in perfect agreement with Patrick.  It is true that subsequently to this they did enter into a league of peace and harmonious actions with Patrick and paid him fealty.  Ciaran, however, paid him all respect and reverence and was of one mind with him present or absent.  Ailbe then, when he saw the kings and rulers of Ireland paying homage to Patrick and going out to meet him, came himself to Cashel, to wait on him and he also paid homage to him (Patrick) and submitted to his jurisdiction, in presence of the king and all others.  Bear in mind it was Ailbe whom the other holy bishops had elected their superior.  He therefore came first to Patrick, lest the others, on his account, should offer opposition to Patrick, and also that by his example the others might be more easily drawn to his jurisdiction and rule.  Bishop Ibar however would on no account consent to be subject to Patrick, for it was displeasing to him that a foreigner should be patron of Ireland.  It happened that Patrick in his origin was of the Britons and he was nurtured in Ireland having been sold to bondage in his boyhood.  There arose misunderstanding and dissension between Patrick and Bishop Ibar at first, although (eventually), by intervention of the angel of peace, they formed a mutual fellowship and brotherly compact and they remained in agreement for ever after.  But Declan did not wish to disagree at all with Patrick for they had formed a mutual bond of friendship on the Italian highway and it is thus the angel commanded him to go to Patrick and obey him:—­

23.  The angel of God came to Declan and said to him “Go quickly to Patrick and prevent him cursing your kindred and country, for to-night, in the plain which is called Inneoin, he is fasting against the king, and if he curses your people they shall be accursed for ever.”  Thereupon Declan set out in haste by direction of the angel to Inneoin, i.e. the place which is in the centre of the plain of Femhin in the northern part of the Decies.  He crossed Slieve Gua [Knockmaeldown] and over the Suir and arrived on the following morning at the place where Patrick was.  When Patrick and his disciples heard that Declan was there they welcomed him warmly for they had been told he would not come.  Moreover Patrick and his people received him with great honour.  But Declan made obeisance to Patrick and besought him earnestly that he should not execrate his people and that he should not curse them nor the land in which they dwelt, and he promised to allow Patrick do as he pleased.  And Patrick replied:—­“On account of your prayer not only shall I not curse them but I shall give them a blessing.”  Declan went thereupon to the place where was the king of Decies who was a neighbour of his.  But he contemned Patrick and he would not believe him even at the request of Declan.  Moreover Declan promised rewards to him if he would go to Patrick to receive baptism at his hands and assent to the faith.  But he would