And on a time when the
saint was intent on his wonted work, he came unto a certain plain,
which, by its fair and pleasant site, was fitted unto the building of a
church; but neither wood nor stone could be found therein. For the
forest was a long way distant, and no axe could be found in those
parts, nor even, if found, did any of the inhabitants understand its
use. Therefore did this holy man offer up his prayers, and, being
helped of heaven, he builded there a church of clay alone, and it was
fashioned for that time in very handsome form, and it was endowed with
the divine grace. For well is it known to have suffered naught,
neither from the wind, nor from the snow, nor from the hail, nor from
the rain, nor from any other inclemency of the air; but from thence
even to this day is it seen to continue in its original state. And the
seat of Saint Patrick, wherein sitting he was wont to preach, is still
shown; and manifold and marvellous miracles are reported to have been
done there.

CHAPTER LXVI.

_Of the two Rivers, Dubh and Drobhaois._

In that country were two rivers, whereof the one was called Dubh, and
the other Drobhaois; and the river Dubh was wont to abound with fishes,
but the other produced them not. And the saint, passing nigh the bank
of the fruitful river, entreated the fishermen that out of a great
draught which they had taken they would bestow their kindness unto him.
But they, wanting charity toward the beloved of the Lord, sent him away
empty, and wholly refused unto him even one fish. Therefore God, the
author and the lover of charity, from these fishermen, narrowed in
their hearts, and frozen with covetousness, withdrew their wonted gain,
and deprived that river of its perpetual abundance of fishes; and the
other river, which was called Drobhaois, did he immediately enrich
therewith. And this river, as being more fruitful, so is it clearer
than all the other rivers in Ireland. From whence a wise man may
understand that we should show charity unto every member of Christ, and
receive the friends of God and relieve them with all kindness. For
whatever honor, whatever kindness, we show unto them, that do we
assuredly show unto Christ; so whatever we unjustly take from or deny
unto them, of that doth God attest us to have defrauded Him.

CHAPTER LXVII.

_Of the Voice that issued from the Sepulchre._

The holy standard-bearer of the Lord was accustomed to stop at the
head-stone