that
time the chief Pontiff made frequent and careful inquiry of him and
those who were with him concerning the affairs of their country, the
morals of the people, the state of the churches, and the great things
that God had wrought by him in the land. And when he was already
preparing to return home the Pope committed his own authority to him,
appointing him legate throughout the whole of Ireland. For Bishop
Gilbert, who, as we have mentioned above, was then legate, had intimated
to him that by reason of age and infirmity of body _he could no longer
discharge the duties of the office_.[547] After this Malachy prayed that
the constitution of the new metropolis[548] should be confirmed, and
that palls should be given him for both sees. The privilege of
confirmation he soon received; "but regarding the palls," said the chief
Pontiff, "more formal action must be taken. You must call together the
bishops and clerks and the magnates of the land and hold a general
council; and so with the assent and common desire of all ye shall demand
the pall by persons of honest repute, and it shall be given you." Then
he took his mitre from his own head, and placed it on Malachy's
head,[549] and more, he gave him the stole and maniple which he was
accustomed to use in the offering; and saluting him with the kiss of
peace he dismissed him, strengthened with the apostolic blessing and
authority.

[Sidenote: 1140, July-August]

[Sidenote: 1142]

39. And returning by Clairvaux he bestowed on us _a second_
benediction.[550] And sighing deeply that it was not allowed him to
remain as he longed to do, he said, "Meanwhile I pray you to keep these
men for me, that they may learn from you what they may afterwards teach
us." And he added, "They will be to us for a seed, _and in_ this _seed
shall the nations be blessed_,[551] even those nations which from
ancient days have heard the name of monk, but have not seen a
monk."[552] And leaving four of his most intimate companions[553] he
departed: and they, when they were proved and found worthy, were made
monks. After a time, when the saint was now in his own country, he sent
others,[554] and they were dealt with in like manner. And when they had
been instructed for some time _and had applied their hearts unto
wisdom_,[555] the holy brother Christian,[556] who was one of
themselves, was given to them to be their father, and we sent them out,
adding from our own a sufficient number for an abbey.[557]