigit who descended of the ancient and honorable family of Etech in the kingdom of Ireland was borne at Fochart a village a mile distant from Dundalke in the country of Louth Her Father was a noble man of Leinster named Dubtacus who falling in loue with a handmayd of his named Brocseca a woman indued with singuler beauty and admirable comlines he got her with child of this sacred virgin which when his owne wife perceiued being in great trouble therat and taking the matter very greeuily she said vnto him cast out this handmayd fearing her posterity surpasse mine Dubtacus coÌ„strayned through his wiues importuinty made sale of her to a certaine Magitian in whose house falling in trauaile she was safe deliuered of the holy child such as were present at her birth saw the cloath wherewith her tender head was couered to burne with a flame of fire whereupon hastning to quench it they found no fire at all 2. So much did the holy virgin loath to feed of the Magitians meats that she was constrayned euery day to cast vp what she eate The Magitian considering attentiuely the cause therof said I am vncleane this holy virgin ful of the spirit of God cannot taste of my meate choosing out therfore a white merch cow he bestowed it vpon her to liue by her milke The holy virgin increased in vertue no lesse then in yeares for she excelled in all kind of holy conuersation and sanctity of life aed became very conspicuous for her modestie chastity and temperance but aboue al her charity to the poore is most remarkable 3. The sacred virgin being deputed by the Magitian to keepe his cowes gaue all the butter and milke she could gather to releiue the present wantes and necessities of the poore When the Magitian saw but a small quantity of butter in a great vesel wherin the butter was to be kept he chafed extreamely The Saint seeing what passion he was in offered her pure prayers vp to God and so by diuine vertue filled the vessell with butter euen vp to the topp wherat the Magitian was so much astonished and moued that he beleiued in Christ setting both her and her mother at liberty 4. In regard she gaue to the poore all whatsoeuer she could lay handes vpon and among othings her Fathers sword he purposed to sel her for which end bringing her where the King was he requested him that he would be pleased to buy his daughter To whome the Kinge spoke in this manner what made you to giue away your fathers sword to the poore man To whome she answeared I haue giuen it to Christ Sir if my God did aske your maiesty and my father too of me I would bestow you both and whatsoeuer els you haue vpoÌ„ him if it lay in my power TheÌ„ the King turning to her father sayd to him this your daughter is of too great worth to be bought by me and of farre greater to be sould by you so giuing her another sword to giue her father he dismissed her Of S. Brigites singuler chastity and of some miracles wrought in approbation thereof as also of other stupendious signes CHAP. II. WHEN this sacred spouse of Christ saw herselfe pressed and importuned by her freindes to marry she prayed to God that he would be pleased to disfigure her body with some deformity to the end that men shold cease from making further loue vnto her and without delay her eye burst and melted in her head then taking three other maydes in her company she repayred to a holy Bishop called Machella S. Patrickes disciple to be vayled at his handes the holy Bishop saw a piller of fire appeare ouer her head and contemplating moreouer her earnest and ardent loue of virginall integrity he gaue her the holy vayle of chastity at which time as she fell prostrate before the venerable Prelate to offer her selfe a holy cleane and impolluted host to her heauenly spouse she touched the alter postle which incontinently budded forth a fresh with leaues and so continueth greene and florishing to this day Being vayled with the sacred cognizance of chastity her bursten eye was restored againe to perfect health 2. Against Easter the sacred virgin made bere of one onely measure or pecke of malt fending part therof to eighteen Churches that were rouÌ„d about and besides during all the octaue that small quantity sufficed aboundantly and serued to satisfy all those who would and were desirous to taste therof At the same time a Leaper came to the holy virgin requesting her to help him to a cow but she hauing none said to him Wil you that we pray God to deliuer you from your sicknes who answeared that he preferred his cure before all other guiftes whereupon she hauing blessed water sprinkled the leaper therwith and immediatly he became cleane in like maÌ„ner two sicke virgins taking water which the holy Virgin had blessed recouered their

present falling downe prostrate vpon the ground wept bitrerly Fintenus demanded further of them saying whome did he ordaine his successour they made answere his disciple Bathaneus with that Columbus asked Fintenus what he ment to do who answered I will with Gods grace repaire ouer to the wise and holy man Bathaneus and will take him for my Abbot then taking his leaue of Columbus he imbarked himselfe without delay for the I le of Hoy where he was intertained with great charity as an vnknowne guest 3. The next day after his arriuall he made it knowne to Bathaneus that he had a desire to confer with him who presently sent for him Fintenus being brought to Bathaneus his presence fell downe vpon his knees but the Saint made him rise and sit downe with him Then did Fintenus recount to the saint his name countrey kindred conuersation what had moued him to vndertake that paineful nauigation and lastly closed vp his discourse with an humble request in behalfe of his admittance Bathaneus vnderstanding all sayd My child I am bound to render many thankes to God for your arriuall but know this for certaine that you cannot be a monke of ours Fintenus hearing this became very heauy and sadd saying Perchance I am vnworthy to be your monke To whome the old Senior replyed It is not as you say for albeit I had rather detaine you with me then otherwise yet can I not prophane the commandement of my patron S. Columbe by whose mouth the holy Ghost hath prophecyed of you in manner following saying to me O Bathaneus you must listen to these my wordes with great attention for presently after my wished and long desired departure out of this life to Christ a certaine brother named Fintenus will come to you out of Ireland and begge earnestly to be receaued of you among the other monkes but it is not preordained for him in the prescience of God that he become a monke to be subiect for he is preelected for the Abbot of monkes and for a captaine to leade many soules to heauen doe not therefore detaine the foresaid man with you in our Ile but send him backe againe into Ireland that he may build a monastery in Leynster on the bancke of the sea where feding a flocke of Christs sheep he may conduct innumerable soules to the ioyes of paradise The young Saint hearing this and powring out aboundance of tears with thaÌ„ks giuing to God sayd Be it done to me according to the propheticall marueilous prescience of S. Columbe so taking S. Bathaneus his benediction he returned backe into Ireland 4. About that tyme that the holy man was founding by diuine inspiration the monastery of Diarmag in the midle region of Ireland he purposed to visit the holy company that liued in S. Kiaranus monastery at Cluayre They vnderstanding of his approach went all forth in company of their Abbot Alitherus to meet him and lead him honorably singing of Psalmes Hymnes to the Church At the same tyme a certaine despicable familiar youth came behind the Saint and hiding himselfe so much as he could he thought to touch at vnawares the Saint and without his feeling the hem of his exteriour garment but what the Saint could not see with his corporall eyes he saw with his interiour and mentall eyes for making a stand he put his hand behind him so taking hold of the youth by the necke he placed him in presence of all the people Then all that were there present sayd Dismisse him dismisse him why doe you detaine that vnhappy boy The Saint breathing out from his pure breast these propheticall wordes sayd Giue ouer now brethren giue ouer And then turning to the youth that trembled and quaked for feare he sayd O child open your mouth and put out your tongue The youth did accordingly then the Saint extending his holy hand and blessing his tongue diligently pronounced this prophecy of him Albeit this youth seemeth to you vilde and despiceable let none therefore contemne him for from henceforth he wil not only displease you but he will proue very pleasing to you in vertue and holy conuersation he will dayly goe forward and from hence forth his wisedome and prudence will more and more increase and in this our congregation he shall become a worthy member and his tongue shal be indued by God both with wholesome doctrine and eloquence This youth was Ereneus who afterwards was so famous and well knowne throughout all the Churches of Ireland How S. Columbe foresaw the danger and comming of S. Chamnechus and Columbanus the victory of King Aldan and other remarkable thinges CHAP II. THE saint being in his monastery of Hoy one day that the seas were very rough and the windes blew boisterously commanded the monkes to make ready the guest-roome and to draw water for some that were to come One of the Brothers asked who can haue a prosperous nauigation such a day as this though the passage be neuer so short The saint answered God will prepare a calme amidst this tempest for a Saint and for one of his elect that shall come to vs before euening And loe the expected ship wherin S. Chamnechus was arriued according to the saints prophecye Another tyme likewise the saint being in his owne great Church he brooke forth after a smiling manner into these wordes Columbanus sayling towards vs is in danger amidst the swelling waues the Abbot fitting in the foredecke eleuateth his handes to heauen and blesseth the fearefull and swelling sea whome our Lord doth terrify not that the shipp shall suffer shipwracke but to excite him to pray more feruently and so to come safe to vs. 2. Of Cormarus that holy man who so often sought for a wildernes in the sea S. Columbe prophecyed in this manner This Cormarus hoping to find a desert set out this day from that region that lyeth beyond the riuer Moda and is called Ircos yet shall he not find what he desires for no other fault of his but that he brought with him in his company a moÌ„k belonging to a Religious Abbot without his leaue Another tyme the Saint commanded his seruant to ring the bell in hast to call the Monkes to the Church where falling vpon his knees he sayd Now let vs offer our prayers very earnestly for this people and King Alban for at this present they begin to fight a battaile Within a little while going out of the oratory and casting his eyes towards heauen he sayd Now the ennemyes are put to flight for the victory is granted to King Aldan Before the beginning of the foresayd warre the Saint questioned with King Aldan touching his successour who answeared that he knew not which of his three sonnes should raigne after him The saint consequently prophecied in this manner None of these three shal be your successour for they shall be all slaine by their ennemyes now if you haue any younger children send for them and he whom our

death and dyed The Saint saw the Angells and Diuells fighting about the possession of his soule At last the Angells preuayled and conducted the soule to the ioyes of Paradise All this the saint tould one of his Monkes charging him not to reueale it all the dayes of his life Whilest the Saint liued in Leinster to be trayned vp in wisedom learning it fortuned that a wicked man a cruell persecutor of the good pursued in a certain place a yong Damsell who fled from him she by chance espyed her brother an old man who was master to S. Columbe to whome she made all haste possible for rescue The old man called on S. Columbe to the end that they might both iointly defend her from the cruell persecutors hands who came no sooner to the place but in their eyes he slue her without regarding them any whit whereat the good old monke was so grieued and strucke with anguish that turning to S. Columbe he sayd How long o holy youth Columbe will God the iust iudge suffer this wickednesse ioyned with our dishonour to passe vnpunished The Saint pronounced this iust though dreadfull sentence against the flagitious murderer The selfe same houre that the maydens soule shal ascend vp to heauen his soule shall descend downe to hell And loe without delay the wicked man fell downe dead The report of this fearefull and suddaine vltion was blowen ouer many Churches of Scotland to the great honour and veneration of the holy Deacon 2. A certaine pilgrime came to seiourne with the Saint in the I le of Hoy for some monethes to whome the Saint sayd This day a certaine cleargie man of your prouince whose name I know not is now a carrying betweene the Angels to heauen The brother hearing this began to muse with himselfe and to call to mind the mans name so after a litle while he sayd to the saint I know a seruant of Christ named Diarmitius who built him a little monastery in the selfe same territory wherein I kept my residence It is the selfe same party you name answered the Saint whome the celestiall spirits bring to the ioyes of Paradise Neyther is it negligently to be obserued how that the glorious Saint kept from the notice of men many secrets that were reuealed to him and this for two reasons as himselfe signifyed to a few of his monks First to auoyde ostentation and selfe esteeme secondly to auoyd the molestation that the multitudes would put him in inquiring after seuerall affaires and matters 3. Another tyme the saint sought in the woodes a solitary place vnfrequented by men commodious for the exercise of holy prayer wheÌ„ he began to pray suddenly he saw an vgly and deformed army of Diuells to fight against him with Iron spits who intended as the Saint knew by the inward illustration of the holy Ghost to assaile his monastery to kill with their pointed stakes many of his monkes But he albeit all alone tooke S. Pauls armour and fought couragiously against the whole host of his infernal aduersaries and so the conflict continued for the most part of the day neither could they ouercome him nor yet he driue them out of his Ile vntill the Angells came to his helpe whose terrour made the Diuels depart After their departure the saint prophecyed how they would inuade the monasteryes of Ethica and inflict pestilent diseases on the inhabitants wherof many would dye Within two dayes likewise the saint foretould how Bathaneus by the help of prayers and fasts preserued his monastery from their inuasion in so much that none dyed but one 4. In the middle region of Ireland liued a certaine Smith a man much addicted to almes deeds and other good workes when this vertuous Artizan came to the finall period of his mortall life the Saint spoke to a few that were about him in this manner The Smith did not labour in vaine who with the labour of his handes hath purchased euerlasting rewardes his soule is now carryed by the Angels to the ioyes of the heauenly Country Another tyme did he see the soule of a poore but very holy woman comming in company of the Angells to meete her husbands soule at his decease and this he made knowne to one of his Monkes named Genereus a Saxon by birth How S. Columbe knowing by reuelation of the death of S. Brendan and S. Columbanus the Bishop sayd masse in honour of them and how a certaine Monke saw him conuersing with the Angels CHAP II. ANother tyme likewise whilest the saint siued in the I le of Hoy in the morning very earely he called vpon his familiar tender Diarmitius and sayd to him Let the sacred misteryes of the Eucharist be made ready in all haste for this day is the deposition of S. Brendan Why quoth Diarmitius doe you command such solemnityes of masses to be made ready this day seeing none came out of Ireland that might bring vs newes of that holy mans death Goe sayd the Saint and obey my word for this last night I saw the heauens open and quires of Angels descending downe to meet S. Brendans soule with whose bright and incomparable splendour the compasse of al the world was enlightned and illustrated 2. Another day also as the monkes put themselues in a readinesse for the seueral works of the monastery the saint coÌ„manded them to rest that day to make ready the furniture of the sacred oblation and their portions to be encreased as on Sunday For sayd he albeit I be altogether vnworthy yet must I this day celebrate the sacred mysteryes of the Eucharist in honour of that soule which this night hath been carryed among the holy quires of Angells to the interminable ioyes of Paradise These things being spoken the Religious obeyed very promptly and all thinges for the celebrating of the diuine seruice were prepared After they went with their holy Abbot to the Church where after singing part of the office they came to the Hymne where mention is made of S. Martin The Saint sayd to the singers This day you must sing of Columbanus the Bishoppe Then all the Monkes who were present vnderstood Columbanus the Bishop of Leynster S. Columbs deare friend to be translated to a better life Within a few dayes there came out of Leynster who reported that he departed the self same night that his death was reuealed to the Saint 3. Another tyme when the Saint sate writing in his cell his face was suddenly altered he pronounced this voyce from his pure breast Helpe helpe two brothers who stood at the doore to wit Colgus and Lugneus demanded the cause of that suddaine voice To whome the venerable Abbot made this answeare I commanded an Angel of our Lord who stood with you to succour one of the brothers falling downe from the toppe of a great house that is now building in the monastery of the Oaken-field The Saint added further Very admirable and scarce ineffable is the

in the meane tyme these many dayes I haue deuoutly begged of God that he would be pleased in the end of this 30. years to finish my earthly pilgrimage and to call me to his heauenly mansion this was the cause of my ioy for I saw the Angels sent froÌ„ the throne of glory to meet my soule after its departure out of my body loe being now suddenly stayd they stand on the rocke at further side of our sea would come in hast for my soule but they are not permitted to approach neerer for what our Lord hath graunted he hath now suddeÌ„ly altered hearing the prayers of many churches for me who haue obtained a thing against my will that foure yeares more may be added to the tearm of my mortall pilgrimage this sorrowfull delay is the cause of my present griefe which foure years when they shall come to an end I shall without any precedent sicknesse of body passe to the euerlasting ioyes of Paradise 2. The tearme of the prementioned years now drawing on the true Prophet and very noble Abbot being loaden with yeares went forth in a waggon one day to visit the Brothers that were at worke to whome he sayd I conceaued an earnest desire to go to our Sauiour who granted it me if my selfe would on Easter day which we haue lately celebrated but because I would not haue the ioy of that festiuity conuerted into heauinesse I chose rather to diferre my departure out of this world a little longer With this the Monkes fell into great heauinesse whome their pious Father begon to animate with very comfortable words and sweete exhortations as much as he could Then coÌ„uerting his face to the Orient he blessed the Iland with all the inhabitants From that tyme forwards the Iland was neuer molested with the annoy of vipers within a few dayes after whilest the masses were a celebrating as the Saint eleuated vp his gracious countenance it was suddenly dyed with a most delectable and liuely rednes for at that houre he saw the Angell of our Lord flitting vp and downe in the Oratory and in regard the admirable aspect of an Angel instilleth ioy into the harts of the elect the Saint therfore here abounded with ioy and when some that were present enquired after the cause of his ioy he answered Loe an Angell of our Lord sent to require a certaine depositum very deere to God came into the Church and after looking downe ouer vs and blessing vs departed None of them that were present vnderstood what depositum was that the Angell came for But our holy Patron called his owne soule which God committed to his charge by the name of depositum which he rendred vp within six dayes after 3. On the next Saturday the holy Abbot and his faythfull tender Diarmitius went out to blesse a Barne where the Saint seeing two heaps of grayne sayd I congratulate much with my monkes for if I must needs depart this yeare they haue sufficient prouision Diarmitius hearing this sentence became very heauy you constristate vs so often this yeare because you speake so often of your departure to whome he sayd I will acquaint you with a secret touching my death so that you promise faythfully not to disclose it before I dye Diarmitius gaue him his faithfull word and promise Then the glorious Saint added This day in the sacred volumes is called Sabbaoth that is interprettd rest and truly this day is a Sabbaoth to me because it is the last of my laborious life wherein after the paines of my trauailes I sabbaoth and this next ensuing midnight of the venerable Sunday I shall be gathered to the holy Fathers for now our Lord Iesus vouchsafeth to inuite me to whome I shal depart at night as himselfe hath reuealed to me After this he returned backe towardes the Monastery In the way he ascended a little mountaine ouerlooking the monastery standing on the top of the hill eleuating his handes he blessed his monastery saying The Kinges not only of Scotland with their subiects but euen the Kinges of foraine nations with their vassalls will honor much this place though it be now narrow and despiseable and the Saints of other Churches will giue no small veneration to it How S. Columbe approching to the houre of his death made a mysticall diuision of the Psalme Inquirentes Dominum Lastly of his death buriall and some visions of his happy passage CHAP. VI. AFTER he had bestowed his sacred benediction he returned to his monastery and sate him downe to write the Psalter and comming to that verse of the 33. Psalme Inquirentes Dominum non minuentur omni bono They that seeke after our Lord shall not be diminished of any good Here must I pause in the end of this page Let Bathaneus write what followeth The last verse which the Saint wrote befitteth him very much since he shall neuer be depriued of the interminable riches of heauen and the subsequent verse Come childreÌ„ heare me I wil teach you the feare of our Lord becommeth his successor Bathaneus as being his successor not only in the office of teaching but also in the charge in writing After the Saint had giuen a stoppe to his pen at the foresayd verse he entred into the Church to heare sundayes euening masse which being done he came backe to his cell and sate in his bed where he had insteed of a bed a bare stone and another stone in lieu of a bolster sitting in that place he bequeathed to his ghostly children these his last precepts in the hearing only of Diarmitius I commend to you my children these my last wordes conserue true and vnfained charity and peace among you and if you obserue this according to the example of the Saints God the comforter of the good will help you and I being with him will intercede for you and he will affoarde you both what you all want in this life and likewise the ioyes which are prepared for them that keepe his Commandements 2. After finishing these sacred documents the glorious Saint held his peace at midnight when the bell rung to matines he rose going sooner then any of the company to the Church he fell downe on his knees before the Altar Diarmitius following slowly after saw all the church illustrated with Angelicall splendour which at his approach disappeared entring in therfore into the Church he called oft to the Saint with a weeping voice saying O father where are you And so groping vp and downe in the darke he found him lying prostrate before the Altar Diarmitius sate him downe by the Saint and laid his head in his sacred lappe in the meane tyme the Monkes came who seeing their holy Father ready to dye began to lament euen at the very instant of the separation of his soule as we heard from some who were eye-witnesses he looked about him with a viuacious and pleasant countenance contemplating the holy Angells that came to fetch

God the second tyme the mountaine did forthwith swell vp to its former height greatnes 2. A wicked Tyrant named Euchodius who liued in the country of Vlibia caused two holy Virgins to be stiffled and misprised S. Patricks intercession for them The Saint denounced prophetically to him That none of his posterity should succeed him but that his Lordship should be transferred to his younger brother The Tyrants wife came begged the Saintes blessing both for her selfe for the child which she carried in her wombe which the Saint gaue her and foretould that she should be deliuered of a most holy issue The childe being borne was named Douengardus and was most renowned both for sanctity miracles Euchodius within a few dayes was depriued both of life and of his lordship which his yonger brothers posterity inioyed according to S. Patrickes prophecy 3. S. Patricke founded an Episcopall sea in a place called Achadfouiur where he made one of his disciples namned Sennachus Bishop a man of admirable purity and innocency S. Patticke blessed him and all his family prophecying that many Saintes and holy Pristes should spring out of it in which place Sennachus ended his daies in great sanctity 4. As S. Patricke passed through a wood in Midernia he found there a great company of men cutting downe of great oaken trees in regard their axes were edge-lesse and that they had no whetstons to whet theÌ„ the poore meÌ„ were quite wearied out of breath the skin flesh was torne from their handes euen to the sinewes bones The Saint compassionating their distresse gaue them his blessing wherupon they recouered their strength their hands were healed vp their hatchets so well edged that they cut the solid oake trees with as little difficulty as if they had beene tender twigges This prodigious effecte of the Saints blessing did perseuer in them vntill such tyme as the Saint procured their release for which end he went to their cruell Lord named Tremei but he wold not admit the Saints intercessioÌ„ The Saint after three dayes fast prayer came againe with great submission to procure their exemption from bondage but this cruell man he found to be aÌ„other Pharao who preseÌ„tly got vp into his coach with purpose to agg rauate their yoake of affliction but God reuenged the contempt offered his new Moyses for loe the horses precipitated themselues with great violence into a standing water nere by the man of Belial being drowned the captiues were restored to their long expected and wished liberty 5. S. Patricke intended to erect an episcopal sea in a place called Luda but an Angell wished him to desist from that worke for that S. Micheus who came out of England in pilgrimage into Ireland should there build and inhabit that place which fell out accordingly One day as Saint Patricke and Micheus were in spiritual conference an Angell tendered them a letter wherin S. Patricke was commaunded to bestow that place with all the appartenaunces vpon S. Micheus and himselfe to erect his Archepiscopall sea at Ardmach The Saint obeyed willingly the diuine commandement committing to S. Micheus his care of twelue leapers whome himselfe was accustomed to tend and so departed 6. Twelue brethren whose Father was lately deceased made a meeting for the parting of their portions and excluded their younger brother named Fergusius from any share in that diuision who had recourse to Saint Patricke by whose intercession he receaued a competent portion of his fathers inheritance the young noble man bestowed one halfe of his estate vpon S. Olcan who erected an Episcopall sea in a place called Derkan S. Patricke blessed Fergusius prophetically sayd vnto him Albeit thou seemest now humble and contemptible in the eyes of thy brethren yet thou shalt be shortly prince ouer them and many good Kings will descend from thee which shall not only reigne in their owne country but also in foraine Kingdomes This prophecy of the Saint was fullfilled for from him descended Edanus the sonne of Gabranus who subdued Scotland and whose posterity reigneth yet in that kingdome How S. Patricke gaue Prince Conall his benediction and the Crosse for his armes and of many remarkable miracles CHAP. XV. SAINT Patricke came to his deare ghostly child Prince Conall demanding of him whether he would be content or no to be cloathed with a Monkes weede the Prince answered that his hart was ready to performe what the Saint would inioyne him The holy Bishop reioycing much at his deuotion is reported to haue sayd to him Thou shalt carry a sheild and staffe as the markes of soueraigne power and as the signes of thy great merit Thou shalt represent the person and habit of a lay man but shalt enioy the merit and dignity of a Monke many Saints shall spring from thee and many nations of the earth shal be blessed in thy seed Moreouer with the rodde of Iesus the Saint made the signe of the Crosse vpon Prince Conals shield which he and his posterity euer after tooke for their armes 2. A certaine man named Victor hid himselfe in the night fearing that if he appeared in the Saints presence he should be forced by the euidence of his doctrine and signes to renounce Idolatry The Saint comming to the place where Victor was so bright subtill a light issued from him that the splendour thereof pearced euen to the secret place where Victor lay lurking Victor being conuicted or rather attracted by so euident a signe became a Christian bestowed all his estat vpon the Saint and made himselfe the Saints disciple who in processe of tyme attayned to such learning and sanctity that he was made a Bishop 3. S. Patricke had a disciple named Volchanusa a man of great vertu but specially of most remarkeable obedience The Saint being desirous that his vertue knowne only to God should be manifested to the world for the edificatioÌ„ exaÌ„ple of others coÌ„manded Volchan to go build a church wheresoeuer God would vouchsafe to prouide him a place he without delay taking an axe vpon his shoulders went his way The Saint seeing the alacrity and promptnes of his obedience sayd to him Doe not despayre my most deare Volchan of finding a place wheresoeuer the Axe shall fall build in that place for there thou shalt increase into a great nation After Volchan had walked on all day long towardes the euening the Axe by chance slipped off his shoulder in which place the obedient Volchan builded a Monastery wherein himselfe and many others liued and dyed in great perfection 4. S. Patricke had a Drouer named Rodanus who after became very learned and a Bishop of great merit and miracles the Saint likewise preferred S. Reuternus to the episcopall sea of Ciocher and when he had consecrated him Bishop he bestowed vpon him a Chrismatory or vessell of holy oyles for extreme Onction and Confirmation that was sent him from heauen A child named Lunanus by vertue

my sonne and be of good cheare for your sinnes are forgiuen you because it is written A contrite and humble hart God wil not despise who afterwardes being very louingly intertained of the Saint he sent him to Bathaneus liuing at a place called Lungefield Another tyme the Saint sent two monkes for one of his Monks named Cailtanus biding him to repaire in al hast to him Cailtanus vnderstanding of the Saintes pleasure came speedily in company with the MoÌ„kes that went for him VVhen the Saint saw Cailtanus he spoke to him in manner following O Cailtanus you haue done very well in hastning to me so obediently rest you a little Louing you as a friend I inuited you to come that you might finish the course of your mortall life heere with me in true obedience for before this weeke come to an end you shall render your soule in peace to God Then Cailtanus with thankes to God kissed the saint and to receauing his benediction went to the guest roome the night following he sickned and according the saints word departed the selfe same weeke to a better life 4. On a certayne Sunday some cryed from the further side of the often mentioned sea The Saint hearing the cry sayd to the brethren Goe in all hast and bring the pilgrimes that come froÌ„ a farre Country they went as the saint appointed them and brought them to his presence whom when he had saluted he began to question with them concerning their iourney they tould him they came to seiourne with him for that yeare to whome the saint replyed You may not liue with me a yeare as you desire vnlesse you tye your selues to the obseruance of the monasticall vowes The eldest made answere Truely we had no such intention hetherto notwithstanding we will embrace your counsell inspired by God as we beleeue To be short they followed the Saint deuoutly into the oratory and there on their knees obliged themselues to the monasticall vowes Then the saint conuerting his speach to the brothers there present sayd These two proselites exhibiting theÌ„selues a liuing hoste to God and accomplishing in a few dayes the course of Christian perfection shall yield vp their soules to Christ before this present month run to an end and so it fell out for both of them fell sicke one after another and departed to a better life within the tearme prophecyed and perfixed by the saint How S. Columbe foretould the baptisme of a certain Pagan knew by diuine reuelation the death of two Irish noble men and by prayer obtained the life of Diarmitius his familiar seruant CHAP. IIII. WHILST the saint for the space of some few dayes remayned in Ireland being at a place bordering on the sea he struck the earth with his staffe saying to the Monkes that were with him Behould my little children a certaine Gentil who al his life tyme followed the good instincts and propensions of nature shall this day be baptized dye and be buryed in this place and loe within the space as it were of an houre a shippe strucke into the same hauen in whose foredecke sate an ancient Pagan named Geone whome two young men lifted vp between them brought him to the saints presence the old man eÌ„braced presently the ChristiaÌ„ doctrin the saint preached to him by an interpreter at whose handes he receaued the grace of regeneration Immediatly after the receipt of holy baptisme he gaue vp his ghost and was buryed in the same place by the Saints companions 2. During the Saints aboade in the foresayd region he went one Sunday to a neighbour monastery named Trioint and seeing the same day a certaine Priest celebrating the holy misteryes of the Eucharist whome the Monkes made choise of for that purpose for that they deemed him a man of a very holy and religious life he suddainly pronounced this fearefull sentence Cleane and vncleane thinges are now mingled togeather to wit the cleane misteryes of the sacred oblation handled by an vncleane man who hideth in his conscience some enormious sinne the party of whoÌ„ he had spoken in this kind confessed his sinne before all the company which with great astonishement admired in the Saint this stupendious knowledge penetrating euen to the secrets of mens harts 3. Another time the Saint being in the Iland of Hoy he called to him two of his Monkes named Lugbeus and Silnanus and sayd to them sayle ouer into the I le of Malea and neere the sea banke seeke out the theefe Ertus who lurketh there expecting in the night tyme to get ouer to the little I le where our sea-calues breed to steale some away and bring them home to his house They did accordingly and found the theefe in the place premonstrated whome they brought to the saint as he had commanded The saint seeing him sayd Wherefore dost thou trespasse against the diuine commandement in stealing away other mens goods so often when thou art driuen to any necessity come to vs and we will releeue thy wantes And with this he appointed that some weathers should be kild and giuen to the miserable theef that he might not return home to his house with empty handes Within a short tyme the saint knew by reuelation that the theeues death drew neere he sent him therefore a fat Cow seauen measures of corne which were spent at his funerailles In like manner the saint foresaw and foretould the death of a Scottish poet named Coronanus 4. It happened another tyme in the same Iland of Hoy as the saint was at his booke reading that he cast out deep and sorrowfull sighes Lugbeus who was present began to demande the cause of his suddaine griefe the Saint made this answere In Scotland two noble men of the bloud royal haue kild one another at a place not farre distant from the Monastery of Cellarois in the Prouince of the Magdeni and the eight day hence there will come one out of Ireland who wil report the truth of al this The man whose comming the Saint foresaw came on the presaged day and among many other newes reported that Colmancanus and Romanus had slaine one another After this Lugbeus the souldier of Christ getting the Saint at his leasure sayd to him I beseech you let me know how in what manner these propheticall reuelations are manifested to you whether you know them by an intuition of your eyes or by the help of your ears or after some strange manner vnknowne of to other men The Saint answered I cannot acquaint you with any thing touching this subtile matter you inquire after vnlesse you first take an othe on your knees neuer to speake of this obscure sacrament all the dayes of my life Lugbeus swore as the saint would haue him then the saint spoke as followeth There are some albeit they be but few in number that by Godes speciall grace clearely contemplate with one single aspect and in one momeÌ„t the compasse of the whole world the heauens the sea and

land by reason of the marueilous dilatation of their mind Though the saint seemeth to report this of others for the auoidance of all vaine glory and selfe esteeme yet that he meant it of himself indirectly is cleare to any that hath perused the vessell of election S. Paul in his 2. to the Corinthians For he discoursing of visions and rapts happening to himself wrote not I know of my selfe but I know such a man that he was rapt into paradise which though he seeme to recount of another yet none can doubt but he spoke of himselfe 5. It fell out another tyme that one of the brothers came to the place where the faint was writting and sayd to him I beseech you blesse this Iron I hould in my hand the saint stretched out his hand holding the pen blessed the Iron according to the brothers request in the meane tyme he held his face towards the book he wrot the brother being gone away the saint asked What Iron he had blessed for the Brother Diarmitius his familiar tender answered A knife wherewith Beeues are killed then the saint replyed I trust firmely in our Lord that this weapon I haue blessed will neuer do hurt to man nor beast The truth of which sentence of the Saint was showen in effect the selfe same houre For the brother going out of the monastery with an intent to kill a Cow endeauoured thrice therunto and yet could not so much as pierce her skinne Another tyme the Saints faythfull tender Diarmitius sickened euen to death the Saint came to visit him in that extremity and standing by the beds side prayed after this manner I beseech thee O Lord be fauourable to me and let not the soule of my pious tender be takeÌ„ out of this mortal life before I end the course of my dayes After praying thus he held his peace for a little space then opening his sacred mouth he sayd This my louing child shal not only escape the danger of this present infirmity but shall moreouer liue for many yeares after my death Diarmitius was deliuered incontinently of his disease and suruiued the Saint many a longe yeare How S. Columbe discouered a Bishop that would not haue himselfe knowne how he foretould the comming of a Crane out of Ireland and how by the presents that were offered to him to be blessed he knew the sinnes of the owners CHAP. V. THERE came out of the Prouince of the Numinenses a certaine proselit to visit the saint this man being a Bishop dissembled al that he could his degree and estate yet could he not keep it hidden from the saints al-piercing knowledge For the proselit being to consecrate the next sunday our Sauiours holy body the saint sayd to him Since you are a Bishop breake this dominicall bread after the manner and with the same soleÌ„nity a Bishop ought to breake it now we know ful wel that you are a Bishop why did you conceale your selfe from vs by occasion wherof we did not demean our selues towards you with that respect veneration your place and calling requires The humble harted pilgrim hearing him speake in this kind glorifyed Christ in his holy seruant Columbe Another time the venerable Abbot sent his vncle Ernanus to gouerne the monastery of Humba of whome at his departure he pronounced this prophecy This my friend whome I now send away I neuer hope to see him liuing againe in this world Within a few dayes Ernanus fell sicke and would haue himselfe caryed backe to the saint who was very glad thereof and went forth to meet him Ernanus though he were very weake and sickly yet would he needes go on his feet and loe in the way he gaue vp his ghost suddainly before the saint could haue a sight of him 2. The saint tould a certaine Peasant that came to his monastery Loe the barbarous ennemies sacke and spoile all the Prouince you inhabit VVhich dolefull newes made the poore fellow fall into pittiful lamentatioÌ„s for his wife children The saint seeing him drowned in sorrow anguish sayd to him your wife and family haue escaped to the mountaines but you goods and cattle the ennemy hath taken away the man going home found all to be true as the saint had tould him A certaine valiant and strong man named Gorens would faine learne of the saint what kind of death himselfe should dy of The saint told him You shall not be slaine in the field nor drowned in the sea but the companion of your way whom you lest distrust or suspect shall be the cause of your death within some years after the foresayd Gorens seeing men fighting at mortal debate ran in haste to separate them in the meane tyme by some chance or other he let his knife fall carelessely which wounded him in the knee of which wounde after the sickenesse of some moneths he dyed and so the prophecy of the Saint was fullfilled 3. Another tyme likewise the saint being in the often mentioned Iland of Hoy he called one of the monkes to him and commanded him as followeth The third day next ensuing you shall goe to the Weast part of this I le and shall expect the comming of a certaine Crane from the North part of Ireland which Crane being driuen by the force of the blustering windes through the spacious Regions of the ayre all weary and turmoyld shal arriue there after the ninth houre and hauing all her forces and vigour consumed she will fall downe on the shoare before you forget not to take her vp mercifully and to bring her to the next house where you shall entertaine her liberally and feed her carefully for three dayes by which tyme her strength shall be well repayred and her selfe being vnwilling to soiourne with vs any longer will returne backe to Scotland her sweet country where she was borne and my motiue of commending her so seriously to your care is because she is of one country with vs. The brother obeyed willingly and the third day at the place and tyme appointed expected the arriuall of the new guest whome he tooke vp of the shoare and brought her weake and faint to the lodging where he fed her carefully to whome after his comming to the monastery in the euening the Saint sayd Gods blessing haue you my child for tending so carefully the strange guest who will make no long delay in her pilgrimage but will returne back to her natiue soyle after three dayes abode What the saint pronounced the euent showed to be true for the Crane after three dayes charitable entertaynement winded her selfe gently vp into the ayre in presence of her officious ministre and after kept her course directly towardes Ireland 4. On a certaine tyme many presents were layd in the street that leadeth to the Saints monastery to be blessed of him as he passed by wher poynting at the guift of a rich man and naming the party he sayd The mercy of God accompanieth the bestower

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