CHAPTER CXVII.

_The Several Offices of a certain Monastery are appointed by an Angel._

And at another time the angel commanded the aforementioned Fiechus that

he should build a monastery on the other side of the river, assigning

unto all the offices their fit and proper place; that where a boar

should appear unto him, there should he build a refectory, and where a

stag should be seen, an oratory. And the saint replied unto the angel

that he in no wise could undertake such a work, unless Patrick, his

father and pastor, should come and approve thereof. And his words

displeased not the angel; for in them he saw the affection and the

obedience which Fiechus bore in Christ unto the man of God. And after

a few days were past, the angel so advising, Patrick assisted Fiechus,

and in the place which is called Forrach builded they a monastery, even

according to the direction of the angel. And therein Fiechus presided

as abbot; nevertheless throughout his diocese did he fully exercise the

episcopal office. And every year, at the beginning of the fast of the

Lent time, he went alone out of the monastery, with five barley loaves

mixed with ashes for his support, and abided in the wilderness through

all that sacred season. But on the Sabbath day which is called

Palm-Sunday, or sometimes at the Supper of the Lord, he was wont to

return unto his monastery for the discharge of his holy office, always

bringing with him the half of one loaf yet uneaten. And he sent before

him unto God threescore saints, whom when he followed he was buried in

Scleptus. And his son aforementioned imitated his father in wisdom and

holiness; and having in another place attained the episcopal degree, he

rested in the Lord.

The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick Including the Life by Jocelin, Hitherto Unpublished in America, and His Extant Writings · 第 117 / 196 章