And being thus blessed, in one day
he learned the whole Psaltery, and in a short time, the spirit of
wisdom and knowledge inspiring him, he sufficiently understood the
Scriptures; for no delay can there be where the Holy Spirit descends to
be the teacher. And Saint Patrick advanced him unto the ecclesiastical
order, and, after he had worthily ministered in each degree,
consecrated him the bishop of the Church of Scleptus. And Fiechus was
eminent in his life, in his learning, and in his miracles; and being
directed by the angelic command, he took on him the habit of a monk,
and builded in his episcopal seat a stately monastery.

CHAPTER CXVI.

_The Chariot is, by the Decision of the Angel, sent unto Fiechus._

The blessed Patrick gave order that a chariot should be prepared unto
Saint Fiechus, for that he, being weighed down by infirmity, could not
go on foot to visit his diocese and discharge his episcopal duties.
For he was reduced with exceeding abstinence, and moreover he was
afflicted with a disease in his hip. And Saint Secundinus, this
observing, felt in his mind certain worldly feelings, and was
displeased, and insisted that the chariot should rather be given unto
himself than unto Fiechus. And the holy prelate, seeing his
displeasure, sought rather to satisfy him with a sign than by argument,
saying: "Be not displeased, most dear brother, at this little gift
which we have given unto our brother and fellow-bishop, lest occasion
of reproach should be afforded to the evil one; for this our brother,
who is infirm, needeth the chariot more than doth any one among us.
But that I may not seem to err in my judgment, let this matter be left
to the heavenly decision." Then the angel, appearing at the prayer of
the saint, bade the horses to be yoked unto the chariot, and to be sent
forward without a charioteer; and at whichsoever they should stop, to
him should the chariot be given. And it was done as the angel
commanded, and the saint bade the chariot to be yoked; but the horses,
no man guiding them, went through irregular and devious paths, and came
in the evening to the dwelling of Secundinus, and, being unyoked, were
turned there to pasture. And in the morning, no man yoking them, they
were yoked to the chariot, and in like manner going unto the mansion of
a certain other saint, there they stayed the night. And on the third
day they hastened unto Saint Fiechus, and stayed there, and evidently
showed