St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Part 18

[571] Mark vii. 35.

[572] The parish church of Mochrum, Wigtowns.h.i.+re, as Sir Herbert Maxwell informs me, was anciently dedicated to St. Michael. Thus the village called St. Michael's Church is undoubtedly Kirk Mochrum, which cl.u.s.ters round the church, and through which every traveller from Cruggleton to Cairngarroch (see next note) must pa.s.s. It is twelve miles from Cruggleton.

[573] _Lapasperi_ is obviously the gen. of _Lapasper_, a corruption of _Lapis asper_ (rough stone). This seems to be a Latin rendering of Cairngarroch (= _Carn garbh_), a name which occurs three times on the sh.o.r.es of Wigtowns.h.i.+re. One of the places so called, on the west coast of Luce Bay, may be set aside. The other two are seven or eight miles apart, within sight of the Bangor coast, and nearly equidistant from it; one in the parish of Stoneykirk, the other (now known as Rough Cairn) in the parish of Geswalt. The late Sir Andrew Agnew (_op. cit._ p. 59) regarded the latter as the place referred to in the text on grounds which do not seem conclusive. Cairngarroch in Stoneykirk is to be preferred for two reasons: it is more easily approached from inland than its rival; and it has impressed its name on the actual coast-line, which the other has not done; "Cairngarroch Bay" is equivalent to _Port Cairn garbh_, and that to the _Portus Lapasperi_ of the text. This identification was first proposed by O'Hanlon (p.

81); and its probability is increased now that the position of St.

Michael's Church has been fixed (see preceding note). But one of his arguments in favour of it, based on the name of the parish, is fallacious; for "Stoneykirk" has nothing to do with stones: it is a late corruption of Steiniekirk = St. Stephen's Church.

[574] Mark i. 32, 34.

[575] For the pa.s.sage here omitted see Appendix, p. 171.

CHAPTER VI

_St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles._

[Sidenote: 1140, October]

42. (23). Malachy embarked in a s.h.i.+p, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first _benefit_.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. In fine, from the cities and castles and hamlets they ran to meet him, and wherever he turned he was received with _the joy of the whole land_.[579] But honour is not to his taste. He exercises his office as legate; many a.s.semblies are held in many places, so that no region, or part of a region, may be defrauded of the fruit and advantage of his legation. He _sows beside all waters_;[580] there is not one who can escape from his sedulous care. Neither s.e.x, nor age, nor condition, nor [religious] profession is held in account.[581] Everywhere the saving seed is scattered, everywhere the heavenly trumpet sounds. He scours every place, everywhere he breaks in, with _the sword_ of his tongue unsheathed _to execute vengeance upon the nations and punishments upon the peoples_.[582] The terror of him is _on them that do evil_.[583] He cries _unto the unrighteous, deal not unrighteously, and to the wicked, lift not up the horn_.[584] Religion is planted everywhere, is propagated, is tended. His _eyes are upon_ them,[585] his care is for their necessities. In councils, which are everywhere held, the ancient traditions are revived, which, though their excellence was undisputed, had fallen into disuse by the negligence of the priests. And not only are the old restored, new customs are also devised; and whatsoever things he promulgated are accepted as though issued from heaven, are held fast, are committed to writing for a memorial to posterity. Why should we not believe those things were sent from heaven which so many heavenly miracles confirm? And that I may make what has been said credible, let me touch on some of these miracles in a few words. For who can enumerate all? Though I confess I had rather dwell on those things which can be imitated than on those which can only excite wonder.

43. (24). And in my judgement the first and greatest miracle that he exhibited was himself.[586] For to say nothing of his _inner man_,[587]

the beauty and strength and purity of which his habits and life sufficiently attested, he so bore himself even outwardly in a uniform and consistent manner, and that the most modest and becoming, that absolutely nothing appeared in him which could offend the beholders.

And, indeed, _he who offends not in word, the same is a perfect man_.[588] But yet in Malachy, who, though he observed with unusual care, ever detected, I will not say an _idle word_,[589] but an idle nod? Who ever knew his hand or his foot to move without purpose? Yea, what was there that was not edifying in his gait, his mien, his bearing, his countenance? In fine, neither did sadness darken nor laughter turn to levity the joyousness of his countenance.[590] Everything in him was under _discipline_, everything a mark _of virtue_, _a rule_[591] of perfection. Always he was grave, but not austere. Relaxing at times, but never careless; neglecting nothing, though for a time ignoring many things. Quiet often, but by no means at any time idle.[592] From the first day of his conversion to the last of his life, he lived without personal possessions.[593] He had neither _menservants_ nor _maidservants_,[594] nor villages nor hamlets, nor in fact any revenues, ecclesiastical or secular, even when he was a bishop. There was nothing whatever ordained or a.s.signed for his episcopal mensa, by which the bishop might live; for he had not even a house of his own. But he was almost always going about all the parishes[595] serving the Gospel,[596]

and _living of the Gospel_,[597] as the Lord appointed for him when he said, _The labourer is worthy of his hire._[598] Except that more frequently, _making the Gospel_ itself _without charge_,[599] as a result of the labours of himself and his companions, he brought with him that by which he might sustain himself and _those who laboured with him in the work of the ministry_.[600] Further, if at times he had to rest he did so in the holy places which he himself had scattered through the whole of Ireland; but he conformed to the customs and observances of those with whom it pleased him to tarry, content with the common life and the common table. There was nought in his food, nought in his clothing, by which Malachy could be distinguished from the rest of the brethren; to such a degree, though he was _greatest_, did he _humble himself in all things_.[601]

44. Then, when he went out to preach, he was accompanied by others on foot, and on foot went he himself, the bishop and legate. That was the apostolic rule; and it is the more to be admired in Malachy because it is too rare in others. The true successor of the Apostles a.s.suredly is he who does such things. But it is to be observed how he _divides the inheritance with his brothers_,[602] equally descendants of the Apostles. They _lord it among the clergy_;[603] he, _though he was free from all men, made himself the servant of all_.[604] They either do not preach the Gospel and yet eat, or preach the Gospel in order that they may eat; Malachy, imitating Paul, eats that he may preach the Gospel.[605] They _suppose that_ arrogance and _gain are G.o.dliness_;[606] Malachy claims for himself by inheritance labour and a load.[607] They believe themselves happy if they _enlarge their borders_;[608] Malachy glories in enlarging charity.[609] They _gather into barns_[610] and fill the wine-jars, that they may load their tables; Malachy collects [men] into deserts and solitudes that he may fill the heavens. They, though they receive t.i.thes and first-fruits and oblations, besides customs and tributes by the gift of Caesar and countless other revenues, nevertheless _take thought what they shall eat or what they shall drink_;[611] Malachy _having nothing_ of such things, yet _makes many rich_[612] out of the store-house of faith. Of their desire and anxiety there is no end; Malachy, desiring nothing, knows not how to think about the morrow.[613] They exact from the poor that which they may give to the rich; Malachy implores the rich to provide for the poor. They empty the purses of their subjects; he for their sins _heaps altars_[614] with vows and _peace-offerings_.[615]

They build lofty palaces, raise up towers and ramparts to the heavens.[616] Malachy, _not having where to lay his head,[617] does the work of an evangelist_.[618] They _ride on horses_[619] with a crowd of men, who _eat bread for nought_, and that not _their own_;[620] Malachy, hedged round with a college of holy brothers, goes about on foot, bearing _the bread of angels_,[621] with which to _satisfy the hungry souls_.[622] They do not even know the congregations;[623] he instructs them. They honour powerful men and tyrants; he punishes them. O, apostolic man, whom so many and so striking _signs of his apostles.h.i.+p_[624] enn.o.ble! What wonder, then, if he has wrought wondrous things when he himself is so wonderful? Yet truly not he but G.o.d in him.[625] Moreover, it is said, _Thou art the G.o.d that doest wonders._[626]

45. (25). There was a woman in the city of Coleraine[627] who had a demon. Malachy was called; he prayed for the possessed; he commanded the invader and he went out. But his iniquity was not yet fully satisfied, and he entered into an unhappy woman who happened to be standing by. And Malachy said, "I did not release that woman from your grasp in order that you might enter this one; go out of her also." He obeyed, but went back to the former woman; and driven forth from her once more, he again went into the second. So for some time he vexed them alternately, fleeing to and fro. Then the saint, indignant that he was mocked by a demon, summoned up his spirit, and shouted; and when he had made an attack on the adversary with all the forces of faith, he drove the demon away from both, no less vexed than those whom he had vexed. But do not suppose, reader, that the delay which he caused the saint was due to his own strength: it was permitted by the divine dispensation, evidently in order that by this as well the power of the evil one as the victory of Malachy might be made more manifest.

Hear now what he did elsewhere, but not by reason of his presence.

a.s.suredly what he had power to accomplish when absent, he could do also when present.

46. In a district of the northern part of Ireland a sick man lay in his house. His sickness was beyond doubt due to the evil influence of demons. For one night he heard them talking; and one said to another, "See that this wretched man does not touch the bed or bedding of that hypocrite, and so escape from our hands." The man perceived that they were speaking of Malachy, who, as he remembered, had not long before pa.s.sed a night in that house. And the bedding was still in its place; and taking courage, with his utmost effort he began to crawl, weak in body but strong in faith. And lo, in the air there was clamour and shouting: "Stop him, stop him, hold him, hold him; we are losing our prey." But, carried on by faith and the desire to escape, the more they shouted the more he hastened to the remedy, straining with knees and hands. And when he reached the couch, and went up on it, he rolled himself in the bed-clothes, and heard the wailing of them that lamented, "Alas, alas, we have betrayed ourselves, we have been deceived, he has escaped."[628] And quicker than a word, there left him the terror of the demons and the horror which he suffered, and with them all his sickness.

In the city of Lismore a man vexed by a demon was delivered by Malachy.

Also once, when he was pa.s.sing through Leinster, an infant was brought to him who had a demon, and he was brought back whole.

In the same region he ordered a mad woman,[629] bound with cords, to be loosed and to be bathed in water which he blessed. She washed and was healed.

Another woman also in Saul,[630] a region of Ulaid,[631] who was tearing her own limbs with her teeth, he cured by praying and touching her.

There was a madman, who predicted many things to come. His friends and neighbours brought him to the man of G.o.d, bound strongly with cords, because his very madness had made him strong to do hurt and exceeding terrible. Malachy prayed, and immediately the sick man was healed and released. This was done in a certain place, the name of which we omit because it has a very barbarous sound, as also have many others.[632]

At another time in the above-mentioned city of Lismore,[633] the parents of a dumb girl[634] brought her to him in the midst of the street as he pa.s.sed, asking him with much entreaty that he would deign to help her.

Malachy stood and prayed; and he _touched her tongue_ with his finger and _spat_[635] upon her mouth, and sent her away speaking.

47. (26). Going out of a certain church he met a man with his wife, and she could not speak. And when he was asked to have mercy on her, he stood in the gate, the people surrounding him; and he gave a blessing upon her, and bade her say the Lord's Prayer. She said it, and the people blessed the Lord.

In a city called Antrim[636] a certain man lying on a bed, now deprived for twelve days of the use of his tongue, at the bidding of the saint, who visited him, recovered his speech and received the Eucharist; and so fortified he breathed his last breath in _a good confession_.[637] O, _fruitful olive tree in the house of G.o.d_![638] O, _oil_ of gladness,[639] giving both anointing and light! By the splendour of the miracle he gave light to those who were whole, by the graciousness of the favour he anointed the sick man, and obtained for him, soon about to die, the saving power of confession and communion.[640]

One of the n.o.bles came in to him, _having somewhat to say to him_;[641]

and while they were speaking, _full of faith_[642] piously stole three rushes from the couch on which Malachy sat, and took them with him: and G.o.d wrought many things as a result of the pious theft, by that man's faith and the sanct.i.ty of the prelate.

By chance he had come to a city called Cloyne.[643] And when he was sitting at table a n.o.bleman of that city came in and humbly prayed him for his wife, who was pregnant, and had pa.s.sed the appointed time of parturition, so that all wondered, and there was none who did not believe that her life was in danger. With him also Nehemiah,[644] the bishop of that city, who was sitting next to him, made request to Malachy, and others also as many as were present reclining together.

Then he said, "I pity her, for she is a good and modest woman." And offering the man a cup which he had blessed, he said, "Go, give her to drink, and know that when she has taken the draught of blessing[645] she will bring forth without delay, and without danger." It was done as he commanded, and that very night there followed that which he promised.

He was sitting in a plain with the count of Ulaid, dealing with certain matters, _and a great mult.i.tude_[646] was about them. There came a woman who had long been with child. She declared that contrary to all the laws of nature she had already been pregnant for fifteen months and twenty days. Malachy having pity for this new and unheard-of trouble, prayed, and the woman was delivered. Those who were present rejoiced and wondered. For all saw with what ease and rapidity she brought forth in the same place, and the sad portent of birth denied was changed to a happier marvel.

48. (27). There happened in the same place an event with a similar miracle but a different issue. He saw a man who was reported to be consorting publicly with his brother's concubine; and he was a knight, a servant of the count. And publicly accosting the incestuous man he displayed himself to him as another John, saying, _It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's_ concubine.[647] But he, nevertheless, in his turn displaying himself to Malachy as another Herod, not only did not hearken to him, but even answered him haughtily, and before them all swore that he would never put her away. Then Malachy, much agitated, for he was vehemently zealous for righteousness, said, "Then G.o.d shall separate you from her against your will." Paying little heed the man went away at once in a rage. And meeting the woman not far from the crowd which was in the place, he treated her evilly and with violence, as though he wholly belonged to _Satan_ to whom he had a little before been _delivered_.[648] Nor was the crime hidden. The damsel who accompanied the lady ran back to the house (for it was not far from the place), and, breathless, announced the wickedness that had taken place.

At the word her brothers, who were at home, enraged at the dishonour done to their sister, rushed thither with all haste and slew the enemy of virtue, _taken in the very_ place and _act_[649] of crime, piercing him with many wounds. The a.s.sembly was not yet dismissed when, lo! his armour-bearer proclaimed what had happened. And all wondered that the sentence of Malachy had taken such speedy effect. When this word was heard all evil-doers (for there were many in the land) feared and, being terrified, purified themselves, _was.h.i.+ng their hands in the blood of the unG.o.dly_.[650]

49. (28). Dermot the count,[651] who had now for a long time lain on his bed, he sprinkled with blessed water, and caused him to rise up without delay, and so strong that he mounted his horse on the spot, surpa.s.sing a.s.suredly the hope of himself and of his friends--rebuking him severely at the same time because he was a bad man _serving his belly_[652] and his appet.i.te immoderately.

In the town of Cashel a man came before him with his paralysed son, asking that he should be healed.[653] And Malachy, praying briefly, said, "_Go thy way; thy son_ shall be made whole."[654] He went, and on the morrow he returned with his son, who was nevertheless by no means whole. Then Malachy rose and standing over him prayed at greater length, and he was made whole. And turning to the father he said, "Offer him to G.o.d." The man a.s.sented, but did not keep his promise; and after some years his son, now a young man, relapsed into the same state, no doubt because of his father's disobedience and his violation of the pledge.

Another man came from a long distance, when Malachy was in the borders of Munster, bringing to him his son, who was entirely deprived of the use of his feet. When he inquired how this had happened to him, he said, "As I suspect, by the malignity of demons"; adding, "It was they, if I mistake not, who, when he was playing in a field, _caused a sleep to fall_ upon him,[655] and when the child awoke he found himself so."

Saying this, he poured forth his pet.i.tion with tears, and earnestly sought help. Malachy pitying him prayed, bidding the sick boy in the meantime to sleep there upon the ground. He slept, and he arose whole.

Because he had _come from far_[656] he kept him some time in his company, and he used to walk with him.

50. In the monastery of Bangor a certain poor man was maintained by the alms of the brothers; and he received a small sum every day, for performing some office in the mill. He had been lame for twelve years, creeping on the ground with his hands, and dragging his dead feet after him. Him Malachy found one day before his cell, sad and sorrowful, and asked him the cause. And he said, "You see how for a long time I am miserably troubled and _the hand of the Lord is upon me_;[657] and lo, to increase my distress, men who ought to have had pity, rather laugh at me and cast my wretchedness in my teeth." And when he heard him, moved with compa.s.sion, he _looked up to heaven_,[658] at the same time raising his hands. Having said a short prayer he entered his cell, and the other rose up. And standing upon his feet he wondered if it was true, suspecting that he was in a dream.[659] But he began to move with slow steps, for he did not altogether believe that he could walk. At length, _as it were waking out of a deep sleep_,[660] he recognized the mercy of the Lord upon him; he walked firmly, and returned to the mill _leaping_ and exulting _and praising G.o.d_. When those saw him who had before seen and _known him_ they _were filled with wonder and amazement,[661]

supposing it to be a spirit_.[662]

Malachy likewise healed a dropsical man by praying, who remained there in the monastery and was appointed shepherd.

51. A city of Ireland called Cork was without a bishop. They proceeded to an election; but the various parties did not agree, each, as is usual, wis.h.i.+ng to appoint their own bishop, not G.o.d's.[663] Malachy came to the place when he heard of the disagreement. Calling together the clergy and people he took pains to unite the hearts and desires of the opposing parties. And when they had been persuaded that the whole business ought to be entrusted to him, on whom in a very special manner lay _the care of_ that as also of the other _churches_[664] throughout Ireland,[665] immediately he named to them, not any of the n.o.bles of the land,[666] but rather a certain poor man whom he knew to be holy and learned; _and he was a stranger_.[667] He was sought; and it was announced that he was lying in bed, and so weak that he could in no wise go out unless carried in the hands of those who ministered to him.

"Let him rise," said Malachy; "in the name of the Lord I command it; obedience will save him." What was he to do? He wished to obey, but he thought himself unfitted; for though it should be possible for him to go, he dreaded to be a bishop. So with the will to be obedient twin enemies were contending, the load of weakness and the fear of the burden. But the first conquered, the hope of salvation being given him as an aid. Therefore he made the attempt, he moved, tested his power, discovered that he was stronger than usual. Faith increased along with power, and again faith made stronger gave in its turn increase of power.

Now he was able to rise una.s.sisted, now to walk somewhat better, now not even to perceive weariness in walking; at length, to come to Malachy without difficulty and quickly, unaided by man. He promoted him, and put him into the chair, with the applause of clergy and people. This was done without question, because neither did they dare to oppose the will of Malachy in any way, seeing the sign which he had wrought; nor did he hesitate to obey, being made surer, by so evident a proof, of the will of G.o.d.

52. (29). A certain _woman was diseased with an issue of blood_;[668]

and she was of n.o.ble birth and very dear to Malachy, though by reason of the n.o.bility rather of her character than of her descent. When she was entirely failing, her strength no doubt being exhausted with her blood, and was now near the end, she sent to the man of G.o.d, in order that--the only thing that remained to be done--he might help her soul who should see her no more in the body. When Malachy heard it he was troubled, because she was a woman of virtue, and her life fruitful in work and example. And perceiving that he could not reach her in time he called Malchus, for he was young and active (he is that brother of Abbot Christian whom we mentioned above),[669] and said, "Haste, take her these three apples on which I have invoked the name of the Lord; I am a.s.sured of this, that when she tastes these she _shall not taste of death_ before _she sees_ us,[670] though we shall follow somewhat more slowly." Malchus hastened as he was commanded, and when he came he went in to the dying woman, showing himself another servant of Elisha, except that his work was more efficacious.[671] He bade her take that which Malachy had blessed and sent to her, and to taste it if by any means she could. But she was so refreshed when she heard Malachy's name, that she was able to obey, and indicated by a nod (for she could not speak) that she wished to be raised up for a little while. She was raised up, she tasted; she was strengthened by what she tasted, she spoke, and gave thanks. _And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon_ her,[672] and she rested most sweetly in it, having long ceased to enjoy the benefit of sleep, or to partake of food. Meanwhile _her blood was staunched_[673] and awaking after a while she found herself whole,[674]

but she was still weak from long fasting and loss of blood. If in any degree the cure was not complete,[675] on the following day the wished-for presence and appearance of Malachy made it perfect.

53. (30). A n.o.bleman lived in the neighbourhood of the monastery of Bangor, whose wife was _sick nigh unto death_.[676] Malachy, being asked to _come down ere she died_,[677] to _anoint the sick_ woman _with oil_,[678] came down and went in to her; and when she saw him she rejoiced greatly, animated by the hope of salvation. And when he was preparing to anoint her, it seemed to all that it ought rather to be postponed to the morning; for it was evening. Malachy a.s.sented, and when he had given a blessing over the sick woman, he went out with those who were with him. But shortly afterwards, suddenly _there was a cry made_,[679] lamentation and great wailing through the whole house, for it was reported that she had died. Malachy ran up when he heard the tumult, and his disciples followed him. And coming to the bed, when he had a.s.sured himself that she had breathed her last, he was greatly troubled in mind, blaming himself that she had died without the grace of the sacrament. And lifting up his hands to heaven he said, "_I beseech thee_, Lord, _I have done very foolishly_. I, even _I, have sinned_,[680] who postponed, not she who desired it." Saying this he protested in the hearing of all that _he_ would not _be comforted_,[681]

that he would give _no rest to his spirit_,[682] unless he should be allowed to restore the grace which he had taken away. And standing over her, all night _he laboured in his groaning_; and, instead of the holy oil, flooding the dead woman with a great rain of _tears_,[683] he bestowed on her such a subst.i.tute for the unction as he could. Thus did he; but to his companions he said, "_Watch and pray._"[684] So they in psalms, he in tears, pa.s.sed a night of vigil. And when the morning came the Lord heard His saint, for the _Spirit_ of the Lord was _making intercession for him_, who _maketh intercession for_ the saints _with groanings that cannot be uttered_.[685] Why more? She who had been dead _opened her eyes_,[686] and, as those do who wake from a deep sleep, rubbing her forehead and temples with her hands, she rose upon the bed, and recognizing Malachy, devoutly saluted him with bowed head. And mourning being _turned into joy_,[687] amazement took hold of all, both those who saw and those who heard. And Malachy also gave thanks and blessed the Lord. And he anointed her, nevertheless, knowing that in that sacrament _sins are forgiven_, and that _the prayer of faith saves the sick_.[688] After this he went away, and she recovered, and after living for some time in good health, _that the_ glory _of G.o.d should be made manifest in her_,[689] she accomplished the penance which Malachy had enjoined upon her, and again _fell asleep_[690] in a _good confession_,[691] and pa.s.sed to the Lord.

54. (3). There was also a woman whom _a spirit of_ anger and _fury_[692]

dominated to such an extent that not only her neighbours and relatives fled from her society, but even her own sons could scarcely endure to live with her. Shouting, rancour and _a mighty tempest_[693] wherever she was. Violent, fiery, hasty, terrible with tongue and hand, intolerable to all, and hated. Her sons, grieving both for her and for themselves, dragged her into the presence of Malachy, setting forth their lamentable complaint with tears. But the holy man, pitying both the sickness of the mother and the trouble of her sons, called her aside, and made urgent inquiry whether she had ever confessed her sins.

She replied, "Never." "Confess," said he. She obeyed; and he enjoined penance on her when she made confession, and prayed over her that Almighty G.o.d might give her _the spirit of meekness_,[694] and in the name of the Lord Jesus bade her to be angry no more. Such meekness followed that it was plain to all that it was nothing else than a marvellous _change effected by the right hand of the Most High_.[695] It is said that she is still living to-day, and is so patient and gentle that, though she used to exasperate all, now she cannot be exasperated by any injuries or insults or afflictions. If it be allowed me, as the Apostle says, _to be fully persuaded in my own mind_,[696] let each accept it as he will; for me, I give it as my opinion that this miracle should be regarded as superior to that of raising the dead woman, mentioned above, inasmuch as there the outward, but here the _inner man_[697] was restored to life. And now let us hasten to what remains.

55. A man who as regards the world was honourable, as regards G.o.d devout, came to Malachy and complained to him concerning _the barrenness of his soul_,[698] praying that he would obtain for him from Almighty G.o.d the grace of tears. And Malachy, smiling because he was pleased that there should be spiritual desire from a man of the world, laid his cheek on the cheek of the other as though caressing him, and said, "_Be it done unto you as you have asked_."[699] From that time _rivers of waters ran down his eyes_[700] so great and so nearly incessant that the phrase of Scripture might seem applicable to him: "_A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters_."[701]

There is an island of the sea in Ireland, from of old fruitful of fishes;[702] and the sea there abounds in fish. By the sins of the inhabitants, as it is believed, the wonted supply was taken away, and _she that had many children was waxed feeble_,[703] and her own great usefulness utterly dwindled away. While the natives were grieving, and the peoples taking ill the great loss, it was revealed to a certain woman that a remedy might be effected by the prayers of Malachy; and that became known to all, for she herself proclaimed it. By the will of G.o.d it happened that Malachy arrived. For while he was going round and filling the region with the Gospel, he turned aside thither that to them also he might impart the same grace.[704] But _the barbarous people_,[705] who cared more for the fishes,[706] demanded with all vehemence that he would deign to regard rather the sterility of their island. And when he answered that it was not for that he had come, but that he desired to catch men rather than fish,[707] yet seeing their faith[708] he _kneeled down on the sh.o.r.e and prayed_[709] to the Lord that, though they were unworthy of it, he would not deny them the benefit granted long before, since they sought it again with so great faith. _The prayer went up_,[710] there came up also _a mult.i.tude of fishes_,[711] and perhaps more fruitful than in ancient days; and the people of the land continue to enjoy that abundance to this day. What wonder if _the prayer of a righteous man_ which _penetrates the heavens_,[712] penetrated _the abysses_,[713] and called forth from the depth of the sea so great supplies of fish?

56. There came, on one occasion, three bishops into the village of Faughart,[714] which they say was the birthplace of Brigit the virgin;[715] and Malachy was a fourth. And the presbyter who had received them with hospitality, said to him, "What shall I do, for I have no fish?" And when he answered that he should seek them from the fishermen, he said, "For the last two years no fish have been found in the river;[716] and for that reason the fishermen also are all scattered and have even abandoned their art." And Malachy replied "Command them to _let down the nets_[717] in the name of the Lord." It was done, and twelve salmon were caught. They lowered them a second time, and catching as many more they brought to the tables both an unlooked-for dish and an unlooked-for miracle. And that it might be clear that this was granted to the merits of Malachy, the same sterility nevertheless continued also for the following two years.