Celestine had sent before him, for the sake
of preaching in Ireland, another doctor named Palladius, his
archdeacon, to whom, with his coadjutors, he gave many books, the two
Testaments, with the relics of the Apostles Peter and Paul and of
numberless martyrs; and the Irish not listening to, but rather
obstinately opposing, Palladius in his mission, he quitted their
country, and, going towards Rome, died in Britain, near the borders of
the Picts; yet, while in Scotland, converting some to the faith of
Christ, he baptized them and founded three churches built of oak, in
which he left as prelates his disciples Augustine, Benedict, Sylvester,
and Sulomus, with the parchments and the relics of the saints which he
had collected. To him with more profitable labor did Saint Patrick
succeed, as is said in the Irish proverb, "Not to Palladius, but to
Patrick, the Lord vouchsafed the conversion of Ireland." And the Pope,
being certified of Palladius's death, immediately gave to Patrick the
command, which hitherto, keeping more secret counsel, he had delayed,
to proceed on his journey and on the salutary work of his legation.

CHAPTER XXVI.

_How he Saw and Saluted the Lord._

And shortly after he had received the episcopal dignity, the angel
Victor appeared unto him, then abiding in Rome, and commanded him that
he should hasten his journey into Ireland, that he might gain unto
Christ the people of that country, as the Lord had willed. But
Patrick, judging himself to be unequal to such a work and to such a
labor, answered that he could not and would not attempt it unless he
should first behold and salute the Lord. Therefore was he conducted by
the angel unto the mountain Morion, bordering on the Tuscan Sea, nigh
unto the city of Capua; and there, even as Moses, did he merit to
behold and salute the Lord, according to his earnest desire. Who, I
pray you, can estimate in his mind the merit of Patrick? What tongue
can sufficiently praise him to whom, while yet living on earth, it was
given to behold the King of Glory, whom the angels desire to behold
face to face, and who was permitted to declare unto men what he had
been taught from the lips of the Most Highest? And the Lord promised
unto Patrick that He would hear his prayers, and that He would be his
assistant in all his acts to be done by him. Therefore, being by the
vision and by the divine colloquy strengthened unto the ministry
enjoined to him of heaven and co