_The Threefold Plague is driven out of Hibernia by Saint Patrick._
And the most holy Patrick applied all his diligence unto the
extirpation of this threefold plague; and at length by his salutary
doctrine and fervent prayer he relieved Hibernia of the increasing
mischief. Therefore he, the most excellent pastor, bore on his
shoulder the staff of Jesus, and aided of the angelic aid, he by its
comminatory elevation gathered together from all parts of the island
all the poisonous creatures into one place; then compelled he them all
unto a very high promontory, which then was called Cruachan-ailge, but
now Cruachan-Phadruig; and by the power of his word he drove the whole
pestilent swarm from the precipice of the mountain headlong into the
ocean. O eminent sign! O illustrious miracle! even from the beginning
of the world unheard, but now experienced by tribes, by peoples, and by
tongues, known unto all nations, but to the dwellers in Hibernia
especially needful! And at this marvellous yet most profitable sight,
a numerous assembly was present; many of whom had flocked from all
parts to behold miracles, many to receive the word of life.
Then turned he his face toward Mannia, and the other islands which he
had imbued and blessed with the faith of Christ and with the holy
sacraments; and by the power of his prayers he freed all these likewise
from the plague of venomous reptiles. But other islands, the which had
not believed at his preaching, still are cursed with the procreation of
those poisonous creatures. And he converted innumerable evil-doers
unto the faith; but many who continued obstinate, and hardened in their
perverseness, he destroyed from the face of the earth (as we have
already recorded); and from the men of Hibernia, whom he made servants
unto the true and living God, prayed he of the Lord that the visions of
the demons and their wonted injuries should be driven away; and he
obtained his prayer.