CHAPTER CXXXVII.

_The Saint Prophesieth of a Certain Youth._

Twelve brothers, whose father, a ruler in Dalnardia, was then lately

dead, met together to divide the inheritance; but holding in scorn

their youngest brother, Fergusius, without his portion they turned him

empty away. Therefore the youth addressed Saint Patrick, that by his

prayers he might be admitted unto his share; promising that he would

give unto the building and the maintaining a church the better part

thereof. And the saint prevailing for him, Fergusius receiveth his

share of the inheritance; of the which the larger half he gave to the

holy prelate for the erection of a church; but this, lest he should

seem to have sold his interference, he refused to receive himself, and

bade it be given unto the aforementioned Olcanus. And he builded a

church within that territory, in a place which is called Derkan, and

being there made bishop, continued in justice and in holiness. But

Saint Patrick blessed Fergusius, and prophesying said unto him, "Though

this day thou appeared humble and despised in the sight of thy

brothers, yet in a short time shalt thou be chief over them all; for

from thee shall kings proceed, who not only in this land, but even in

distant regions, shall hold rule." And after a short space, according

to the prophecy of the holy man, did Fergusius obtain the government of

all that country, and his seed ruled therein for many generations. And

thence was born Edan, the son of Gabranus, who reduced Scotia, which is

called Albania, and other islands wherein his posterity yet reigneth.

The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick Including the Life by Jocelin, Hitherto Unpublished in America, and His Extant Writings · 第 137 / 196 章