CHAPTER CXVI.

_The Chariot is, by the Decision of the Angel, sent unto Fiechus._

The blessed Patrick gave order that a chariot should be prepared unto

Saint Fiechus, for that he, being weighed down by infirmity, could not

go on foot to visit his diocese and discharge his episcopal duties.

For he was reduced with exceeding abstinence, and moreover he was

afflicted with a disease in his hip. And Saint Secundinus, this

observing, felt in his mind certain worldly feelings, and was

displeased, and insisted that the chariot should rather be given unto

himself than unto Fiechus. And the holy prelate, seeing his

displeasure, sought rather to satisfy him with a sign than by argument,

saying: "Be not displeased, most dear brother, at this little gift

which we have given unto our brother and fellow-bishop, lest occasion

of reproach should be afforded to the evil one; for this our brother,

who is infirm, needeth the chariot more than doth any one among us.

But that I may not seem to err in my judgment, let this matter be left

to the heavenly decision." Then the angel, appearing at the prayer of

the saint, bade the horses to be yoked unto the chariot, and to be sent

forward without a charioteer; and at whichsoever they should stop, to

him should the chariot be given. And it was done as the angel

commanded, and the saint bade the chariot to be yoked; but the horses,

no man guiding them, went through irregular and devious paths, and came

in the evening to the dwelling of Secundinus, and, being unyoked, were

turned there to pasture. And in the morning, no man yoking them, they

were yoked to the chariot, and in like manner going unto the mansion of

a certain other saint, there they stayed the night. And on the third

day they hastened unto Saint Fiechus, and stayed there, and evidently

showed that they were intended for him. Yet would not the saint ascend

the chariot, until the angel had certified him that unto him the gift

was sent. And at another time was this miracle in like manner repeated

of two horses which were by Saint Patrick himself intended for Fiechus,

and to be yoked unto his chariot.

The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick Including the Life by Jocelin, Hitherto Unpublished in America, and His Extant Writings · 第 116 / 196 章