and with rude and importunate speech, nay,
even with clamor, wearying the ears of the saint, afflicting his mind,
and stopping his mouth, demanded of him food. The which the saint not
having at hand, blushed, and took unkindly the irreverence that
prevented him from preaching. But a certain man named Nessan, who
beheld how the just man's spirit was vexed, offered unto him a ram,
which the saint bade him give to the bold importuner. This receiving,
Dercardius returned to his companions, boasting that by his importunity
he had penetrated the stony heart of Patrick, even as the continual
dropping of water weareth out a stone. And they slay the ram, and
dress and eat it. And while the meat was yet in their mouths the anger
of God came on them, and suddenly avenged His servant; for the meat
turned to instant poison, and destroyed them all; wherein are we
sufficiently admonished not to offend the servants of God, lest we
offend the Almighty Himself, who will protect and defend them in the
time of their trouble.

CHAPTER LXXVI.

_Of the Quarrel of the Two Brothers._

The blessed Patrick, as the angel of peace, announcing by the blood of
Christ that peace which passeth all understanding, journeyed through
Ciarraghus. And as he journeyed, he beheld two brothers named
Bibradius and Locradius, who, their father having then lately been
buried, were dividing the inheritance; and they at first disputed with
their tongues, and at length they attacked each other very fiercely.
And when each brandished the sword unto the death of the other, the
saint feared exceedingly, lest even in his sight the crime of
fratricide should happen. Therefore unto the pity of these unpitying
men did he address his heart, unto prayer his mouth, unto blessing his
hand; and making their arms immovable as wood or as stone, he stayed
them in the air. And they, beholding themselves thus miraculously
prevented, ceased from the fury of their conceived sin, and, at the
bidding of the saint telling good tidings of peace and preaching
salvation, returned unto the mutual kindness of brotherly love. Then
he, the brothers being appeased, and his blessing being given unto
them, restored the power of their arms; and they offered him for the
building of a church the field wherein was worked this miracle.

CHAPTER LXXVII.

_Fourteen Thousand Men are miraculously refreshed with the Meat of Five
Animals._

And after that Patrick, the illustrious