_Patrick understandeth the Conscience of Saint Fiechus, and blesseth
him._
There was a certain youth, named Fiechus, a scholar of Dubhtachus the
bard, and he was docile of disposition, subtle of wit, florid of
eloquence, and beauteous of form. And a few years before he espoused a
damsel who then had lately deceased, of whom was born unto him one only
son. Him walking with his aforementioned tutor did the saint meet,
and, the Spirit revealing it unto him, at the moment, even with the
glance of his eye, understood his conscience, and in the presence of
all exclaimed: "Behold the husband of one wife, who, according to the
apostle, may worthily be advanced unto the priesthood, nay, even unto
the episcopate!" Then began he to expound unto Fiechus the doctrines
of the faith, and advised him unto baptism. And the youth marvelled at
the words of grace which proceeded from the lips of Saint Patrick; and
chiefly for that so soon the saint had divined his secret and
understood all the passages of his life. Therefore he believed, and
took on him baptism; and after his tutor had long time withstood, but
at length consented, he devoted himself unto the direction of the holy
bishop. And the holy bishop blessed him, and gave unto him the
alphabet written with his own hand. And being thus blessed, in one day
he learned the whole Psaltery, and in a short time, the spirit of
wisdom and knowledge inspiring him, he sufficiently understood the
Scriptures; for no delay can there be where the Holy Spirit descends to
be the teacher. And Saint Patrick advanced him unto the ecclesiastical
order, and, after he had worthily ministered in each degree,
consecrated him the bishop of the Church of Scleptus. And Fiechus was
eminent in his life, in his learning, and in his miracles; and being
directed by the angelic command, he took on him the habit of a monk,
and builded in his episcopal seat a stately monastery.