s of the divine
grace which issued from the holy body, and the music of the angels, gave
tranquillity and joy to the chief clerics of the men of Erin who were
watching the body on the nights following; so that the blessing of Jacob
to his son was kept regarding him--_i.e._, "Ecce odor filii mei sicut
odor agri pleni, quem benedixit dicens," etc.

There was, moreover, a great attempt at conflict and battle between the
provinces of Erin--viz., the Ulidians and the Ui-Neill and
Airghialla--contending for Patrick's body. The Airghialla and Ui-Neill
were trying to take it to Ard-Macha; the Ulidians were for keeping it
with themselves. Then the Ui-Neill went to a certain water [river]
there, when the river rose against them through the power of God. When
the flood left the river, the hosts proceeded to quarrel--viz., the
Ui-Neill and the Ulidians. It appeared then to each party of them that
they were bringing the body to their own country, so that God separated
them in this wise through the grace of Patrick.

The miracles so far shall be unto to-day. They are the miracles which
the divines of Eriu heard, and which they put into order of narration.
Colum-Cille, the son of Fedhlimidh, firstly, narrated and compiled the
miracles of Patrick; Ultan, the descendant of Conchobhar; Adamnan, the
grandson of Atinne; Eleran the wise; Ciaran of Belach-Duin; Bishop
Ermedach of Clogher; Colman Uamach; and Cruimther Collaith of
Druim-Roilgech.

A just man, indeed, was this man; with purity of nature like the
patriarchs; a true pilgrim like Abraham; gentle and forgiving of heart
like Moses; a praiseworthy psalmist like David; an emulator of wisdom
like Solomon; a chosen vessel for proclaiming truth like the Apostle
Paul. A man full of grace and of the knowledge of the Holy Ghost like
the beloved John. A fair flower-garden to children of grace; a fruitful
vine-branch. A sparkling fire, with force of warmth and heat to the sons
of life, for instituting and illustrating charity. A lion in strength
and power; a dove in gentleness and humility. A serpent in wisdom and
cunning to do good. Gentle, humble, merciful towards sons of life; dark,
ungentle towards sons of death. A servant of labor and service of
Christ. A king in dignity and power for binding and loosening, for
liberating and convicting, for killing and giving life.

After these great miracles, therefore--_i.e._, after resuscitating the
dead; after healing lepers, and th