Page:The most ancient lives of Saint Patrick - O'Leary.djvu/82

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onferred on him was "Agnus Dei." And he it was who asked the three requests of Patrick—viz., that he should not oppose him as regards orders, that the place should not be called after him, and that what was wanting to complete his age should be added to the age of Mac Aenghusa. It was for him (Mac Aenghusa) that Patrick wrote an alphabet the day that Bishop Senach was ordained. Patrick desired truly to erect a see at Achadh-Fobhair, when he said: "I would remain here, on a small plot of land, after circumambulating churches and fastnesses; for I am infirm, I would not go." The angel said to Patrick:

  "Everything you select shall be yours—
  Every land, whether plain or rough,
  Both hills and churches,
  Both glens and woods,
  After circumambulating churches and fastnesses
  Though infirm, that you shall select."

Then Patrick left two trout alive in the well, and they will be there for ever, as he said:

  "The two inseparable trout,
  Which would advance against perpetual streams,
  Without obligation, without transgression—
  Angels will be along with them in it."

Patrick went to Cruachan-Aighle on the Saturday of Whitsuntide. The angel went to converse with him, and said to him: "God will not give thee what thou demandest; for He thinks the demands weighty and immense and great." "Is that His decision?" said Patrick. "It is," answered the angel. "This is my decision, then," said Patrick: "I shall not leave this Cruachan until I die or all