not assent on any account.  When Declan saw this, scil.:—­that the king of the Decies, who was named Ledban, was obstinate in his infidelity and in his devilry—­through fear lest Patrick should curse his race and country—­he (Declan) turned to the assembly and addressed them:—­“Separate yourselves from this accursed man lest you become yourselves accursed on his account, for I have myself baptised and blessed you, but come you,” said he, “with us, to Patrick, whom God has sent to bless you, for he has been chosen Archbishop and chief Patron of all Erin; moreover, I have a right to my own patrimony and to be king over you as that man (Ledban) has been.”  At this speech they all arose and followed Declan who brought them into the presence of Patrick and said to the latter:—­“See how the whole people of the Deisi have come with me as their Lord to thee and they have left the accursed prince whose subjects they have been, and behold they are ready to reverence you and to obey you for it is from me they have received baptism.”  At this Patrick rose up with his followers and he blessed the people of the Deisi and not them alone, but their woods and water and land.  Whereupon the chiefs and nobles of the Deisi said:—­“Who will be King or Lord over us now?” And Declan replied:—­“I am your lord and whomsoever I shall appoint offer you as lord, Patrick and all of us will bless, and he shall be king over you all.”  And he whom Declan appointed was Feargal MacCormac a certain young man of the nation of the Deisi who was a kinsman of Declan himself.  He (Declan) set him in the midst of the assembly in the king’s place and he was pleasing to all.  Whereupon Patrick and Declan blessed him and each of them apart proclaimed him chieftain.  Patrick moreover promised the young man that he should be brave and strong in battle, that the land should be fruitful during his reign.  Thus have the kings of the Deisi always been.

24.  After these things Declan and Feargal Mac Cormac (king of the Deisi) and his people gave a large area of land to Patrick in the neighbourhood of Magh Feimhin and this belongs to his successors ever since and great lordship there.  And the place which was given over to him is not far from the Suir.  There is a great very clear fountain there which is called “Patrick’s Well” and this was dear to Patrick.  After this, with blessing, they took leave of one another and Patrick returned to Cashel to Aongus Mac Natfrich and Declan went with him.

25.  A miracle was wrought at that time on Declan through the intercession and prayers of Patrick for as Declan was walking carelessly along he trod upon a piece of sharp iron which cut his foot so that blood flowed freely and Declan began to limp.  Ailbe of Emly was present at this miracle and Sechnall a bishop of Patrick’s and a holy and wise man, and he is said to be the first bishop buried in Ireland.  The wound which Declan had received grieved them very much.  Patrick was informed of the accident