_How he dwelt with the blessed Germanus, and how he received the Habit
from Saint Martin._
Being thus instructed and directed of heaven, though both his parents
resisted and would have detained him, he, with the faithful Abraham,
quitted his country, his kindred, and his father's house, and, passing
through his native Britain, he went into France. And lest his labor
should be fruitless, or that he might not attempt to teach what he had
not thoroughly learned, he attached himself to the blessed Bishop
Germanus, and, for his greater progress in the Christian faith and
learning, abided with him for the space of eighteen years, reading and
imbibing the Holy Scriptures (as in the acts of the blessed Germanus is
recorded). And each had received the divine command--Patrick that he
should abide with Germanus, and the holy bishop that he should retain
and instruct the youth. For he was a prelate, in his descent, in his
nobility, in his life, in his learning, in his office, and in his
miracles most illustrious; and from him the several degrees of the holy
orders, and at length the sacerdotal dignity according to the canons,
did Patrick receive. With the like purpose did he some time abide with
the blessed Martin, Archbishop of Tours, who was the uncle of his
mother, Conquessa. And as this holy luminary of the priesthood was a
monk, he gave to his nephew, Patrick, the monastic habits and rules,
the which he most devoutly assumed, and adorned by his life, and
persevered therein. And bidding farewell, they departed the one from
the other, forasmuch as Martin was enjoined by the angel to go into a
certain island. And Saint Patrick, returning to the blessed Germanus,
remained with him many days.