nomous and monstrous creatures, rising out of the earth and out of
the sea, so prevailed over the whole island that they not only wounded
men and animals with their deadly sting, but slayed them with cruel
bitings, and not seldom rent and devoured their members. And the
demons, who by the power of idolatry dwelled in superstitious hearts,
showed themselves unto their worshippers in visible forms; often
likewise did they, as if they were offended, injure them with many
hurts; unto whom, being appeased with sacrifices, offerings, or evil
works, they seemed to extend the grace of health or of safety, while
they only ceased from doing harm. And after was beheld such a
multitude of these, flying in the air or walking on the earth, that the
island was deemed incapable of containing so many; and therefore was it
accounted the habitation of demons, and their peculiar possession.
Likewise the crowd of magicians, evil-doers, and soothsayers had
therein so greatly increased as the history of not any other nation
doth instance.

CHAPTER CLXX.

_The Threefold Plague is driven out of Hibernia by Saint Patrick._

And the most holy Patrick applied all his diligence unto the
extirpation of this threefold plague; and at length by his salutary
doctrine and fervent prayer he relieved Hibernia of the increasing
mischief. Therefore he, the most excellent pastor, bore on his
shoulder the staff of Jesus, and aided of the angelic aid, he by its
comminatory elevation gathered together from all parts of the island
all the poisonous creatures into one place; then compelled he them all
unto a very high promontory, which then was called Cruachan-ailge, but
now Cruachan-Phadruig; and by the power of his word he drove the whole
pestilent swarm from the precipice of the mountain headlong into the
ocean. O eminent sign! O illustrious miracle! even from the beginning
of the world unheard, but now experienced by tribes, by peoples, and by
tongues, known unto all nations, but to the dwellers in Hibernia
especially needful! And at this marvellous yet most profitable sight,
a numerous assembly was present; many of whom had flocked from all
parts to behold miracles, many to receive the word of life.

Then turned he his face toward Mannia, and the other islands which he
had imbued and blessed with the faith of Christ and with the holy
sacraments; and by the power of his prayers he freed all these likewise
from the plague of venomous reptiles.