_Troops of Angels appear unto the Saint._
And God, the ruler of all, who after darkness bringeth light,
compassionated his servant; and so soon as the evil spirits were driven
forth, a multitude of angels poured around the place with exceeding
brightness, and with wondrous melody they comforted the saint. And he,
having finished his fast of forty days, offered the sacrifice of praise
and thanksgiving unto God, who had vouchsafed to mortal man the virtue
of so great abstinence, and had bestowed such mercies through the
intercession of Him. And moreover he rejoiced in the angelic
salutation. Then being led by the angels, he descended from the
mountain, and smote his cymbal, the sound whereof the Lord caused to be
heard through all parts of Hibernia. Thence, let none of the faithful
doubt that every man even over the whole world will hear the sound of
the last trumpet. And raising his hands, Saint Patrick blessed the
island and all the dwellers therein, and commended them unto Christ.
Now understand ye how it was the custom of Patrick, as of the other
ancient saints who abided in the islands, to have with them cymbals,
for the expulsion of evil spirits, for their own bodily exercise, to
proclaim the hours of the day and night, and for I know not what other
causes. One thing, however, is certain, that many miracles are known
to have been performed by the sound or the touch of these cymbals.
Therefore at the Lord's Supper, the blessed Patrick going forth of his
retirement into public view, rejoiced with his presence the whole
church of the saints who were born of his preaching unto Christ. And
there he discharged his episcopal office, the which he always joined
with those sacred seasons; and thus went he forward in the work of
salvation.