ed of the special gift of
God which, through the prayers of Patrick, freed from all venomous
animals the islands that persevered in their faith.

CHAPTER XCIII.

_Of the Saint's Prophecy concerning Six Priests, and of a Skin which he
bestowed to them._

Six priests, who were led by their unanimous desire of learning the
Scripture and of visiting holy places, quitted Hibernia to travel
beyond the sea, when by a happy chance they met the saint returning out
of Britain; and he blessed them with bended knees entreating his
benediction, and foretold that they all would be bishops. And the
saint observing one of them, who appeared elder and stronger than the
rest, carrying in his bosom all their volumes, for that he had nothing
wherein he might bear them in his hand, bade that a seal-skin should be
given unto him on which he was wont to stand while he was celebrating
the Mass, that he might make thereof a satchel. And they, receiving
with manifold thanks the gift of the holy man, prosperously journeyed;
nor from that day forth was there among them any want; but whether in
travelling or abiding in the schools, they always found an honest
sufficiency. Therefore they knew that the saint assisted them with his
prayers, and that the Lord, through his merits, continued unto them His
mercy. But in process of time, having thoroughly acquired all holy
learning, they returned to their own country; and shortly after,
according to the word of the saint, they were all made bishops. And
the names of these holy prelates were Lugacius, Columbanus, Meldanus,
Lugadius, Cassanus, Ceranus; but to mention the names of the bishoprics
we for good reason omit--for in many instances we avoid the names of
places and of persons, that we may not, by their uncouth barbarousness,
occasion disgust or horror to cultivated ears. However, these prelates
profited much the church of God by their conversation and by their
example, and closed their lives in much holiness; for they were wont to
relate many miracles to have been worked by the aforementioned
seal-skin, the which even to this day remaineth entire, and is
preserved as a relic in memory of Saint Patrick.

CHAPTER XCIV.

_Saint Patrick Continueth his Preaching Three Days._

And Saint Patrick preached to many people gathered together from divers
parts unto a place in Hibernia called Fionnabhair, which, being
interpreted, is the White Field. And for three continual days and
nigh