uld not ever be showed by an impure hand. And the sister of Saint
Patrick, gathering her vest around her bosom, filled it with live
coals; and these she carried a sufficient way, and shook them thereout
before the saint without any mark of a scar or of other hurt, proving
thus her innocence. Then the saint, beholding these evident proofs,
pronounced each to be pure and justified; yet took he care to ordain
what to them and to many others would be right profitable. And first
addressing the bishop, he bade him that he should thenceforth plough on
the land, and fish in the water, lest he should seem to tempt the Lord
his God; then, that he should not presume to glory in any miracle
worked by him through the divine grace; and, lastly, the saint gave
command that the men should be divided from the women, and that
distinct dwellings and oratories should be builded for either sex.
Thus truly, as Saint Patrick said, the name of God would not through
them be dishonored among the nations to whom they preached it; nor
would in such case occasion of scandal be given unto the weak, nor
cause of reproach afforded. And what he ordained and appointed, that
did Saint Patrick make to be observed.

CHAPTER CIII.

_The Footprints of Certain Virgins are impressed on a Stone._

And on a certain day the saint veiled and consecrated and espoused unto
the heavenly Spouse four virgins standing on one stone. Then did an
event marvellous and unwonted appear. Even unto this day are seen
impressed on the hard stone the footprints of the virgins which were
consecrated unto God, that to all it might be seen how deeply could the
prayer or the preaching of the saint penetrate even stony hearts. And
hereby may we understand that they who, for the love of Christ, contemn
the world, should continue in the hard way, that they might attain Him
unto whom they have approved themselves. And the place wherein these
virgins were consecrated is called Tedna; and for the servants of the
Lord is there builded a church, which at this day pertaineth unto the
metropolitan seat of Ardmachia.

CHAPTER CIV.

_The Earth is raised in the midst of the Stream._

And Saint Patrick, for the sake of passing thereover, came unto a very
great river named Synnia, between Midia and Connactia, which was
impassable of all, save only by vessels. And he long time sought a
vessel, but found it not. Then prayed he unto the Lord, who erewhile
had made a way thr