esult of this interview was the
appointment of a public discussion, to take place the next day at Tara,
between St. Patrick and the pagan bards.

[Illustration: St. Patrick going to Tara.]

It was Easter Sunday--a day ever memorable for this event in the annals
of Erinn. Laeghaire and his court sat in state to receive the ambassador
of the Eternal King. Treacherous preparations had been made, and it was
anticipated that Patrick and his companions would scarcely reach Tara
alive. The saint was aware of the machinations of his enemies; but life
was of no value to him, save as a means of performing the great work
assigned him, and the success of that work was in the safe keeping of
Another. The old writers love to dwell on the meek dignity of the
apostle during this day of trial and triumph. He set forth with his
companions, from where he had encamped, in solemn procession, singing a
hymn of invocation which he had composed, in the Irish tongue, for the
occasion, and which is still preserved, and well authenticated.[125] He
was clothed as usual, in white robes; but he wore his mitre, and carried
in his hand the Staff of Jesus. Eight priests attended him, robed also
in white, and his youthful convert, Benignus, the son of Seschnan.

Thus, great in the arms of meekness and prayer, did the Christian hosts
calmly face the array of pagan pomp and pride. Again the monarch had
commanded that no honour should be paid to the saint, and again he was
disobeyed. His own chief poet and druid, Dubtach, rose up instantly on
the entrance of the strangers, and saluted the venerable apostle with
affection and respect. The Christian doctrine was then explained by St.
Patrick to his wondering audience, and such impression made, that
although Laeghaire lived and died an obstinate pagan, he nevertheless
permitted the saint to preach where and when he would, and to receive
all who might come to him for instruction or holy baptism.

On the following day St. Patrick repaired to Taillten, where the public
games were commencing; and there he remained for a week, preaching to an
immense concourse of people. Here his life was threatened by Cairbre, a
brother of King Laeghaire; but the saint was defended by another of the
royal brothers, named Conall Creevan, who was shortly after converted.
The church of Donough Patrick, in Meath, was founded by his desire. It
is said that all the Irish churches which begin with the name Donough
were founded by the