s followers and he blessed the people of the Deisi
and not them alone, but their woods and water and land. Whereupon the
chiefs and nobles of the Deisi said:--"Who will be King or Lord over us
now?" And Declan replied:--"I am your lord and whomsoever I shall
appoint offer you as lord, Patrick and all of us will bless, and he shall
be king over you all." And he whom Declan appointed was Feargal
MacCormac a certain young man of the nation of the Deisi who was a
kinsman of Declan himself. He (Declan) set him in the midst of the
assembly in the king's place and he was pleasing to all. Whereupon
Patrick and Declan blessed him and each of them apart proclaimed him
chieftain. Patrick moreover promised the young man that he should be
brave and strong in battle, that the land should be fruitful during his
reign. Thus have the kings of the Deisi always been.

24. After these things Declan and Feargal Mac Cormac (king of the Deisi)
and his people gave a large area of land to Patrick in the neighbourhood
of Magh Feimhin and this belongs to his successors ever since and great
lordship there. And the place which was given over to him is not far
from the Suir. There is a great very clear fountain there which is
called "Patrick's Well" and this was dear to Patrick. After this, with
blessing, they took leave of one another and Patrick returned to Cashel
to Aongus Mac Natfrich and Declan went with him.

25. A miracle was wrought at that time on Declan through the
intercession and prayers of Patrick for as Declan was walking carelessly
along he trod upon a piece of sharp iron which cut his foot so that blood
flowed freely and Declan began to limp. Ailbe of Emly was present at
this miracle and Sechnall a bishop of Patrick's and a holy and wise man,
and he is said to be the first bishop buried in Ireland. The wound which
Declan had received grieved them very much. Patrick was informed of the
accident and was grieved thereat. He said:--"Heal, O Master (i.e. God),
the foot of your own servant who bears much toil and hardship on your
account." Patrick laid his hand on the wounded foot and made over it the
sign of the cross when immediately the flow of blood ceased, the lips of
the wound united, a cicatrix formed upon it and a cure was effected.
Then Declan rose up with his foot healed and joined in praising God. The
soldiers and fighting men who were present cried out loudly, blessing God
and the saints.

26. As Patrick an