fat ram for you and we have done as he commanded." Declan said, "Our
Master is Jesus Christ and may He show us what it is that connects the
ministry of Satan with this meat and preserve thy servants from eating
forbidden food." As he spoke thus Declan saw in the meat the claw of a
dog, for, without intending it, they had boiled one quarter of the
dog with its paw adhering; they thought they had buried it (the
incriminating limb) with the other paws. Declan exclaimed, "This is not
a sheep's but a dog's foot." When the attendants heard this they went at
once to their master and related the matter to him. Then Dercan came
to Declan, accepted his faith and received Baptism at his hands, giving
himself and his posterity to Declan for ever. Moreover he gave his
homestead to Declan and his people were baptised. After this Dercan
requested that Declan should bless something in his homestead which
might remain as a memorial of him (Dercan) for ever. Then Declan blessed
a bell which he perceived there and its name is Clog-Dhercain ("Dercan's
Bell"); moreover, he declared: "I endow it with this virtue (power) that
if the king of Decies march around it when going to battle, against his
enemies, or to punish violation of his rights, he shall return safely
and with victory." This promise has been frequently fulfilled, but proud
(men) undertaking battle or conflict unjustly even if they march around
it do not obtain victory but success remains with the enemy. The name of
that homestead was Teach-Dhercain ("Dercain's House") and its name now
is Coningean, from the claw [con] of the hound or dog aforesaid. To this
place came the saintly concourse, scil:--Coman and Ultan, MacErc and
Mocoba and Maclaisren, who dedicated themselves to (the service of) God
and placed themselves under the spiritual rule and sway of Declan.

31. Thereupon Declan established a monastery in that place, scil.--in
Coningin--and he placed there this holy community with a further band of
disciples. Ultan however he took away with him to the place whither he
went.

32. On another (subsequent) occasion Declan visited Bregia, i.e. the
original territory which belonged to his race previous to the expulsion
of his ancestors. There he was treated with particular honour by the
king of Tara and by the chieftains of Meath by whom he was beloved,
since it was from themselves (their tribe and territory) that his
forbears had gone out, for that region was the patrimony of his