im
to have." And this saying, uttered in the presence of so many of his
disciples, was not long concealed from the saint. Therefore it came to
pass that when Saint Patrick and Secundinus afterward met together, the
master enquired of his disciple, the metropolitan of his suffragan, why
he had spoken such a word of him, or rather against him. And
Secundinus replied, "So did I say, because thou refusest the gifts
offered unto thee of rich men, and wilt not accept farms and
inheritances, wherewith thou mightest sustain the great multitude of
the saints which are gathered unto thee." Then Saint Patrick answered
and said, "For the increase of charity is it that I do not accept these
works of charity; inasmuch as were I to receive all that are offered
unto me, I should not leave even the pasturage of two horses for the
saints which will come after us." Then Secundinus repenting of the
word which he had spoken, entreated forgiveness of the saint; and he,
with his wonted kindness, accorded it unto his penitence.

CHAPTER CLXXVII.

_Secundinus composeth a Hymn in Honor of Saint Patrick._

And Secundinus, who was exceeding wise and learned, said unto Saint
Patrick that he desired to compose a hymn in honor of a saint who was
yet living. This he said, for that the saint of whom he purposed to
write was Patrick himself; and therefore concealed he the name in
silence. Then answered the saint: "Verily, it is worthy, and fit, and
right, and profitable, that the people should tell the wisdom of the
saints, and that the congregation should speak of their praise; but yet
is it more becoming that the subject of our praise should not be
praised until after his death. Praise thou therefore the clearness of
the day, but not until the evening cometh; the courage of the soldier,
but not until he hath triumphed; the fortune of the sailor, but not
until he hath landed; for the Scripture saith, Thou shalt praise no man
in his lifetime. Nevertheless, if so thy mind is fixed, what thou
proposest to do, that do thou quickly; for death draweth nigh unto
thee, and of all the bishops which are in Hibernia, shalt thou be the
first to die." Therefore Secundinus composed a hymn in honor of Saint
Patrick, and after a few days, according to the word of the saint, he
died; and he was buried in his own church, in a place which he called
Domnhach-Seachlainn, and by manifold miracles showeth himself to live
in Christ. And this hymn are many