st friend what I had done in my youth, in one
day, nay, rather in one hour, because I was not then able to overcome.
I know not, God knows, if I was then fifteen years of age, and from my
childhood I did not believe in the living God, but remained in death
and unbelief until I was severely chastised, and, in truth, I have been
humbled by hunger and nakedness; and even now I did not come to Ireland
of my own will until I was nearly worn out. But this proved a blessing
to me, for I was thus corrected by the Lord, and he made me fit to be
to-day that which was once far from my thoughts, so that I should care
for the salvation of others, for at that time I had no thought even for
myself.

And in the night of the day in which I was reproved for the things
above mentioned, I saw in the night.] I saw in a vision of the night a
writing without honor before me. And then I heard an answer saying to
me, "We have heard with displeasure the face of the elect without a
name." He did not say, "Thou hast badly seen," but "We have badly
seen," as if he had there joined himself to me, as he said: "He that
touches you is as he who toucheth the apple of my eye." Therefore I
give thanks to Him who comforted me in all things that He did not
hinder me from the journey which I had proposed, and also as regards my
work which I had learned of Christ. But from this thing I felt no
little strength, and my faith was approved before God and man.

Therefore I dare to say that my conscience does not reproach me now or
for the future. I have the testimony of God now that I have not lied
in the words I have told you. [But I feel the more grieved that my
dearest friend, to whom I would have trusted even my life, should have
occasioned this. And I learned from certain brethren that, before this
defence, when I was not present, nor even in Britain, and with which I
had nothing to do, that he defended me in my absence. He had even said
to me with his own lips: "Thou art going to be given the rank of
bishop," though I was not worthy of it. How, then, did it happen to
him that afterwards, before all persons, good and bad, he should
detract me publicly, when he had before this freely and gladly praised
me? And the Lord, who is greater than all? I have said enough.
Still, I ought not to hide the gift of God which he gave me in the land
of my captivity, for I sought him earnestly then, and found him there,
and He preserved me from all iniquity, I be