THE LIFE OF THE GLORIOUS BISHOP S. PATRICK APOSTLE AND PRIMATE OF IRELAND. TOGETHER WITH THE LIVES OF THE HOLY VIRGIN S. BRIDGIT AND OF THE GLORIOUS ABBOT SAINT COLUMBE PATRONS OF IRELAND.  
At S. OMERS, For JOHN HEIGHAM, 1625. With Approbation.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL,  
And the rest of his dear countrymen, the Catholics of Ireland, the Translator wisheth all happiness.  
BEING to publish to the view of the world, and by way of dedication to present to your worthy selves (dear Countrymen) this volume, containing the lives of the three renowned Patrons of our Country, I deemed it very well befitting the argument I handled, and the condition of the times we live in, to address the self same Commonitory to you, that the evangelical Prophet directed to the Israelits: 
Isa. 50.  Attend (saith he) to Abraham your Father, and to Sara your Mother that boar you. For in these turbulent times, wherein the fury of armed heresy hath thrust her violent hands to the stealth of your choicest treasure, the Roman faith I mean, which you have peaceably enjoyed during the revolution of many ages, what is more powerful to stir up in your breasts the zeal of Catholic Religion? What more able to kindle in your hearts the flame of perfect charity? What more sovereign to scatter the clouds of your afflicted minds? Or what more potent to breath into your souls the sweet gale of Christian comfort? Then to offer unto your intellectual view, S. Patrick the Abraham from whom you descended, and Irland the Sara, by whom you were borne? Truly on whom soever of them both you cast your eyes, the contemplation of either him, or her, will enrich your memories with the knowledge of so worthy matters, as are able to glut your minds with content, and ravish your souls with delight.  
Vouchsafe then (dear Countrymen) to cast a fixed eye on the ancient dignity of Irland, 
Lectiones Eeclesiae Tarentensis de Sancto Cathaldo tractatus Collegij Conceptionis fol. 8. & 9  and you shall find, that she hath exposed on the theatre of the Catholic Church, such firm pillars of faith, such burning lights of Religion, such clear mirrors of perfection, such perfect patterns of sanctity, & such rare miracles of learning, that other Christian Kingdoms are so far from over-peering her, that few peer her in flying so high a pitch of true glory. And fearing to be branded with the foul note of adulation, to your worthy selves, or partiality to my dear Country, 
Thyreus in Panegiri de Sancto Patricio.  I will keep within compass, so as I mean to produce nothing, but what hath been delivered from the pens of famous Authors, who either for their antiquity claim veneration, 
P. Fitzimons in sua Brit●onomachia.  or for their learning deserve credit, or for their sanctity challenge authority. Every Author I will allege by name speaking in his genuine sense, if not in his proper words.  
And to commence from the splendour of learning, I will not detain you with a long discourse, touching our domestic Academies, 
Lupoldus Babarbugius dezelo veter● principum Germanorum.  Lismor, Dune, Cashell, Magon, Dublin, and Ardmach, the happy nurses, & fecundious mothers of all human and divine literature, but will remit such as are curious after fuller content in this behalf, to the perusal of the lessons of of the Church of Tarentum: The treatise of the College of the Conception: Bishop Thyrrie, and Father Fitzimons, and will myself pass to take a Survey of foreign kingdoms, and extern Academies, 
S. Antoninus 2. p. hist. tit. 14. cap. 15 §. 12.  that received from Irland the first beginnings, or at least the increase, and propagation of learning. Lupoldus Babarbugius saith: The French may be matched with the Romans, by the industry of Clement the Irish man. 
Sabell. Ae●●. 8. l 9 Nauclerus tom. 2. vol 3. gen. 28.  This Clement to gather with one john a Monk by profession, and an Irishman by birth, laid the first foundations of the famous university of Paris, which was, and hath been accounted for many Century of years, the flourishing Athens of Christendom, as witnesseth S. Antonine, Sabellius, 
Baron. to ●0, ad Ann. 876.  Nauclerus, Barronius. The same learned, and grave Authors depose in like manner. That the renowned university of Milan in Italy, was erected by the prementioned Irishmen, who were the founders of the universityes of Oxford, Landesfarne, and Malmsbury in England? Who were the erecters of the Academies of Herbipolis, Cullen, Sengallensis, and Fulda in Germany? Who the authors of Bobium in Italy, and Luxovium in France? 
Cambden. in impress. Londinensi fol. 185. 177. 267. 730.  Irishmen, as averreth Cambden, the renowned English antiquary. What infinite numbers flocked out of the Neighbour kingdoms into Ireland, to be enriched with the ornaments of learning and treasures of piety, the foresaid learned Chronicler consecrateth to posterity, telling us in these words: That his Countrymen the English Saxons, did throug from all parts into Irland, 
S. Adelmus in epi. ad Elfridun Regem.  as unto the mart of all good literature, in so much that it grew to a common Proverb among them of such as were given to their studies, he was sent into Irland to be trained up. This we may further confirm from the suffrage of S. Adelme, who in his epistle to King Elfride speaking of Ireland, saith: It flourished and was stored with as copious a number of Studients, as the heavens were adorned with the syderial beams of glittering stars.  
These than were the burning lamps of learning, and brightsome lights of wisdom that shined so gloriously at home, and extended their lustre so spaciously abroad, for the public good, and common benefit of all Europe. Where you are to observe, that albeit they were men of rare learning, of profound wisdom, of deep judgement, and subtle understandings, yet did they submit their understanding, and judgements, and captivate their wisdoms and learning, to the obedience of faith: so that in all their number there was none found to deny the deity of the second person, with Arrius, nor the divinity of the holy Ghost with Macedonius, nor the truth of the real presence with Calvin, nor the necessity of good works with Luther, none was found to be a Manichean, Marcionist, Donatist, Eunomian, Anabaptist, or Puritan: none I say was found among them to adhere to old sectmasters, or to follow new Dogmatizers, none to embrace the heresies that grew in former ages, or sprunge up in these later times; so happy was Ireland by the favour of heaven to live still in the perpetual sunshine of Catholic Religion, without the interposition of any cloud of error or heresy. Neither was Ireland our dear Country happy only, in conserving the integrity of faith, without any touch of disloyalty, and being enriched with the treasures of wisdom and learning, but she was much more fortunate, and fecundious in producing from out of her womb miriades of Saints, 
S. Bern. in vita. S. Malachiae. Henric.  and holy men, whereof we have infinite proofs extant, of which I will, for your comfort recite a few.  
S. Bernard saith, Out of Ireland, not only into the forementioned, but even into foreign regions, 
Antisidorem. in epist. dedicatoria vitae S. Germani ad Carolum Caluum. joselinus infra c. 19 §. 4.  as it were after an inundation, such swarms of Saints did break out, of whom S. Columbanus coming to these our quarters of France, there builded the monastery of Luxonium, being made into a great nation. And Henricus Antisidorensis saith: What need I speak of Ireland, passing (almost all) without any regard of the dangers of the sea to these our shores, with whole troops of Philosophers, and the more skilful any of them is, so much the more willing is he to undertake a voluntary banishment, that he might serve our most sage Solomon at will. And jocelinus beneath in this volume saith: Within a short space, there was not a wilderness, Noah nor scarce any corner, 
Theod. Ab in vita S. Rumoldi.  nor place in all the Island, but was replenished with perfect Monks, and holy Nuns, so that Ireland by a peculiar name was justly called, all the world over, The Island of Saints. They lived according to the prescript, and tenor of life, which S. Patrick set them down; for contempt of the world, 
Gaufridus in vita S. Wironij. Mari●nus Scotus in Cronica l. 2. aetat. 7. anno 614. Guliman. in vita S. Florent●●. jonas Ab. apud Surium 21. Novemb.  desire of heavenly things, mortification of the flesh, abdication of self will, they matched the monks of Egypt, both in merit and number. Many foreign regions were by them illustrated with doctrine, and religion. Theodorus Abbot saith: This island, as it surpasseth all the world for fertility of soil, so is it more blessed for the glorious simplicity of Saints. Gaufridus likewise testifieth: Scotland, which is also called Ireland, is a fertile I'll of Saints, and equalling almost the number of stars, with the patronages of Saints. Marianus Scotus saith: Ireland is an Island full of saints, and very wonderful men. Gulimanus: Ireland is the shop of most holy and learned men. jonas Abbot saith: Ireland for faith excelleth all the Neighbour Countries. Baronius: Ireland is most constant in the Catholic Religion. Doctor Sanders: The people of that Country, are far more Catholic, than many other Nations. Flodoardus saith: Ireland for faith, surpasseth all the neighbour Nations. 
Card. Bar. ad Annum 1503.  joannes Maginus: The Irish maint aine the Christian religion purely. 
Sanderus descismat. Anglicano. Flodoard. in vita S. Hellani. joannes Maginus Pataviensis t●n. 2. fol. 36.  These than be the testimonies (dear Country men) that learned and grave Authors give to the sanctity, faith, and learning of Ireland.  
But perchance your pious curiosity will not be satisfied with these general notions, therefore I will descend to some particulars, and give a sight of a few of the many trumpets of truth, 
joan. Moll in addit. ad Vsuardum & I●d. 51. Belgij.  preachers of the gospel, and mirors of sanctity, which Ireland hath dispersed all Europe over, as witness joannes Monlanus, Antonius Yepes, Venerable Bede, Wyon, the English martyrologue, Cambden, and others: Ireland hath sent S. Columbe the Great with his twelve holy companions into Scotland. 
Yepes in Cron. generalib.  S. Columban with his twelve companions into France. S. Clement with his twelve companions into Almain. S. Buan into Island. S. Kilian into Franconia. 
Ord. S. Benedicti.  S. Scruan into the Orcadeses. S. Brendan into the fortunate Iles. S. Aydan into Northumberland. S. Finian into Marcia, 
Beda in hist. Eccl.  or the kingdom of the middle Englishmen. S. Albuin into Lorraine. S. Gallus into Switzerland. S. Virgile into Carinthia. 
Wion in ligno vitae & appendice Martyrologium Anglican. Cambden. ubi supra, & alij.  S. Cathald into Tarentum. Ireland hath given the Diocese of Cambray S. Etton, Adalgisus, Mombulus. And the Archbishop of Rheims S. Abel. She hath given to the Diocese of Mecklin S. Pumold Archbishop of Dubline, and King of Ireland's son, and S. Hiniclin. To the Diocese of Liege S. Moman Martyr, S. Foylan, ultan and Bertuin. To the Diocese of S. Omers S. Luglius King of Ireland, and S. Luglianus Archbishop. To the Diocese of Gaunt S. Livin, and Columban. To the Diocese of Antwerp S. Fredegand. To the Diocese of Namures S. Foranan, and S. Eloquius. To the Diocese of Bruges S. Guthagon. To the Diocese of Harlem S. Geron. To the Diocese of Ruremond, S. Wiron and Plechelmon. To the Diocese of Balduke S. Dymphna, and Oda Martyrs, and Virgins of royal blood, and S. Gereberne. These were the masters of faith, the Ambassadors of Religion, the Euangelistés of peace, Ireland employed in illustrating foreign Countries (not to speak of Iliads, & millions that shined at home like so many meridian suns) Pastors and Bishops (to use S. Augustine's phrase) who were grave, 
Aug. lib. 1. cont. Iuli●  learned, holy, earnest defendors of the truth, who sucked the Catholic faith with their milk, and took it with their meat, whose milk, and meat they ministered to the little and great.  
Hitherto dear Countrymen, I have exhibited Ireland to your consideration, giving you rather a transitory sight, than a full vieu of the beauty, and majesty, the finger of the Almighty hath imprinted on her face. Now it resteth that I present to your favourable aspects another no less grateful, and eysome an object S. Patrick your glorious Abbot, from whom Ireland received faith, religion, piety, and whatsoever else in this kind she holdeth glorious, deemeth dear, or accounteth honourable. 
Plavius Dexter in sua omnicomoda historia.  I do not deny that S. james the Great came long before S. Patrick to plant the Christian Religion in Ireland, as Flavius Dexter an ancient Author living in the same age with jerom, joannes Gill, and Vincentius Bellovacensis teach. Grant S. Mansuetus an Irish man by birth, and disciple to S. Peter the Apostle, was sent by S. Peter himself in the year of our Lord 49. to preach the Gospel in Ireland, 
Vincentius Bellova. & joannes Gill.  as it pleaseth Fisingrennsis Admit Palladius, suppose Cataldius, grant Derlanus, Ytarus, Riaranus, & Hildebertus for the reduction of Ireland from paganism, this notwithstanding the full reclaim and entiere conversion of Ireland was reserved for S. Patrick, 
Fisingresis.  who won her to the detestation of Idols, and worship of one true and living God, and this none will control or gain stand, but such as are possessed with the spirit of contradiction, and who are more earnest to jangle, than desirous to be informed of the truth. His life which here we offer you, will abundantly teach how stupendious he was in perpetrating of miracles, how admirable in all kind of sanctimony, and how inflamed with the zeal of gaining souls.  
He wrote as Pitseus witnesseth, many works. 
Pitseus de illustrioribus Brittaninae scrip. aetat. 5. fol. 90.  Of the future life of the Elect, one book. Of the three habitacles, one book. A journal of Confession, one book. The history of Ireland, one book. Offermons, one book. One book of Epistles against the superstitions of the Gentiles. An epistle to the inhabitants of Aualon. Several epistles to the Britons. Several epistles to the Churches of Ireland. Hodeoporicon or (Itinetarium) of Ireland, one book.  
He lived an hundred and two and twenty years, most part of which time he spent in reclaiming the Irish from idolatry to the agnition of one true God: during the course of so many years so fruitfully spent among us, his pen never delivered, his tongue never uttered, nor himself never practifed indeed any thing that might have the least colour of favouring or establishing that Religion, which the preachers of the fifth Gospel proudly vaunt, and vainly boast, to be the doctrine and faith of the Primitive Church. And since they obtrude their new found Gospel on you, under the specious vizard of venerable antiquity; lo we offer here S. Patrick's life, written by a learned pen 400. years ago, and extracted out of the several volumes, S. Luman, S. Benignus, S. Mel, S. Patrick the younger, and S. Levinus have compiled of his famous acts and stupendious signs. Lo I say we offer them Saint Patrick's life, who lived in the purer times of christianity, let them examine it, let them search it, & point us out what they shall find in it to countenance their cause, or to advance their religion: but sure I am they will shrink from such a disquisition, as would turn to their notable prejudice and open confusion, by discovering the fondness and novelty of their religion. For nothing will occur here but quires of sacred virgins cap. 17. §. 2. and cap. 18. §. 4. and troops of holy monks, ibid. etc. 13. §. 5. cap. 12. §. 3. They will admire at the frequent mention of holy Veils cap. 10. §. 1. etc. 13. §. 5. and Ecclesiastical tonsure, cap. 4. §. 1. Holy water, cap. 16. §. 5. Vessels of holy oils cap. 15. §. 4. Hallowed fire, cap. 5. §. 2. The sign of the Cross cap. 18. §. 2. & alibi, sound very harshly in Protestants ears. Our wiving Ghospellers hold no commerce, or society with a continent and chaste Monk cap. 20. §. 3. cap. 22. §. 1. The refined Ritualists of Geneva, will never acknowledge our glorious Prelate, walking in the majesty of a Roman Pallium. These delicate reformers, will never challenge a religious, consumed with fasts and weakened with haircloth cap. 1. §. 7. cap. 20. §. 3. as a disciple of their sensual Paleness, coming of long standing in cold water cap. 20. §. 3. a thing never practised by our tender ●olifidians. Short and broken sleeps taken all alone on a hard flint cap. 20. §. 3. seem strange and absurd in the Theology of our libidinous Ministers, who lie immersed in beds of down, not alone, but embracing their sweet hearts with greater devotion, than ever any Genua Bible.  
This rigid tenor of life, savoureth much of Martin, and German, those austere old men, whom S. Patrick glorieth to have been his masters & instructors c. 3. §. 1. This child of grace glorieth to have had so worthy educators, whose lives, if any list to peruse, he shall quickly discern, how far they were from impressing in his hart, any thing that relisheth to Lutheranisme or Caluinisme. But what need I run so far into these proportionles parales? When as the monasteries our glorious Apostle erected; the Churches he founded; the Cloisters he governed; the Bishops he consecrated; the Priests he ordained; the Virgins he veiled; the penance he preached; the mortification he exersiced; & the progeny from him descended proclaim to the world that he advanced no other colours of religion, than those, under which Christ's militant spouse the Catholic Roman Church marcheth at this present day. And though the whole body of the reformed religion lieth a bleeding at all her veins (and had been long since buried in the cenders of oblivion did it receive no more support from the temporal sword, than it doth from the sword of the spirit) being so deeply lanced, & cruelly wounded by the irresistible weapons wherewith Ekius, Castro, Bellarminus, Baronius, Fevardentius, Becanus, Canon, Stapleton, Panagaroll, & other valiant champions of the Catholic cause, have copiously stored the Arsenals of their famous writings: yet will I here (to remove all ambiguity in behalf of S. Partrick) furnish the scrip of your memories with five most bright stones taken up out of the torrent of our glorious Apostles life, wherewith if you charge the sling of your tongues, the weakest among you shallbe able to encounter, & cast down any temerarious, & Goliah-harted protestant that should undertake to renew the lost field, or to recover the gained breach, or to breath life a new into these five (for examples sake) death-sicke members of the fifth Gospel. Every King, & temporal Prince is head of the Church within his own dominions, and signeories. The holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, is but a bare type & naked figure: no religious worship is to be exhibited to the sacred relics of Saints: the Mass deserveth not the honour or name of a sacrifice, it being but a fantastical stage-show, fraught with ridiculous gesticulations: sole & naked faith is able to tramport us to the haven of interminable happiness. What, is this the symbol that Patrick hath planted with infatigable pains, & roborated with stupendious miracles? Is this the form of belief that hath engendered in our worthy Ancestors such contempt of sublunar felicity, such detestation of sensual blandishments, & such thirst of heavenly beatitudes? Why then did Patrick seek and accept of his mission from the Roman chair c. 3. §. 2. & 4? Why did he procure her privileges and indults c. 17. §. 2? Why did he not misprise the title of Apostle, the office of Legate, the Pallium of Bishop she bestowed of him, c. 17. §. 33? Where doth he treat with Kings, touching the undergoing this care of preaching? Or where is the least mention to be found that he was employed by them in this charge? We find in this volume, c. 10 §. 2. & 4. that he revoked to life, & enspirited again, the dead bodies of Kings, but never that he entitled them heads of the Church, & surely he was no less faithful in designing of these living under one supreme and sovereign Pastor, than he was fortunate in reviving them. By S. Patrick's verdict then, not Kings, but Bishops are governors of the Church & Precedents of faith. The modern sect masters deprive you of the substance, and substitute but a bare shadow of Christ's body in the holy Eucharist. But more liberal is Patrick, who confidently teacheth (q) the blood & body of our spouse, to be shrouded under these visible symbols c. 6. §. 6. etc. 16. §. 5. and styleth it, a divine Viaticum, c. 10. §. 2. These pure Gospelers deign not scarce the honour of sepulture to sacred bodies, of whose cinders S. Patrick delivereth magnificent eulogies, & prophesieth gloriously c. 12 §. 5. and brought himself from Rome relics of the Apostles & Martyrs, together with a sheet died with our Saviour's blood, causing them to be shrined sumptuously, & worshipped religiously c. 17. §. 3. Calum & Luther's progeny, are so incensed against the holy sacrifice of mass, that they are not only content to abrogat the use thereof, but they would have the very name obliterated. But S. Patrick was a most earnest establisher of the Mass, by the confession of protestants themselues, so that with the bare instruments used in that mysterious oblation he wrought stupendious signs, c. 11. §. 2. & delivered many honourable encomioms of it. Now as for salvation attained by sole faith, the Proto-patriark of the fifth gospel, is so serious to establish this wicked Theorem, that in favour of it, he shameth not to discard canonical Scripture; thinking perchance that himself being the Apostle of a god & goddess Bacbus & Venus might by authority down weigh & over the Apostle of jesus Christ. S. Patrick was so far from allowing of this exotic and unchristian paradox, the sluice to all flagitiousnesse, that he termeth with S. james, Faith that is not animated by good works, a dead, and lifeless faith, nay no faith at all, that in any wise avails towards our final happiness. By this Antithesis of these five articles in debate between us and Protestant's (not to enterlarge me any more in a cause so perspicuous in any dispassionate eye) the Antinomy or opposition of the fifth gospel, and S. Patrick's religion, is rendered so luculent and manifest, that the proudest Achilles of the Protestant side, unless he be moonsick, will never presume to accept of the combat on the open plain of S. Patrick's life. Now to declare the trial of so indifferent and unpartial a bar, and to flinche from the unpreiudicate verdict of Saint Patrick (who lived within the compass of the five prime ages of the confessed purity of faith and religion) cannot but put all Catholics, and especially Irishmen, in suspicion of their fraudulent demportement, and foul wracking impostures, since it was Patrick that brought to them the brightsome light of true, and never failing faith, if ever she blazed her glorious beams on the face of Ireland (and I suppose none will be so impudent as to deny she did) since it was Patrick that planted Ireland, a Paradise of pleasures, whether Elias would not disdain to be transported in his fiery Caoch to glut his mind with her marvelous delights, since it was he that consecrated her as it were a third heaven, whether S. Paul would willingly be ravished to contemplate her delightful marvels, since it was he that disimpestered her by the sovereign influxion of his sacred benediction, of the encumbrance of serpents, scorpions & other venomous animals, since it was he that beautifyeth her with the stately structures of religious monasteries, garnished her with many miriades of renowned Saints, enriched her with copious treasures of sacred privileges, so that scarce any corner can be found in Ireland, that is not sanctified with some worthy monument of his holy benediction. What hitherto we have instanced in a more ample and diffuse manner concerning S. Patrick our chief patron and Apostle, the same we may avouch no less of S. Bridgit the seconde in the number of our holy patrons: how far she was from holding with Protestants, or breaking with Catholics, her life will give ample testimony. The same we may as well aver of S. Columbe, who is the third in the glory of patronising Ireland; for he taught no other religion in Britain or the lesser Scotland, then that himself learned in Ireland, or the greater Scotland. What this religion was, Protestant or Papistical, I leave it to the arbittement of any that will with conscience peruse his life, which here we have compendiously set down. Hear then, O worthy children with an obsequious ear, the doctrine of your thrice worthy Father S. Patrick, and of your two other holy Patrons, bind it on your fingers, 
Prou, 1.  and write it in the tables of your hearts, to prevent that you sink not so deep in the gulf of true misery, as you have soared high in the air of Christian glory, to prevent that the world, that hitherto hath proclaimed your impregnable fidelity, declaim not against your damnable perfidy: If sinners entice you, do not condescend to them; for their feet do run to evil. What greater evil can they run into, then to varnish their nowell religion, with the grave colours of venerable antiquity? Or what greater imposture can they impose on you, then to father their protestant paradoxes, on the primitive Christians? Can any conceive that our modern sect-masters, after the revolution of so many ages, see more clearly, or practise more faithfully, the religion that flourished in the first five centuryes after our redemption, then S. Patrick who lived within the compass of the said times? O no! This brag then of their pretenced concordance with the Christians of these purer times, is a vain flourish, a painted show, a mere collusion. who is meanly conversant in the Epistles of 
a Anac. epist. 1. & 2.  Anacletus the first, Sixtus 
b Sixtus epist. 2.  the first, Euaristus 
c Euari. epist. 1.  the first, Alexander 
d Alex. epist. 1.  the first, or in 
e Diony. epist. 2.  Dionysius, 
f Euseb. epist, 3.  Eusebius 
g Silues. in Concil. Rom. c. 20  Sylvester 
h Dam. epist. 2. ad Stephanun. & Concil. Africa.  Damasus, or 
i Anast. ad Ger. & Burgundiae Episcopos.  Anastasius, but knows what to hold, and embrace concerning the primacy, and headship of the Roman sea? Who ever perused 
k Tert. de resur. carnis c, 8.  Tertullian, 
l Cyprian. epict. 54.  S. Cyprian, 
m Hylar. lib. 8, de Trin.  S. Hilary, 
n Ambros. de Sacrament. lib. 5. cap. 4.  S. Ambrose, 
o Hiero. in Ezech lib. 14.  S. Hierome, 
p August in Psal. 33.  S. Augustine, but see how patently they confess the real presence of our Saviour's blood, & body in the holy Eucharist. There is none so little versed in 
q Alex. epist. 1. c. 4  Alexander, 
r Telesp. epist. ad omnes viriliter. c. 2.  Telesphorus, 
s Anac. ep. 1. c. 2.  Anacletus, 
t Cypri. ep. 60. & 68  S. Cyprian, 
u Euseb. apud Gra●tanum de consecrat. distinct. 1.  Euseb, 
x Sylue. in acts Concil. Rom.  Sylvester, 
y Hil. ad Constan. l 3  S. Hilary, 
z Hier. ad Helbidium epist. 150.  S. Hierome, but can tell, that they acknowledge the mass to be a true and perfect sacrifice. Who is so alphabetical a Controvertist, but can bear witness that 
a Basil. erat. 40.  Basil the Great. 
b Greg. Niss. orat. in Theod.  Gregory Nissen, 
c Nazi. in julianun opostatam  Nazianzen 
d Amb. serm. de S S. Naza. & Celso.  S. Ambrose, 
e Cyr●l. Hieros'. cathe. 18.  S. Cyrill of Jerusalem, 
f Chrys. hom. 66. c●p pulum Antioch. & lib. adversus Gentiles  S. Chrisostome, 
g Hier●●. adversus Vigilantium.  S. Hierome, allow of religious honour done to Saints relics? Every yesterday-reader of the famous monuments of the holy Fathers, can tell you that (h) Origen, (ay) Didimus Alexandrinus, (k) Cyril of Jerusalem, (l) Nazianzen, (m) S. Gregory Nyssen, (n) Theophilus Alexandrinus, (o) S. Hierome, (p) S. Austin, (q) Sedulius, (r) Saluianus, openly teach and publicly profess the necessity of good works, and generally declaim against the Lutheran justification by sole faith.  
By these points insisted upon, and instanced by us, you may learn the sympathy between us modern Catholics and S. Patrick, & between S. Patrick and the Primitive Christians: and on the contrary, discover the discrepancy of the Protestant's, not only with S. Patcrike, whom I am sure they will discard for a very superstitious papist, but from all the current of the ancient Catholics, having no more alliance with than, than truth with falsehood, light with darkness, or Christ with Belial. And to return home, dear Countrymen, it is not they that converted Ireland, being a pagan Kingdom, but rather perverted her being a Catholic country, they have not illuminated her faithless, with the light of faith, but on the contrary, obscured her faithful with the fog of heresy. For which respect that remarkable censure of Tertullian may be deservedly pronounced of them: Of the administration of the word, what shall I say? Since it is their study, not to convert the Ethnics, but to pervert ours: and this glory they aim at, if they may procure the ruin of such as stand, and not the erection of them that are prostrate; for their work consists not of their own proper building, but of the destruction of the truth; they dig up our works, to build their own, so it comes to pass, that they contrive more easily the ruin of standing houses, than the structure of ruinous buildings. Since it is so dear Countrymen, persever constantly to the end, in that faith our glorious Apostle S. Patrick hath denounced & preached to you: keep yourselves entrenched within the strong & impregnable fortress of the Catholic Roman Church, which the fraud of heretics shall never undermine, nor the force of Tyrants could never overthrow, and to the new and late borne-ghospellers answer with Tertullian. 
Tertul 〈◊〉  Who be ye? Whence, and when came ye? Whence do ye now come abroad? Where did ye lurk so long? We never hitherto heard any thing of you. And with blessed Optatus: 
Optatus,  Show us the beginning of your Chair, ye who claim to yourselves holy Church? And with holy Hilary: You came newly, you rose too late, we have, what we ought to believe touching Christ, the Church, and Sacraments; for we may well suspect that it is not long since you began to appear, in regard that the good corn was sown, and grew before, and not after the darnel. You may likewise severely admonish them with that holy Doctor S. Hierom. 
S, Jerome.  Whosoever thou be'st that art a teacher of new opinions, spare the Romans ears, spare the faith that hath been praised by the Apostles mouth. Why do you labour to teach us after 400. (now 1500.) year? What we never heard of before? Why did you bring to light that which S. Peter, & S. Paul would not preach? Without this your faith, the world hath been Christian to this present day: I will profess being now an old man, that faith wherein I was borne a child. Lastly you may justly object to them the golden trumpet of the gospel S Paul, 
Gal. 1.  thundering out this terrible commination: But although we or an Angel from heaven, evangelise to you, beside that which we have evangelized to you, be he Anathema or accursed. By this is most evident with what fear, with what care, with what solicitude, with what zeal novelty is to be detested, and antiquity to be maintained, Protestancy to be avoided, & Catholic religion to be embraced, since it is not lawful for S. Peter, S. Paul, S. john, no nor the whole senate of the Apostls, nor yet for all the hosts of Angels, to set down any form of belief, other than that which hath been preached already. Now if the dissemination of the tares & new dogmats, be liable to this Apostolical Anathema or curse, & subject to so heavy a censure, questionless the embracement of them is as damnable, & implies no less than wrack of our souls everlasting weal. The terror of which dreadful menace, I pray God by the merits of our glorious Patrons & intercession of their numerous & holy progeny of Saints, that it may always sound in your ears, & sink into your hearts to the end, that amidst the swelling billows & boiling waves of enraged heresy, you may stick fast to the irremoveable rock of the Roman Church, by the strong cable of true & ancient Religion, and after attain to that everlasting beatitude, which God of his inexhausted manificence, bestoweth of them that never change their faith from him. For this and no other end, have I undertaken this traduction of our glorious Patron's lives. So wishing you dear Countrymen, all edification, and furtherance in virtue, by the perusal of this little Volume, & humbly begging for myself a part in your holy devotions, I will upon confidence of your favourable allowance, take the quality of  
Your most obsequious servant in all Christian duty, Fr. B. B. one of the Irish Franciscan Friars at Louvain.   

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE READER.  
FIRST (gentle Reader) I would have thee understand, that in this Translation of S. Patrick's life, I have followed jocelinus of Tornesio, who had written it in latin above 400. years agone, at the entreaty of S. Malachy Bishop of Conerthen, of the right Reverend Father in God Thomas, Lord Primate of Ireland, & of the honourable Knight Sir john de Curcy, as himself signifieth in his Preface, which together with many other celebrious and noteworthy things, I have willingly left out, contenting myself in this present edition, to publish a summary abridgement of the matters, that are most remarkable, and best befitting our times. If I learn that this my labour will prove grateful, I will God willing, put my hand to an entiere edition.  
Secondly, I would have thee know, that in several Chapters and passages, I have for the latin word Brittamnia, translated England, whereof I would have none to take advantage. I know the English lay claim to S. Patrick, so do the French, so do the Modern Scots. Therefore it was not my mind, or meaning to give a decissive verdict or suffrage in a matter so disputable on all sides, or to deprive any of the former nations of the right, or title they have to him. For S. Patrick is too rich a jewel, to be lost but upon good evidence, and better than I have alleged.  
Thirdly, concerning S. Bridgits life, I have translated it partly out of Cogitosus her nephew (as some do think) and partly out of Capgrave, & have my slefe distinguished it by Chapters and Paragraphes otherwise then it is in the latin, thinking that the method I observed therein, would be more for thy spiritual profit, the ornament of the work, and perspicuity of the life itself.  
Fourthly, this summary of S. Columbes life, I have abridged out of S. Adamnan, whom I have preferred before many other authors, supposing that none will be so impudent, as to deny what hath been delivered from so holy, and innocuous a pen Further for the latin word Scotia, I have most commonly translated Ireland, in regard that Ireland was anciently called Scotia, by the conspiring confession and uniform consent of all learned Writers, and especially, because it is clearer than midday, that my Author meaneth by the latin word Scotia, Ireland, which he calls sometimes Scotia, and sometimes Hibernia, in one and the self same paragraphe, whereof see clear and undenidable proofs lib. 2. cap. 6. §. 1. and lib. 3. cap. 2. §. 1. Which we have faithfully translated as they lie in the latin, to show with what sincerity and candour, and upon what iustifyable grounds, we have proceeded in this matter.  
Fiftly gentle Reader, I trust that as the desire of of advancing thy spiritual profit, made me undertake this translation: so thou wilt be pleased of thy courtesy to correct patiently, or to cover charitably, the faults escaped both in the English, and print. Truly were I able (as I was not) to invest these Saints lives in a lofty and magnificent style, yet would I prefer a a plain and simple phrase. I know that would sound sweetest in the ear, but this sinketh deepest into the hart, whereof holy Scriptures written in a phrase plain enough, give abundant testimony. But as for the faults of the press, they could not but be many, by reason of my own absence from the Print: the most principal I have noted down in the corrective table, the rest I leave to thy favourable correction, Farewell.   

THE LIFE OF THE GLORIOUS BISHOP SAINT PATRICK APOSTLE AND PRIMATE OF IRELAND.  

Of S. Patrick's Country, Parents, Birth, and some miracles wrought by him in his Infancy. CHAP. I.  
IN the village of Taburnia in Britain, hard by Emptor Town, in the South of England, there lived a man named Calphurnius, who took to wife a french Damoiselle named Conquessa, Niece to S. Martin Archbishop of Tours in France. This holy couple, lived together in great sanctity, and perfection, being just before God, and walking in his iustifications, and commandments without blame. In process of time, it pleased God to bless them with a holy, and happy issue, whom they named Patrick, who was no sooner regenerated in the laver of holy Baptism, but God began to denounce to the world, his admirable sanctity, by the voice of stupendious miracles, in manner following.  
2. A certain man strucken with blindness from his mother's womb, named Gormas, heard in his sleep a voice commanding him with the right hand of the child Patrick (newly christened) to make the sign of the Cross on the ground: 
The sign of the cross.  which voice added further, that thereupon would gush out a vain of living water, wherewith if he washed his eyes, he should recover his sight. The man obeyed the divine oracle, & found the virtue of Siloe rieterated in that miraculous fountain: Nay (which is more prodigious) at the same time, his spiritual eyes were opened, being illustrated with the gift of infused knowledged, so that of an ingorant blind man, he became a learned Reader, and understander of holy Scriptures.  
3. The holy child Patrick, increasing in years, grew likewise in grace, and as a shop full fraught with sweet perfumes, breathed forth the fragrant odours of astonishing miracles. In Emptor Town, where the holy child and his sister Lupita were brought up, under the care of an Aunt of theirs, after the dissolving of the frost, a certain sink, or Va●te, did so swell up with waters, that it threatened the destruction of many houses, and particularly the inundation did overwhelm the house wherein the holy child lived, so that all the household stuff was overflown: the Blessed child being hungry, called to his Nurse for bread: Who answered, that he was nearer drowning, then getting any thing to eat. With that the holy child dipped his fingers in the swelling waters, and sprinkling them thrice over the same with the sign of the holy Cross, commanded the sink in the name of the most holy Trinity, to retire. It was a wonder to see, the inundation, ceased, the sink or Vault became suddenly dry. For from his sacred fingers, it seemed to them that stood by, in lieu of drops of water, sparkles of fire to issue forth, which dried up those swelling waters.  
4. On a certain day in the winter time, the holy child being among a company of his playfellows, gathered up in his lap some pieces of Ice, and carrying them home, laid them on the floor. To whom his Nurse said, that it had been better, and much more fitting for the season, to have brought home wood for the fire, then so to play the wanton with the pieces of Ice. The sweet child answered wisely, saying: It is easy for the Author of nature, to dispense with the course of nature, and to make even this frozen water, serviceable for the use of fire: Then he laid the pieces together, and after praying and making the sign of the Cross upon them, he blew them: with that they took fire, which cast out such flammes, and heat, as yielded forth not only the benefit of warmeth, but also ministered great matter of admiration to all that saw it: which, what else could the same foreshow, but that this great Saint, should inflame the cold and frozen hearts of many, and with the word of God, breathed from his sacred soul, inflame them in the love of so potent a Lord?  
5. One time as Lupita, S. Patrick's sister, went to wean the lambs from their Dames, she fell, and in falling burst her head against a sharp edged Flint, that wounded her cruelly: many ran to see that great mischance, and among them the Blessed child Patrick, who by making the sign of the cross on her forehead, restored her to perfect health. In like manner did the Blessed child revive his Uncle, who died of sudden death, by making the sign of the Cross upon him, and offering his devout prayers for him. S. Patrick was by his Aunt, deputed to the charge of keeping sheep; One day, as he led them out to their pasture, there rushed out of a wood hard by, a famished wolf, who carried away one of the sheep: his Aunt missing the sheep, imputed the loss of it to the Saints negligence, in performing his charge: he supported patiently her undeserved check, & prayed to God earnestly for the bringing back of the lost sheep. Behold the next morning, the Wolf came carrying the sheep in his mouth, & laid the same before the Saint, and so went his way. The holy child's Nurse in her sickness longed much for honey, but none being to be gotten, she fell a grieving and lamenting: the holy child, blessing a cup of cold water, converted it into honey, and gave it to his Nurse, wherewith she satisfied her longing, and recovered her health perfectly.  
6. A noble man that lived in Emptor-Towne, forced S. Patrick's Aunt, to undergo the heavy yoke of servitude, giving her in charge to cleanse or empty every day, the dirt and filth of a great stable or Oxstall, where many Oxen and Horses were stabled. The virtuous woman supporred with great meekness this affliction, as coming from the hand of God. But S. Patrick offering his prayers to God for his Aunt, all the rooms were made clean, & so continued for a long time without any human help: which great miracle exciting all men to admiration, was the cause that the woman was set at liberty, and the Saint held in great veneration.  
7. The admirable progress the holy child made in the course of virtue, went far beyond the number of his years: for his tender breast abounded with plenty of divine gifts, that pure receptacle was enriched and stored with all virtues, so that in the slippery course of youth, he 'slid not into any lapse that might lie as a stain on the spotless robe of his chastity; such was his care in keeping the integrity both of soul and body unblemished. And albeit the inward motion of grace did instruct, and direct him in all his actions, yet when he came to competent years, his parents took care for his training up in learning. The child plied his book very diligently & particularly he gave himself to learn Psalms, Hymns, 
Fasts, Watching, & other works of Penance.  and spiritual Canticles, which he got by hart; for even from the prime of his youth, he was wont every day to say the whole Psalter. His tender body he chastised with fastings, watchings, and other exercises of devotion; exhibiting it a lively host, holy, and pleasing to God, & representing in his mortal body, the life of an Angel without a body.   

Of S. Patrick's being carried into Ireland: and of his captivity, and release from the yoke of servitude. CHAP. II.  
FIRE trieth gold, and the furnace of tribulation the just: to the end, that S. Patrick's virtues should become more illustrious, & his crown of bliss more glorious, he was exposed to the assaults of tentation. For some Pirates, breaking into England, carried away many captives, and among the rest S. Patrick, being then sixteen years old, of whom they made sale in Ireland to a certain Pagan petty-king named Milchoe, who reigned in the North. By Milchoes' appointment, S. Patrick was deputed to the servile charge of keeping Hogs: the holy youth, embraced patiently God dispostition, & omitted not in the mean season to exercise himself in devotion & in the care of his salvation. An hundred times a day, and as many more in the night, did he prostrate himself in prayer before God. As for his fasts, they were admirable, living on roots, herbs, and such other slight food, and full often without any corporal sustenance, neither could the rigour of the season, or sharpness of the weather, cause him at any time to intermit his exercises of devotion.  
2. After the enduring of six years' captivity, the Blessed Saint ceased not with unfatigable groans, and fervent prayers, to solicit the divine Majesty in behalf of his freedom, & return to his native soil, and parents. Whereupon one day as he was in prayer, an Angel appeared to him, assuring him that his fasts, and prayers had ascended up in the sight of God, & that his releasement was near at hand. The Angel added further, that himself was named Victor, that he was peculiarly deputed to his custody, and that at all occasions he would be ready to relieve, and assist him. Then the Angel directed the Saint to a place which the Swine had digged and rooted up, where he was to find a sum of gold wherewith to pay his ransom. Moreover the Angel told him, that at the next haven there was a Ship bound for England, which could not (God appointing it so) have a favourable wind without his presence.  
3. S. Patrick having paid his ransom to his greedy, and cruel Lord, hastened to the haven fore shown to him by the Angel, where embarking himself in the formentioned Ship, after three days sailing (the winds being favourable) they arrived safely on the coast of England, where going ashore, in travelling through a solitary, and barren Country, some four & twenty days together, they began to feel the extremity of hunger. S. Patrick all this while ●● not to preach unto them the kingdom of heaven, and the saith of the most holy Trinity, but they wilfully shut their eyes against the light of truth, vital that vexation, the mistress of virtue, gave them understanding: for being pinched with the implacable rage of hunger, the eldest of the broke out into these words: Thou seest, O worshipper of Christ, to what extremity we are brought, invocate then thy God, whose omnipotency thou blasest to the end, that tasting of his liberality, we may be ●●cited to a door, & 〈◊〉 knowledge his Majesty. Saint Patrick offered up his players to god in their behalf, and lo suddenly there appeared 〈…〉 and wild honey in such plenty, that they 〈◊〉 their present distress and were well provided for against their future necessaries. And though for the present they both thanked God, and had his Saint in great veneration; yet the 〈◊〉 gale of prosperity & plenty engendered in them an oblivion of their bountiful benefactor, and ingratitude for his singular benefit, in so much that of that miraculous provision, they offered victim and sacrifices to their Idols, and after eat of them, of which idolatrous victuals S. Patrick would not in any case taste, albeit he were earnestly entreated thereunto, but by God's favour, fasted out twenty days without any kind of corporal sustenance.  
4. Lest the greatness of miraculous signs or fasts, should extol Gods chosen vessel Saint Patrick, the Angel of Satan was permitted to buffet him. One night, the prince of darkness rushed upon the Saint so fiercely, that he deprived him of the use, and exercise of his members, and senses, and thus molested him for the space of three days: the Saint in his distress had recourse to God, his sure, and sovereign refuge, twice invoking for his help, 
The invocation of Saints  Elias the prince of Prophtes: Elias being sent by our Lord, chased away that diabolical tentation, restored the Saint to the use of his senses, and members, illustrating him both inwardly & outwardly with immense splendour. The Saint overcoming this assault of the adversary, together with some other difficultyes in the way, returned home to his native soil, to the unspeakable joy of his Parents, who requested him with tears in their eyes, not to deprive them any more of the contentment Parents reap of their child's presence. The mirror of obedience Patrick, out of reverence & respect to his Parents, remaining with them for a while.   

Of a vision Saint Patrick had touching the conversion of Ireland: of his journey to Rome, where he was made Bishop, and of his mission by the Pope's holiness for Ireland. CHAP. III,  
WHILES S. Patrick lived with his Father, one night, he saw in a vision as it were a man of a comely countenance, and carriage, bringing many letters from Ireland, and giving him one to read: which when he began to read, he found written in the very beginning: Haec est vox Hibernigenarum. This is the voice of the Irish nation. Having read the beginning, and intending to go on with the rest, it seemed to him that he saw in spirit, the Irish infants shut up yet in their mother's wombs, crying to him with a loud voice: We pray thee, O holy man Patrick, that thou come, & converse with us & set us free. The Saint could not read any further, but awaking out of sleep, he rendered many thanks to God, and by reason of the vision, he persuaded himself, that God called him to convert the Irish nation, that seemed to crave and desire his presence: & being desirous to know further the divine pleasure touching this affair, he had recourse to God, who by the Angel Victor, commanded him to repair into France, there to be trained up in Christian learning, and discipline.  
2. S. Patrick, as God appointed him, went into France, and there repaired to S. German Bishop of Antisiodorum, with whom he lived some eighten years all which time he employed in studying the holy Scriptures: He was by S. G●rm●n promoted to holy orders successively, & lastly invested with the sacred order of Priesthood. 
Holy orders Priesthood.  Saint Patrick's earnest desire of attaining to greater grace of divine knowledge, made him repayne to his Uncle S. Martin Archbishop of Tours: this holy Bishop being a Monk himself, clothed his Nepheu Patrick with a monks weed and instructed him in regular discipline, 
S. Patrick was a Monk.  and monastical observances, which the Saint embraced very willingly, and according to the tenor of them, directed his life 〈…〉. So taking their leaves each of other, S. Patrick returned to his old master S. german again.  
3. S. Patrick determined with himself to go to Rome, 
S. Patrick would not undergo the conversion without the Pope's special leave.  to be better instructed in the Ecclesiastical constitutions, and Canons being 〈◊〉 with all that his journey for Ireland might be approved, and ratifyed by Apostolical authority; which his determination when he opened to S. German, he liked well thereof, and joined with him the servant of God Sergerius the Priest as a comfort in his travails, & as a faithful witness of his holy conversation. Setting himself on his way, by divine inspiration he went to a certain Ermite of great fame, sanctity, and merit, named justus, living in an I'll of the Tyrrhene Sea, where after charitable salvations, and some spiritual conference passing between them, the holy man justus, delivered to S. Patrick a little staff, which he said he received out of our Saviour's own hands, to give to him. Saint Patrick after some days abode with the servant of God justus, went on his journey to Rome, being enriched with that holy staff, that God had sent him. O singular gift descending from the Father of lights! For as by Moses' Rod, God wrought many prodigious wounders in bringing the Israelites out of the house of bondage, so by this holy staff, which himself sent to his true servant Patrick, did he work wonderful miracles in the conversion of many Nations.  
4. After the Saints safe arrival at Rome, he visited with great devotion, 
S. Patrick honoured the relics of Martyrs, & prayed at their shrines.  and reverence, the memories of the Apostles, and Martyrs, & coming to the Pope's acquaintance, his holiness admitted him to great favour, & grace. There sat then in the Apostolical chair (both by name, and conversation) Pope Celestimus the first, the three and fortieth after S. Peter. The Pope's holiness finding S. Patrick sound in faith, learning, and sanctity, 
S. Pat. was made Bishop by the Pope.  consecrated him Bishop, & determined to employ him in the conversion of Ireland. His holiness had sent before into Ireland for that end, another Doctor named Palladius his own Archdeacon, on whom he bestowed store of books with Relics of the Apostles S. Peter, and S. Paul, & of many other Martyrs. But he finding the Irish nation, obstinately bend against the doctrine of truth, departed from Ireland, & intending to return back to Rome, died in the way. The Pope's holiness being certified of Palladius death, 
S. Patrick's mission.  commanded S. Patrick to succeed him, in that charge of preaching the Gospel to the Irish nation. S. Patrick, with twenty more famous for learning, and sanctity, whom his holiness had given him as his coadjutors in that great work he was to undertake, set himself on his journey towards Ireland: In the way he repaired to his old master and instructor, S. German, of whose gift he received chalices, vestments, and other like Church stuff.  
5. As S. Patrick took shipping in England for to pass into Ireland, where a poor leper besought the Saint most earnestly to carry him into Ireland, the Saint of the abundance of his piety condescended to the distressed lepers request, but the Mariners would not in any case admit him into the Ship: the Saint full of confidence in God, cast out into the sea a hallowed Altar stone, 
Hallowed Altar stones.  which his holiness had bestowed upon him, and made the leper to sit on it. O prodigious wonder, that stone set on & loaden in that manner, being supported by the Head corner stone, floated on the waves against its own nature, and went side by side with the Ship all the seas over, and even with it came to the shore. When they came in sight of the land, the Saint saw an host of Devil's environing the Island, and opposing themselves as a strong Bulwark, to hinder his entrance into the Country. But the Saint was nothing terrified at the sight of these ugly spirits, knowing that there were more, and far more potent with him, then against him: wherefore making the victorious sign of the Cross against them, he chased away all that army of diabolical fiends.   

Of S. Patrick's arrival in Ireland: of the conuersent● a noble Man named Dichum; and of many miracles wrought by the Saint. CHAP. FOUR  
SAINT Patrick with his holy family, landed at Inuerds' haven in Leinster, and thence, having first refreshed him after his long navigation, sailed towards the North: for he had a great desire to bring Milcho, in whose service he was all the time of his bondage, to the knowledge of the true God, and of his Religion; but God disposing it so for the greater gain of souls, the Saint arrived in Vlidia, where being ready to go ashore, a multitude of Pagans stood there in a readiness to hinder his entrance; for the Magicians, and Divines of that Region, prophesied of his coming in manner following: There will one come with his crown shaved, & in his hand a crooked staff, his 〈◊〉 shallbe set in the East of his house, and his people shall stand behind him, from his table he will sing blasphemies and all his family will answer, Amen, Amen: This man when he shall come, will destroy our Gods, overthrow our Altars, and Temples, seduce the people after him, he will subdue, or cut off our Kings, that will resist him, and his doctrine shall reign for ever. Which moved Leogarius the son of Neil being then the Monarch of Ireland, to command his subjects throughout all his dominions, to watch all the havens, and ports, to the end, they might drive S. Patrick away, wheresoever he meant to land.  
2. As S. Patrick went to the shore, being all alone, the cruel Pagans incited a most fierce dog to assail the Saint, but the Dog no sooner saw God's servant, but he became mute, and as stiff as a stone, which when a certain man of great strength, of a huge stature, and fierce spirit, named Dichu, saw, he drew out his sword, thinking to kill the Saint, but God opposing the shield of his divine protection, all his strength failed him, and such a stiffness grew over all his body, that he could neither stir hand, nor foot. The noble man seeing this great miracle wrought upon himself, became another man; for he, and all his house believing in Christ, were baptised, & Dichu having obtained health both of soul, and body, bestowed upon Saint Patrick the place where that miracle happened, with all the appartenances for the building of a church. The place is called, S. Patrick's Barn even to this day: in process of time, 
Savall, that is S. Patrick's grange.  the Saint built thereon a fair Monastery, which he furnished with a company of perfect Monks, over whom he placed S. Dunnius his own disciple, as Abbot.  
3. One day as the Saint said Mass in the said Church, 
S. Patrick said mass.  a sacrilegious Magician, the child of perdition stood without, and with a rod put in at the window, cast down the chalice, & shed the holy Sacrament; but God without delay severely punished so wicked a sacrilege, for the earth opening his mouth after a most strange manner, devoured the Magician, who descended a live down to hell: the Saint sorrowed much for the effusion of the Chalice, and as he afflicted himself with bitter tears, the Chalice by divine virtue was erected in its own place with the sacrament so entire, that there appeared no sign, nor mark of the effusion. The same severe revenge did almighty God exercise upon another Magician, for attempting to kill the Saint.  
4. S. Patrick leaving his furniture in the custody of Dichu, his first be gotten in Christ, went himself, 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 Saviour, but the wicked wretch fearing that S. Patrick's efficacious preaching should soften his stony hart, and withal disdaining to submit himself to the doctrine of him, who in former times had been his slave, when he heard of the Saints approaching, being given over into a reprobate sense, and gathering all his substance in a heap together, he set fire to it, and after cast himself into the midst of the flames, as a sacrifice to the infernal Furies: But Milchoes two Daughters, were converted to the faith by Saint Patrick, and received the grace of Baptism, wherein both were named Emeria. These holy virgins were endued in their life, with many ornaments both of grace, 
Miracls wrought at the sepulchre of Saints  and virtue; and the many miracles wherewith according to S. Patrick's prophecy God honoured their sepulchre in Cluainbron, give evident testimony, that they are translated to a better life.  
5. As S. Patrick passed through the country, sowing the seed of evangelical doctrine, he became acquainted with a youth named Mochna, whom by divine inspiration he knew would prove a chosen vessel; the holy youth Mochna, embraced willingly S. Patrick's doctrine; the Saint himself baptised him, and taught him his cross row. The youth within the compass of one month learned all the psalter, and before a year came to an end, attained the understanding of holy Scriptures. After a while as S. Patrick passed by that place, Mochna repaired to him, and being both in talk of divine matters, a pastoral staff sent from heaven, fell just between them: S. Patrick took great joy in that miraculous gift, & turning to Mochna, said to him: Know my dearest child, that by this pastoral staff, you are designed to take upon you the charge of souls, promoting him therefore (though much against his will) to holy orders, at last he installed him Bishop of Edruim. 
Holy orders.  S. Mochna did great good in the Church of God, by means of his holy conversation, and singular doctrine, and ascended to the triumphant, being endued with the ornaments of rare virtues, and glory of many miracles.  
6. Leogarius the Monarch, to keep his subjects in awe, and subjection, constrained all his Princes, and great Lords, to give him hostages of their loyalty, among others he had Dichu's sons as pledges of their Father's fidelity: when King Leogarius, who was wholly addicted to superstition, and idolatry, heard that Dichu and all his family was converted to the Christian Religion, he fell into a great rage, and chafe against him, & commanded that his two sons, who where hostages should be put to death, by keeping all manner of liquor, and drink from them. The Saint knowing by divine revelation of that most cruel commandment, had his recourse to his wont weapons of holy prayer; and lo the night following, an Angel coming into the prison, presented to the young noble men a sovereign liquor, that quenched their present thirst: and which is far more strange, extinguished in them all appetit of drinking, until within a few days he came again, and released them at S. Patrick's intercession.   

How S. Patrick prophesied that S. Benignus should succeed him in the Primacy of Ireland, and of many hard conflicts the Saint had with King Leogarius, and his Magicians. CHAP. V.  
THE solemn feast of our Saviour's triumphant Resurrection approached, which S. Patrick determined to celebrat with great solemnity in a fair, and spacious field called, Breage, and there by evangelizing the Kingdom of heaven, and administering the sacrament of holy Baptism, to increase the number of the faithful; for which end he went to a certain noble man's house, hard by the field aforesaid. The noble man, whose name was Sesgnen, entertained the Saint very courteously, and was himself with all his house, converted to the true faith. 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 benign and sweet, being beloved both of God & men, worthy of eternal glory in heaven, and to be reverenced of all men upon earth. This holy child could not be separated from the company of the Saint; for when the Saint laid him down to rest, the child stealing from his Father and Mother, fell down at his feet, embracing them very lovingly, and fixing many a sweet kiss upon them. The next morning as the Saint got up into his Coach, having one foot in the boot of his Coach & another upon the ground, the child took him by the feet, beseeching him after a most earnest manner, not to leave him behind: and returning to his Parents, that laboured to detain him, he said weeping, & crying out aloud: Get you hence, Get you hence, dismiss me, I pray you, that I may follow my spiritual Father. The Saint beholding, & admiring such great devotion in such a tender breast, gave the child his benediction, & prophesied, that he should be his Successor in the Primatship of Ireland, which thing fell out accordingly.  
2. The holy Bishop solemnised the Paschall feast in the foresaid field, 
Candles used in the divine office.  and according to the custom of holy Church, did light the candles with hallowed fire. The Idolatrous people celebrating at that time, a great solemn feast of theirs called Rach, 
Hallowing of fire on Easter saturday  in which feast (dedicated to the Prince of darkness) the children of darkness used no light, for it was the custom with them, to quench the fire in all places thereabouts, and it was treason for any to light it, before it were seen lighted in the King's palace. King Leogarius with all his nobility, than kept court at Tarach his principal house, 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 answered, as it were by way of prophecy; If this fire be not extinguished this night, the kindler of it with his followers, shall bear rule in all this kingdom. The King being wholly incensed hereat, hastened 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. 
Psal. 19 v. 8.  Upon the sight of all these chariots, the Saint sung that verse of the psalm. These in chariots, and these in horses, but we will invocate in the name of the Lord our God. When the King came near the place, he sent for the Saint, commanding him to make his appearance before him. The divine office being ended, the Saint came, but none of the Courtiers, as the King commanded, exhibited him any reverence or honour, except one Hercus, who rose & saluted the Saint very officiously. The Saint gave him his benediction, and promised him life everlasting. Hercus receiving the grace of regeneration, and leading a life conspicuous both for miracles and virtues, being after made Bishop, departed to a better life in the city of slain.  
3. A certain Magician that was in great favour with the King, & whom the King honoured as a God, opposed himself against S. Patrick, even in the same kind that Simon Magus resisted the Apostle S. Peter: the miserable wretch being elevated in the air by the ministry of Devils, the King and the people looked after him, as if he were to scale the heavens, but the glorious Saint with the force of his fervent prayers, cast him down unto the ground, where dashing his head against a hard flint, he rendered up his wicked soul, as a pray to the infernal Fiends.  
4. The Magicians death put the King in a great rage, so that with a great troup well appointed for so cruel a masacre, he attempted to kill the Saint. Who perceiving their desperate intention, 
Psal. 6● v. 1.  began to sing that verse of the Psalm: Let God arise, and let his enemies be dispersed, let them that hate him fly from his face. Almighty God, in whose protection the Saint was, with thunder and lightning struck some of them down stark dead, and the rest he put to flight. The King having but four in his company, hid himself in a close room from the fury of God: the Queen falling prostrate before the Saint, undertook in the behalf of her husband, that he would adore the true God, & submit himself to the Saints directions, who praying to Almighty God, the vehement storm ceased; The King came, as the Queen had promised, covering with the veil of humility the obstinate malice of his hart, in show and outward adoration acknowledging the sovereign majesty of God, he entreated the Saint, that he would be pleased to come to his court, promising that he would be wholly directed & governed by the St.: whereto he condescended, albeit he were not ignorant of the King's deep & wicked dissimulations  
5. But the wicked King being obdurate in his malice, beset all the way, whereby the Saint was to pass, with armed chariots; for every several passage he belayed with nine chariots, to the end if he escaped one passage, he should be entrapped in another. But the malice of man, cannot prevail against the goodness of God, who conducted his true servant Patrick with eight more, and the holy youth Benignus invisible through the midst of their blood-thirsting enemies to Tarach, where the King kept court. When the Saint entered the King's palace, none did exhibit him: any honour, or reverence, excepting the King's Poet, who with great submission saluted him: which was reputed in him to justice, for he received the grace of baptism, & the poems, which before he sung in honour of the false Gods, thence forwards he employed in praising the true and living God.  
6. The wicked King seeing he could not by force cut off the Saint, attempted to make him away by fraud; for by the hand of his Magician, he offered the Saint a poisoned cup, which to the great astonishment of all the company, he drunk off without receiving any damage thereby, but the Magician fearing to be overcome with his diabolical spells, caused a fantastical snow to fall over all the adjoining country: in like manner by force of his magical charms, he overcast all the land with a palpable darkness, the one or other he was not able to remove, as himself publicly confessed. But S. Patrick, the child of light, offering his devout prayers to the Sun of justice, chased away both the fantastical snow, and diabolical darkness: the people of that Region, who sat in darkness, now seeing this great light, praised the true God & magnifyed his holy servant S. Patrick  
7. All this could not bring the child of Belliall, the Magician, to any good; therefore to discern the light of faith from the darkness of idolatry, & the verity of true doctrine, from the vanity of magical levity, a new course of trial was set down: for by the appointment of all the company, S. Pawicke, and the Magician according thereunto, a new house was built after a strange & extraordinary manner, the one half being made of green Oak, 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 attired in the Magicians apparel, was placed in the part that was made of dry wood, and the Magician with S. Patrick's vestment, was placed in the part that was built of green Timber: this being done, fire was put to the house. O strange and unheard event▪ the fire burned the Magician with the green part of the house, even to ashes, leaving not so much as the least sign of burning in the Saints vestement. But the holy youth Benignus was not touched by the fire, nor received any harm by it, the Magicians garment being consumed into ashes. Behold then the renovation of the miracle of the three Children in the Babylonian furnace, registered by Daniel in his book of prophecies.  
8. For all this King Leogarius, relented not from his wicked malice, but rather hardened his hart like another Pharaoe; for in revenge of the Magicians death, he contrived by all means possible the Saints utter destruction, finding many of his subjects willing & prompt to execute his bloody purpose but Almighty God the powerful protector of his servant, armed the zeal of senseless creatures to fight against those senseless idolaters, for the earth gaping horribly, swallowed down to the bottomless pit of hell those officers of malice, and many of the Citizens of Tarach, who had any hand in this wicked design. This severe revenge struck such a terror in their minds, that all the people of the Country thereabout, fearing to incur the like danger, became Christians, & received the grace of Baptism, but the wicked King, he could not reclaim: therefore he thundered out his malediction against him, denouncing prophetically, that none of his progeny should reign after him in the kingdom, but that it should descend to his younger brother. But the Queen embraced the Christian Religion, received Baptism at the Saints hands, and ended her days happily. After this he went over all the country, preaching the Gospel, our Lord working withal, & daily confirming his doctrine with sundry miracles.   

Of S. Patrick's sisters Tygridia, Darercha, & Lupita, and of S. Patrick's journey into Meath and Connacke. CHAP. VI  
SAINT Patrick had three sisters of remarkable sanctity & perfection, whose names were Tygridia, Darercha, and Lupita. Tygridia was the happy mother of seaventene sons, and three daughters, all the sons were either Bishops of renowned sanctity, or else Priests, and Monks of great perfection. The daughters became Nuns, & ended their days in great sanctity. The Bishop's names were Brochaduis, Brochanus, Mogenochus, & Lumanus, who came with their Oncle into Ireland, and laboured diligently in cultivating the field of our Lord. Darercha his youngest sister was mother to the three holy Bishops Mal●● Much, and Munis, who also following their Oncle, became diligent work men in our Lord's vineyard.  
●. S. Patrick departing Vlidia, came by sea up to Meath, and struck in at Brine-mouth, where leaving his Nepheu S. Lumanus to keep the ship, he hastened into the country to preach the Gospel. S. Lumanus added forty days more to the forty days, which S. Patrick had commanded him to expect his own return, then being weary of his long abode in that place, one day (the winds being contrary) he commanded the ship in the name of God, and of S. Patrick, to convey him to some commodious place. O miracle, the ship without any pilot, sailed against the wind & water, and carried him so far as Trim into the Country, there did he convert to the Catholic Religion, a young noble man, named Forkernus, & afterward his Father named Feleminus, & baptised him with many others in a fountain, which in their presence, he produced out of the earth by his prayers. There by furtherance of Feleminus God's servant, he builded a Church some twenty five years before the foundation of Ardmach, where himself was installed Bishop; his Nephew having been well trained up in learning, he invested with the holy order of Priesthood, & at his death he commanded him to take the government of that Bishopric upon him: which he did for the space of three days of obedience to his spiritual Father, & then resigned it over to one Cathladius an English man.  
3. King Leogarius had two brothers, the eldest (named Coibre) was like himself in wickedness, & infidelity. The other brother (called Conall) took no more of his brother's nature, than the fish taketh of the salt sea, nor the rose of pricking thorn. The child of perdition Coibre, would not listen to the Saints doctrine, but threatened to kill him, and whipped his servants. The Saint perceauing him to be obstinate in his infideliry, and reproved of God, said to him by way of prophecy: In regard thou hast cast off the sweet yoke of Christ, none of thy posterity shall enjoy thy Kingdom▪ but it shallbe transferred to thy younger brother. Which afterward fell out to be most true.  
4. S. Patrick left the children of darkness, & repaired to the place where Conall lived, who received the Saint with great joy and exultation, and opening his ears and hart to the doctrine of life, was incorporated to Christ by the laver of regeneration. Conallus the child of grace bestowed his court, with all the adjoining territory upon the Saint, whom he besought most earnestly, that for the better enlarging of Christian Religion, he would be content to build a city for himself, and for his holy company, in that place. The Saint accepted thereof, and congratulating much at his charity, yielded to his loving request, and built the city, which now is called Domnach Phadruig, that is, Saint Patrick's city, and not far off, appointed a place for the building of a new palace for Conall, as himself desired. Then giving his benediction by way of prophecy, he said: Happy and fortunate shall his palace be, and many shall live happily in it, God's blessing will bless thee, and will establish thy throne, he will enlarge thy dominion, and thy brethren's offspring shall serve thy posterity for ener.  
5. S. Patrick determined with himself to go into Connact, there to preach the Gospel to the inhabitants of that Province. By the way he went to a place, where King Leogarius had an Idol, gilded magnificently over with gold and silver, called Ceancrochie, that is, the head of the Gods. This Idol was compassed about with diverse petty Gods made of brass, that inclined towards it in sign of subjection.  
6. The Saint seeing he could neither by fervent Sermons, nor great miracles, reclaim the people from the madness of their Idolatry, had his recourse to his wont weapons of holy prayers, no sooner did he then elevate his pure hands in prayer, for the subversion of the Idol, and had after a threatening manner lifted up the rod of JESUS against it, but it fell down upon the left side, and all the gold and silver dissolved into dust, the little Gods were swallowed up by the earth, even to their necks. Herupon many who saw that prodigious accident, believed in the true and living God, and were baptised in a fountain, which the Saint by his prayers produced out of the earth.  
7. After the subversion of the Idols, the S. held on his intended journey, but when he drew near the frontiers of Connact, two Magicians their magical charms over cast all the region with a horrible darkness for the space of three days, hoping by that means to debar his entrance into the country; but the Saint with fasts and prayers, chased away that diabolical obscurity, and so got into the country. King Leogarius so often spoken of, had two daughters, one was named Ethne, and the other Fedella, both of them were fostered by these Magicians. One day that these young ladies walked abroad for their pastime to a fountain hard by, there they found the Saint with his holy retinue, who endeavoured to bring them into the way of salvation, promising that if they yielded to his persuasion, they should contract a holy matrimony with the heavenly spouse: with which divine exhortation, the virgins were so inflamed, that they embraced without all delay the Christian Religion, and were baptised. Then they requested the Saint in performance of his promise, to exhibit to them the sight of their heavenly spouse. The Saint answered, you must first receive the B. blood, and flesh of your spouse, to the end that being strenghtned by tasting of that divine viaticum, you may pass to his heavenly mansion. The holy virgins believing the Saint, craved with great fervour the holy Eucharist, & received it, with no less devotion, then giving nature her due, they ascended to their heavenly spouses nuptial feast: the Magicians, who fostered them, were also converted to the Christian Religion, and received the grace of regeneration.   

Of the Conversion of Connact, and of some miracles wrought by the Saint, during his abode there. CHAP. VII.  
AFTER this, a great and solemn Council of all the province was assembled, whether came with a great retinue, the seven sons of Amlaic, a potent and rich noble man, who lived in that province. To this assembly the Saint repaired, hoping to gain many of that great multitude to Christ: A certain Magician opposed himself against the Saint, and laboured extremely to dispatch him out of the way, but Almighty God stretched out his potent arm, & with lightning of thunder, cut off the child of perdition, in the presence of all the assembly. This great, & terrible miracle induced the sons of Amlaic, with twelve thousand more, to embrace the Christian Religion, wherein they persisted firm, & constant ever after. here I forbear to treat, how the Saint converted the two holy Virgins, daughters to Gauranus: how he brought a Magician, whom the earth had swallowed up even to the ears, for attempting some mischief against the Saint, to the detestation of Idolatry: and how by rolling a stone, which a hundred men could not stir, he drew a great multitude, to believe in the corner stone, our dear Saviour jesus Christ.  
2. The glorious bishop S. Patrick, ceased not in all places to enlighten the hearts of such, as were blinded with Idolatry, so that the number of the faithful increased daily. One day coming to a place called Fearta, he found two women dead, over whom invocating the name of Christ, he restored them again to life, who being revived exclaimed against the Idols, & paynim Gods, & in the hearing of all the company, proclaimed Christ to be the true and only God: all who were present, gave glory to God, & devoutly received the sacrament of Baptism. A certain woman named Fidelina, died in travail of child birth, her friends brought her dead corpse, & laid it before the glorious Bishop, requesting him with tears in their eyes, to restore her to the number of the living, which the B. Saint did by virtue of his fervent prayers: the woman after her restoring to life again, was delivered of a son, & both of them were christened within a few days. The woman relating what she had seen of the glory of heaven, and pains of hell, excited many thousands to become Christian: this miracle the Saint reiterated in another woman.  
3. The holy Saint travailed about all Connact, never ceasing from preaching, or working of miracles, until such time as he brought all the country to embrace the faith of Christ. In many places he builded Churches, appointed Priests, & other ecclesiastical persons to direct them in the way of salvation, & to sing the divine office. In a fair and spacious field far distant from woods, & quarries, he built by miracle a fair Church, which standeth to this day. Of two rivers that were in those quarters, one called Dubh, abounding 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 devoid of all charity, dismissed the faithful servant of our Lord empty: but God the lover, and author of charity, deprived Dubh of that benefit, & bestowed it upon Drobhois, which until that time, had been barren. Hereby the prudent Reader may learn, how meet it is to entertain with all charity, the true members of Christ, and faithful servants of Almighty God.  
4. In regard of the great scarcity of Churches in Ireland, in the infancy of Christian Religion, the Blessed Saint ordained, that at the sepulchre of every Christian, who could not be buried in a Churchyard, a Cross should be erected, the better thereby to distinguish the faithful sheep, from the unbelievers, as also to excite the faithful who survived, to impart their charitable suffrages to their deceased Brethren. It happened, that at what time the Saint departed Connact, he saw the head of one, at the tombs of two lately interred, a cross standing. The Saint bid his coach man make a stand, then turning himself to the grave where the cross 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 whom the Saint replied, what then have you to do with the Cross of Christ? The dead man answered, He that is buried near unto me, was a Christian: & one of your Religion (bringing a cross by mistaking) fixed it over our grave. The Saint without delay, descended out of his coach, to put the Cross over the Christians grave, and after departed.   

Of S. Patrick's journey into Leinster, of his prophecy of Dublin, and conversion of that City. CHAP. VIII.  
SAINT Patrick having confirmed the inhabitants of Connact in the Christian Religion, made a journey into Dalnardia in the North, where 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 Gospel & kingdom of heaven, & in places convenient he ordained Bishops. It would be a work able to blunt the pen of the most eloquent Orator, to set down the stupendious miracles, which he wrought in that journey; for even like another S. Peter, with the very shadow of his body did he work miraculous cures, & so many as he received to Baptism, knowing that our adversary would labour to entangle them in his snares, he endeavoured to confirm in faith, fearing their relapse into infidelity. And because, as witnesseth S. james the Apostle: Faith without good works is dead, yea which is more, that a dead faith, is not faith. The glorious Saint laboured to excite in them that pure and sincere faith, which through love performeth good works.  
2. When S. Patrick came in his journey, so far 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 words. That village which now is very small, shallbe hereafter very eminent, it shall be enlardged in riches and dignity, neither will it cease to increase, until such time as it become the principal seat of all the kingdom. The inhabitants of that village hearing what great miracles, and signs God had wrought by the means of his faithful servant Patrick, went forth with great joy to meet him. The Lord of that places only son lay sick, even ready to yield up his Ghost: the Saint being entreated by his father, and all the assembly thereunto, went to the place, where the sick was, and by prayer restored him to perfect health, the people seeing this miracle, believed in the author of life, our Saviour jesus.  
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 pity of her, as also what the whole multitude (newly regenerated) there suffered, & that he might enkindle their thirst after the fountain of life, our dearest Saviour, he deemed it expedient to mainfest his virtue and power. The next day in the presence of many, he went to a commodious place, where striking the earth with the end of the staff of JESUS, and making his prayer, he produced thence a fair Well, full of sweet and pleasant water, and sovereign in curing many diseases, which well to this day is called S. Patrick's Well.  
4. Here the course of my history requires, that I declare how the glorious Bishop S. Patrick came to the famous city of Dublin which he found lying in the suddes of Paganism and Idolatry, but the Saint washed it with the pure waters of evangelical doctrine, and that with great facility, by reason of a memorable accident that happened, the which was this. The King and all the Citizens were drowned in sorrow & anguish, for the death of the two flourishing hopes of the kingdom, the King's only son, who died of a natural death in his bed room, and the King's daughter, who was drowned in the adjoining river; the young ladies body was drawn out of the waters, and laid by her brother's dead corpse, to solemnise their obsequies both together: In the mean time news was spread over over all the City; that S. Patrick of Ardmuch, the potent reviuer of many dead to life, was seen in the town. The King hearing thereof, rejoiced much, and caused him to come where his two children were dead, & full of faith promised, that if God by his prayers did restore his children to life, he himself with all the City, would become Christians. The Saint seeing such gain of souls in a readiness, in the sight of the King, his Nobles, and all the communality raised from death to life the princely children, whose corporal resurrection, cooperated much to the spiritual resurrection of their Father, with the rest of the people. The King was named Alphinus, his son Cochad, & his daughter. Dublinia, who gave her own name to the City. The King and all the City being astonished at this great miracle, abjured the worship of Idols, and were baptised in S. Patrick's Well, which to increase the belief of the faithful, the Saint made to gush out, by striking the point of the staff of jesus in the earth. From that day forwards King Alphinus, with all the Citizens of Dulbin obliged themselves by vow, and their posterity, to the service of Saint Patrick, and the Primates of Ardmach: moreover as a perpetual gage of their service, ordained that every company of tradesmen, should pay a yearly annuity to the Primate of Ardmach. The King, and the Princes offering each of them a talon of pure refined gold to the Saint, all which liberal gifts, the true professor of poverty bestowed upon the poor, reserving only a part which he kept for the building of Churches.  
5. The glorious Bishop, gave his benediction to the people of Dublin, and taking his leave of them, he went to a town called Cnoc, where he sent often for one named Murinus, a man of Belial, who would not in any wise present himself before the Saint, whose wisdom he deemed able to conquer the hardest hart: the Saint sent for him often, but all in vain, 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, adjoined thereunto saying: Let him sleep, let him sleep, and before the general day of judgement, let him not awake, or arise. Which being said, the Saint hastened on his journey, and the wicked wretch died a double death, both of soul and body.  
6. A wicked man named Foilge, carrying great malice, and spite to the Saint, for the destruction of the formentioned idol, called the head of the Gods, attempted to lay violent hands upon the Saint, and being not able to compass his wicked intent, he rushed very violently upon Odranus the Saints Coachman, and murdered him in the Saint's sight: the Saint stung at the hart, thundered out his malediction against the man of Belial, who being stricken therewith, yielded up his wicked spirit to be ingulfed in hell fire: But as for Odranus his soul, the Saint saw it carried up between Angels to heaven, where it was ranged among the triumphant hosts of Martyrs.   

Of S. Patrick's journey into Munster, and of the miraculous refection of 1400. with many other miracles wrought by the Saint in those quarters. CHAP. VIIII.  
THE Saint leaving Leinster, took his journey towards Monster. The King of that Country named Oengus, hearing of the approach of the glorious Bishop, went to meet him, and received him with great honour and exultation. A principal motive of the King's joy, and of receiving the Christian faith, was, that having entered his Idolatrous temple that morning to adore his false Gods, he found them all prostrate upon the ground: and albeit he did set them often up in their own place, yet still they tumbled down; for as Dagon could not stand before the Ark of God's covenant, so could not these Idols stand in their place, when the Blessed Bishop Patrick drew near unto them, who deservedly we may call the Ark of the covenant, seeing in his clean hart, he carried as in a golden vessel, the divine Manna of contemplative sweetness, the table of the divine Law, and the Rod of heavenly discipline. The aforesaid King, led the Saint with great reverence and honour to his Court at Cashell, where, upon the Saints preaching he believed in the most holy Trinity, and received the grace of regeneration.  
2. As the Saint gave the King his benediction, by laying his sacred hands upon his head, the King requiring it often, & with great devotion, it happened that the point of the Saints staff wounded the king's foot, which yet put him to no pain, in regard that his hart being wounded with ardent charity, expelled all sense, & feeling of that bodily sore: but when the Saint saw in what case the king's foot was, blessing it with the figure of Christ's banner, 
The sign of the cross.  he cured it perfectly. The king rejoicing, & giving thanks unto God, for so great a sign wrought upon him, the holy Prelate full of the spirit of prophecy, spoke to the king as immediately followeth: The blood of no King of thy stock, who shall fit in this place upon thy throne, shallbe shed, but of one only. Which prediction, the inhabitants of that Country constantly aver to have proved true, in as much as no king of his posterity was ever killed, unto the tenth generation but only one.  
3. From Cayshell the holy Saint went into Ormand, there to extirpate & root out the briers of Idolatry, and to sow in steed thereof, the pure wheat of evangelical doctrine, where God with sudden death severely punished a wicked wretch with all his complices, for disgorging impious obloquys against the Saint. At what time the Angel of peace S. Patrick passed through the country of Ciarragis, he saw two brothers named Bibradius, and Locradius, at mortal debate about the parting of their Father's inheritance, in so much that from high words, they fell to bloody blows, and strokes: the Saint fearing least so heinous a sin as fratricide, should be committed in his presence, with his holy prayers he so benumbed their hands, that they hung stiff and inflexible in the air; upon sight of that stupendious miracle, the two brethren referred their cause to be decided by the Saint's arbitrement, who not only reneved between them the league of brotherly love, but also restored to them the perfect use both of their arms & hands; the place where this miracle happened the two brothers, was bestowed upon the Saint towards the building of a Church there.  
4. After that the blessed Bishop had confirmed the people of Munster in the knowledge, and love of the true God, he took his journey towards the North, king Oengus being attended upon with twelve of his Princes, and 1400. of his subjects, followed the Saint, when he came as far as Coiveach a town lying upon a river Prosnach, where a holy Bishop named Frianus, a Roman by nation kept his residence, by divine providence it fell out, that no victuals could be had for that great company; the blessed Bishop being desirous to give the multitude a spiritual and corporal refection, commanded a Cow, by whose milk S. Frianus lived, to be made ready for supper: but what was it among so great a company? The Saint therefore directed his prayers to the heavenly sanctuary, & lo there ran out to the adjoining wood, two great Stags, and two great Hogs, which presented themselves before the Saint, who commanded that they should be likewise made ready: so all the company being set to supper, that little provision was laid before them, which by virtue of the Saints sacred benediction, served to satisfy all the company so plentifully, that a great deal of reversion was gathered up, and carried thence, which need not seem incredible to any, who will reflect with the eye of their consideration, upon our Saviour's promise: He that believeth in me, the miracles that I do, he shall also do, and greater than these shall he do.  
5. This miraculous refection was seconded by as miraculous a sign; for the holy Saint to remove and root out of their hearts the tares of infidelity, in presence of that great assembly, restored to life 19 dead bodies at once: all those who were so miraculously restored to the number of the living, rehearsed in the hearing of all the assembly, what they had seen touching the torments of hell, proclaiming Patrick's God, to be the true and living God. King Oengus, and his subjects magnifyed God, and honoured the Saint as their proper Apostle: the men who were revived were christened, & became Monks under the obedience of S. Frianus.   

Of S. Patrick's return 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 again unto the North, where King Echu reigned, who had a daughter named Cynnia, whom he loved most tenderly. This young Princess embraced S. Patrick's doctrine, and against her Father's will, & loathing a carnal wedlock, she resolved to dedicate her virginity to her heavenly spouse: her Father seeing the love of chastity so 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 means; if then for the want of so great a blessing, you promise me the kingdom of heaven, without compelling me to receive Baptism, she shall serve her Creator, as you shall think good, otherwise you shall miss of your desire. The Saint full of confidence in God, leaving all the matter to his divine disposition, yielded to the King's request. The young Lady, being veiled, & consecrated by the Saint, led a life so excelling with many ornaments of virtue, that she by her example, drew many to the service of Christ, & both in this life, & after her death, shined abundantly 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 received the veil of virginity from the Saint: to her being Superior of the Monastery of Druimduchan where a great number of sacred virgins lived, the Saint wrote a letter of exhortation.  
2. Within a few day's King Echu departed this life, who before his death commanded, that his burial should be deferred until such time as the Saint came, who knowing by revelation all what happened, made all haste possible to the king's court, where arriving he offered his fervent prayers to Almighty God in the behalf of his resurrection. The King being revived, rehearsed what he had seen touching the glory of heaven, and the torments of the damned: and further added, that he saw the place, which the Saint promised him in the heavenly glory, whereof he could not take possession, because he was not baptised: after baptism the Saint put the King to his choice, either of prolonging his days in this life, or going speedily to heaven: the King misprising all the glory of this world, in comparison of the celestial felicity, did choose to be dissolved, and to be with Christ: so taking the divine Viaticum of the holy Eucharist, he was translated to an immortal life.  
3. The Blessed Saint by occasion of difficultyes and doubts, which in some places where he preached the Gospel, were objected against the last, & general resurrection of the dead, brought to life again men, whose bodies were resolved into cinders many years before, as himself in an epistle directed to a dear friend of his beyond the seas, deposeth in these terms: Our Lord imparted to me, his unworthy little one, the virtue of doing such signs among this Pagan people, as we read never the like to have been wrought even by the Apostles themselves, so that in the name of our Lord jesus, I have revoked from the dead, bodies turned into ashes many years before, yet notwithstanding I pray that none esteem 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 thyself here, courteous Reader, and observe to what height of perfection this B. Bishop had attained, who working such, and so great miracles, was so abject, and so contemptible in his own eyes; for my part I admire more this profound humility in him, than the raising of the cad.  
4. My intended course of brevity, makes me not to set down at large, how the Saint reclaimed from idolatry a petty King called Elelius, with all his kingdom, by reviving the king's son, whom swine had torn in pieces. As also a noble man, who was very hard favoured, and contemptible in his person, by virtue of S. Patrick's prayers, became very fair of complexion, and very personable of stature, to the great astonishment of all that knew him. A tender suckeling, found in the tomb where his mother lay buried, was brought to S. Patrick, who named him Olcanus, and set him to his book, & being come to riper years, he passed into France, where he attained to great learning. Afterward coming into Ireland, he taught in public schools, and was master of many a holy Bishop, and himself became a Bishop of great merit and virtue.  
5. A certain Prince named Conallus, sought and obtained S. Patrick's blessing: his younger brother named Fergusus, came to the Saint with the like intention: the Saint having first prayed, blessed Fergusus with great attention; Conallus seeing what diligence and devotion the Saint used in in blessing his younger brother above himself, was not a little astonished, and troubled thereat. S. Patrick observing that alteration in the Prince's countenance, declared what moved him to use such diversity in blessing them, foretelling prophetically: Blessing, I have blessed thy brother Fergusus, in regard of a blessed son that shall descend from him, for his son Feleminus, shall beget a son, who shallbe called Columba, a name very answerable to his holy life, for from his Mother's womb, he shallbe full of the holy Ghost, and shallbe enriched with the treasures of divine wisdom, and understanding: he wilhe the shining, and burning lantern of his generation, and shallbe justly called the Prophet of the highest, & from the time that he comes to years of discretion, a deliberate untruth shall not escape out of his mouth. How truly this hath been presaged of S. Columba called Columcill, who was the founder of an hundred Monasteryes, the history of his life, sufficiently declareth.  
6. Within the compass of seven weeks, which S. Patrick spent in the country called Turtirini, he builded seven Churches, over which he ordained Pastor S. Connendus, a man of great virtue, and learning. After a few days S. Connedus came to S. Patrick, who commanded him to return back to his Church, foretelling that he need not to fear the effusion of his blood, for that none should be killed in that place for ever. The event hath showed his prophecy to have been most true. The B. Bishop prophesied of the nativity of S. Treha, 
Vailing of virgins.  at whose consecration a veil was sent from heaven, wherewith the Saint veiled her.   

Of the conversion of the I'll of Man, of a strange vision S. Brigit had, and of the prophesy touching the future sanctity of the Saints, Colmanellus, and Comgallus. CHAP. XI.  
SAINT Patrick seeing that in Ireland the harvest was great, and the workmen few, took shipping to pass into England, there to gather many coadjutors and fellow-helpers, in cultivating our Lords field. In those days the Arrian perfidy, and Pelagianisme took great rooting in England, which the Blessed Bishop laboured to extirpate, by reclaiming with signs & sermons his dear Countrymen to their former integrity of faith: so coming back into Ireland, he brought with him many learned and Religious men, of which number, thirty were installed by him Bishop in several Episcopal seas. In his return, he converted the Isle of man, ordaining a learned and holy person named Germanus, Bishop over that young flock, the like he did in several other Isles. It was his custom not only in cities, but even in principal towns, to install Bishops, to the end the faithful should not be deprived of the sacrament of Confirmation.  
2. After the Saints return out of England, he bestowed upon six Cleargymen, that were going in pilgrimage over the seas, a Whale's skin, wherein himself was accustomed to stand when he said Mass; having that gift of the Saints love, they nevert felt in all the time of their travail, any penury or want. In process of time they all six became very learned, and were made Bishops, & ended their days in great sanctity: their names were Lugacius, Columbanus, Meldanus, Lugadius, Cassanus, Ceranus.  
3. Three whole days without intermission, did the Saint preach to infinite multitudes, that flocked from all parts to hear him, they thought they had not been there one day, so sweet and attractive were the Saint's doctrine & discourses. In that assembly, was present the most holy virgin S. Brigit, who reclyning her head slept, which Saint Patrick perceauing, forbade that any should awake God's beloved spouse, till she pleased herself: by the issue it was manifest, that that passage of the Canticles might be fitly applied to her: I sleep, but my hart waketh, in regard that her heavenly spouse imparted his secrets to her. When she awaked, the Saint commanded her to tell in the hearing of all the people, what she had seen, who obeying him, told that she saw first a Synod of men all in white, with ploughs, oxen, and fields all white: after that she saw them to be stained with spots, and lastly to become wholly black. S. Patrick interpreted the former part to his own time wherein good works and faith, 
Faith & good works.  were united together, and exercised: the second state to the following generation, which would indeed persist in the candour of faith, but would deface it with depraved works: the third state, he referred to the insueing ages, wherein men would not only give over the exercise of good works, but also would profane their lives with renouncing of their faith.  
4. On a time S. Patrick made a journey into Dalnardia, as he passed by a place called Mucoomuir, his disciple Benignus saw quires of Angels environing that place with celestial splendour, & piercing the skies with the harmonious consent of divine praises; the vision disappering, he related to S. Patrick, all what he had contemplated, who being inspired by God, declared to his disciples, what that admirable vision pretended: Know then, said he, that a son of life, whose name shallbe Colmanellus, will build a Church in that place, where he will gather together manny sons of light, who will become with the Angels, cohabitants of the heavenly city, and he himself shallbe the primate and legate of all Ireland. In process of time all fell out to be true, as the Saint foretold.  
5. Another time S. Patrick with his holy family, ascended a little mountain, not far distant from the valley, where afterwards the monastery of Bangor was built: from the hill top they saw all the valley replenished with celestial brightness, and Angelical quires: which admirable vision, moved all the company to entreat the Saint to build a Church in that sacred valley, which the Saint would not do, but prophesying foretold: After the space of 60. years completely expired, there will be borne a son of Light named Comgallus, which is interpreted a fair pledge, who shallbe beloved both of God and men, and shall build in the place a foresaid, a Church of Saints, wherein shallbe gathered innumerable troops of the children of light, that shall dedicate themselves to the service of Christ. Not one jot of all this did pass vnaccomplished; for in the time fortould, Comgallus being borne, built the monastery of Bangor, wherein he begot to Christ by means of the Gospel, many thousands of perfect Monks: in so much, that that holy place, the fruitful mother of Saints as a vine fructifying in sweetness of odour, did extend its branches to the sea, and its plants beyond the sea; for it filled Ireland, Scotland, and many other Islands with perfect Monks, and monasteries, as also foreign Countries. One of the sons of that Monastery named Luanus founded a hundred monasteries, another named Columbanus a most holy man full of divine grace, erected many Monasteries, and was the father of a numberless number of holy Monks: he builded the famous Monastery of Luxonium in France, and Bobium in Italy, where he ended his days most gloriously, and happily.  
6. A wicked man named Fergus, who lived in Meath, hindered the Saint from building a church within his territoryes, which the Saint taking in evil part, prophesied, That none of his posterity should inherit his living, or thrive in any other Country except the infant yet shut up in his Mother's womb: which fell out accordingly. As the Saint for the like respect was to give his curse upon two brothers named Fiechus, and Enda, his disciple S. Secundinus requested him not to lay his curse upon the man, but upon the stones, that in great heaps laid hard by, whereto the Saint condescended. A marvelous thing ensued; for from that time forwardly, those stones proved unserviceable for any building, or structure. Enda did penance for the injury offered to the Saint, & presented his ninth son named Cormacus, with the ninth part of all his living to S. Patrick: the child grew up in years and grace, and ended his days in great sanctity.   

How Saint Mell, and S. Lupita, cleared themselves before S. Patrick, and of some miracles wrought by the Saint. CHAP. XII.  
SAINT Lupita, S. Patrick's sister lived in one house with S. Mell her nephew, by occasion whereof, some suspected the holy Bishop S. Mell with committing of incest with her, which aspersion the holy Bishop removed by taking many great Fishes on the dry land in S. Patrick's sight. Lupita in like manner to declare her innocency, carried hot embers in her lap without sign or token of any burning; S. Patrick seeing such great miracles, pronounced them both innocent, yet to cut off all occasion of scandal, he ordained that the men should live in houses apart from the women, building for them distinct houses, and Churches.  
2. S. Patrick being to pass the Sinny, a deep and unwadable river, that runeth between Meath and Connact, could not get a boat to ferry him over, he prayed therefore to God for help; & lo the earth did rise up so high in the river, that it gave a dry passage over to the Saint, & all his company. The Saint thought it expedient for the advancement of Religion, to build a Church there in a certain field, but the Lord who owed the place, gave him a repulse, & would not give way to the building, unless the Saint bought it with gold. The S. offering his prayers to God, went to a place, where Swine had rooted up the ground, and found there so much as was sufficient to purchase the field. Another time also did he find in the same place, so much gold, as served to buy a piece of ground, whereupon he meant to built a Church.  
3. In that Church called Ellfin, S. Patrick installed one of his disciples named Asicus, who was a Monk, making him a Bishop. S. Asicus, as Saint Patrick had appointed, brought thither a great company of Monks, whom himself governed as Abbot. This holy man upon a certain time told a lie, when he should have uttered the truth sincerely, which overlashing of his tongue, he so severely chastised in himself, that he retired himself from the company of men, and lived in a desert 7. years, unknown, & unseen to any person where he might be found: at last by his Monks, they requested him, that he would return home to his Bishopric, but he would not yield to their persuasion, judging, & pronouncing himself unworthy to exercise episcopal authority, since his tongue had been defiled with a witting untruth, which in the mouth of a Priest is, as the holy Canons declare, sacrilege; the foresaid Monks would not in any case depart from S. Asicus, but lived within that place all the days of his life, after whose death they builded a monastery there, wherein they served Almighty God in justice, and sanctity.  
4. As some of S. Patrick's disciples came by sea to visit him, there arose a great tempest, which moved the Saint to great compassion for his beloved children: some who were with him said, that the ship was not able to sustain so boisterous a storm. The Saint immediately betook himself most fervently, to his prayers; and then within a little while, in the hearing of all them who were present, he commanded the winds & waves to become calm. O stupendious event! Without delay the wind was allayed, the seas ceased to boil, and there ensued a great calm: the same day the disciples arrived, and told how they escaped that eminent danger. Another time the disciples aforesaid, coming to visit their holy father, and travaling by the sea side, they were encompassed by the tide before they were aware, which put them in great fear of death. The Saint knowing in spirit, what danger his children were in, commanded the sea in the name of God, to give his disciples a free passage: the sea obeyed the Saint's commandment, so that his discipls returned to their father, to their great joy, and to the unspeakable admiration of all those who heard of so prodigious a miracle.  
5. S. Patrick of his profound humilty and charity, kept always in his company some leper or other, whom himself tended most carefully, washing with his own hands his ulcerous sores, and providing him of all his necessities. A certain leper that lived with the Saint, being deprived of his bodily health, laloured by frequent prayers and other exercises of piety, to procure and conserve the health of his soul. This leper fearing to be offensive to others, withdrew himself from the company of men, living solitary in a great hollow tree: One day he requested a Christian that passed by, to bring him out of a place hard by, a bundle of reeds, the man went to the place, and as he plucked up the reeds, a fair fountain gushed out, whereof he gave notice to the leper, when he brought him the reeds, who replied: Know then my dear brother, that God sent thee hither to wash me in that fountain, and lastly to bury me in that place, which said, he gave up the ghost: as the Christian washed the leper in that miraculous water, there remained not a spot of leprosy upon him, and so burying him he departed. It happened that S. Munis, much about that time, bringing from Rome many relics with him, was forced to lodge near that place. In the night he saw squadrons of Angels to descend from heaven, and to keep watch, and ward about the lepers sepulchre until it was moring, all which vision he related to S. Patrick, signifying that he intended to remove that holy body out of that solitary place. S. Patrick forbid him so to do, foretelling that a son of light, not yet borne, whose name should be Keranus, would inhabit in that place, which he would furnish with a holy company of Saints, and that he would exhibit great honour to that leprous body, all which fell out to be true in process of tyme.  
6. The foresaid S. Munis, with S. Patrick's leave, made him a cell in a certain place, where he suffered great distraction, and disturbance of mind, by reason of the frequent concourse of courtiers, who came often to visit him from the king's palace, being built over a great water that lay hard by the place, where S. Munis lived: which difficulty he made known to S. Patrick, who offered devout and fervent prayers up to God for this effect. And lo the next night after, God transferred the water and the palace so far of, that it wrought his servant no annoy, who afterwards (though very much against his will) was ordained Bishop, & departed this life, shining with virtues, and miracles.   

How S. Patrick penetrated S. Fiechus his conscience: of S. Fiecus his sanctity, and some great miracles wrought by S. Patrick. CHAP. XIII.  
A Young gentleman of excellent education, and learning named Fiechus, had married a wife, which within few days died. As this man came where S. Patrick was, the Saint by inward illustration of the holy Ghost, penetrating his conscience, said: Behold a man or one wife, who according to the Apostle may be worthily advanced to the sacred order of priesthood, and Episcopal diginty. The young gentle man, admiring how he came to see the secrets of his hart, received the laver of regeneration, and by virtue of Saint Patrick's blessing, made such progress in learning, that in one day he learned the whole Psalter, and in a short time attained to the understanding of sacred Scriptures; he was successively invested with holy orders, and in fine made Bishop in the Church of Sclepten, 
Monks.  who in his episcopal sea, erected a fair convent of Monks.  
2. Because this holy Bishop, in regard of his many infirmities, 
Fasts.  & weakening by long fasts, could not visit his Diocese on foot, or exercise his Bishop-like function, S. Patrick sent him a Coach, which S. Secundinus, being overcome by humane frailty took ill, thinking that himself deserved it better. S. Patrick knowing of the trouble Secundinus was in, said unto him; fearing that by following of our own judgement we may err, let us leave the discussion of the matter to the arbitrement 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 drive them, adding further: that they were sent to him, with whom they would make a stay. The horses being harnished, and dismissed in manner as the Angel had set down, the first night they came to S. Secundinus dwelling place, the next night to another Saint's house, and the third night to S. Fiechus house, where they stayed: giving thereby to understand, that they were chiefly sent to him.  
3. Another time the Angel commanded S. Fiechus to build a monastery, and the Angel himself designed the Refectory, Oratory, & all other houses belonging thereunto. This holy Bishop was accustomed in the beginning of lent, 
Fasting of Lent.  to retire himself to a solitary place, bringing with him for his sustenance but five barley loaves mingled with ashes. On Palm Sunday, or Maundy Thursday he would return, bringing with him half of one of the loaves uneaten: this Blessed Fiechus sent before him to heaven 60. Saints, whom himself followed, being renowned both for sanctity and miracles.  
4. Some wicked men sent the Saint as it were by way of present some poisoned cheses, which to the great astonishment of many he converted into hard stones, wherewith 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 entered a certain Ford to pass over it, the Saint seeing them, and knowing by divine instinct, what mischief they intended, said unto them with a loud voice: You shall neither come hither to us, nor yet return back to your own people, for your bodies shall remain in that water until the day of judgement. According to the Saints censure, they were without delay drowned, neither could their bodies be ever after found, albeit great, and diligent search had been made after them.  
5. Another time, some children of Beliall digged up deep pits and holes, in the way which the Saint with all his retinue was to pass, covering them over with green grass. The Saint full of confidence in God, gave his benediction to his holy family, and so he, and they passed without receiving any hurt or detriment, the green grass like solid earth yielding them firm passage. The Saint commanded a young maid, who gave them notice of the ambush laid, for to call her Father, whom with his ten sons, and three daughters he converted to the Christian faith: 
Nun's  the daughters became Nuns, and were veiled with the Saints own hands. Of the sons, five flourished in the world in great prosperity, 
Monks.  and the five others, became Monks of great perfection and sanctity, as the Saint had prophesied of them.  
6. A certain man named Domnardus, being blind for a long time, & hearing that S. Patrick passed by, went forth to meet him, hoping by the Saints merits to recover his eyesight. As the blind came along in the way, he stunbled very often, which moved a clergy man who was in the Saint's company to laughter, which when the Saint understood, that none of his company should ever after presume to do the like, he spoke, as followeth to the Clergy man: Amen I say to thee, that the eyes of this blind shallbe opened, & thy eyes excyting to thee irrilegious laughter shallbe stricken with blindness: with that making the sign of the cross, he opened the blind man's eyes, & shut the eyes of the clergy man. The same day did the Saint erect upon their feet three cripples.  
7. Nine Magicians conspired the Saint's death, & to have the more free access to him, they counterfeited themselues to be Monks, putting on religious weeds. The Saint by divine inspiration, knew them to be wolves wraped in sheep's clothing, making therefore the sign of the cross against the children of Satan, behold fire descended from heaven, & consumed them all nine: The Saint lifting up his hands anathematised anidolatrous wood dedicated to Idols. O most strange & remarkable miracle, all the wood like unto the fig tree, spoken of in the holy Gospel, withered by & by, and never after was serviceable for any other use, than the fire.   

Of a mountain swallowed down, by the earth, and cast up again at the Saint's intercession: and of several other great miracles. CHAP. XIIII.  
ONE of the noble men of Munster, named Coruallus, would not permit S. Patrick to build a Church within his territoryes. Not far from the noble man's house was a fair & spacious pool very pleasant to behold, but the house by the interposition of a great mountain, was deprived of the pleasure of that gratful prospect: the Saint urged the noble man, very much, to give him leave to build a church: who answered. If you remove this great mountain, that deprives my house of the pleasant prospect of the broad & spacious pool that lies on the further side, I will then yield to your request. The Saint offered his prayers up to God, and with that the earth swallowed down the mountain, notwithstanding the wicked man would not stand to his former promise, wherefore the Saint prayed to God, the second time, & the mountain did forthwith swell up to its former height, & greatness.  
2. A wicked Tyrant named Euchodius, who lived in the country of Vlibia, caused two holy Virgins to be stifled, and misprised S. Patrick's intercession for them. 
Holy Virgins.  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 Tyrant's wife came, & begged the Saints blessing both for herself, & for the child, which she carried in her womb, which the Saint gave her, and foretold that she should be delivered of a most holy issue. The child being borne, was named Dovengardus, and was most renowned both for sanctity & miracles. Euchodius within a few days, was deprived both of life, and of his lordship, which his younger brothers posterity enjoyed, according to S. Patrick's prophecy.  
3. S. Patrick founded an Episcopal sea in a place called Achadfoviur, 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, prophesying, that many Saints and holy priests should spring out of it, in which place Sennachus ended his days in great sanctity.  
4. As S. Patrick passed through a wood in Midernia, he found there a great company of men, cutting down of great oaken trees, & in regard their axes were edgelesse, and that they had no whetstons to whet them, the poor men were quite wearied out of breath, the skin & flesh was torn from their hands, even to the sinews, & bones. The Saint compassionating their distress, gave them his blessing, whereupon they recovered their strength, their hands were healed up, & their hatchets so well edged, that they cut the solid oak trees with as little difficulty, as if they had been tender twigs. This prodigious effect of the Saints blessing, did persever in them, until such time as the Saint procured their release, for which end, he went to their cruel Lord named Tremei, but he would not admit the Saints intercession. 
Fast and prayer.  The Saint after three days fast & prayer, came again with great submission to procure their exemption from bondage, but this cruel man he found to be another Pharaoh, who presently got up into his coach, with purpose to agg ravate their yoke of affliction, but God revenged the contempt offered his new Moses, for lo the horses precipitated themselves with great violence into a standing water, ne'er by, & the man of Belial being drowned, the captives were restored to their long expected and wished liberty.  
5. S. Patrick intended to erect an episcopal sea in a place called Luda, but an Angel wished him to desist from that work, 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 Patrick and Micheus were in spiritual conference, an Angel tendered them a letter, wherein S. Patrick was commanded to bestow that place, with all the appartenaunces upon S. Micheus, and himself to erect his Archepiscopall sea at Ardmach. The Saint obeyed willingly the divine commandment, committing to S. Micheus his care of twelve lepers, whom himself was accustomed to tend, and so departed.  
6. Twelve 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 division: who had recourse to Saint Patrick, by whose intercession he received a competent portion of his father's inheritance: the young noble man, bestowed one half of his estate upon S. Olcan, who erected an Episcopal sea in a place called Derkan. S. Patrick blessed Fergusius, & prophetically said unto him: Albeit thou seemest now humble, and contemptible in the eyes of thy brethren, yet thou shalt be shortly prince over them, and many good Kings will descend from thee, which shall not only reign in their own country, but also in foreign Kingdoms. This prophecy of the Saint was fulfiled; for from him descended Edanus the son of Gabranus, who subdued Scotland, and whose posterity reigneth yet in that kingdom.   

How S. Patrick gave Prince Conall his benediction, and the Cross for his arms, and of many remarkable miracles. CHAP. XV.  
SAINT Patrick came to his dear ghostly child Prince Conall, demanding of him whether he would be content or no, to be clothed with a Monks weed: the Prince answered, that his hart was ready to perform what the Saint would enjoin him. The holy Bishop rejoicing much at his devotion, is reported to have said to him: Thou shalt carry a shield, and staff as the marks of sovereign power, and as the signs of thy great merit: Thou shalt represent the person, and habit of a lay man, but shalt enjoy the merit and dignity of a Monk; many Saints shall spring from thee, and many nations of the earth shallbe blessed in thy seed. Moreover with the rod of jesus the Saint made the sign of the Cross upon Prince Conals shield, which he and his posterity, ever after took for their arms.  
2. A certain man named Victor, hid himself in the night, fearing that if he appeared in the Saint's presence, he should be forced by the evidence of his doctrine, and signs to renounce Idolatry. The Saint coming to the place where Victor was, so bright & subtle a light issued from him, that the splendour thereof pierced even to the secret place, where Victor lay lurking. Victor being convicted, or rather attracted by so evident a sign, became a Christian, bestowed all his estate upon the Saint, and made himself the Saint's disciple, who in process of time, attained to such learning, and sanctity, that he was made a Bishop.  
3. S. Patrick had a disciple named Volchanusa a man of great virtue, but specially of most remarkable obedience. The Saint being desirous that his virtue known only to God, should be manifested to the world, for the edification, & example of others, commanded Volchan to go & build a church wheresoever God would vouchsafe to provide him a place: he without delay taking an axe upon his shoulders, went his way. The Saint seeing the alacrity, and promptness of his obedience, said to him: Do not despair, my most dear Volchan, of finding a place, wheresoever 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, towards the evening the Axe by chance slipped off his shoulder, in which place the obedient Volchan builded a Monastery, wherein himself and many others lived and died in great perfection.  
4. S. Patrick had a Drover named Rodanus, who after became very learned, and a Bishop of great merit, and miracles: the Saint likewise preferred S. Reuternus to the episcopal sea of Ciocher, and when he had consecrated him Bishop, he bestowed upon him a Chrismatory, or vessel of holy oils for extreme Onction, and Confirmation, that was sent him from heaven. A child named Lunanus by virtue of the Saints blessing, learned all the Psalter in fourteen days, who after led a most holy life, and died glorious for virtue and miracles. The Saint by reviving a noble man's wife named Ethra, gained the noble man himself, with all his followers, unto Christ.  
5. Some wicked men envying the progress of Christian religion, and the Saints glory, suborned a woman that used to beat and to dress flax, in the way the Saint was to pass, to hide a great quantity of the flax in a hollow tree not far off, and when the Saint should pass that way, they wished her to exclaim against him, and his holy company; as having stolen the flax. The woman did as she was put in the head by those wicked men, who rushed out of their dens, when the woman began to cry, and flocking about the Saint, and his companions, they accused them as thieves, guilty of torments, and of death: Near the place where this tumult was excited, there was one buried, whom the Saint revived; the revived man by his testimony, cleared the innocency of the Saint, and freed him from that slander, showing where the flax was hidden. The contrivers of this mischief, were by this miraculous event reclaimed from idolatry, to the acknowledgement of the true God.  
6. A man of jueach, having stolen, & eaten a he-Goate, S. Patrick had, and thinking by oath to clear himself of all suspicion, swore that he had no hand at all in the theft; lo the eaten goat by a hideous noise made in his belly, bewrayed him to be the author of the theft, whose posterity ever after wore goats beards. It was S. Patrick's custom to keep company, to love and frequent the society of virtuous and holy men, which custom, how grateful it was in the eyes of the Almighty, himself vouchsafed to manifest by this ensuing miracle. For as he, and a man of a most venerable life named Vinnocus were in conversation together of divine matters, and having bestowed their garments upon the poor, behold there came from heaven a cloak, that fell just between them both. 
S. Patrick's charity to the poor.  Each of the Saints alleged, that it was sent to the other, they being in this humble, and charitable debate, the cloak disappeared, and two others were brought by an Angel, for each of them one.  
7. In that part of Britanny which is now called Wales, there reigned a wicked Tyrant, a cruel persecutor, and enemy of Christians named Cereticus. The Saint directed to him a commonitory epistle, hoping thereby to reclaim him from his wicked courses, but he derided the Saint, and became more obstinate in mischief, and iniquity, which when the Saint understood, 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 ears to the voice of his servant, for he transformed him into a fox, who flying away, was never seen afterwards.   

Of S. Machaldus conversion, and most rigid penance, and of S. Memessaes' holy life. CHAP. XVI.  
A Wicked man named Machaldus, the prince of thieves and robbers, seeing S. Patrick pass by the way, determined to kill him, but after holding it a disgrace to shed the blood of so poor weak and seeble a man as the Saint was, he and his ruffian like company thronged about the Saint, and by way of contempt, and derision, requested him to revive again one of his company named Garbanus, whom they had covered with a cloak, counterfeiting him for dead. The Saint could them that their jest was turned into a truth, and so departed. The thieves found their companion dead, and fearing that the like mischance might fall upon themselves, they ran apace after the Saint, & prostrated themselves before him, & acknowledging their heinous offence, they became Christians. The Blessed Bishop at their request, restored again their dead companion to the number of living.  
5. Machaldus having confessed his sins, requested the Saint to set down for him some course of penance, 
Pennance meritorious of glory.  by which he might purchase eternal life, the holy Bishop being inspired from above, enjoined him to forsake his native soil, for ever, and to bestow all his substance upon the poor: then did he attire himself 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 boat, whither soever the boat should carry him, there to live all the days of his life. The truly penitent Machaldus, followed the Saint's direction, and so committing himself to the sea, he landed in the Isle of Man. The two holy Prelates Counidrius, and Romulus, whom S. Patrick sent to succeed S. German in the government of that Isle, seeing the man in so miserable a plight, & knowing the cause, entertained him very charitably, detaining him with themselves. After the compass of many years in the belly of a fish, that by divine providence, was brought to Machaldus, was found a key which unlocked his fetters. S. Machaldus attained to such eminent sanctity, that after the death of the two forementioned Bishops, he was created Bishop of the Island, and ended his days there in great sanctity, being famous both for virtue, and miracles.  
3. The glorious Saint by converting stones into milk, & milk into stones, converted a Magician from the worshipping of stones, to the service of the true and living God. Such reverence did the Blessed Saint carry to Sunday, in honour of our Saviour's triumphant resurrection, that he was never accustomed to travail upon Sunday; for wheresoever he was belated upon Saturday, there did he stay until Monday morning, giving himself wholly to divine contemplation.  
4. One Saturday, he was benighted in a great field far from any shelter, it began to rain heavily, but not a drop did touch the Saint, or any of his company. This miracle was seconded with a far greater, for even that night, the Saint was thus sheltered miraculously from the rain, the plane was overcast with so thick a mist, that the Saints coachman could not find the coach horses which he let out to pasture. The Saint knowing in what affliction his faithful servant was, of compassion towards him, he stretched out his sacred hand, and lo an unseen, and never heard of prodigy, his five fingers like five brightsome Sun beams, illuminating all the country over, converted the darkness into light, and the night into day. By help of this immense splendour, the coach man found his horses, and so returned joyful, and greatly comforted to his good Father. Whiles the Saint preached the Gospel to a certain noble man, there came a flame out of the Saints mouth, which entered in at the noble man's mouth and ears, heating therewith his hart, and also all his inward powers.  
5. A young Lady named Memessa, daughter to a great Prince in England, by contemplation of the creatures, attained to such perfect knowledge, and love of the Creator, that for his love she misprised all the world; her parents laboured very much, but could not neither by fair or foul means enforce her, ever to contract with any of the great Lords that were suitors to her, so constant she was in her purpose of dedicating her virginity to her maker, 
Profession of chastity.  her parents seeing nothing could prevail with her, sent her into Ireland to S. Patrick, who instructed her in the Christian religion, and after receiving the blessed Sacrament, 
Holy water & a great miracle wrought by it.  being in prayer, she yielded up her pure soul, which was carried between Angels, into the bed chamber of her heavenly spouse. Holy water made by the Saint, was no sooner besprinkled upon a noble man named Darius, who lay sick upon a dead horse, but the noble man recovered his health, and the horse his life.   

Of a vision S. Patrick had touching the building of Ardmuch, and of the cure of 16. Lepers. CHAP. XVII.  
THE formentioned noble man Darius, being willing to gratify the Saint, bestowed upon him a fair, pleasant, and delightful piece of ground, anciently called Druimsallac, and now Ardmuch: the next night after, the saint saw the Angel's squaring the form and compass of a fair City, that was to be built, in that pleasant, and delightful field. One of the Angels commanded him the next day, to go to a place called S. Patrick's well, where he should cure 16. lepers, covered over with ugly sores; the Saint did accordingly, and baptised the lepers in the well aforesaid, which miracle coming to the notice of the people, was a main help towards the building of the city. At the Saints request an Angel removed out of his place a great rock, that was like to make the entrance into the city very cumbersome and difficulty.  
2. The glorious Bishop, with God's help and favour begun, & throughly built a city, fair for the situation, greatness, and compass, & brought many principal citizens to inhabit therein. The city itself, was adorned with fair and decent churches, wherein were ordained by the Saint, Clergy men for the singing of the divine office, the government of souls, and instruction of the people. There were beside, Monasteryes furnished with Monks, and others replenished with sacred Virgins. In a monastery of holy Virgins lived a virgin the King of England's daughter, & nine other ladies which accompanied her: when she came to S. Patrick, the Saint saw with his own eyes, three of his holy number ascend up to heaven. In this City did the Saint erect his Archepiscopall sea, intending to make it the principal and metropolitan Church of all Ireland, and that this his intention might be established for all succeeding ages, he purposed to make a journey to Rome, there to have it confirmed, and ratifyed by Apostolical authority. The Angel appearing, liked well thereof, and because for the present the Saint wanted horses, he provided him miraculously of coaches to carry him and his retinue, to the water side.  
3. The glorious Bishop, after that with infatigable travail of preaching, 
Priests, cleargymen.  & marvelous plenty of miracles, he had converted the kingdom to the Christian religion, having ordained Bishops, Priests, and other Clergy men in all places that he thought convenient, blessing and taking his leave of them all, he went with some of his company to Rome. Coming thither, he acquainted the Pope's holiness with the affairs of Ireland, and the cause of his journey. 
S. Patr. the Pope's Legate.  His holiness' embracing the Saint as the Apostle of Ireland, honoured him with a pall, and constituted him as his own Legate over all Ireland, 
The antiquity of a Pallium in Ireland.  confirming with his apostolical authority, all what the Saint had ordered, disposed, or done in Ireland. His holiness gave him rich presents and precious gifts, among other his gifts, were relicques of the Apostles S. Peter, and S. Paul, and S. Stephen the Protomartyr, and that which passeth all, his Holiness bestowed upon him a certain sheet died with our Saviour's blood. The Blessed Bishop after his return, placed all these rich relicques behind the high Altar in the Metropolitan Church of Ardmuch. It was the custom in that church every year, 
Honour done to Relics.  to expose these relicques at Easter, and at Whitsuntide, to be seen, and honoured of the people.  
4. It passeth our abilities to set down the innumerable signs, which he wrought in his journey, going and coming from Rome; for in all places did he manifest signs of his sanctity. In England his native soil, he made some stay, where he built many Monasteryes, and repaired many more destroyed by the Pagans, which he furnished with Monks, which lived according to the form of religious discipline & life, that the Saint prescribed them: he also prophetically foretold many adverse and prosperous events, that should happen in England. In like manner did he foresee and foretell the sanctity of S. David, being as yet in his mother's womb. After his return from his tedious & painful journey, bringing with him from beyond the seas thirty Bishops, whom he sent to labour in the field of our Lord, he began in time convenient, to celebrate solemn counsels in which he cut off any thing he found to be prejudicial to Christian religion, or contrary to the church's canons: placed & established such constitutions, as were conformable to the holy Canons, and made for the advancement of religion, piety, and good life; in the mean space he daily shined with the splendour of infinite miracles, whereof this ensuing, as it cannot but be deemed most stupendious, so questionless is to be accounted most beneficial.   

How S. Patrick freed Ireland from the encumbrance of Devils, Magicians, and venomous beasts. And how he fasted 40. days without corporal food. CHAP. XVIII.  
IRELAND since its first inhabitation was pestered with a triple plague, to wit, with great abundance of venomous beasts, copious store of Devils visiblely appearing, and infinite multitudes of Magicians, that the like is not recorded of any other country or kingdom. The glorious, and most holy Bishop laboured by intercession of most fervent prayers, and other exerecices of devotion, to deliver the Island of that triple pestilence, the most excellent Prelate taking the staff or wand of jesus into his sacred hand, and elevating it after a threatening manner, as also by the favourable assistance of Angels, he gathered together in one place, all the venomous beasts that were in Ireland, 
Honour done to Relics.  after he drove them up before him to a most high mountain hanging over the sea, called then Cruachanailge, and now Cruach Padruig, that is S. Patrick's mountain, & from thence he cast them down in that steep precipice to be swallowed up by the sea: O singular sign, O magnificent miracle unseen, & unheard of since the beginning of the world, now known & spoken of by all nations: after directing his face towards the I'll of Man, & blessing it with all the other Isles by him converted to Christ, by help of his prayers he procured them the same singular benefit. Of the Magicians he converted, and reclaimed very many, and such as persisted incorrigible, he rooted them out from the face of the earth. By his prayers he obtained of God, that the apparitions, and illusions should not molest the Christians from thence forwardly.  
2. To the end that Ireland never after should be molested with venomous beasts, nor yet encon with the accustomed habitation of Devils, the most excellent Bishop fasted forty days without any corporal food, imitating in that holy fast Moses; who observed it in the law of nature, and Elias, who observed it in the written law, and especially our dear Saviour, who consecrated in his person that mystical fast. The Saint therefore ascended the high mountain of Cruachanailge, where he disposed five stones in form of a Cross, and in the midst of them he placed himself, showing aswell by the form, and manner of his sitting, as by the mortification of his abstinence, himself to be the true servant of Christ's cross. The Devils grieving much that their power, and dominion in Ireland had been overthrown and weakened, thronged about the Saint in the shap of most ugly, and deformed birds, labouring with their horrid skrikes, to annoy and hinder the Saint in his holy prayers, but he being prevented by the grace of God, and assisted by his power, making the sign of Christ's triumphant banner against those fowl fiends, he chased them away far from him, and with frequent percussion of his cymbal, he drove them out of all the coasts of Ireland, so that from that time even to this present day, no venomous beasts were seen in Ireland, nor yet are the inhabitants since molested with illusory apparitions of Devils, as they be in other country's the Saints cymbal being broken with often playing upon it, was amended by an Angel.  
3. By God's favour, whose wont it is after a storm to cause a calm, the Devil's being chased and driven away, a great multitude of Angels illustrated the mountain with heavenly splendour, and recreated the Saint with their sweetest harmony, the Saint after immolating the hosts of thanksgiving and praises to God, for enabling him to perform so long a fast, & for conferring such admirable favours to Ireland at his intercession, descended from the mountain, and played on his cymbal, the sound whereof was heard over all the kingdom: then elevating his hands, he blessed all Ireland, with the inhabitants thereof, and commended them to Christ; then did he make glad all the Church with his presence, solemnising with great devotion, our Saviour's triumphant Resurrection.  
4. The paschal festivityes being duly, and devoutly accomplished, the Saint with a great train of spiritual children in his company, made a circuit about the land, teaching the ways of Lord in all places, & with his efficacious sermons, strenghtning the inhabitants in the faith of Christ. The people being incited by that admirable, and most prodigious sign of chase away the devils, venomous beasts, and Magicians, flocked from all parts to the saint, & submitted themselues & all they had, to his holy will & pleasure, embracing with great devotion his doctrine & precepts. The Saint seeing what disposition our Lord's field was in, to yield not only the 30. or 60. but even the hundred fold fruit, caused all the land to be divided, and equally distributed, & being divided, to be tithed with all the inhabitants of both sexes, & every tenth head▪ aswel in men, women, as cattle and movables, did he separate for our Lord's part, all the men he made Monks, & all the women he consecrated Nuns, building innumerable monasteries for them, & assigning them the fifthes of lands, cattle, & other movable goods for their sustentation: within a short space there was not a wilderness, no nor scarce any corner, or place in all the Island, but was replenished with perfect Monks, & holy Nuns, so that Ireland by a peculiar name was justly called all the world over: The Island of Saints: They lived according to the prescript, & tenor of life, which S. Patrick set them down; for contempt of the world, desire of heavenly things, morrtification of the flesh, abdication of self will, they matched the Monks of Egypt both in merit & number. Many foreign Regions were by them illustrated with doctrine, & religion.   

How the present, & future state of Ireland, was revealed to S. Patrick: and of the patronage the Saint affordeth them, who are devout unto him. CHAP. XIX.  
THE B. Saint with great instance of prayers beged of God to know in what estate Ireland was in his Majesties' eyes. God did hear the desire of his hart; for being in prayer, he saw all Ireland on a flame of fire; flaming upward even to heaven, an Angel telling him, that such was the estate of Ireland in the eyes of God for that present. Within a little while, he saw mountains as it were of fire, ascending to the clouds; a short while after he saw brightsome torches shining▪ afterwards small lights, and lastly a few coals raked in ashes, but yet alive, to whom the Angel appearing said: That by that variety was expressed▪ the several estates Ireland should under go in the succeeding time. Saint Patrick bathing his face in tears, often redoubled that of the Royal Prophet: Will God reject for ever? Or will he not add to be better pleased? Or will be cut off his mercy for ever from generation to generation? Or will God forget to have mercy? Or will be in his wrath keep in his mercies? The Angel said, look towards the North, & thou shalt see the mutation of the right hand of the highest. The Saint lifted up his eyes, and saw a little light arising in Vlidia, which striving for a long space with the darkness, chased it away, and after illuminated all the Country, never ceasing to increase, until it brought Ireland to its free resembling and flourishing estate. By the Saint's interpretation, the fiery ardour, designed the present devotion, and zeal of Religion and charity, wherewith the inhabitants were inflamed in the Saints days. The flaming mountains, the Saints who were conspicuous for miracles, virtuous life and learning. The diminution of light, the decrease of sanctity; and the mist overclouding all the land, the infidelity that should prevail in the Country.  
2. As some of S. Patrick's disciples discoursed together of his gifts & virtues, one of them said, he was the holiest man breathing upon the face of the earth: to whom S. Secundinus answered. Truly he had been most holy, had he not been endued with less fraternal charity than it behoveth him. Which coming to S. Patrick's hearing, he asked Secundinus what moved him to utter such censure against him. Secundinus answered, because you accept not of the livings, and rich presents that are offered you, with which you might maintain great multitude of holy men. To whom S. Patrick replied: Charity makes me not to accept of such great charity; for if I did accept of what would be given me, I should leave not so much as the pasture of two horses for the Saints who shall live after us.  
3. The aforesaid S. Secundinus, being of great learning and wisdom, signified to S. Patrick, that he had a desire to compose a hymn in honour of a Saint that yet was living, and because it was S. Patrick himself he meant, he concealed the Saint's name; the glorious Bishop answered, it is just and reasonable, that people display the virtues of Saints, and that the Church declare their praises, 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 intend, do it quickly, lo death is at the door, of all the Bishops that are in Ireland, you are the first that shall depart this life, Secundinus made the hymn, and within a few days after he died at Donnachseachluin his episcopal city, showing by frequent miracles, that he reigneth with Christ.  
4. S. Kennechus, saw a company of Devils, to go fetch the soul of a flagitious sinner, who for his many misdeeds, deserved to be buried in Hell. The Saint abiurde them at their return, to let him understand the success of the matter. After a little respite the Devil's coming again, told: S. Kennechus, how S. Patrick defended the sinner's soul from them, in regard that he was accustomed upon the Saint's day to keep a great feast in honour of him▪ & every day to sing some chapter of that hymn: S. Kennechus rejoiced much thereat, and by telling that miracle, excited many to sing that hymn very devoutly in honour of the Saint. An Abbot S. Patrick's disciple named Colmanus, did sing the foresaid hymn very often: being demanded the cause, he answered, that whilst he sung it, he enjoyed still the Saints presence before him, and that his eyes could never be satiated with the contemplation of his delectable face: whereby it is clear how faithful a friend this blessed Saint is, to all those who frequent his memory, or have him for their patron.   

Of the Saints admirable contemplations, revelations, mortifications, and prayers. CHAP. XX.  
OFtentims did the glorious Saint see our Saviour, the heaven's open, & our Lord jesus standing in the midst of the multituds of Angels, & this sometimes when he said mass, & other times, when he devoutly sung S. john's revelations: besides the Angel Victor so often mentioned in this volume, was wont to appear to him thrice every week for to recreate him with his divine colloquies, & discourses: Of souls departing this life, our B. Saint saw full often, some to go to endure the pains of hell, & others to be sent to enjoy the joys of heaven; one example very remarkable, which the Saint himself for edifications sake was wont to recite, I will here recount. A great noble man, who lived in much prosperity, & died with no less glory, was accounted by them that knew his life & end, most happy, & pleasing unto God, whereas a poor indigent lazar, who lived all his life in great misery, & after his death wanting the honour of burial, became a prey to the fouls of the air, was esteemed most wicked before God, but the B. Bishop seeing the blindness of humane judgement, told them that he saw the rich man's soul to be buried in hell, and the poor man's soul to be carried up to heaven, and this which the Saint saw concerning these two, he was wont to recite of many other.  
2. The fame of S. Patrick's virtues, excited a holy man of great merit and virtue named Vinwaloeus, who lived in Brittany in France, to leave his native soil and to go for Ireland, there to become S. Patrick's disciple, & scholar. The night before he was to begin his journey, he saw in a vision, a most venerable man attired in episcopal robes, who told him that himself was S. Patrick: know my dearest Vinwaloeus that I am Patrick to whom you repair, know that the time of my resolution is near at hand, so that before you can come where I am, I shall depart this life: it is the will of God that you forsake not this place; with that the vision disappeared.  
3. The course which the Saint held in his devotion, as it was most admirable, so did he continue it daily without any intermission: every day was he wont to say devoutly the whole Psalter, with canticles, hymns and S. john's revelation, besides two hundred other prayers: three hundred times in the day did he prostrate himself in adoration before God, and in singing every canonical hour, he was accustomed to bless himself a hundrd times with the sign of the Cross: moreover it was his wont every day, to say mass with great devotion and reverence, neither did he omit to preach to the people or to teach his disciples. The night time, which he divided into three parts, he spent after a most heavenly manner; the former part he employed in reciting twice fifty Psalms, and in making two hundred genuflexions: the second part he spent in saying of the third quinquagenary of psalms, and of other prayers, all which time he stood immersed in cold water: the third part he allotted to his sleep, having for his bed a bare stone, & another stone in steed of a bolster, giving himself in this manner to his rest, he would gird his loins with a rough, and course hair clothe steeped in cold water, to keep his body in due subjection, fearing it should stir up any dishonest motions against the spirit: in this manner did the blessed Bishop, offer himself a holy living and grateful victim unto God.   

Of Saints Patrick's most profound humility, and of his many miracles. CHAP. XXI.  
THE glorious Bishop, over his other attire wore a white robe, repesenting by the form and colour of his attire, the candour of his inward powers, nay he would accept of no gifts or presents, esteeming it happier to give, then to receive; and if sometimes rich men did bestow any present upon him, he would without delay give it to the poor, easing himself of it as of a heavy burden. In his countenance, in his aspect, in his talk, in his gate, even in the motion of his members, and deportement of all his body, the beholders might see and learn lessons of edification, his speech being tempered with sweetness, and seasoned with the salt of discretion, he accommodated himself to all sexes, people, & occasions, he was well seen in four languages, the English, Irish, French and Latin, & attained to good insight in the Greek, he wrote a volume called S. Patrick's canons, which is furnished with excellent doctrine for all sorts of people.  
2. When any difficulty or obscure questions were put unto him, he was wont of his profound humility, first to answer: I know not, God knows. He was endued with the gift of prophecy, & whatsoever he foretold, fell out without any ambiguity: He did prophesy of the Saints of Ireland, and especially of all the Saints of Munster & Connact, that were to be borne within the compass of one hundred years, so clearly, that he fortould their names, lives and places of their habitation. In giving his benediction, he extended his right hand, and in bestowing his malediction, he stretched out his left hand: whonsoever he blessed, God's blessing did light upon him, and whomesoever he cursed, God's curse came upon him.  
3. And though in all virtues he did match, or rather surpass other Saints, yet in humility he did far surpass himself, hence it came, that in his missive letters he styled himself: The greatest sinner in the world, the least and most despiceable among them; and setting little by the signs he wrought, he deemed himself unworthy to be compared to any perfect man. He exercised himself in the manual works 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 own hands, five hundred did he invest with the holy function of Priesthood, the number of them, that were ordained in inferior orders, as also of Monks, & Nuns, is so numberless, that God alone doth know them.  
4. The Blessed Bishop living and leading a life of this tenor, shined with so many, and so great miracles, that in them he was not inferior to any of the Saints that went before him. It was in a manner a daily exercise with him to cleanse lepers, cripples, deaf, dumb, to cure palseys, lethurgies, lunatics, epilephies, to erect cripls, to restore sight to the blind, speech to the dumb, to the deaf hearing, & in a word to heal all diseases: he merited to be the magnificent reviuer of three and thirty dead persons, threescore and six treatises were written of his gifts, virtues and miracles, a great part of them perished by fire under the Pagan Princes jurmundus & Turgesius. Four volumes are yet extant written by four of his disciples S. Benignus, S. Mell, S. Lumanus, S. Patrick the younger, who lies buried in Glastenbury monastery in England: S. Euinus compiled his acts and miracles partly in Irish, and partly in Latin, out of which holy authors, we have extracted what we thought good, and digested it into this volume.  
5. The most glorious bishop, being loaded with years, and abounding with merits, knew by divine revelation, that the dissolution of his earthly tabernacle was near at hand, which moved him to go towards the city of Armuch, thinking to enrich that his Metropolitan Church with the precious depositum of his sacred body, but the Angel Victor appearing to him, told him that it was the divine pleasure, he should expect the general resurrection in the City of Down in Vlidia. The Saint embracing with great resignation the disposition of the divine providence, returned back again to Vlidia.  
6. Within a few days after, as the most holy Prelate S. Patrick preached of the glory of heaven to a great multitude of religious and ecclesiastical men, there descended from thence, an immense splendour that illustrated a place in the east part of the Churchyard, the pearl of Ireland S. Brigit being present. The Saint commanded her to declare the mystery of that divine light, she told in the hearing of all the assembly, how that celestial light, sanctified and designed the place, where a Saint most glorious, & most dear unto God should be shortly interred▪ than rounding S. Ephembria in her ear, she told it was the patron & Apostle of Ireland, S. Patrick, adding further, that she would account herself happy, if his sacred body might be wraped in a winding sheet which she had spun, and woven with herown hands, & had prepared for that purpose.  
7. The Blessed Saint knowing by divine inspiration the holy Virgin's desire, commanded her to go, and bring that sheet, wherein for the most tender love he carried to the most blessed vigin, he would have his sacred body wrapped: himself went to the Monastery of Savall, where sickening 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 over wearied with the length and difficulty of the journey, that she could not come so soon as she purposed. The Blessed Bishop knowing in what distress the holy virgin was in, he sent his coachman to meet her, & the sacred virgins that came in her company, so the virgins coming to Savall where the Saint lay sick, she presented him with the sheet, which he received very gratefully, then kissing his feet & hands, she and her virgins received his benediction.   

Of S. Patrick's death, of the Angelical obsequies exhibited to him, and of his entertainment at Down. CHAP. XXII.  
THE Blessed Saint being brought very low by his infirmity, as the Angel had admonished, received the holy Sacraments at the hands of his disciple S. Tasach Bishop; & elevating his eyes, he saw jesus standing in the midst of a multitude of Angels; then blessing his disciples, and rendering thanks to God, he passed out of this life, his blessed soul was received into the joys of his Lord by the all-immaculate Virgin the Mother of God, and sacred quires of virgins, with the patriarchs, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors and Angels, no marvel that he was honoured of all Saints, sith there shined in him, the virtue of all Saints; an Angel 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 endued with the foresight of future things so copiously as he was: an Apostle he was, since Ireland, and the neighbour Lands, are signs of his Apostleship: a Martyr he was, in regard of the many coflicts he had against King's Magicians, Idolaters, and Devils. A confessor he was, since that he never ceased from the preaching, and confessing the name of Christ. A virgin he was, for as much as he kept the integriof faith, in body & soul. The glorious Saint deceased at the age of a hundred and twenty three years: he was sixteen years old, when he was carried away by the Pirates: six years did he serve in captivity: eighteen years did he live with S. German in France: he was five and fifty when he came into Ireland to preach the Gospel: five and thirty years did he employ in the conversion of Ireland, and the adjoining Isles: afterwards for three and thirty years, he gave himself to the sweet rest of contemplation, either at Ardmuch, or at Savall monastery, during which time he never came abroad, unless it were for great affairs, or keeping a Council once a year for the redress of abuses.  
2. After his departure his sacred body was wrapped up in the sheet, which the blessed virgin S. Bridgit had prepared, and a great multitude of clergy men and seculers, came to bemoan the death of their common father, and Apostle, and to solemnize his funerals. The night following a brightsome quire of Angels that kept watch at his body with their sweet harmony, cast all the multitude into an extaticall sleep, until their departure, the next morning the Angels left so fragrant an odour behind them, that it continued for the space of twelve days, whilst the holy body was unburied, during which time in all that region, they enjoyed the brightness of the day light, without the interposition of any night. By occasion of this stupendious miracle, the Archmachians, and Vlidians fell into great debate and contention, for the possession of that sacred treasure, and as they were upon the point of entering into a fierce and bloody conflict, they heard a voice from heaven, which seemed to be S. Patrick's, commanding them to surcease from the effusion of blood, the sea moreover passing its wont bounds swelled up so high, that it impeached their mutual fight, and slaughter for the present.  
3. The Vlidians put the blessed Saints body upon a new wain drawn by two kine, and so carried it away, with great joy and singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, whereat the Ardmuchians fury was so enkindled, that they intended by force of arms to detain the holy body of their patron, and primate: but Almighty God to stint that bloody strife, substituted before the Ardmuchians eyes a fantastical wain which resembled so fully the former, that they being persuaded it was the same that carried the rich treasure of the Saints sacred body, followed it so far as the river Caulune, in the confines of the province of Ardmuch, where that imaginary wain disappeared out of their sight: in the mean time the Vlidians entered the city of Down, and after great solemnity of masses, they interred the holy body in the place aforesaid. S. Patrick departed this life in the year of our redemption 493. Felix being Pope, Anastasius being Emperor, Aurelius Ambrose being Governor of England, and Forchernus reigning in Ireland, and jesus Christ being sole monarch of all the world, to whom all honour glory and praise for all eternity. Amen.  
here ends S. Patrick's life.    

THE LIFE OF THE HOLY VIRGIN SAINT BRIGIT PATRONESS OF IRELAND.  
Abridged out of what COGITOSUS her own nepheu, and JOANNES CAPGRAVIUS have written more largely of her famous Acts, and Miracles.  

Of S. Brigits Country, Parents, Birth, and many virtues; and especially of her charity to the poor. CHAP. I.  
THE glorious virgin S. Brigit, who descended of the ancient, and honourable 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 love with a handmaid of his named Brocseca, a woman endued with singular beauty, and admirable comeliness, he got her with child of this sacred virgin, which when his own wife perceived, being in great trouble thereat, and taking the matter very greevily, she said unto him; cast out this handmaid, fearing her posterity surpass mine. Dubtacus constrained through his wife's importuinty, made sale of her to a certain Magician, in whose house falling in travail, she was safe delivered of the holy child; such as were present at her birth, saw the cloth, wherewith her tender head was covered, to burn with a flame of fire, whereupon hastening to quench it, they found no fire at all.  
2. So much did the holy virgin loath to feed of the Magicians meats, that she was constrained every day to cast up what she eat. The Magician considering attentively the cause thereof, said: I am unclean, & this holy virgin (full of the spirit of God) cannot taste of my meat; choosing out therefore a white merch cow, he bestowed it upon her to live by her milk. The holy virgin increased in virtue, no less then in years; for she excelled in all kind of holy conversation and sanctity of life, aed became very conspicuous for her modesty, chastity and temperance, but above all her charity to the poor is most remarkable.  
3. The sacred virgin being deputed by the Magician to keep his cows, gave all the butter, and milk she could gather to relieve the present wants, and necessities of the poor. When the Magician saw but a small quantity of butter in a great vesel, wherein the butter was to be kept, he chafed extremely. The Saint seeing what passion he was in, offered her pure prayers up to God, and so by divine virtue, filled the vessel with butter even up to the top: whereat the Magician was so much astonished and moved, that he believed in Christ, setting both her, and her mother at liberty.  
4. In regard she gave to the poor, all whatsoever she could lay hands upon, and among othing, her Father's sword, he purposed to sell her; for which end bringing her where the King was, he requested him that he would be pleased to buy his daughter. To whom the King spoke in this manner; what made you to give away your father's sword, to the poor man? To whom she answered, I have given it to Christ, & Sir if my God did ask your majesty, and my father too of me, I would bestow you both, and whatsoever else you have upon him, if it lay in my power. Then the King turning to her father said to him; this your daughter is of too great worth to be bought by me, and of far greater to be sold by you, so giving her another sword to give her father, he dismissed her.   

Of S. Brigites singular chastity, and of some miracles wrought in approbation thereof, as also of other stupendious signs. CHAP. II.  
WHEN this sacred spouse of Christ saw herself pressed, and importuned by her friends to marry, she prayed to God, that he would be pleased to disfigure her body with some deformity, to the end that men should cease from making further love unto her; and without delay her eye burst, and melted in her head; then taking three other maids in her company, she repaired to a holy Bishop, called Machella, S. Patrick's disciple, to be veiled at his hands▪ the holy Bishop saw a pillar of fire appear over her head, and contemplating moreover her earnest and ardent love of virginal integrity, he gave her the holy veil of chastity: at which time as she fell prostrate before the venerable Prelate to offer herself a holy, clean and impolluted host to her heavenly spouse, she touched the altar postle, which incontinently budded forth a fresh with leaves, and so continueth green and flourishing to this day: Being veiled with the sacred cognizance of chastity, her bursten eye was restored again to perfect health.  
2. Against Easter the sacred virgin made bear of one only measure or peck of malt; fending part thereof to eighteen Churches that were round about, and beside during all the octave, that small quantity sufficed abundantly, and served to satisfy all those who would, and were desirous to taste thereof. At the same time a Leper came to the holy virgin, requesting her to help him to a cow, but she having none said to him; Will you that we pray God to deliver you from your sickness? who answered, that he preferred his cure before all other gifts; whereupon she having blessed water, sprinkled the leper therewith, and immediately he became clean: in like manner two sick virgins taking water, which the holy Virgin had blessed, recovered their perfect health.  
3. Two blind men being Britons, or English men by birth, with a leper who was their guide, came to her Church door, and besought the sacred Virgin to help them to their bodily health; She entreated them to have patience a little, and to enter into the lodging to refresh themselues, and that she would in the mean time pray to God in their behalf; which delay they took so impatiently, that with great indignation they replied; you heal the diseased of your own nation, but as for us being strangers, you neglect to cure us for Christ's sake. The holy virgin receiving this reproach, went forth unto them, and casting holy water upon them, she cleansed the leper, and restored the blind men to their sight.  
4. A certain woman, brought some apples to the Saint, at which time there came some lepers to beg alms of her: them the said Saint dealt these apples amongst them. The woman hearing it, conveyed her apples away saying: I brought those apples for yourself, and your virgins, & not to be given to lepers: whereat the Saint being not a little offended, she answered; You have done very ill in hindering us to give alms, therefore your trees will never more produce any fruit. The woman going forth into her orchard, which she left full of apples, found none at all, and so it remained fruitless always after.   

Of S. Brigits great austerity, and of many admirable miracles wrought by her. CHAP. III.  
ONE night the season being frosty an cold, when all had taken themselves to their rest; and were fast a sleep, the holy virgin went to a deep pool, wherein she stood all night long weeping and praying, firmly purposing with herself to observe the same custom every night: but our dear Saviour out of the abundance of his infinite mercy, would not have her to continue it any longer, for the next night following, she found the pool dry without any water, and coming to see it the next morning, she saw it as full as it was before: the same happened to her the second night, which was a sufficient reason that she forbore that austere exercise of mortification.  
2. Upon a time that some venerable Bishops came to seek lodging at her house, she being unprovided of all provision, the divine munificence releiued her wants by miracle: for thrice in one day did she milk one cow that she had, which yielded so much milk, as the three best cows would. Another time a Dog did fawn upon her for meat, the holy virgin, with whom mercy grew even from her infancy, having nothing but flesh, that was boiling for some guests that were to come, drew it out of the pot, and gave the dog a piece thereof. When the flesh was laid upon the table, it appeared, so entire, as if nothing had been cut off, which excited the beholders to great admiration of the miracle, & veneration of the Saint.  
3. The blessed virgin laboured very earnestly, to reclaim nine men from fulfilling their nefarious vow made of killing a man in the Kalendes of july, yet for nothing that she could, either say, or do, would they relent from their wicked design: Betaking herself therefore to prayer for the desperate wretches, lo there appeeared before their eyes a figure, resembling to the full, the man whom they intended to kill, whom they incontinently assailed with their swords and lances, & after, as it were insulting by way of triumph over their slain enemy, came back immediately to the Saint with their wepons all imbrued in blood, where learning the truth of the matter, they did penance for their cruel intent.  
4. Upon a time that a certain farmer came with all his family to celebrat some solemn feast with S. Bridgit, he being there, his Cows were stolen away by thiefs, who in their way came to a river, which they found so swollen up with water, that they could not pass over, tying therefore their garments & arms, to the cow's horns, they made them enter into the water, but they returning back with great violence, came and ran directly to S. Bridgits abode, and the men being stark naked, followed them, doing afterwards penance for their heinous fact, in the Saint's monastery.  
5. The holy virgin being once benighted in a spacious field in Meath, declined to a certain poor woman's house, with whom she lodged all night, and albeit the woman roceived, her with great joy, rendering God many thanks for the happy and safe arrival of the most holy virgin, yet her poverty was such, that she wanted wherewithal to entertain so worthy a guest, but nevertheless of reverence to the Saint, she broke down a frame she used to weave in, and boiled therewith the calf of one only cow which she had. Supper being ended, and after resting herself all night, the next morning, to the end the charitable woman should not sustain any damage or detriment, by the entertainment, or refection of the Saint, she found another calf like to her own with her cow, and found likewise a weaving frame, in form and greatness just alike to her own that she had burnt.   

Of the great power S. Brigit had over Devils, & how much they feared her. CHAP. FOUR  
WHEN a certain person, tormented with a malignant spirit, knew that he was to be led to S. Brigit, he fell down to the ground, saying: You shall not carry me thither. Do you know said they where she lives? yes said he, and I will not go by any means. And when they could not remove him from the place, they sent for the Saint, entreating her to come thither; when the Devil saw the sacred virgin coming a far off, being terrified, he departed from the man out of their sight.  
2. Another obsessed person, who by reason of strange fits of fury and rage, wherewith he was vexed, bred great annoy & trouble to many, was brought to the Saint, to whom she said; Preach to me the word of our Saviour jesus Christ, he answered, O most holy Virgin Brigit, I am compelled against my will to obey your commandment, saying: Love God then, and all men will love thee: honour God, and all men will honour thee: fear God, and all men will fear thee, this being said, the devil fled away with a loud cry.  
3. As Saint Brigit sat at the table with a certain virgin whom she had invited, she saw a Devil sitting hard by her, the other virgin said: I would fain see him, if it were possible. It is not impossible quoth S. Bridgit, but first sign your eyes, that they may be able to sustain his sight, and contemplate his face: having signed her eyes, she saw the enemy in a most ugly, and black shape, with a terrible great head, exhasing forth at his nostril's smoke, and flames of fire. Speak to us Devil, said S. Bridgit. To whom he answered, O most holy virgin, I cannot speak to you, neither yet can I contemn your commandments, since you contemn not Gods holy ordonances, and are so affable to his poor, and little ones. Wherefore camest thou hither? said the Blessed Virgin. I remain with this virgin, said he, and in regard of her sluggishness, I have gotten a place in her. Behold then said the holy virgin (turning to the other virgin) whom you have entertained these many years? And from that day forwardly, the virgin was delivered from the Devil.  
4. There assembled together a great multitude of men with oxen and engines to draw away a great tree, which was cut down that was to be used in some building, but all in vain, for neither the multitude of men, the strength of the oxen, nor yet the variety of engines, could prevail any thing towards the removing thereof. The men were almost ready to depart, thinking it impossible to stir it out of its place; at last by the help and force of Saint Bridgits prayers, together with her pregnant faith like to a mustard seed, by which faith as our Saviour saith, Mountains are transfered, they carried away that tree without the assistance of any humane help, and found no difficulty in bringing it to the place, whither the Saint appointed them to carry it.   

Of the obedience that unreasonable creatures exhibited to Saint Bridgit. CHAP. V.  
ONE day as the Saint saw Ducks, sometimes swimming in the waters, and other times flying in the air, she commanded them to come to her; They as if they had been trained up under humane discipline, flew in great haste with prompt obedience to the Saint. The blessed virgin touched them gently, and embraced them sweetly, which doing for a pretty space, permitted them after to fly away. Another time a great wile bore being pursued very eagerly, came in great haste to S. Bridgits heard of swine; she beholding the boar among her swine, gave him her blessing, and he remained familiar) & without any fear ever afterwith her herd. By this and the other precedent, example it is clear and evident, that the fowls of the air, and beasts of the earth, were subject to her command, and obeyed her will and pleasure, as we may further gather from these ensuing accidents.  
2. A simple country man coming to the King's court, saw there a Fox, who being taught for that purpose, made the King great recreation with his many sleights, and tricks, and thinking it was not tame or familiar, he killed it in presence of all the multitude, for which being reprehended, & cast into fetters, he was brought fast bound to the King, who commanded that he should be put to death, unless he procured him another Fox like unto the former in all conditions, and subtle feats, and that his wife & children should be made slaves. S. Brigit hearing thereof, prayed very earnestly to God for the release of the poor man: by and by another Fox entering into her coach, sat quietly, and familiarly by her side, whom when she had presented to the King, and that he saw it to play tricks, and pranks, and in all things to be conformable to the other Fox, his wrath appeased therewith, he set the poor man at liberty, S. Bridgit returning to her monastery, and the Fox remaining as yet amongst the press of people, fled back again into his den: all those who saw what had passed, wondered much at the miracle, and honoured no less the Saint by whose means it was wrought.  
3. As the sacred Virgin sat with her virgins in her coach, she saw a man, with his wife, family, and oxen, toiled very much with carrying heavy, and cumbersome burdens, even in the extreme heat of the sun, and taking compassion of them, she gave them her own coach-horses to help, and ease them of their insupportable pains. In the mean time she sat down by the way side, and spoke to some of her virgins, bidding them to dig under the adjoining earth, to the end that water might spring forth, wherewith such as were dry might quench their thirst. Upon the digging up of the ground, there gushed out a clear, and fair river. Within a little time after, there came a certain Captain to the place, who hearing of what S. Bridgit had done with the horses, he bestowed upon her wild, and mad horses, which became without delay so tame and gentle, as if they had been always wont to draw a coach. There came lepers sometimes to Saint Bridgit, who begged her coach of her, which she gave them without delay, & her horses likewise.  
4. A certain Queen came to visit S. Brigit, bringing with her many rich presents, and amongst the rest a very fair silver chain, which her maids took away, hiding it, the Saint bestowing the rest upon the poor. Not long after when a poor man cried to the Saint for alms, having nothing, she took the chain, and gave it him. The maids seeing it, said, you are the cause that we lose all that God sends us, for you give all to the poor, leaving us poor and needy. To whom she answeaed, seek the chain in the place, where I am wont to pray in the Church, and peradventure you shall find it there: they finding the chain, showed it to many, and kept it ever after, as an evident testimony of her sanctimony, and virtue.   

How S. Bridgit protected, and assisted such as invocated her in their distress and dangers. CHAP. VI  
SAINT Bridgit came one time, being entreated thereunto by her father, to the King, saying, Let me have your sword for my Father, and release me one of your slaves. To whom the King answered, what will you give me for these two great petitions. She replied, if you will, the life everlasting, and that your seed thall reign for ever after you. The King answered again; I covet not a life, which I do not see, neither am I sollcitous in behalf of my children, that shall live after me: two other things I desire, and covet, the first is, that I may enjoy this life, which I love; and the second is, that in all places and conflicts, I get the upper hand over mine enemies. These two things, said the Blessed virgin, shallbe granted you. Not long after, with a few in his company, he went to fight with a great multitude, and invocating S. Bridgits help and assistance, he saw her go before him, and a pillar of fire to burn all up even to the skies, so the King having defeated his enemies, he returned homewards, magnifying the glory, and name of the most sacred virgin.  
2. A virgin that suffered shipwreck by invocating S. Bridgitts help, walked dry foot, upon the liquid waves, escaping by that means the danger of death. Some of Saint Bridgitts maids having received from a certain rich man, many measures of meal, could not pass over a water that was in the way, being therefore destitute of all humane help, and assistance, they invocated the powerful suffrages of their their most holy mistress, and they were suddenly transported to the further side. A man that prohibited S. Bridgits coach to pass through his fields, and stroke at her horses, fell down to the ground, and yielded up his ghost suddenly.  
3. A gentleman who was in the country, loned dishonestly a certain woman, & contriving with himself how to compass his filthy delights, he gave her in custody a rich silver pin, which he stole away privily at unawares from her, and cast it into the sea, thinking that when she could not restore it, she should become his slave, and so should glut his wanton desires: all which wicked plot he put in practice, neither could he be contented otherwise, then either by getting again the silver pin, or by her bondage. The chaste woman being driven to this pinch, fled to S. Bridgit, as to a city of refuge; As the holy virgin was musing with herself what to do in this matter, behold one brought home fish taken out of the neighbour river, & they unboweling the fishes, the silver pin was found in one of their bellies, so bringing the pin with her, she went to the assembly, where the matter was to be determined, where she did show the pin, and it being known by many that saw it, to be the self same he cast in to the sea, she freed the virtuous woman from her cruel tyrant's hands, who afterwards acknowledging his fault, and guiltiness, submitted himself to S. Bridgits pleasure, who having wrought this great miracle, returned back again to her monastery.  
4. It fell out that the King called together an assembly of his subjects, to make abroad and fair high way in a deep and impassable marsh, through which a great river ran. The people meeting by their family, and kindreds, they divided the work, allotting to every family his own share of that laborious task, that part where the river ran was most difficult, and fell to one of the families, who being potent & strong forced S. Bridgits kinsfolks being weaker, to change with them. They in this their distress, falling prostrate before the Saint, bemoaned their wrong to her: To whom she answered, Depart in peace, it is the will of God, that the river pass from that place, where you are put to such heavy works, to the other which they have made choice of. The next morning, when the multitude rose to begin the work, the river was found to have left its ancient channel, where S. Bridgits family was constrained to work, & to be transferred into the part of the potent, and proud men, who so unjustly oppressed the weaker company: in proof whereof, the ancient channel where the river took its course in former times, appears dry without any waters to this very day.   

Of many miraculous cures, wrought by the merits, and intercession of the Saint. CHAP. VII.  
THE sacred virgin having delivered many lepers, cripples, & obsessed persons, from their infirmities, there came two lepers with tears in their eyes, beging the cure of their disease. Then the Saint praying, and blessing water, she commanded them to wash one another in that water. One being washed by his companion, became clean: to whom the Saint said, wash now your fellow; who seeing himself clean, and boasting of his health, would not touch the others ulcers; which pride of his God did chastise, for immediately after he said. I feel sparkles of fire upon my shoulders, and instantly all his body (his companion being cleansed) was covered over with leprosy.  
2. A certain woman coming of devotion, to visit S. Bridgit, brought her daughter with her, who was dumb. S. Bridgit seeing the young maiden, said unto her. Are you content to be a virgin? (but not knowing that she was dumb) The maid answered incontinently, I will willingly do, what you will command me, & so dedicating her virginity to God, she to her dying day remained most eloquent. A blind virgin named Daria, spoke to S. Bridgit saying. Bless mine eyes, to the end that I may see the world according unto my desire: her eyes being opened without delay, she said, shut mine eyes again, for the more that one is absent from the world, so much the nearer, is that party to God; then S. Bridgit shut her eyes as she requested.  
3. One of Saint Bridgits, virgins burnt in the concupiscence of a certain man, to whom she promised to steal forth in the night: after Saint Bridgit betook her to her rest, the virgin rose according to her promise; being inflamed with the fire of sensuality, & likewise vexed with the torment of conscience, she knew not what to do, but fearing God, and S. Bridgit, prayed her earnestly, that she would vouchsafe to help and assist her being indistresse. At last she resolved with her self to make a fire, putting herself thereinto, so by that means, with fire she quenched fire, and with pain, overcame pain; which S. Bridgit knew by divine revelation, yet nevertheless kept it secret, to see the event and issue of the virgin's combat. The next morning the virgin acknowledged her sin to Saint Bridgit, who said to her: because in fight courageously this night, thou hast burnt thyself, the fire of forincation shall never annoy thee in this life, nor the fire of hell burn thee in the next; then the holy virgin did heal her feet, so that no mark of the burning did appear in them.  
4. Neither ought we to omit that great miracle, which this blessed Saint wrought in imitation of our Saviour, by opening the eyes of a man who was blind from his nativity. A certain Queen that had no children, by the holy Virgin's intercession obtained issue. And as Almighty God for her sake and merits, did help others in their necessities, so did he not fail to assist herself in her wants: for upon a certain time the holy virgin being in great necessity, besought God to help her to some honey, and what she sought for, she found it in great plenty, upon the pavement of her house.   

How the holy Virgin for the relief of the poor, wrought many admirable signs. CHAP. VIII.  
SAINT Bridgit said to a certain virgin who begged alms of her; I hear that there are many afflicted with sickness in your country, take therefore my girdle, and with it, steaped in water, you shall in the name of our Saviour jesus Christ deliver them of their infirmities, and they will give you both meat & clothes: who taking the girdle, as the Saint commanded, she cured diseases, getting thereby great gains, and becoming very rich, she herself afterwards, dealt great alms to the needy. Another time she converted water into good bear to give to lepers, who called to her for it. In like manner did she for the comfort of a needy person, convert a stone into salt. She likewise divided one garment between two poor men, and by divine virtue, each part became an entire garment.  
2. Among the many stupendious miracles she wrought, this is not to be accounted the least, nor the least to be admired. To three lepers who besought her to bestow some charity of them, she gave a silver vessel; and fearing it should be an occasion of debate, or discord amongst them, if they divided it themselves, she spoke to the goldsmith to divide it equally amongst them. But he making his excuse, that he could not divide it into three equal parts, the most holy virgin herself took it into her hand, and struck it against a stone, and so divided it just into three equal parcels: in so much that afterwards being put in scales to be weighed, neither part did overweigh the other, not so much as one dramme, so equal were the devisions, and so the lepers departed away joyful with their shares, & without cause either of envy, or any injury.  
3. According to the example of holy job, she never permitted the poor to depart from her with empty hands, for she gave them very precious, and rich garments, which a holy Bishop named Conleath, used to wear in saying the divine mysteries of the Mass, upon the higher feasts of our Lord, and the Apostles. Now when the time came, that the venerable Prelate should according to his wont manner, use the aforesaid episcopal robes, the holy virgin, who had given them to Christ in his needy members, received other such robes fully resembling the former, as well in the weaving, or texture, as in colour, which were brought her in a waggon of two horses, even at the same hour that she liberally gave the others to the poor.  
4. So large and liberal was her charity to the poor, that none ever had a repulse at her hands, as it is clear and evident by this ensuing narration. For one time being abroad in the fields feeding of her flock, one who was well acquainted with the tenderness of her hart, and largeness of her hand, came to her seven times in one day begging of alms, and every time she gave him a weather; and when evening approaching she drove home the sheep, yet being told over twice or thrice, the flock was found entire, and complete, not one being missing to the great wonder of those who knew what chanced. It is also recorded of her, that after prayer made for that intent, she got miraculously a sum of money, with which she ransommed a guilty person, whom the King appointed to be put to death.   

How the holy virgin, declared the innocency of Bishop Broon Saint Patrick's disciple, by making a young suckling to speak, and of other no less remarkable miracles. CHAP. IX.  
A Certain malicious woman, without regard of conscience or fear of God, slandered most wickedly a venerable Bishop of Saint Patrick's disciples named Broon, by fathering upon him a child, which she had gotten by another. The Bishop standing upon denial of the fact S. Bridgit calling the woman said, Who is the father of your child? She answered, Bishop Broon; With that S. Bridgit signed the woman's mouth with the figure of Christ's banner, and instantly her head swollen up with a great tumour, after she blessed the young infant's tongue, saying to him; Who is your Father? The child made answer, Bishop Broon is not my Father, but that vild and deformed man, who sitteth last among the people: then all the assembly rendering many thanks, and praises to God, constrained the lewd woman to do penance for her folly.  
2. There was a certain man named Linguidinus, who was endued with such admirable strength, and surpassing vigour of body, that he himself alone could do so much work as twelve men, and who moreover was so great a devourer of meat, as to eat at once so much, as might well serve twelve men, for as in working he did countervail twelve men; so likewise in eating did he match that number. This man came to S. Bridgit, beseeching her to obtain of God, that he would vouchsafe to temper, and bridle the immoderate appetite of his devouring, and ravenous stomach, without diminishing or mayning the strength of his body. The holy Virgin gave him her blessing, and offered up her prayers to God in behalf of his just petition, which he obtained by her merits, and intercession, for never after did he take more, than was able to satisfy one man, being nevertheless able to perform so much work as he was before, when he did eat most of all.  
3. The sacred virgin sent for many workmen, and reapers to cut down her corn, & having agreed with them for their pay, and appointed a day when they should come to perform their work, it happened that the day appointed, proved very rainy, in so much that the clouds poured forth showers in great abundance over all the province, excepting on S. Bridgits fields, which were not wet at all, the rain falling thick upon every side, so that where all the workmen in the country were constrained to give over their work, by reason of the wet, & moisty season, S. Bridgits workmen continued from morning without intermission or impediment, cutting down of her corn, not without the admiration of all who saw, and heard of that unusual miracle.  
4. Another miracle no less stupendious, wherein the Reader may contemplate the purity of her hart, the perfction of her soul, the eminency of her merits, and the prerogative of her virtues we are to recount, which was this. At what time this sacred virgin fed her flock in a wide & open plain, far from any shelter, showers of rain fell down so thick, that she was wet to the skin, who coming home with her clothes all full of water, she saw a Sun beam piercing in through a chink, that illuminated the room, and taking it for a perch (the quickens of her eyes being hindered, or somewhat blunted) she cast thereon her wet mantle, or upper garment, whereupon it hung being supported by it, as well as by a beam, or post, to the great astonishment of all the neighbours, who could not sufficiently admire the merits, and virtues of this holy virgin.   

Of S. Bridgits happy departure out of this life, and how she knew thereof by divine revelation, and of some miracles wrought after her death by her intercession and merits. CHAP. X.  
THE sacred virgin having run out the course of her mortal days, in the exercise of all kind of sanctimony, and innocency of life, the time of the resolution of her terrene tabernacle drew near at hand, whose deposition, as herself knew by revelation, and foretold to one of her virgins, was not far off. The holy virgin gave up her soul, to her heavenly spouse about the year of our redemption 518. Her venerable body, was placed in a sumptuous monument of gold, and silver, adorned with jewels, and precious stones, and was first interred in her own monastery at Kildare, together with the the sacred body of the holy Bishop Conleath; afterwards it was translated (whereof we have an authentical record) to the city of Dune in Ulster, where it lies together with the venerable bodies of S. Patrick, and S. Columbe, the other two glorious patrons of Ireland. At Kildare and other places, many miracles have been wrought by the merits of Saint Bridgit, we will content our selves with the relation of some few, fearing to cloy the Reader with to much tediousness.  
2. The overseer of Saint Bridgits great and famous monastery, sent workmen, and stone-hewers to provide a mill stone, they neither reflecting upon the difficulty of the way, nor yet regarding that there was no means of getting down the stone, went up to the top of a most high and craggy mountain, where they hewed out a great stone forming it into a mill stone, the Overseer came with oxen and horses to carry it away, but seeing it impossible with oxen and horses to go where it was, in regard of the steep and craggy ascent, all begunne to despair of ever getting it down, and so were ready to depart. But the prudent Overseer said; Not so, but let us in the name of God, and S. Bridgit (to whom nothing is impossible) roll it down, and so conceiving a firm faith of the holy virgin's assistance, they cast it down: and lo though stone rolling amongst the rocky, & stony crags, trundled down without any detriment from the mountain, and thence was carried to the mill. To which mill a certain pagan sent his corn by an ignorant & simple man to be ground: when the corn was laid between the stones, the aforesaid stone being the uppermost, stood irremoveable, neither could the violent current of the great river, nor yet the painful industry of men, wheel it about: at last, knowing that the corn belonged to a pagan Magician, and therefore S. Bridgits mill, would not grind it, they removed and put it away, pouring other grain instead thereof, and then the stone without any impediment, kept its ordinary, & wont course in grinding.  
3. It happened within a while after, that the mill by some chance or other took fire, which consumed the house and the other stone to, that was joined to this, but as for this stone, that was particularly dedicated to S. Bridgit, the fire did not presume to touch, neither was it branded with any sign, or mark of burning, which made them to bring the stone away, and to place it near to S. Bridgits church door, where many diseased meeting, by the only touch of this stone, were delivered from their maladies. Here our author by occasion of this insueing miracle, enlargeth himself in describing the magnificence of Saint Bridgits church, the sumptuousness of the oratory's, the curiosity of antic works, and variety of curious portratures, with many other remarkable particulars, worthy the reading, which we to continue our intended course of brevity, do wittingly pass over, and will content ourselves with the bare & succinct relation of the miracle itself, which was this.  
4. The gate of Saint Bridgits oratory, through which she, and her holy virgins passed, when they went to receive the delicious viand of our Saviour's sacred and pure body being broken down, & made wider, the carpenters setting the former door upon the hinges which was found, was less by a fourth part, or quarter: whereupon they resolved, either to add another piece to the old door, or to make another all of new; and as they were debating the business, the principal work master said. We ought this next night to watch and pray at S. Bridgits monument, to the end that she may direct us in the morning, what is best to be done in this matter: so passing all the night over at her shrine, and rising the next morning after, saying some prayers, setting the old door upon the hinges, it fitted all the gate so just, that it neither wanted, nor yet exceeded any thing in convenient bigness: and in this manner was the door by the merits of Saint Bridgit, extended to an equal & commensurative proportion with the gate of the church. Who can express (saith our author here) the admirable beauty of this Church, or how can we declare the marvels of this City? Or who may recount the innumerable throngs, and infinite multitudes of people flocking thither from all countries? Some come to delight themselves with plentiful diversity of banquets, some to solace themselves with variety of pleasant shows, and spectacles, others to obtain the cure of their diseases, and others with rich, and great donaryes to solemnise Saint Bridgits natalitiall feast, which falleth upon the first of February, upon which day in the year of Christ 518. as we have touched above in the first paragraph of this present chapter, the holy virgin passed from the miseries of this mortal life, to the immortal joys of paradise. Whither God of his infinite grace conduct us all to him, to his all immaculate mother, and to the two glorious patroness of Ireland, Saint Patrick, and Saint Bridgit, be all honour, glory and praise, world without end. Amen.  
FINIS.    

THE LIFE OF THE GLORIOUS ABBOT S. COLUMBE THE GREAT. PATRON OF IRELAND, AND APOSTLE OF THE PICTS. Abridged out of the Latin: written by S. Adamnanus.  

The first book of S. COLUMBS prophetical Revelations.  

Of S. Columbs Parents, Navigation into Britain, and of his prophecy touching S. Fintenus. CHAP. I.  
SAINT Columbe the Great, was borne of noble and illustrious parents, his Father was named the son of Fergusus, and his Mother Aethnea. The second year after the war of Culedreiune, and the two and forty of his age, he passed over into Britanny, being desirous for the love of Christ, to go thither in pilgrimage. From his youth he was trained up in Christian discipline, and in the study of wisdom: his integrity of body, and purity of soul, he kept always unblemished; and though he lived on earth, yet his conversation was in heaven. His countenance was sweet, and angelical, his talk clean, and chaste, his carriage holy, and saintlike, his wit quick, and excellent, and his council grave and mature, no part of his time, not so much as the space of one hour, did he ever misspend; for he was always employed, either in prayer, in writing, in reading, or in some good exercise: His abstinence was so great, and his watchings so long, in which he exercised himself day and night without intermission, that they went beyond the course of humane ability, and yet in the midst of all these austerityes, he always showed a cheerful countenance, representing thereby the Saint like joy of his hart.  
2. S. Fintenus, who after became so famous over all the Churches of Ireland, conceived in his younger years an earnest desire of forsaking Ireland, and visiting our Saint Columbe. Being inflamed with this desire, he went to a certain friend of his, a very wise, and venerable man, named Columbus, to take his advice in the matter, who liked well of his holy resolution; thither at the same time came two of S. Columbes monks, who being demanded touching their journey, answered: We are newly come out of Britain, and this day from the monastery of the Oaken-field Roboretum is your holy father S. Colomb well, and in good health, saith Columb. With that they shedding tears abundantly replied: truly our father and Patron is well; for a few days passed he departed to Christ. Upon knowledge whereof Fintenus, Columbus, and the rest that were present, falling down prostrate upon the ground, wept bitrerly. Fintenus demanded further of them, saying: whom did he ordain his successor? they made answer, his disciple Bathaneus, with that Columbus asked Fintenus what he meant to do, who answered: I will with God's grace repair over to the wise and holy man Bathaneus, and will take him for my Abbot: then taking his leave of Columbus, he embarked himself without delay for the I'll of Hoy, where he was entertained with great charity, as an unknown guest.  
3. The next day after his arrival, he made it known to Bathaneus, that he had a desire to confer with him, who presently sent for him. Fintenus being brought to Bathaneus his presence, fell down upon his knees, but the Saint made him rise, and sit down with him. Then did Fintenus recount to the saint his name, country, kindred, conversation, & what had moved him to undertake that painful navigation; and lastly closed up his discourse with an humble request in behalf of his admittance. Bathaneus understanding all, said: My child I am bound to render many thanks to God for your arrival, but know this for certain, that you cannot be a monk of ours. Fintenus hearing this, became very heavy and sad, saying. Perchance I am unworthy to be your monk. To whom the old Senior replied: It is not as you say; for albeit I had rather detain you with me, than otherwise, yet can I not profane the commandment of my patron S. Columbe, by whose mouth the holy Ghost hath prophesied of you in manner following, saying to me: O Bathaneus, you must listen to these my words with great attention; for presently after my wished, and long desired departure out of this life to Christ, a certain brother named Fintenus, will come to you out of Ireland, and beg earnestly to be received of you among the other monks, but it is not preordained for him in the prescience of God, that he become a monk to be subject, for he is preelected for the Abbot of monks, and for a captain to lead many souls to heaven, do not therefore detain the foresaid man with you in our Isle, but send him back again into Ireland, that he may build a monastery in Leynster, on the bank of the sea, where feeding a flock of Christ's sheep, he may conduct innumerable souls to the joys of paradise. The young Saint hearing this, and pouring out abundance of tears with thanks giving to God, said: Be it done to me according to the prophetical, & marvelous prescience of S. Columbe: so taking S. Bathaneus his benediction, he returned back into Ireland.  
4. About that time, that the holy man was founding by divine inspiration the monastery of Diarmag, in the middle region of Ireland, he purposed to visit the holy company that lived in S. Kiaranus monastery at Cluayre. They understanding of his approach, went all forth in company of their Abbot Alitherus to meet him, and lead him honourably (singing of Psalms & Hymns) to the Church. At the same time a certain despicable familiar youth came behind the Saint, and hiding himself so much as he could, he thought to touch at unawares the Saint, and without his feeling the hem of his exterior garment; but what the Saint could not see with his corporal eyes, he saw with his interior, and mental eyes: for making a stand, he put his hand behind him, & so taking hold of the youth by the neck, he placed him in presence of all the people. Then all that were there present, said: Dismiss him, dismiss him, why do you detain that unhappy boy? The Saint breathing out from his pure breast these prophetical words, said. Give over now, brethren, give over. And then turning to the youth, that trembled, and, quaked for fear, he said: 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 vild, and despiceable, let none therefore contemn him; for from henceforth he will not only displease you, but he will prove very pleasing to you: in virtue, and holy conversation he will daily go forward, and from hence forth his wisdom and prudence will more and more increase, and in this our congregation he shall become a worthy member, and his tongue shallbe endued by God, both with wholesome doctrine, and eloquence. This youth was Ereneus, who afterwards was so famous, and well known throughout all the Churches of Ireland.   

How S. Columbe foresaw the danger, and coming of S. Chamnechus, and Columbanus: the victory of King Aldan, and other remarkable things. CHAP II.  
THE saint being in his monastery of Hoy, one day that the seas were very rough, and the winds blew boisterously, commanded the monks to make ready the guest-roome, and to draw water for some that were to come. One of the Brothers asked, who can have a prosperous navigation such a day as this, though the passage be never so short? The saint answered: God will prepare a calm amidst this tempest for a Saint, and for one of his elect, that shall come to us before evening. And lo the expected ship wherein S. Chamnechus was, arrived according to the saints prophesy. Another time likewise the saint being in his own great Church, he brook forth after a smiling manner into these words: Columbanus sailing towards us, is in danger amidst the swelling waves, the Abbot fitting in the foredecke, elevateth his hands to heaven, and blesseth the fearful, and swelling sea, whom our Lord doth terrify, not that the ship shall suffer shipwreck, but to excite him to pray more fervently, and so to come safe to us.  
2. Of Cormarus that holy man, who so often sought for a wilderness in the sea, S. Columbe prophesied in this manner. This Cormarus hoping to find a desert, set out this day from that region that lieth beyond the river 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 monk belonging to a Religious Abbot without his leave. Another time the Saint commanded his servant to ring the bell in haste, to call the Monks to the Church, where falling upon his knees, he said: Now let us offer our prayers very earnestly for this people, and King Alban, for at this present they begin to fight a battle. Within a little while going out of the oratory, and casting his eyes towards heaven, he said: Now the enemies are put to flight, for the victory is granted to King Aldan. Before the beginning of the foresaid war, the Saint questioned with King Aldan, touching his successor, who answered, that he knew not which of his three sons should reign after him. The saint consequently prophesied in this manner: None of these three shallbe your successor, for they shall be all slain by their enemies, now if you have any younger children send for them, and he whom our Lord hath elected to be King, will run suddenly into my lap. They being called, Euchodius ran unto the Saint, who kissing him said to his father. This is he that shall survive, and shallbe King after you, and his children shall reign after him. All which fell out to be true according to the Saints prophecy.  
3. Domnaldus the son of Aydo, being yet but a child, was by his Nurses brought to S. Columbe, who asked them; Whose son is this you have brought me? They told him, he was Donnaldus whom they brought, to the end he might be enriched with his blessing; whom when the Saint had blessed, he presently adjoined. This child shall overlive all his brethren, and shall become a famous King, neither shall he ever be delivered into the hands of his enemies, but shall in his old age dye a quiet & peacecible death in his own house. All which was fulfiled according to the Saints prophecy. At the same time, and in the same place, he went to visit Scandalanus the son of Colmanus, being then detained prisonner by King Aydus, whom when the Saint had blessed, he said: Son be not heavy, but rather rejoice, and be of good comfort, King Aydus, whose captive you are, will depart this life before you, and after your banishment for a little time, you shallbe King in your own country for thirty years, then shall you again be chased out of your kingdom, and shall live in exile for a few days, which days being expired, the people will proclaim you King again, over whom you shall bear rule for three short times. All this was accomplished in form and manner, as the Saint had prophesied; for after thirty years' reign, he was driven out of the kingdom for a certain space, being after recalled by the people, he reigned not three years as he thought, but three months only, and then died without delay. Two country men brought their sons to the Saint in the I'll of Hoy, to the one, he told his son should dye the same week, and to the other, that his son should live to see his nephews, and that he should after a good old age, be buried in the same Island.  
4. One of the Saints Monks named Berachius, being to sail to the Island of Ethica, came to the Saint to crave his blessing, to whom the Saint said: Beware my son, you hold not your direct course of Ethica, by sailing along the wide seas, but rather take your course winding about the little Isles, fearing that otherwise you should not escape by reason of the terror of a monstruous prodigy. Berachus receiving the Saints blessing departed, and so getting into the ship, regarding but little the Saints admonition, he sailed directly through the broad seas, & lo he and they that were with him, saw a mighty huge Whale, like to a big mountain to rise up over the waters, whose sight struck a great terror into their minds, whereupon the mariners struck down their sail, and turning back again, hardly could they escape that danger arising from the tempestuous agitation of the Whale, the they called to mind the Saints prophetical prediction, not without admiration. Bathaneus being to pass the same morning to the prementioned I'll, the Saint admonished him of the Whale, to whom Bathaneus answered: I, and the beast are under Gods power, than the Saint said: Go in peace, thy faith in Christ will preserve thee from this danger. So Bathaneus took the Saint's benediction, & lanced out from the haven, & after sailing forth a good space into the sea, he and his companions saw the Whale, which put them all in great fear, only Bathaneus without any terror lifting up his hands, blessed the seas & the Whale, and lo in the self same moment, the Whale sunk down under the waves, and never after appeared to them. The saint prophesied of a certain wicked man, who had committed fratricide, & likewise incest with his own mother, that he should be slain by his enemies, which happened true within few days.   

How S. Columbe saw a city in Italy to be strucken with thunder: and admonished Cailtanus, and two other Monks of their eminent death. CHAP. III.  
AS one of the Saints Monks named Lugbeus, came upon a time to the saint, he could not look upon his face, being covered over with a marvelous redness, whereat conceiving great fear, he ran away; whom the saint called back, ask him what was the cause of his running away? he answered, because I was in great fear. And within a little while dealing with the saint more confidently, he made bold to ask of the saint, whether any fearful vision had been manifested to him, the saint then answered: A terrible vengeance hath been now exercised in a remote part of the world. What vengeance was it? Or in what country did it happen? The Saint replied. A sulphurous flame was poured down at this hour upon a city of the Roman dominion, within the marches of Italy, whereby three thousand men besides women and children, were almost consumed, and before this present year be expired, there will come merchants out of france, who will tell you the same news. At a placed called Camprio-Regionis, Lugbeus found a french pilot, of whom he learned all the Saint had foretold him.  
2. Upon a certain very cold winter day, the saint sorrowed much, and wept exceedingly. His familiar servant Diarmitius, asked him the cause of his sorrow, who received this answer: O my little child, I do not sorrow at this present without cause, seeing how Laifranus toileth my Monks, already weary in the building of a great house, which disgusteth me much. A wonder to be spoken, in the self same moment Laifranus living in the monastery of the Oken-field, being forced in a manner by coaction, and inflamed as it were with fire interiorly, commanded the Monks to cease from the work, & some recreation of meat to be prepared, & gave them leave to rest, not only for that day, but also so long as the hard season coutinued. The saint hearing in spirit these comfortable words spoken by Laifranus, forbere to weep, & rejoiced exceedingly, & told the brethren there present, all what passed, and withal gave his benediction to Laifranus.  
3. As the saint sat one day upon the top of an high mountain, hanging over the monastery, turning to his familiar servant Diarmitius, he said: I marvel what it is, that stays a ship coming out of Ireland, which carrieth in it a wise man, who for a certain sin whereinto he hath fall'n, doth bitter penance. Within a little while, the familiar Brother looking towards the South, he saw the sails of the ship approaching to the haven, and showed it to the Saint, who said: Rise in haste and let us go meet the proselyte, whose true penance Christ hath regarded. Fechnaus coming a shore, fell down prostrate, and weeping bitterly, upon his knees, he confessed his sins in presence of all the company. The Saint out of compassion, weeping with him, said: Rise my son, and be of good cheer, for your sins are forgiven you, because it is written: A contrite and humble hart, God will not despise: who afterwards being very lovingly entertained of the Saint, he sent him to Bathaneus living at a place called Lungefield. Another time the Saint sent two monks for one of his Monks named Cailtanus, biding him to repair in all haste to him. Cailtanus' understanding of the Saints pleasure came speedily in company with the Monks that went for him. When the Saint saw Cailtanus, he spoke to him in manner following. O Cailtanus, you have done very well in hastening to me so obediently, rest you a little. Loving you as a friend I invited you to come, that you might finish the course of your mortal life here with me in true obedience; for before this week come to an end, you shall render your soul in peace to God. Then Cailtanus with thanks to God kissed the saint, and to receiving his benediction, went to the guest room, the night following he sickened, and according the saints word, departed the self same week to a better life.  
4. On a certain Sunday some cried from the further side of the often mentioned sea. The Saint hearing the cry, said to the brethren: Go in all haste, and bring the pilgrims that come from a far 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 journey: they told him, they came to seiourne with him for that year, to whom the saint replied: You may not live with me a year as you desire, unless you tie yourselves to the observance of the monastical vows. The eldest made answer: Truly we had no such intention hitherto, notwithstanding we will embrace your counsel inspired by God, as we believe. To be short, they followed the Saint devoutly into the oratory, and there on their knees obliged themselves to the monastical vows. Then the saint converting his speech to the brothers there present, said: These two proselytes exhibiting themselues a living host to God, and accomplishing in a few days the course of Christian perfection, shall yield up their souls to Christ before this present month run to an end; and so it fell out; for both of them fell sick one after another, and departed to a better life, within the term prophesied and perfixed by the saint.   

How S. Columbe foretold the baptism of a certain Pagan: knew by divine revelation the death of two Irish noble men: and by prayer obtained the life of Diarmitius his familiar servant. CHAP. FOUR  
WHILST the saint for the space of some few days remained in Ireland, being at a place bordering on the sea, he struck the earth with his staff, saying to the Monks that were with him. Behold my little children, a certain Gentil, who all his life time followed the good instincts, and propensions of nature, shall this day be baptised, die, and be buried in this place: and lo within the space as it were of an hour, a ship struck into the same haven, in whose foredecke sat an ancient Pagan named Geone, whom two young men lifted up between them & brought him to the saints presence: the old man embraced presently the Christian doctrine, the saint preached to him by an interpreter, at whose hands he received the grace of regeneration. Immediately after the receipt of holy baptism, he gave up his ghost, and was buried in the same place by the Saints companions.  
2. During the Saints abode in the foresaid region, he went one Sunday to a neighbour monastery named Trjoint, and seeing the same day a certain Priest celebrating the holy misteryes of the Eucharist, whom the Monks made choice of for that purpose, for that they deemed him a man of a very holy and religious life, he suddenly pronounced this fearful sentence: Clean and unclean things, are now mingled together, to wit, the clean misteryes of the sacred oblation, handled by an unclean man, who hideth in his conscience some enormous sin: the party of whom he had spoken in this kind, confessed his sin before all the company, which with great astonishment admired in the Saint this stupendious knowledge, penetrating even to the secrets of men's hearts.  
3. Another time the Saint being in the Island of Hoy, he called to him two of his Monks named Lugbeus, and Silnanus, and said to them: sail over into the I'll of Malea, and near the sea bank seek out the thief Ertus, who lurketh there, expecting in the night time to get over to the little I'll, where our sea-calues breed, to steal some away, and bring them home to his house. They did accordingly, and found the thief in the place premonstrated, whom they brought to the saint, as he had commanded. The saint seeing him, said: Wherefore dost thou trespass against the divine commandment, in stealing away other men's goods so often? when thou art driven to any necessity, come to us, and we will relieve thy wants. And with this he appointed that some weathers should be killed, and given to the miserable thief, that he might not return home to his house with empty hands. Within a short time the saint knew by revelation that the thieves death drew near: he sent him therefore a fat Cow, & seven measures of corn which were spent at his funerailles. In like manner the saint foresaw and foretold the death of a Scottish poet named Coronanus.  
4. It happened another time in the same Island of Hoy, as the saint was at his book reading, that he cast out deep and sorrowful sighs: Lugbeus who was present, began to demand the cause of his sudden grief; the Saint made this answer: In Scotland two noble men of the blood royal have killed one another, at a place not far distant from the Monastery of Cellarois, in the Province of the Magdeni, and the eight day hence, there will come one out of Ireland, who will report the truth of all this. The man whose coming the Saint foresaw, came on the presaged day, and among many other news, reported that Colmancanus, and Romanus had slain one another. After this, Lugbeus the soldier of Christ, getting the Saint at his leisure, said to him: I beseech you let me know how & in what manner these prophetical revelations 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 unknown of to other men. The Saint answered: I cannot acquaint you with any thing touching this subtle matter you inquire after, unless you first take an oath on your knees never to speak of this obscure sacrament all the days of my life. Lugbeus swore as the saint would have him: then the saint spoke as followeth: There are some, albeit they be but few in number, that by Gods special grace clearly contemplate with one single aspect, and in one moment the compass of the whole world the heavens, the sea, and land, by reason of the marvelous dilatation of their mind. Though the saint seemeth to report this of others, for the avoidance of all vain glory, and self esteem, yet that he meant it of himself indirectly, is clear to any that hath perused the vessel 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 myself, but I know such a man that he was rapt into paradise, which though he seem to recount of another, yet none can doubt but he spoke of himself.  
5. It fell out another time, that one of the brothers came to the place where the faint was writing, and said to him: I beseech you bless this Iron I hold in my hand: the saint stretched out his hand holding the pen, & blessed the Iron according to the brother's request, in the mean time, he held his face towards the book he wrote: the brother being gone away, the saint asked. What Iron he had blessed for the Brother. Diarmitius his familiar tender, answered. A knife wherewith Beefs are killed: then the saint replied: I trust firmly in our Lord, that this weapon I have blessed, will never do hurt to man, nor beast: The truth of which sentence of the Saint, was shown in effect the self same hour. For the brother going out of the monastery with an intent to kill a Cow, endeavoured thrice thereunto, and yet could not so much as pierce her skin. Another time the Saints faithful tender Diarmitius sickened even to death, the Saint came to visit him in that extremity, and standing by the bed's side, prayed after this manner: I beseech thee O Lord be favourable to me, and let not the soul of my pious tender, be taken out of this mortal life before I end the course of my days. After praying thus, he held his peace for a little space, then opening his sacred mouth, he said: This my loving child shall not only escape the danger of this present infirmity, but shall moreover live for many years after my death: Diarmitius was delivered incontinently of his disease, and survived the Saint many a long year.   

How S. Columbe discovered a Bishop that would not have himself known: how he foretold the coming of a Crane out of Ireland: and how by the presents that were offered to him to be blessed, he knew the sins of the owners. CHAP. V.  
THERE came out of the Province of the Numinenses, a certain proselit to visit the saint, this man being a Bishop, dissembled all 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 Saviour's holy body, the saint said to him: Since you are a Bishop break this dominical bread after the manner, and with the same solemnity a Bishop ought to break it, now we know full well that you are a Bishop; why did you conceal yourself from us, by occasion whereof we did not demean our selves towards you, with that respect & veneration your place and calling requires. The humble hearted pilgrim hearing him speak in this kind, glorified Christ in his holy servant Columbe. Another time the venerable Abbot sent his uncle Ernanus to govern the monastery of Humba, of whom at his departure he pronounced this prophecy: This my friend, whom I now send away, I never hope to see him living again in this world. Within a few days Ernanus fell sick, and would have himself carried back to the saint, who was very glad thereof, and went forth to meet him. Ernanus though he were very weak and sickly, yet would he needs go on his feet, and lo in the way he gave up his ghost suddenly, before the saint could have a sight of him.  
2. The saint told a certain Peasant that came to his monastery: Lo the barbarous enemies sack and spoil all the Province you inhabit. Which doleful news made the poor fellow fall into pitiful lamentations for his wife, & children. The saint seeing him drowned in sorrow, & anguish, said to him: your wife and family, have escaped to the mountains, but you goods and cattle, the enemy hath taken away: the man going home found all to be true as the saint had told him. A certain valiant, and strong man named Gorens, would fain learn of the saint what kind of death himself should die of. The saint told him: You shall not be slain 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 foresaid Gorens, seeing men fight, & at mortal debate, ran in haste to separate them, in the mean time by some chance or other he let his knife fall carelessly, which wounded him in the knee, of which wound, after the sickness of some months, he died: and so the prophecy of the Saint was fulfiled.  
3. Another time likewise, the saint being in the often mentioned Island of Hoy, he called one of the monks to him, and commanded him as followeth: The third day next ensuing, you shall go to the West part of this I'll, and shall expect the coming of a certain Crane from the North part of Ireland, which Crane being driven by the force of the blustering winds through the spacious Regions of the air, all weary and turmoiled, shall arrive there after the ninth hour, and having all her forces and vigour consumed, she will fall down on the shore before you; forget not to take her up mercifully, and to bring her to the next house, where you shall entertain her liberally, and feed her carefully for three days, by which time her strength shall be well repaired, and herself being unwilling to sojourn with us any longer, will return back to Scotland her sweet country, where she was borne, and my motive of commending her so seriously to your care is, because she is of one country with us. The brother obeyed willingly, and the third day at the place and time appointed, expected the arrival of the new guest, whom he took up of the shore, and brought her weak, and faint to the lodging, where he fed her carefully: to whom after his coming to the monastery in the evening the Saint said: God's blessing have you my child for tending so carefully the strange guest, who will make no long delay in her pilgrimage, but will return back to her native soil after three days abode. What the saint pronounced the event showed to be true: for the Crane after three days charitable entertainment, wound herself gently up into the air in presence of her officious ministre, and after kept her course directly towards Ireland.  
4. On a certain time many presents were laid in the street that leadeth to the Saints monastery to be blessed of him as he passed by, where pointing at the gift of a rich man, and naming the party, he said. The mercy of God accompanieth the bestower of this gift, given for the relief of the poor: after he pointed likewise at the present of a wise, but covetous man, saying: I can in no wise taste of this gift, unless the giver do penance for his avarice, which word being published among the people, Columbus the son of Aidus came in haste, and falling on his knees did penance, and promised ever after to abjure covetousness, and withal to amend his life, and to become more liberal. The rich and liberal man named Brendanus, hearing in like manner what the Saint spoke of him, came likewise, and fell down at his feet, beseeching him to pray for him; Brendanus being rebuked for some offences, promised amendment from that time forwardly, & so it came to pass, that both of them amended their faults.  
The end of the first Book.    

THE II. BOOK OF SAINT COLUMBES MIRACLES.  

How S. Columbe, converted water into wine: how corn sown in june by his appointment, was ripe in the beginning of August: And of a sovereign remedy he provided against the infection of a pestiferous cloud. CHAP I.  
WHILST the holy Saint lived in Ireland with S. Findbarrus, to be trained up in the study of holy Scriptures, it happened one day, that no wine could be found for the sacrifical mystery. The holy young man being then a Deacon, taking the cruet, went to the fountain for water, and by invocating the name of our B. Saviour, who at the marriage feast of Cana, converted cold water into good wine, merited to work the same stupendious sign: all who knew of it rendered many thanks to God, but the holy young man declining all self esteem, ascribed the operation of that great sign, to the holy Bishop Vinnian. And as by this admirable miracle, our Saviour made this the beginning of the many miracles, which himself wrought, so did he by it give the first manifestation of the sanctity of his Blessed servant S. Columbe. Hard by the monastery of the Oaken-field, was a very fruitful appletree, but so bitter, that no good came of it: the Saint knowing so much, went forth in the harvest to the place, where the tree was loaden with fruit, and elevating his sacred hand blessed it, saying: In the name of Almighty God, O bitter tree, let all this bitterness depart from thee: and thy apples, that hitherto have been most sour, let them now become most sweet, and pleasant to the taste. And without delay the apples suddenly became marvelous delightful to all those who tasted of them.  
2. The holy Saint sent some of his Monks to fetch out of the fields of a certain countryman, some rods, and twigs for the building of a cell, they brought their boat well loaden, and withal signified to the Saint, that the farmer conceived great grief at the matter, in regard of the loss he sustained thereby. Then the Saint said; Fearing the man should be scandalised at us, let there be nine measures of barley carried to him, and let him sow them in his fields, even at this present tyme. The corn being sent, and delivered with the former errand, the man received it gratefully, but said; How can corn grow against the nature of this country, being sown after Midsummer? To whom his wife answered. Do as the Saint hath commanded, to whom our Lord will grant what thing soever he shall demand. The country man out of obedience to the Saint, fell a ploughing the land, and sowing the corn: which in the midst of june, grew so fast, and ripened so soon, that to the great astonishment of all the Neighbours, he cut it down in the beginning of August.  
3. Another time the Saint saw a thick, & misty cloud to come from the South, which when he perceived, he said to a Monk of his named Syluanus, that sat with him: This cloud will prove very noisome, both to men and beasts; for flying away hence, it will extend itself over a part of Ireland, & shower down towards the evening a contagious rain, that will engender in men, and in the duggs of beasts pestilent ulceres, and with these pestilent sores, men will sicken even to death, but we ought of compassion to provide some remedy against their disease: Descend therefore with me, O Syluanus, & make yourself ready to cross the seas; for men and beasts shall recover with God's grace their health, if the water, wherein you shall steep holy bread of my blessing, shallbe sprinkled on them. In which Syluanus obeying the Saint promptly, and having by God's favour a prosperous passage, came speedily to the prementioned part of the country, where he found all the people struck down with that contagious disease: and first of all, six men, that dwelled in a house bordering upon the sea, being sprinkled with the water, wherein the bread was steeped, recovered their health the self same day, the report of which sudden cure being blown over all the region consumed with that pestilent sickness, invited all the diseased people to hasten to S. Columbs Legate, who according to the Saints commandment, cast the water, on them, wherein the holy bread was steaped, and both men and beasts, were delivered of their infirmities without delay.   

How S. Columbe saw in spirit the holy virgin Mugina invocating his aid, and cured her. Of the cure of many infirmities, and production of a fountain out of a rock. CHAP. II.  
ANOTHER time the Saint called upon a Brother named Lugaidus, and spoke to him in this manner. Put yourself in readiness to pass speedily into Ireland; for I must send unto the monastery of Chilnocherum. For this last night the holy Virgin Maugina, coming after mass out of the Oratary, by chance stumbled, and broke her huckle bone into two parts; she by invocating often upon my name, hopeth by my intercession, to receive comfort from God▪ Lugaidus being ready to depart, the saint gave him a box made of Pine, with a certain hollowed thing within it, and said: This benediction, when you arrive where Maugina is, you shall steep it in water, & the water you shall will be to poured on her huckle bone, and with that the broken bone will be joined together again, and the virgin shall receive her health, & I will write in the cover of this box, the number of three and twenty years that she shall live in this world after the cure of her hurt. Lugaidus left nothing unperformed, that the Saint gave him in charge to do, & so the holy virgin recovered her health, & lived out the number of three and twenty years in the exercise of good works, according to the Saints prophecy.  
2. The venerable Prelate, as we have learned by the tradition of them that knew it, cured the languors of many sick persons, during the little time he made abode in the place called in latin Dorsum Cetae, whither he went to be present at the meeting of Kings, for with the touch, either of his holy hand, hem of his garment, or with salt, bread, water, or any thing else blessed by him, did he restore men to their perfect health. A woman that had an inflammation in her eye, used a Petrasalis, which the Saint had blessed. It fell out after some days, that the house wherein the Petrasalis was, took fire, all the house was consumed into ashes, excepting the perch, whereon the Petrasalis hung, and a part of the wall that sustained it. A young man, that carried about him a leaf written by S. Columbes holy hand, was drowned in a river: his body after twenty days being extracted out of the waters, the leaf was found as dry, and uncorrupted, as if it had been locked up close in a casket.  
3. As the Saint was one time travailing, the parents of a young infant, brought the child to the Saint to be christened, and in regard no water could be found in the adjoining places, the saint declined to a rock hardby, where after praying a little upon his knees, he blessed the rock, out of which gushed a stream of water, wherein he baptised the young suckling, of whom also he prophesied, that in his youth he would lose the reins to lust, and sensuality, but afterwards that he should give himself to the study of christian perfection, and should dye in a good old age. All which fell out to be true. The Saint being in Pictland, he heard great report of a pagan fountain, which the foolish people being blinded by the Devil, held in great veneration; but whosoever tasted of the water, or washed their hands or feet in it, became by diabolical fascination (God permitting it) blind, leprous, or weak with some infirmity. The saint came to the fountain, whereat the Magicians whom he often confounded and overcame, were very glad, hoping that he should receive some mischance. The saint first invocating upon the name of Christ, washed his hands & feet, and after blessing the water, drunk of it, which from that day forwardly, bred no hurt or annoy to any, and which is more admirable, by virtue of the Saints benediction, the water of that fountain became a sovereign remedy, for the cure of many diseases.   

How S. Columbe did with his prayers, allay tempest. And how S. Cahinnechus did the same: and of other miracles wrought by S. Columbe. CHAP. III.  
UPON a certain time, the Saint was in danger at sea, for the ship was soar shaken with huge waves, the raging violence of the blustering winds beating upon it, the Saint in that distress helped them what he could in pumping out the water, whereupon the mariners said, What you do now, avails us but little in this extremity, it is more fitting for you to pray for us, being ready almost to be cast away. With that the Saint began to power out before God a sweet and fervent prayer. O great wonder! No sooner did the Saint, standing in the foredecke of the ship, address his hands in prayer to the Omnipotent, but that the tempest of the air, and boiling of the sea ceased, whereupon followed a most serene and pleasant calm, they who were in the ship being strucken with admiration, glorified God in his blessed servant.  
2. Another time the Saint being in great danger, by occasion of a fearful and vehement tempest, his companions cried to him to pray for them, but he made answer: That belongeth not to me to do; for it is the holy Abbot Cahinnechus turn to pray for you this day. Cahinnechus being then in his own monastery called Cowfield, heard the foresaid speech of S. Columbe by revelation of the holy Ghost; for when he had begun after the ninth hour to sit down to dinner, he arose quickly from the table, and having one shoe on, & leaving the other for haste, he ran to the Church, saying all the way, It is not time for us now to dine, when S. Columbs ship is in imminent danger at sea, who calleth often upon the name of Cahinnechus, desiring him to pray for him, and his companions: having spoken these words, Cahinnechus entered the oratory and prayed a little upon his knees, and lo our Lord heard incontinently his prayer; for the tempest ceased, and the sea became calm. S. Columbe seeing in spirit S. Cahinnechus his preparation, and promptness in running to the Church, he pronounced out of his pure breast, this marvelous saying. Now I know, O Cahinnechus, that God hath heard your prayer, for your hasty running to the church with one of your shoes only, avails us much.  
3. Bathaneus and other holy men came to the Saint, entreating him to obtain the next day from God a prosperous wind for them, being to pass to contrary places. The Saint answered: Bathaneus shall have in the morning a prosperous wind, until he arrive at the haven of Lungefield: which God granted him according to the Saints words. Then at nine of the clock the Saint sent for Columbanus the Priest, bidding him to make himself ready, and telling him that the south wind that favoured Bathaneus, should turn to the north, so Columbanus embarked himself for Ireland. This stupendious miracle was wrought by virtue of the saints prayers, because as it is written: All things are possible to him that believeth. After Columbanus his departure, S. Columbe pronounced this prophecy of him: The holy man Columbanus, shall never more see me in this life. So it fell out, for S. Columbe departed to our Lord the self same year.  
4. A certain young man named Columbanus, brought a vessel full of milk to the place where the saint was, requesting him to bless it, as he was accustomed. As the Saint made the victorious sign of the Cross in the air, the vessel began to shake, the cover fell to the ground, & the most part of the milk was shed; the youth laid down the vessel, with the little milk that was left upon the ground, & fell humbly on his knees, to whom the Saint said: Rise up Columban, for you have been negligent in performing of your duty, this day, because you did not chase away with the sign of the cross the Devil, that lurcked in the bottom of the empty vessel, before you poured in the milk, the virtue of which sacred sign, he being unable to sustain, he is now fled away. Then the Saint blessed the little milk, that was left, and lo the vessel that was almost empty, under the benediction of his sacred hand, became brimful.   

How by virtue of S. Columbes benediction, five Cows increased to the number of 105. How the Saint foresaw the death, & damnation of a certain man: and of other no less remarkable miracles. CHAP. FOUR  
THe Saint having lodged one night at the house of one Columbanus, a very poor and die man, in the morning he questioned with him concerning the quantity, and quality of his substance. The poor man answered: I have five Cows, which if you vouchsafe to bless, I doubt not, but they will increase to a greater number. The saint commanded him to bring them to his presence, where blessing them, he said: You shall by God's grace have a hundred and five cows, and this benediction shall remain to your children, & nephews. Which prophetical prediction fell out to be most true, the cow's being multiplied to the foresaid number, & how many soever exceeded that number, perished by several mischances, excepting those he spent in maintenance of his family, or gave by way of alms.  
2. The saint loved entirely the foresaid man for many kindnesses, and pious offices he had done him. A certain wicked man descending of the blood royal, persecuted Columbanus the saints dear friend, and robbed his house three several times, and took away all his goods: the third time it was his fortune to meet with the saint, who rebuked him for his wickedness, and persuaded him to restore the goods unjustly taken: but he regarding nothing the saints prayers, yea rather laughing and scoffing at him, the saint followed him even to the sea side, and entered into the salt water up to the knees, & in that place offered his prayers most fervently to Christ, who glorifyeth his elect that glorify him; having made an end of his prayer, he returned to the dry shore, where sitting down with his companions, he pronounced these fearful words: This miserable wretch, who hath this day misprised Christ in his servants, shall never return to the haven, whence he departed, nor yet arrive to any other, but shallbe drowned in the midst of the Ocean waves, together with his wicked complices. Which dreadful, though just prophecy of the saint, was fully accomplished in the presence of them all.  
3. The glorious saint commended a banished noble man of Pictland, to the care of a certain wealthy man, entreating him for his respect to entertain him as a friend for the space of some months. The cruel man, notwithstanding the saints entreaty and commendations, put the noble man to death within a few days, which grievous sin when it came to the saints hearing, he spoke in this manner▪ That unhappy man hath not lied to me but to God, his name shallbe blotted out of the book of life. This I say now in summer but, before he taste in Autumn of pork, that hath been fed with accornes, he shall dye suddenly, and be buried in hell. The cursed wretch laughed to scorn the Saints prophetical threatening: the harvest season being now come, the wicked man commanded a hog fatted with accornes, and kernels of nuts to be killed, and ordained that a piece thereof should be roasted, so that by tasting of it he might frustrate, and make void the oath of the Saints prophecy. The flesh being roasted, the wretch stretched out his hand to take a morsel of it, but before he could put it into his mouth, he fell down dead, exhaling out his wicked soul to be buried in hell, they who heard, and saw this prodigious effect of God's justice, honoured Christ in his holy prophet.  
4. During the Saint's abode in Pictland, he preached by an interpreter to a certain country man, who embraced the Christian religion. Within a few days, one of the countrymen's sons fell sick to death, whereupon the Magicians began to deride the man, to extol the power of their own God, and to hit him in the teeth with the weakness of the God of the Christians. When these things were made known to the Saint, being inflamed thereat with the zeal of God's honour, he went together with his companions to the house, where the comfortless parents, celebrated the doleful funerals of their dead son. The Saint seeing them drowned in sorrow, animated them with comfortable speeches, & after went himself all alone into the place, where the dead corpse lay, where falling prostrate on his knees, and bathing his face in tears, he offered his prayers to Christ, afterwards he rose up, & converting him to the dead, he said: In the name of our Lord jesus, return to life, and stand upon thy feet. With that venerable voice of God's true servant, the soul returned to the body, and the dead man opened his eyes, whom the Apostolical saint took by the hand, raising him upon his feet, and so brought him forth in his company, and restored him living to his parents: then did the people give a great shout, because sorrow was converted into joy, and the God of the Christians was glorified.   

Of the cure of Brochan the Magician. And how the Saint sailed securely, notwithstanding the tempest raised by the Magician: as also how he opened the gates, which the King shut against him. CHAP V.  
AT the same time the venerable Prelate made earnest suit to Brochan the Magician, for the release of an Irish mayden-slave, but he would not yield to the saints merciful request, wherefore the Saint spoke to him as followeth. Know, O Brochan, that unless you dismiss, and forsake this strange captive, that before I depart this province, you shall dye. This he said before King Brudeus, and so departed towards the river Neyse, out of which he took a white stone, saying to his companions: Keep this stone, by which God will work many cures of diseased persons in that pagan people. Having spoken this, he added: Now Brochan is smitten grievously; for an Angel sent from heaven striking him cruelly, broke the glass, out of which he drunk into many pieces, and left him even ready to die, let us expect here two messengers sent us from the King, for to relieve in haste Brochan being at the point of death; now Brochan is willing to dismiss the maid slave. As the Saint was yet talking, lo the King's messengers came, who reported all what happened in manner and form as the Saint foresaw them: they added further, that the King, and his Nobles sent us to you, Vt subuenias nutritio eius Brochano mox morituro, to help his nurse Brochan, being ready to dye. With that the Saint sent two of his companions to the King with the stone, which he had blessed, saying: If Brochanus promise to release the captive, and after shall drink of the water, wherein this stone shallbe dipped, he shall recover his health, but if he do not set the woman at liberty, he shall dye without delay. Brochanus dismissed the woman free, and drank of the water wherein the stone was steeped, and so was restored perfectly to the health of his body.  
2. After these things had passed in this kind, Brochanus said to the glorious Saint. Tell me, O Columbe, when do you intent to sail. The Saint answered: I purpose with God's grace, to go to sea within these three days. But you shall not quoth Brochanus, for I can cause a contrary wind, and beside, I can induce a dark, and obscure mist. To whom the Saint answered: The power of God over-ruleth all, in whose name all our actions are directed. The Saint went the same day to the River Neyse, whither he was attended upon by a great company. The Magicians began to rejoice at the spreading abroad of the thick mist, and boisterous contrary wind. The holy Saint seeing the elements to be stirred up against him, called to our Saviour for his help; then ascending the ship he caused the sails to be hoist up, which being done in sight of all the company, the ship sailed extreme swiftly against the wind, and within a little space the contrary winds, to the great astonishment of all, turned to serve the saint in his voyage, so that having a pleasant jail of wind all day, the saint came towards evening to the wished haven.  
3. When the saint went first to King Brudeus court, the King being puffed up with pride, & arrogancy, caused the gates of his Palace to be shut against him. God's true servant Columbe understanding thereof, came to the gates, and first in drawing the figure of Christ's victorious sign or cross upon the doors, and then after pulling them with his hands, lo they opened of themselves, and so the saint, and his holy family got in. The King perceauing what had passed, went forth to meet the holy man, and ever after had him in great veneration. Another time being in Ireland, he went to visit the Monks living in the monastery of the Holy-field, the monks conducted the Saint to the church door, where the keys could not be found, the Saint said: Our Lord is able to open the doors of his house for his servants. And lo suddenly the leaves of the door opened wide, and so the Saint entered not without admiration of all the company.  
4. Another time a very poor and needy man came to the Saint, bemoaning himself that he had nothing wherewith to sustain his wife & children: Go (said he) and cut in the next wood a long pole, and bring it unto me in haste. Which he brought without delay, and sharpened it with his own hands, forming it into a sharp pointed spit, and blessing it likewise he delivered it to the poor man, saying: Keep this spit, for so long time as you enjoy it, your house shall never want copious provision of venision. The poor man rejoiced not a little thereat, and returned home to his house, then bringing the spit with him, he fixed it in a place where wild beasts haunted, and coming the next morning to see it, he found a great stag pierced therewith. Every day he found a stag, Roe, or some other wild beast stuck on the spit, by means whereof he got such store of that he was glad to sell great quantity thereof to his neighbours; at last the man being seduced by his wife's council, cut the spit in pieces, and burned it, whereupon he fell into his former want, and misery.   

How S. Columbe succoured a woman in travail: how he reconciled a married couple: and foresaw the danger, Cormarus was in. CHAP. VI  
THE Saint being in the often mentioned Island of Hoy, he interrupted suddenly the study of holy reading, and after a smiling manner, said: I must now hasten to pray in behalf of a poor kinswoman of mine, who existing in Ireland, calleth often on the name of Columbe, hoping confidently by his intercession to be delivered from the bitter pains, and griping convulsions of childbirth wherewith she is cruelly tormented. After making an end of this speech, the B. Prelate of tender pity to his poor distressed kinswoman, ran to the church, & falling on his knees, directed his fervent prayers to our sweet Saviour for the ease of the woman's distress. After finishing his prayer, he went out of the Oratory, saying: Our Lord jesus who daigned to be borne of a woman, hath been favourable and propitious to this woman, whom he hath eased of her anguishes; for she is safely delivered of a son. At the self same hour, the saint prophesied in this kind, the afflicted woman recovered her health, as it was after reported by some that came out of Scotland.  
2. When the holy man lived in the Island Rechrea, a certain Peasant came to him, complaining that his wife would not lie in bed with him. The Saint hearing thereof, sent for the woman, and spoke to her as followeth. Wherefore woman dost thou strive to put away thine own flesh, since our Lord saith: They shall be two in one flesh? The woman made answer: All things you please to command me, how painful soever they be, I am willing to perform, this only excepted, that you will not compel me to lie in bed with Lugneus (so her husband was called) I do not refuse to take on me the care of all the house: or if you will have it so, I am content to cross the seas, & live in a Monastery of holy virgins. What you propound (replied the saint) cannot be lawfully done, as long as your husband lives. And added further: This day will we three, your husband, yourself, and I, fast & pray, for the happy success of this affair. So they all three condescended with one accord to fast & pray. The night following, the Saint offered his prayer devoutly for them: the next morning he called for the woman, saying: Tell us, o woman, whether this day you be of the same mind you were yesterday, of going to live in a monastery of women? I know your prayers have been heard, for whom I hated yesterday, I love most tenderly this day, my hart I know (by what means I know not) is wholly changed in me. From that day forwards to her last gasp, her soul was linked with indissoluble affection to her husband, so that she never after refused to discharge the behoofes of a wife.  
3. The holy man Cormacus, of whom we spoke in the first book, laboured the second time to find a wilderness in the Ocean, whom S. Columbe commended to the King of the Orcadeses in presence of King Brudeus, with whom the Saint was at that time, and requested King Brudeus to do the same. This the Saint did, because he knew by revelation, that Cormacus after a long and painful navigation, should be driven to the Orcadeses, and so he was, and for respect of the former commendation, he escaped the danger of death. As some of the Saints Monks fell in talk of Cormarus, saying it was not known, what issue good or bad his navigation had. The saint overheard them talking in this manner, and said: Cormacus of whom you speak now, you shall see this very day. And so within one hours' space, Cormacus arrived to the great joy and admiration of all the company.  
4. The third time that the said venerable man Cormacus, attempted to find out a wilderness in the sea, he fell into great dangers; for being driven by a strong southwind that blew for fourteen days without intermission, he sailed into the North seas, beyond the course and limits of human navigation, and in these unknown seas, there arose most fearful, and unsupportable affrightments, certain unseen and terrible beasts assailed the ship furiously, & were even ready and like to pierce it through. With the sight of these and other monsters, Cormacus and the Mariners were so amated, & amazed, that with tears trickling down their face, they addressed their prayers to God, who alone is the most sure and sovereign refuge in all distress. At the same time, S. Columbe was present in spirit with Cormacus, he caused therefore a sign to be made for to call the Monks to the Oratory, where prophesying after his wont manner, he said: Dear brethren, pray most earnestly for Cormacus who now sustaineth monstruous affrightments never seen before, we ought therefore to conceive a tender compassion on our dear commembers, being in such manifest danger, and to pray to God for their comfort and safety. After speaking this & much more in this kind, he fell down prostrate on his knees before the Altar, and with a pensive hart and doleful voice, besought the Omnipotent moderator of winds, and waves for them: After prayer, he rose up, & refraining tears he joyfully said: Let us rejoice with our dear brethren, for God hath converted the south wind into a Northern gale, that will deliver them out of all danger, and bring them safe hither. And incontinently the southwind ceased, and the north began to blow. After many days Cormacus arrived safe, & gladded all the company with his presence. By this the Reader may conjecture, how great the holy Abbot was in God's eyes, who could by invocating on Christ's name, command the blustering winds, and swelling billows. Let this much suffice touching the miracls the Saint wrought in this present life. Let the Reader further know, that we have omitted many more to avoid tediousness.    

THE III BOOK OF S. COLUMBES ANGELICAL APPARITIONS.  

Of the apparition made to S. Columbes mother before his birth. Of the visions S. Bredan, and S. Finnian had touching him: And how according to a vision he had, he ordained Aydan King. CHAP. I.  
IN the first book, we have treated succinctly of S. Columbes admirable revelations. In the seconde, we have discoursed of his stupendious miracles. In this third book, we mean to set down the Angelical visions that appeared to him, or to others of him. One day betwixt the conception, and nativity of the Saint, an Angel appeared to his mother, who brought her a wounderful rich robe, and took it away presently: she being very pensive thereat, said to the Angel appearing in the likeness of a very grave & venerable man. Why do you so soon withdraw this delightful mantle? Because, answered he, that it appertains to me whom you cannot long detain with you▪ with that the woman saw the robe to be drawn longer and longer from her, and to stretch so out in breadth, as to surpass the latitude of the fields, & with its overlarge dimensions, to cover mountains and forests: and heard moreover such a voice as this, directed to her. Woman, be not aggrieved, for you shall bear your husband so happy a son, who as one of the Prophets of God, shall be ranked among them, and is predestinated by God, to be the captain to conduct infinite souls to heaven. With which voice, the woman awaked. Another night the child's foster-father, a Priest of a very Religious life, coming after mass out of the church, found all the house illustrated with an immense splendour. For he saw a globe of fire standing on the holy infant's face, at which strange sight he trembled, and was strucken with astonishment; at last he understood thereby, the copious effusion of the grace of the holy Ghost, on the sweet suckling.  
2. When the saint had been excommunicated by a certain synod, for light and pardonable causes, as it was evident in the end, he came to the foresaid Synod, whom when S. Brendan the founder of the monastery of Birra, saw coming a far of, he rose up in haste, and embraced him. For which being reprehended by some of the ancientest of the assembly, who asked him: Why do not you fear to rise to honour an excommunicated person, and to embrace him? He answered: Had you known the things our Lord hath vouchafed to manifest to me touching this his faithful servant, you would never have excommunicated him, whom our Lord doth not only not excommunicate, but doth always magnify him more and more. And added further: I saw a fiery and brightsome pillar going before this man of God, whom you contemn, and the Angels accompanying him along the fields. I dare not therefore to contemn this man, whom I see preordained by God, to be the Captain of many that shall attain to the immortal life of glory. These things being said by him, all the assembly honoured the Saint very much. As S. Finnian the Saints master, saw him one day approaching to the place where himself resided, he said to some that were present: Lo you see S. Columbe coming, who hath merited to have an Angel for the companion of his journey. About the same time the Saint, with twelve of his disciples sailed into Britain.  
3. Whilst the Saint lived in the Island of Himbria, he fell into an extasis, wherein he saw an Angel of our Lord sent to him, who held in his hand the book containing the ceremonies of the installing of Kings, which he offered to the Saint, commanding him to read it: but when he would not ordain Aydanus King as it was commended and commanded in the book, in regard he loved jogenan, Aydans' younger brother better, the Angel suddenly stretching out his hand, struck the Saint with a whip (whose blue print, or whaile, remained on his side all the days of his life) and added further: Know for certain, that I am sent to you, to cause you according as is set down in the book, to ordain Aydanus King, and if you do not not obey, I will strike you again. The Saint thereupon obeyed the injunction of our Lord, 
Commeneus Albus in libro quem scrip●it 〈◊〉 S. Columbe.  and for that end, embarked himself for Hoy, where he crowned Aydanus King, who came thither about that time; of whom & of his posterity, the Saint prophesied in manner following, as recordeth Commeneus Albus. I believe without all question, O King Aydan, that none of your enemies shall be able to make head against you, until you use some fraud, and unjust deportement towards me and my posterity: commend you this seriously to your sons, and let them do the same to their sons, and nephews; fearing otherwise that the sceptre of the kingdom should be wrested out of their hands. For at what time soever they shall work any harm to me, or to my kinsmen in Ireland, the scourge I have sustained for your sake, shallbe turned on them by the hand of our Lord, and they will lose the hearts of men, and their enemies shall insult over them. This prophecy hath been fulfiled in our days by Belleroth, Daniel, Breco, Aydans nephew, who without any just cause wasted, and destroyed O Doainails country.   

How the Saint saw the soul of one of his Monks to be saved. How with a word he killed a wicked man. How he fought with the Devils, & chased them away by help of the Angels. CHAP. II.  
ONE of the Saints monks, a Britton by birth, a man much given to the exercise of good works, fell sick to death, and died. The Saint saw the Angels, and Devils fight about the possession of his soul. At last the Angels prevailed, and conducted the soul to the joys of Paradise. All this the saint told one of his Monks, charging him not to reveal it all the days of his life. Whilst the Saint lived in Leinster to be trained up in wisdom, & learning, it fortuned that a wicked man, a cruel persecutor of the good, pursued in a certain place a young Damsel who fled from him: she by chance espied her brother an old man, who was master to S. Columbe, to whom she made all haste possible for rescue. The old man called on S. Columbe, to the end that they might both jointly defend her from the cruel persecutors hands; who came no sooner to the place, but in their eyes he slew her without regarding them any whit: whereat the good old monk was so grieved and struck with anguish, that turning to S. Columbe he said: How long, o holy youth Columbe, will God the just judge suffer this wickedness joined with our dishonour, to pass unpunished? The Saint pronounced this just, though dreadful sentence against the flagitious murderer: The self same hour that the maiden's soul shall ascend up to heaven, his soul shall descend down to hell. And lo without delay, the wicked man fell down dead. The report of this fearful and sudden ultion, was blown over many Churches of Scotland, to the great honour and veneration of the holy Deacon.  
2. A certain pilgrim came to seiourne with the Saint in the I'll of Hoy for some months, to whom the Saint said: This day a certain clergy man of your province, whose name I know not, is now a carrying between the Angels to heaven. The brother hearing this, began to muse with himself, and to call to mind the man's name, so after a little while, he said to the saint: I know a servant of Christ named Diarmitius, who built him a little monastery in the self same territory, wherein I kept my residence. It is the self same party you name, answered the Saint, whom the celestial spirits bring to the joys of Paradise. Neither is it negligently to be observed, how that the glorious Saint kept from the notice of men, many secrets that were revealed to him, and this for two reasons, as himself signified to a few of his monks. First to avoid ostentation, and self esteem: secondly to avoid the molestation that the multitudes would put him in, enquiring after several affairs, and matters.  
3. Another time the saint sought in the woods, a solitary place unfrequented by men, & commodious for the exercise of holy prayer; when he began to pray, suddenly he saw an ugly and deformed army of Devils, to fight against him with Iron spits, who intended, as the Saint knew by the inward illustration of the holy Ghost, to assail his monastery, & to kill with their pointed stakes, many of his monks. But he albeit all alone, took S. Paul's armour, and fought courageously against the whole host of his infernal adversaries: and so the conflict continued for the most part of the day, neither could they overcome him, nor yet he drive them out of his Isle, until the Angels came to his help, whose terror made the Devil's depart. After their departure, the saint prophesied, how they would invade the monasteries of Ethica, and inflict pestilent diseases on the inhabitants, whereof many would dye. Within two days likewise the saint foretold, how Bathaneus by the help of prayers and fasts, preserved his monastery from their invasion, in so much, that none died but one.  
4. In the middle region of Ireland, lived a certain Smith, a man much addicted to alms deeds, and other good works: when this virtuous Artisan came to the final period of his mortal life, the Saint spoke to a few that were about him in this manner. The Smith did not labour in vain, who with the labour of his hands, hath purchased everlasting rewards, his soul is now carried by the Angels, to the joys of the heavenly Country. Another time did he see the soul of a poor, but very holy woman, coming in company of the Angels to meet her husband's soul at his decease, and this he made known to one of his Monks named Genereus, a Saxon by birth.   

How S. Columbe knowing by revelation of the death of S. Brendan and S. Columbanus, the Bishop said mass in honour of them, and how a certain Monk, saw him conversing with the Angels. CHAP II.  
ANother time likewise, whilst the saint sived in the I'll of Hoy, in the morning very early, he called upon his familiar tender Diarmitius, and said 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) do you command such solemnities of masses to be made ready this day, seeing none came out of Ireland that might bring us news of that holy man's death? Go, said the Saint, and obey my word, for this last night I saw the heaven's open, and quires of Angels descending down to meet S. Brendans soul, with whose bright and incomparable splendour, the compass of all the world was enlightened and illustrated.  
2. Another day also, as the monks put themselves in a readiness for the several works of the monastery, the saint commanded them to rest that day, & to make ready the furniture of the sacred oblation, and their portions to be increased as on Sunday. For said he, albeit I be altogether unworthy, yet must I this day celebrate the sacred mysteries of the Eucharist, in honour of that soul which this night hath been carried among the holy quires of Angels, to the interminable joys of Paradise. These things being spoken, the Religious obeyed very promptly, and all things for the celebrating of the divine service were prepared. After they went with their holy Abbot to the Church, where after singing part of the office, they came to the Hymn where mention is made of S. Martin. The Saint said to the singers: This day you must sing of Columbanus the Bishop. Then all the Monks who were present, understood Columbanus the Bishop of Leynster S. Columbs dear friend, to be translated to a better life. Within a few days, there came out of Leynster, who reported that he departed the self same night, that his death was revealed to the Saint.  
3. Another time, when the Saint sat writing in his cell, his face was suddenly altered, & he pronounced this voice from his pure breast: Help, help: two brothers who stood at the door, to wit, Colgus and Lugneus, demanded the cause of that sudden voice? To whom the venerable Abbot made this answer: I commanded an Angel of our Lord, who stood with you, to succour one of the brothers falling down from the top 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 quickness of the angelical motion; for that heaven-dweller, who flew away from us when yonder man began to fall, as it were in the shutting of an eye, prevented him before he touched the earth, neither could the party that fell, feele one bruise or pain. O how stupendious is this most swift, and opportune subvention, that could so speedily be performed, such spaces of sea and land lying in the way?  
4. The Saint on a time, called all the company together, and straightly charged them in this manner. I mean to go out all alone to the western field of this I'll, let none therefore presume to follow me. They all obeyed excepting one brother, who went another way, and hid himself on the top of a little hillock, whence he might espy the cause of the Saints solitary retire, whom the prementioned brother saw standing on a little hill with his hands and eyes cast towards heaven: & lo suddenly a strange thing appeared, for the holy Angels the inhabitants of the heavenly city, being all white, flow down, and environed the Saint as he prayed, and after some conference with him, that heavenly squadron returned soon again to their heavenly mansions. The Saint likewise after that angelical meeting returned to the monastery, and calling all the company together again, not without a severe reprehension, he began to examine which of them had trespassed against his commandment. The guilty party being not able to conceal 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 reveal the matter all the days of his life. By this we may well conjecture, the many apparitions, and angelic all visitations, the glorious saint had at other times, especially in the long winter nights, which for the most part he spent all alone, without taking any rest.   

How S. Brendanus saw a fiery pillar, ascending fro S. Columbes head as he said mass: how for three entire days he enjoyed heavenly visions, and of other miracles in this kind. CHAP. FOUR  
FOUR holy founders of monasteries, whose names were Congellus, Cahinnechus, Brendanus, and Cormacus, coming out of Ireland to visit the Saint, found him in the I'll Himba: these holy men with one accord, did choose, that S. Columbe should confecrate the holy mysteries of the Eucharist in their presence; who yielding to their pious desire, entered the church at once with them, and whilst the masses were celebrating, S. Brendan saw a very brightsome globe of fire shining over the head of S. Columbe all the while he consecrated the sacred oblation, and ascending like a pillar of fire, until he had made an end of the most holy mysteries.  
2. Another time in the said I'll of Himba, the grace of the holy Ghost so copiously descended on him, that remaining the space of three entire days locked up in his cell, he was so replenished during that time with divine light, that he did neither eat, or permitted any to come at him, In the night two beams of immense brightness, issued out at the chinks of the door, and holes of the lock: 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 days, should have described touching the forepast, or future ages, many mysteries unknown to other men.  
3. A Monk named Virgnous, a man fervent in the love of God, entered the Church one night all alone, & sat him down to pray in one of the oratory's. Within the space as it were of an hour S. Columbe likewise entered the said holy house, together with him, & a golden light descending from heaven, was seen to replenish all the house: & as none can contemplate the meridian sun with steadfast and undaseled eyes, so could not Virgnous sustain that heavenly splendour that blunted the quickness of his eyes, where with he was so astonished and terrified, that no strength remained in him. The next morning, the Saint called on Virgnous, speaking these comfortable words to him: O my little child, you have pleased almighty God much yesternight by casting your eyes on the earth; for had you not done so, your eyes had been blinded with the lustre of that divine light: beware you never bring this divine visitation to the knowledge of men during my life. Another brother named Colgus, coming that night by chance to the Church door, saw the same glistering light▪ whom the saint admonished the next day, not to speak of it to any, all his life tyme.  
4. Another time the saint charged one of his disciples named Brochanus: Beware my son, you approach not this night to my cell, as you are wont. Who notwithstanding the saints forbidding, went to the door, and looked in at the keyhole, thinking with himself, as it fell out, that the saint had within some heavenly vision; for at that time the saints little lodging was replenished with divine light, which the disobedient young man being not able to sustain, fled way in haste▪ The next day, the Saint called Brochanus aside▪ and he reprehended him with great severity, speaking to him in this manner: My son, you have sinned before God, this last night, in thinking it possible to conceal your crafty prying, for if the holy Ghost did not, yet I behold you coming & returning from the door of our lodging: had not I then offered my prayers in your behalf, you would either have fallen down dead before the door, or else your eyes had fallen out of your head: and know this, that in your own country of Ireland, for living lasciviously, you shall sustain shame and reproach all the days of your life, yet I have obtained from our Lord, that in regard your are our disciple, that you shall do bitter penance before your death, and obtain mercy. All which happened to him afterwards, according to the Saints prophecy.   

How S. Columbes life was prolonged by the prayers of many Churches: How he foresaw his death, and revealed the time to Diarmitius his familiar tender. CHAP. V.  
THE glorions Abbot being in Hoy, a marvelous sweetness & pleasantness appeared on his countenance, and casting his eyes to heavenwardes, he was wholly replenished with joy: but within a little space, the sweetness of his face, was converted into heaviness, & his joy into sorrow; which when two of his monks, named Lugneus, and Pilu▪ saw and perceived, they obtained of him not without great entreaty, and a faithful promise of never revealing it in his life time, the cause of that sad, & strange alteration, to whom he spoke in this manner: Lo to this present day; there are run out, thrice ten years of my peregrination in Britain: in the mean time these many days I have devoutly 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 heavenly mansion, & this was the cause of my joy; for I saw the Angels sent from the throne of glory, to meet my soul after its departure out of my body: & lo being now suddenly stayed, they stand on the rock at further side of our sea, & would come in haste for my soul, but they are not permitted to approach nearer; for what our Lord hath granted, he hath now suddenly altered, hearing the prayers of many churches for me: who have obtained a thing against my will, that four years more may be added to the term of my mortal pilgrimage: this sorrowful delay, is the cause of my present grief, which four years, when they shall come to an end, I shall without any precedent sickness of body, pass to the everlasting joys of Paradise.  
2. The term of the prementioned years, now drawing on, the true Prophet, and very noble Abbot, being loaden with years, went forth in a waggon one day to visit the Brothers, that were at work, to whom he said: I conceived an earnest desire to go to our Saviour (who granted it me, if myself would) on Easter day, which we have lately celebrated, but because I would not have the joy of that festivity converted into heaviness, I chose rather to diferre my departure out of this world a little longer. With this the Monks fell into great heaviness, whom their pious Father begon to animate with very comfortable words, and sweet exhortations as much as he could. Then converting his face to the Orient, he blessed the Island with all the inhabitants. From that time forwards, the Island was never molested with the annoy of vipers: within a few days after, whilst the masses were a celebrating, as the Saint elevated up his gracious countenance, it was suddenly died with a most delectable and lively redness; for at that hour, he saw the Angel of our Lord flitting up and down in the Oratory, and in regard the admirable aspect of an Angel instilleth joy into the hearts of the elect, the Saint therefore here abounded with joy: and when some that were present enquired after the cause of his joy, he answered: Lo an Angel of our Lord, sent to require a certain depositum very dear to God, came into the Church, and after looking down over us, and blessing us, departed. None of them that were present, understood what depositum was that the Angel came for. But our holy Patron called his own soul which God committed to his charge by the name of depositum, which he rendered up within six days after.  
3. On the next Saturday, the holy Abbot, and his faithful tender Diarmitius, went out to bless a Barn, where the Saint seeing two heaps of grain, said: I congratulate much with my monks, for if I must needs depart; this year, they have sufficient provision. Diarmitius hearing this sentence, became very heavy: you constristate us so often this year, because you speak so often of your departure: to whom he said. I will acquaint you with a secret touching my death, so that you promise faithfully not to disclose it before I die. Diarmitius gave him his faithful 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 pains of my travails, I sabbaoth, and this next ensuing midnight of the venerable Sunday, I shall be gathered to the holy Fathers; for now our Lord jesus vouchsafeth to invite me, to whom I shall depart at night, as himself hath revealed to me. After this he returned back towards the Monastery; In the way he ascended a little mountain overlooking the monastery, & standing on the top of the hill, & elevating his hands, he blessed his monastery, saying: The Kings not only of Scotland with their subjects, but even the Kings of foreign nations with their vassals, will honour much this place, though it be now narrow and despiseable: and the Saints of other Churches, will give no small veneration to it.   

How S. Columbe approaching to the hour of his death, made a mystical division of the Psalm Inquirentes Dominum: Lastly of his death, burial, and some visions of his happy passage. CHAP. VI  
AFTER he had bestowed his sacred benediction, he returned to his monastery, and sat him down to write the Psalter, and coming to that verse of the 33. Psalm: Inquirentes Dominum non minuentur omni bono. They that seek 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 never be deprived of the interminable riches of heaven, and the subsequent verse: Come children hear me, I will teach you the fear of our Lord, becometh 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 given a stop to his pen at the foresaid verse, he entered into the Church, to hear sundays evening mass, which being done, he came back to his cell, and sat in his bed, where he had instead 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 words: conserve true and unfeigned charity and peace among you, and if you observe 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 afford you, both what you all want in this life, and likewise the joys which are prepared for them that keep his Commandments.  
2. After finishing these sacred documents, the glorious Saint held his peace: at midnight when the bell rung to matines, he rose, & going sooner than any of the company to the Church, he fell down on his knees before the Altar. Diarmitius following slowly after, saw all the church illustrated with Angelical splendour, which at his approach disappeared; entering in therefore into the Church, he called oft to the Saint with a weeping voice, saying: O father, where are you? And so groping up and down in the dark, he found him lying prostrate before the Altar. Diarmitius sat him down by the Saint, and laid his head in his sacred lap, in the mean time the Monks came, who seeing their holy Father ready to dye, began to lament: even at the very instant of the separation of his soul, as we heard from some who were eye-witnesses, he looked about him with a vivacious and pleasant countenance, contemplating the holy Angels that came to fetch him. Then Diarmitius took up his holy hand to bless his monks: the Saint himself did what he cowl to move his hand to give them his blessing, with the motion thereof since he could not perform it with the voice of his mouth: after this his sacred benediction given in this kind, the Saint yielded up suddenly his happy soul. The Angelical sight left such a cheerfulness remaining in his countenance, that it seemed rather the sweet aspect of one cast in a pleasant slumber, than the ghostly sight of a dead corpse. here we will relate some visions, which certain holy men had at that very hour of the Saints happy passage. In a certain Irish monastery, there lived a very holy and venerable servant of Christ, named Lugildius, who was both wise and just: this holy monk not without great sorrow, related to a dear companion of his, a man of no less holy conversation, a certain vision he had: This last midnight S. Columbe, the pillar of many Churches, departed to the immortal joys of heaven, and I saw in spirit, all the I'll of Hoy where I never was in person, illustrated with celestial and angelical brightness, & all the spaciousness of the air was to the skies, enlightened with the splendour of Angels. Angels were sent that descended to conduct his holy soul to everlasting rest. I heard likewise most sweet hymns and harmonious canticles, that resounded melodiously at the same time: this angelical manifestation Virgnous learned from the mouth of the foresaid holy old man.  
3. Another ancient and religious servant of Christ's, and a holy monk named Ferrelus, related to me Adamnanus, with no small protestation and asseveration of the truth thereof, this ensuing vision. That night of S. Columbes happy passage out of this life, I, and others with me being fishing in the fishy river Fende, we saw all the region of the air suddenly illustrated: being much moved with the suddenness of the miracle, we converted our eyes to the East, and lo there appeared as it were a great fiery pillar, that ascending to heaven wards, seemed to illuminate all the world, as a summer's day, or meridian Sun: and when that pillar had penetrated the heavens, than darkness ensued as after the Sun set, neither did the vision appear to us alone, for many other fishers that were up and down about the river, beheld it: these visions appearing at the very hour of our Patrons departur, make remonstrance of the glory he enjoyeth before God. Now let us return thither, from whence we have digressed.  
4. The matins office being ended, his holy body was carried back with sweet symphony of psalms to his little lodging: his obsequies were solemnised with no less honour than devotion, for the space of three days, and three nights; which time being spent in the divine praises, the body of our glorious Patron, wrapped in clean syndons, was interred in a decent tomb, with great veneration. here we think not amiss to tell what the Saint had prophesied touching the foresaid three days of his exequys. On a time one of the Monks after a simple manner, said to the venerable Abbot: It is thought, that all the people of these provinces will sail hither to this Island of Hoy, to celebrate your funerals. My son, answered the Saint, it shall not be as you say; for the vulgar sort, shall not be able by any means to come to my obsequies, only my own familiar monks shall accomplish my funeral rights and duties. Which prophetical prenunciation, the divine Omnipotence, put in execution; for during the three days of his holy funerals, so boisterous a wind blue, that it was not possible for any to go to sea: but immediately after the Saint's sepulture, the wind ceased and the sea became calm; such than was the end of our glorious Patron's life, such were the happy beginning of his merits, who is admitted into the society of the glorious patriarchs, of the holy Apostles, of the sacred Martyrs, and immaculate Virgins, by the favour of our sweet Saviour jesus. To whom together with the Father, and the holy Ghost, be all praise, honour, virtue & glory, world without end, Amen.    
Finis vitae Sancti Columbae.   

Nos infrascripti legimus has Sanctorum nostrorum vitas, scilicet PATRICIj, BRIGIDAE, & COLUMBAE á quodam ex nostris Patribus Anglicé redditas, in quibus nihil moribus aut fidei Catholicae contrarium invenimus.  
Datum Lovanij 29. Augusti, 1625. 

Fr. Thomas Strange Diffinitor, & Commissarius provinciae Hiberniae, nec non Sacrae Theologiae lector.  
Fr. Robertus Chamberlinus Sacrae Theologiae lector in Collegio Sancti Anthonij a Milan, Lovanij.  
Fr. joannes Barnew allus S. Theologiae lector in Collegio Sancti Anthonij de Milan, Lovanij.     

Licentia Reverendissimi Domini, Domini PAULI BOUDOT, Episcopi Audomarensis.  
NOs PAULUS BOUDOT Dei, & Apostolicae sedis gratia Episcopus Audomarensis, has vitas Sanctorum PATRICIj, BRIGIDAE, & COLUMBAE, à quodam Patre Franciscano Collegij Sancti Antoniuses a Milan Lovanij in linguam Anglicanam versas, typis mandari ac diwlgari permittimus: cum ex Patrum Lectorum praefati Collegij fide digno testimonio habeamus, nihil in iis aut fidei orthodoxae, aut probis moribus adversari.  
Actum Audomaropoli in Palatio nostro episcopali 10. Octobris 1625.   

Licentia Reverendissimi Patris nostri Fratris josephi Bergaigne, super Provincias Belgicas Commissarij Generalis, & totius Ordinis Seraphici diffinitoris Generalis.  
VISA censura & approbatione Venerandi admodum Patris Viceprovincialis Hiberniae, & Patrum Lectorum sacrae Theologiae nostri Collegij S. Antoniuses A Milan permittimus, ut Typis mandentur hae vitae SS. Patricij, Brigidae, & Columbae, obseruatis iis quae statuta generalia nostri ordinis circa excussionem librorum obseruari praecipiunt.  
Datum in nostro conventu Dunkercano, 16. Augusti, 1625. Fr. josephus Bergaigne, Commissarius & Diffinitor generalis.   


Faults escaped in the Printing.  Page Faults Correction. Pag. 4. Century read Centuryes Pag. ibid. Sabellius Sabellicus Pag. 7. Saint Soruan Seruan Pag. ibid. Marcia Mercia Pag. ibid. Saint Pumold Saint Rumold Pag. ibid. Saint Hiniclin Himelin Pag. 8. S. Patrick your glorious Abbot S. particke your glorious Bishop Pag. ibid. Derlanus Declanus Pag. ibid. Itarus Ybarus Pag. ibid. Riaranus Kiaranus Pag. 9 of their sensual of their sensually school Pag. 12. now to declare now to decline from the trial Pag. ibid. foul wracking soul wracking Pag. 8. Vbique for England Britain Pag. 13. Sergerius Sergecius Pag. 16. Dichum Dichu Pag. 30. Mal Mel Pag. ibid. Brine mouth Boyne-mouth Pag. 31. nephew neophit Pag. ibid. Coibre Coyrbre Pag. 42. & ubique for Ardmuch Ardmach Pag. 44. 1400. 14000. Pag. 46. Ormand Ormond Pag. 47. Prosnach Broisneau Pag. ibid. Frianus Triamus Pag. 49. nephueus nephews Pag. 53. Connendus Connedus Pag. 57 & ubique Bangor Benchor Pag. 69. Coruallus Cearuallus Pag. 70. Vlbia Vlidia Pag. 72. Micheus Mocheus Pag. 74. Volchanusa Volchan Pag. 75. Reuternus Kertennus Pag. ibid. Ciocher Clochor Pag. 81. plane plain Pag. 92. free resembling fire resembling Pag. 98. & alibi for English British Pag. 100 five hundred five thousand Pag. 103. entertainment innterment Pag. 105. Ardmuchians Ardmachians Pag. 106. Caulune Caucune Pag. 108. greevily grievously Pag. 110. Machella Machillas Pag. 112. than the said Saint dealt. than the Saint said deal Pag. 125. impassable unpassable Pag. ibid. family families Pag. 137. trundled tumbled Pag. 145. Cluayre Cluayne Pag. 148. Cormarus Cormacus Pag. ibid. Ircos Irros Pag. ibid. Alban Aldan Pag. 192. it appertains to me it appertains to one Pag. 201. one any Pag. 203. being all white being all in white, Pag. 206. prying, for if the holy Ghost did not, yet I behold prying, from the Holy Ghost, did not I behold you Pag. 213. cowl could Pag. ibid. ghostly ghastly Pag. ibid. Lugildius Lugudius Pag. 214. Ferrelus Ferreolus  
FINIS.