Cusack's very interest- ing and
readable
" Popular History of Ire- land," chap, vii.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
590 to 592, and nn.
15, 16, 17, l8, 19, 20, 21, 22, P- 597.
Colgan's
* ' Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
*5 The drawn accompanying illustration,
on the spot, by Mrs. Margaret X. White, 20 Eccles-street, Dublin, in May, 1878, was transferred to the wood by William F.
Wakeman, and engraved by Mrs. Millard.
346 LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
entered, and up the stair-way the visitor can safely ascend. The choir-arch
was ancient and beautifully constructed, but nothing remains of it now, save its sides, up to the points whence it sprung. These are 8 feet 2 inches, in height, and 9 feet 9 inches asunder. They are constructed of cut sand- stone, which is of a brownish colour. The wall is 3 feet 8 inches thick. At the distance of 5 feet 7 inches, from the middle gable, the nave south-wall contains a window, which was quadrangular, on the inside, and round-headed, on the outside. It meamires, on the inside, 4 feet 8 inches, in height, and 4feet,inwidth; but,ontheoutside,itisdestroyed,exceptthetopstone,in which its round head is formed. A doorway is placed on the same wall, at the distance of 7 feet 9 inches, from the west-gable, but, it is now nearly destroyed ; there is another doorway directly opposite to it, on the north-wall, and it forms a low arch, constructed of thin, hammered hme-stones, on the inside, and a semicircular arch of cut brown sand-stone, on the outside. On the inside, it is 7 feet 8 inches, in height, and 4 feet 10}^ inches, in breadth, while, on the outside, it is 7 feet in height, and 3 feet 4 inches, in width. The west gable contains a pointed window, about 12 feet from the ground, destroyed on the inside, and measuring about 4 feet, in height, and 7 inches, in width, on the outside. The north-wall contains another window, placed at the distance of 6 feet 3 inches, from the middle gable ; it forms a low arch, on the inside, and a semicircular one, on the outside, where it is con- structed of cut brown sand-stone. It measures, on the inside, 5 feet 4 inches, in height, and 4 feet 4 inches, in width ; and, on the outside, it is 2 feet 10 inches, in height, and 7 ^ inches, in width. There are three rudely-carved heads, placed over this, on the outside, and these look to be of considerable antiquity. The side-walls of the nave, belonging to this church, are 3 feet 8 inches, in thickness, and about 1 2 feet, in height. They are constructed of hammered lime-stones, cemented with sand and lime-mortar. 3° The churchyard is now deserted, and unenclosed. Owing to this, cattle take refuge within the church-walls, and the interior is in a most filthy condition. It was told the writer, that beneath the ordure, the nave is flagged with tombs. Amongthesearetwo,andtheimageofabishop,inraisedwork, will be found on each, with curious carvings. 3'
At a distance of over seventy paces from the church ruins already
3° Besides the writer's personal observa- tions on the spot, he has the late Dr. O'Donovan's accurate measurements re- corded in the text, as found in " Letters containing Information relative to the Anti- quities of the County of Tipperary, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey, in 1840," vol. i. Description of the parish of Two-Mile-Borris, pp. 454, 455. Letter, dated Nenagh, October 5th, 1840.
3' A very intelligent farmer, Mr. Michael
Hayes, who lives on the townlaml of Leigh,
furnished the writer with the following local
information, in a letter, dated June 3rd,
1878: "The old people here have very
little knowledge concerning the old build-
ings. There were three distinct plots of out. A lot of old bronze coin, like a penny,
burying-ground, and about forty years ago, while the owner of the land was levelling
and removing some old mounds, he dug up the largest skulls and bones of the human frame. The people could scarce imagine persons to be so big in former days. The ruins of an old mill were found convenient
came to light ; but, the date and figures
could not be explained by any person here at that time. There was about a gallon full of these in one heap, and within three feet of the surface. This was about forty years
ago. "
3» The accompanying illustration of this
in a stream, while sinking a river, and the mill-stones were of a small size, in the form of an old fort near. It is told, that there was a subterraneous — but the mouth
passage,
of it has been slopped up this was said to
be a place of refuge. There was hidden
treasure there, people say, but the parties who went to explore would not venture to go in more than a few yards. Several parties went there, in,search of treasure, after dreaming of hidden gold. Inside and under a window in the church, one party got a chalice about three feet from the floor, They left it there again, but found no gold. The ruins of a row of houses were found near, and the fireplaces could be pointed
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 347
described, and without the churchyard extension, within the townland of Leigh, on level ground, and in a meadow, are the ruins of the remotely-aged
oratory or ancient house, which evidently had a croft apartment, as still shown by joist holes, which are over the lower chamber. This little building
is 20 feet 4 inches, in length, and 11 feet 4 inches, in breadth, on the inside j
while the side walls are 2 feet 7 inches, in thickness, and 1 1 feet 6 inches, in height. 3' The two gables are remarkably sharp, and in tolerable preserva-
Old Oratory, at Leigh.
tion. There was a window, on the east gable ; but, it is now destroyed, with
the exception of two or three stones, on the inside, from which it appears, that it was round-headed. The side walls are featureless. The doorway was on the west gable, as is usual with Irish churches or oratories of the primitive ages, but its sides are now entirely defaced. The lintel remains, from which it can be ascertained, that this doorway was 5 feet 1 1 inches, in height ; its width, however, is not easily ascertainable. The lintel is a large lime-stone, measuring 5 feet 2 inches, in length, and 10^ inches, in height, while ex- tending I foot 10 inches, into the thickness of the wall. This oratory is built of field lime-stones, cemented with sand and good lime-mortar. 3? It is quite evident, from the local indications, that an antiquary could easily in- vestigate the sites of old buildings,3+ and discover road-ways adjoining, that formerly led to the old city and monastery of our saint.
old building was sketched by the writer, on 3* Within this parish, and^at Two-Mile- the spot in May, 1878. The drawing was Borris village itself, there is an ancient transferred to the wood, by William F. church. About 1 50 paces to the north-west
Wakeman, and engraved by Mrs. Millard. 33 See "Letters containing Information relative to the Antiquities of the County of Tipperary, collected during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840. " vol. i. John O'Donovan's Letter, dated Nenagh, October
5th, 1840, pp. 452, 453.
rises an old castle. On the townland of Rathmanna is a deserted churchyard, and the foundations of a ruined church, measur- ing 38 feet in length, and 18 in breadth. About 25 paces to the north of Ballydavid Castle ruins, there is a remarkable large fort, measuring 94 paces in diameter. It
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
After Pulclierius had been some time established in this place, his kind patron the Chief of Eile died. To him succeeded one Ronan,35 the son of Bledin, who resolved to expel the saint from his territories ; and, for that purpose, he came with several soldiers, but by a miracle their course was arrested, nor could they move from a certain spot. Finding this to be the case, their chief called out to a band of monks,3^ whom he saw, that they should bring their abbot to him, so that he might express sorrow for his evil intention. The monks told the chief, that their abbot was engaged in offer- ing sacrifice, and that afterwards he should chaunt the third hour, before any person dare interrupt his devotions. When Tierce^? was completed, the monks told their superior, what had occurred. The saint then sent a message to the chief, that he should not go out, until Nones^ had been finished. Then, indeed, Mochoemog went forth, the chief remaining immov-
able. The saint " O cruel man exclaimed,
what now doth
and thy heartlessness ? You have come to destroy this place, where you
shall be buried. " The chief " O servant of God whatsoever replied, ! you
order me to do, I shall obey, but I entreat you to release me from this
bondage. " Mochoemogthenorderedhimtodepart,andimmediatelyhewas able to do so. As his predecessor had previously done, in the presence of his chiefs, he gave the place to God and to his holy servant, while he ordered that himself and his generation39 should there be buried. He withdrew,
much pleased that the saint had pardoned him, and had also given a blessing. Thenceforward, he was very obedient to Pulcherius, and the saint loved him in return. After some time, however, Ronan died, and as he had desired it, theyburiedhimatLiath-mor. Thesaintprayedforhi—seternalrepose. A
certain scribe had a — with a St. Finian4° for controversy they
were both stoppingwiththeabbot regardingtheutilityofprayersforaman,whohad passed away from life, a slave to his pleasures. St. Mochoemog took part in this dispute, by alleging the many examples of Divine mercy on record, and
he "The soul of Ronan is in the hands of added,
so
on
my
own
that your contention is in vain, since death is near, and your grave shall for
everbeunknowntomen. Nevertheless,Ishallnotdenounceyou,lestyou be without God's kingdom. " The scribe departed. He died far away from his people, by a sudden visitation of Providence. As the saint had predicted, where his burial had taken place was unknown to all his friends. ^
CHAPTER III.
THE CHIEFTAIN SUIBHNE's REPENTANCE—FAILBHE FLANN BEG, KING OF MUNSTER, AT CASHEL—HIS PUNISHMENT AND VISION—VARIOUS MIRACLES ASCRIBED TO THE MERITS OF ST. MOCHCEMOC.
There are some incidental passages, in the Life of St. Mochoemoc, which illustrate the idea entertained by our fathers, regarding the necessity and
that, account, his sins shall be forgiven, while you," he said addressing the scribe,
" with conceit in puffed up
your
knowledge,
shall know it to be and so,
has a parapet, about 1 6 feet in height from the level of the field, on the outside. This mound rises about 5 feet over the platform of the fort itself. See ibid. , pp. 448 to 456.
^^ The Irish Life has it " Teirt. "
^8 Thg Irish Life has it " Noin. "
39 The Irish Life has it Genet or " tribe. " ^o xhe Irish Life has pii'^! '"- His identity
'5 In Professor O'Looney's translated does not seem to have been discovered.
Life he is "son of Beldine. " ^' See '* Acta Sanctorum Hiber- called, Colgan's
3* In Professor O'Looney's translated nias. " Vita S. Mochcemoci, &c. , cap. xvii. ,
Life they are called "a band of the Ma- xviii. , p. 592. — nachs. " CHAPTER III.
»
Thus is he named in
!
profit thy power
God,
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 349
advantages of sacramental confession. Thus, in the case of a chieftain, who usurped rule in Eile, and who is named Suibhne, the son of Diarmait, it is mentioned, that he expelled Feidelim,' the son of Ronan. Mochoemoc, however, made peace between them ; but, after this covenant, Elebinus,^ the son of Suibhne, killed Feidelim, through spite. This crime greatly grieved our saint, who ordered the corpse to be interred in his own cemetery. Be- fore going into the church, Mochoemoc planted and forgot his staff, at the ground, where the corpse was to be laid down, previous to its being brought within the building. The local legends had it, that the staff took root, and grew up into a large tree, which was shown at the spot, when the ancient Acts of our saint were written. St. Cainech happened to be present, at the time, and he contended, that there was no justification for burying a man thus suddenly killed, among the monks. Mochoemoc humbly said, "I do not desire to oppose thee, O father, but, let the corpse be interred in a sepa- rate place, on the outside, although his soul is in the presence of God, in
Heaven. Forsuchreason,heisentitledtohavehisresurrection,amongthe
monks, and my Bachal,3 and my Molad,* will be over him, in the place where he shall be buried, and they will not be loosed, until the young man, who accomplished this treacherous death, and the hand which perpetrated this murder, shall perish. The hand shall fall from his side, and soon after he willdie,andbeburiedinthisgrave; whileFeidelimshallyetcometolife and be buried among the monks. " The punishment and death of Elebinus followed, as the saint had predicted. The corpse of Feidelim was then ex- humed, and washed with water. The young chief came to life, in presence of all the people, and he received the Sacrament, at the hands of the holy
do "
monks. Elebinus was interred, moreover, on the outside of the church, where Feidelim had been at first deposited. These remarkable miracles urged
Suibhne to repent, and to ask for the protection of Mochoemoc, by stating that he was ready to go on a pilgrimage, or even to suffer martyrdom for his sins. Being thus penitent, he was ordered by St. Pulcherius, to confess his sins, 5 to live in a righteous manner thenceforward, to give alms for his own soul, and for that of Ronan, as also for the souls of his friends, and to endow Christian churches, since the mercy of Christ was ready for those persons, who returned to him. Everything enjoined by the holy abbot on the chief- tain was faithfully performed ; and, at last, Suibhne departed from this life, in a good state of mind, and while in his island castle, on the River Suir. ^
Failbhe Flann? Becc, King of Munster, resided at Tor na Righ, or the
Professor O'Looney's translated Life, but in the Latin Acts, he is called Foelanus.
abbot. Mochoemoc then " O said,
desire to exist in this
Then revealing to the saint, the rewards of the righteous, and the pains of the unrighteous, Feidelim replied, " O chief and father ! this world is but vanity, and, therefore, let me go into the heavenly kingdom. " Imparting a blessing, Mochoemoc allowed the purified spirit to depart, and his body was buried with honour among the
son, or do you rather wish to go to Heaven ?
you
world,
^
Such is the name in Professor O'Looney's
The Latin Life has it, ''in castello suo, ^ In John O'Dugan's Chronological Poem
translated Life. In the Latin called Slebinus.
"
find his reign thus determined
3 The Latin Acts have meus. "
it,
" baculus
4 In the Latin Acts, this Irish word is
<V ceAt M'^ 'o^A5 tT^itbe -pLari. transl—ated by Michael Kearney into Eng*
called "chrysmale. " " s The Latin Life states,
Videns eum vir Dei visitatum vera poenitentia, ait ei ; Con- fitere peccata tua, et eslo de cretero fidelis in
lish
omnibus," &c.
Acts,
he is
on the
of the Race of — we Kings Eibhear,"
*
in quadam insula in medio fluminis syure. "
*'
:
Ffailbhe Fflann, his raigne 14 yeares held out. "
:
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13. Kings'Tower,inCashel. ^ Thisplace,whererisesthecelebratedRock,in
"
the Ridge of the Fairies," and it was also known as Drum-feeva, being surrounded by extensive woods. It was called, likewise, Ciothdhruim. The Rock of Cashel is a huge mass of limestone, rising to a considerable height from the surrounding land, and
35°
pre-Christian times, was called Sidhe Druim, or
Fortress and Tribute Cross, on the Rock of Cashel.
perfectlyisolated; itisruggedandirregular,besidesbeingdifficultofascent. Core, the son of Lughaidh, and belonging to the race of Heber Fionn, was a contemporary with Niall of the Nine Hostages, who ascended the throne of Ireland, after the death of Crimhthann, which happened in the year 378. S Keating has a legend,^" connected with its first appropriation for building
—See John O'Daly's edition, pp. 18, 19. This toparch gained a victory over the Con-
nacians, in 622, at Carn-Feradhaigh, or " Feradach's Cairn," supposed to have been the ancient name for Seefin, in the barony of Coshlea, county of Limerick. He also fought, at the battle of Ath-Goan, or *' Goan'sford," a place not now known, but, lying west of the River Lififey, in 628. He died A. D. 633. See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , n. (g), p. 41. Also pp. 244, 245, 250, 251, and nn. (y, z), pp. 252, 253.
'° It iTins thus : Two herdsmen of the
Kings of Ely and Muskerry, named respec- tively Cularan or Ciolarn and Durdm, or
Durdre, having charge of the great herds of swine belonging to these chieftains, were having them fed, in the great woods around the rock. When, they had continued on the hill, about a quarter of a year, there ap- peared to them a figure as brilliant as the sun, whose voice was more melodious than any music they had ever heard. It was en-
gaged consecrating the hill, and prophesying the coming of St. Patrick. The herdsmen having returned to their homes, related what they had seen to their masters. This story soon reached Core, who repaired without
* The accompanying engraving, by Mrs.
Millard, of the Castle and Tribute Cross, on
the Rock of Cashel, was drawn on the wood
from a photograph of Frederick H. Mares, delay to Shee-drum. He built a palace by William F. Wakeman.
9 See Miss M. F.
Cusack's very interest- ing and readable " Popular History of Ire- land," chap, vii. , p. io6.
there, which was called Lis-na-Lachree, or "the Fort of Heroes ;" and, being King of Munster, his royal tribute was received on this rock, now called Carrick Patrick.
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
purposes,"inthereignofCore,KingofMunster. " Thiscelebratedprince most probably erected the Caiseal, or circular stone fort, here, in the fourth century of our Christian era. Most likely, too, he first changed the original
name of this place. We have no evidence of his having been a Christian
on the contrary, we find, that when St. Patrick'* visited Cashel, in the reign
of Aenghus-mac-Nadhfraech, who was the grandson of Core, idol worship
was in full exercise there. 's There can be no doubt, that the great Rock fortress had been of importance in pagan times ; and, from its defensive position, it was probably the chief regal fort of the Munster dynasts. Ac- cording to one authority, the name of this place has been derived from cais-ii, meaning a stone on which they used to lay down pledges, or from cis-ail, re- ferring to a payment of tribute, owing to the tribute given on it, by the men of Eire. '^ However, this latter statement must probably be interpreted, only to mean the men of Southern Ireland. The toparchs of Munster are frequently called, the Kings of Cashel, while this regal and archiepiscopal city is often styled, Cashel of the Kings. It so happened, that the horses of King Failbhe Flann—then the reigning king—had been put into a meadow, belonging to Liath Monastery, and containing some dry hay. They were driven out of it, by St. Mochoemog, and on hearing this, the toparch became highly incensed. He even commanded the ceithb-n, or mercenary troops, to seize the Chief of Eile, and his children,'? who were to be killed, unless Mo- choemog were banished from his lands. On learning this, the saint boldly
repaired to Cashel, in person, and there he met the king, who said to him, in a rage, "You bald little man, no'honour shall here be given to you, but you
shall be banished out of our The saint kingdom. "
replied,
" If I am
bald,
thou shalt be blind. " No sooner were these words spoken, than a keen and
burning pain was felt in the king's eyes, so that he was completely deprived
of sight. Then the king's friends entreated Mochoemoc to restore his vision.
The abbot
said,
" I will cure the
pain,
but he shall not see the Mo- light. "
choemoc then blessed water, with which Failbhe Flann bathed his eyes.
Although the pain was removed, his sight was not restored. Then the king
slept, and on the night succeeding this event, he had a remarkable vision. A
comely senior, whose figure was covered with a bright glory, seemed coming
to the king, and taking him by the hand, Failbhe was led from his own
house, on the mur, or rampart, of Tur Chaisil, to the south side of the Tor.
Thence he saw Magh Femen'^ all occupied by a congregation of white saints,
in beautiful The asked the old " Who are
cal Architecture of Ireland, to the close of the
array. king divine,
they forming
Wherefore, the rock was named Cashel, i. e. , "
Cios-ail, or the Rock of Tribute. " See
Twelfth Century," chap, vii. , No. x. , p. 85. '* See his at the of March.
"General of
History Ireland," part i. , p.
58. Duffy's edition.
"
In addition to the old circular cashel or stone cincture, which has been replaced by a more modern stone wall, and the old royal
Life, 17th
'= gee Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,
"
residence yet remaining, on this elevation,
yet stand the remains of the Cathedral, and true religion is there found related. He
Cormac's Chapel, nearly in a perfect state ; the Round Tower, in fine preservation, and retaining its stone roof; the Vicar's Hall, and a number of mediaeval domestic build- ings. The gate-tower, and portions of the ancient walls, are still traceable.
" In O'Dugan's Chronological Poem, he
is said to have gloriously reigned thirty years over Munster.
'3 See Richard Rolt Brash's " Ecclesiasti-
was slain, A. D. 489.
" See Dr. O' Donovan's " Leabhar na-g
Ceart, or the Book of Rights," pp. 28, 29. The tributes due to the King of Caiseal are
set down, at pp. 42 to 69, ibid.
'7 Such is the account in Professor
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars, iii. , cap. xxix. , xxx. , pp. 155. 156. He appears to have been the first Christian King of Mun- ster, and the legend of his conversion to the
O'Looney's translated Life, but in the Latin ''
Acts it is stated, that the obsides, or host- ages," of Hele were thus threatefted.
'^ The Latin Life states, that the " arx
;
'3
352 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
""
that noble congregation ? The senior answered him, These are the high
bishops, and Patrick the Patron of Erin, and all his saints with him : it is to
assist Mochoemoc, whom you seek to destroy, they have come. I say to you, O king, unless you allow Mochoemoc to have his own desire, you shall soon
die, and you shall be sunk among the reprobate. " Again, the king slept, and once more the senior appeared, and took him away to the north side of the same Tur. Looking out on Magh Mosadh,'9 it was filled with a beautiful congregation, clothed in white. The king thought they remained, on the confinesofthetwoterritoriesofMaghFemenandofINIaghMosadh. He asked the senior who and then he received for " The
they were, answer,
most glorious Virgin Brigid*° is there, and St. Ita is with her, besides all the
virgins of Erin, who come to assist Mochoemoc, whom you are persecuting ; and behold, I predict, O father of your country, that you shall perish, and that none of your race shall ever reign, if you do not give Mochoemoc what- soever he wills. " After this, the senior departed, and the king awoke. Call- ing his councillors to him, Failbhe related all that had occurred, and then
summoning Mochoemoc to his judgment chair, in presence of those assembled, he told what had been revealed. The holy abbot gave praise to God, be- cause the king graciously allowed him to take his own course. Mochoemoc then bestowed his blessing, in return, when highly honoured and rewarded, the superior repaired to his monastery.
Again was this same king visited by St. Mochoemoc and by St. Colman, son of Dare. Failbhe spoke haughtily to both, but he was reproved by our saint, who declared, that the bishop, his companion, on account of his
nobility, relationship, and virtues, at least ought to receive some courtesy from the monarch, while Mochoemoc also announced, that the Demon of Pride and the Demon of Lust held sway over him. Sensible of his crimes, the king felt sorrowful, and Mochoemoc then cried out to the Demon of
Pride,
" Thou seed-sower of
vices,
take
flight,
and sit on until yonder stone,
joined by your companion, when I shall speak to you. " Next was the Demon of Lust banished from the king, and he went to keep company with
the other wicked Then said the saint to spirit.
both,
seducers to the north side of Cashel Tor, where we have not to travel, and
may you do little mischief until the Day of Judgment. " The mediaeval legend pointed out the place of their captivity, where their moans and wail- ings were frequently heard. The king then thanked the Almighty for his miraculous liberation, and he took leave of the holy men, with blessings and honours bestowed on them, when they parted for their respective monas- teries.
The monks of St. Mochoemoc once went eastward of Liath Monastery, tohewtimberinawood. Itsohappened,thatoneofthemcutdownatree, and in falling against another tree, the monk was held fast, nor could he even shout,tomakehimselfheardbyhiscompanionswhowereapart. Notthink- ing about him, these returned to their house, but, as all were sitting do\vn to table, Mochoemoc remarked, and enquired, regarding the absence of the
imperilled brother.
him,
The monks said they knew not what had become of
" O sons and have committed a brothers, you
but the abbot
replied,
greatmistake,notconsideringhisdanger. " Thensendingthemback,they
found the monk, in such a position, that they feared he must be killed, even if they cut that tree. Then Mochoemoc went to the place, and invoking the
Cassel" looks over this plain, to the south of it.
*° Her feast occurs, on the 1st of Feb* written "tampus Monael," evidently a ruary.
'' In one passage, the Latin Life has this
mistake for "Mossadhe. " This plain"reached northward from Cashel.
" two Depart you
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
name of the Most Holy Trinity, the tree rose upwards to its former position,
while the mark of a deep cut was for a long time afterwards seen in it.
monk was at once miraculously released, and all the company returned to their monastery, giving thanks to God for his mercies. Again, the saint's monks went one day to cut down corn, and three of them suddenly died on the spot. This grieved Mochcemoc, who went thither and blessing some water, he converted it into wine. After an aspersion, the three dead men came to life, but they were faint, until tasting the liquid, their strength returned, when resuming their labours, they lived afterwards for several days. Thencereturningtohiscell,''^ Mochcemocsawatree,thefruitofwhichwas exceedingly bitter. He made the sigh of the cross upon that tree, and the fruit subsequently became sweet. Thus, on the same day, Mochcemoc wrought three distinct miracles; first, by converting water into wine, secondly, by raising the dead to life, and thirdly, by changing bitter into sweet fruit. Two of Mochoemoc's monks—an old and a young man—were seized with sickness : the latter died and was buried, the former lived. Then the saint exclaimed after this manner, " O Lord Jesus Christ, how have I deserved of thee, to inflict death on the young man, whom I desired should
live,
spare
and follow
and
for life the old man so advanced in " years !
thee,
Then, he told the grave to open, and give up its dead, in the name of Christ, theSonofGod. Theyoungmaninstantlyarose,andheblessedtheSaviour ofall. Nextturningtotheoldman,Mochcemocasked,ifhewerereadytodie.
*'
The senior replied,
Christ. " He then received the Sacrament, when perfect and pure he departed. Soon,afterwards,anAngeloftheLordcametoMochoemog,and
thee a
your people, shall be obtained," The Latin Acts add, that such a Divinely- prociured permission, the holy man Pulcherius granted to his disciples. ^^
CHAPTER IV.
ST, MOCHCEMOC'S ACQUAINTANCE AND TRANSACTIONS, IN REFERENCE TO SAINTS CANICE, DAGAN, MOCHUMBA, MOLUA, MOFECHTA, FURSEY, DYMA, CUANCHEIR, AND GAINER, AS ALSO TO THE CHIEFS COLMAN, ^NGUSS, Fe'iDELIM, CUAN, AND SCANLAN—ST. MOCHCEMOC'S DEATH AND BURIAL—HIS FESTIVAL AND MEMORIALS— CONCLUSION.
On a certain day, the holy Abbot Canice promised, that he would come to Liath, and at the ninth hour, to visit St. Pulcherius. Canice then lived at
Aghaboe, in the territory of Ossory, but, when the appointed hour came, he hadforgottenthatpromise; yet,thenasuddenrecollectionbroughtittohis mind, and he was troubled on account of that neglect. However, by some extraordinary means, Canice was speedily transported to Leith, the ordinary journey of a day, and there he timely arrived, notwithstanding, to chaunt Nones with St. Pulcherius. ' The latter ordered a bath to be prepared, for
he " O servant of said,
Christ hath
that as
It is meet for a very old person to have a desire to go to
God,
know and desire, so long as you live, whatever may be judged necessary for
his he said to guest ; and,
Canice,
" O
brother,
celebrate^ Mass for in the us,
''
Life, we find, here, Sella, with an annotation within a parenthesis [" probably Sellach- Tellach, household-residence, or naonastic
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Mochoemoci
Vol. III. —No. 6.
Abbatis de Liath-mor in Helia, cap. xix. ,
xx. , xxi. , xxii. , xxiii. , xxiv. , xxv. , xxvi. , pp. 59210594. Withsomedifferencesofread- ing, tlie Life, translated by Professor O'Looney, corresponds in the order of chap- ters. —
In Professor O'Looney's translated
establishment. "]
^^ "
See Colgan's ni? e," Martii xiii.
CHAPTER IV.
'
The Latin Acts add z
granted
privilege,
you
The
:
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
meantime, so that the monks may return from their work to hear it, acting in the spirit of obedience. " This request Canice at first refused, until a miracle, which soon afterwards took place, compelled him to comply. Pouring forth acts of thanksgiving, both holy men then returned to partake of food, the whole community being edified and filled with spiritual joy.
At—Liath, too, St. Dagans—afterwards Abbot of Inbher Daile, or Enne- reilly received his early education, while his career, even then, was marked by the performance of great miracles. Colman, the son of Feradach, and a chief of Ossory, had dared to violate the monastery of Mochoemoc, where a fugitive had taken refuge ; and, for this, the saint decreed . his chastisement.
Yet, afterwards, on repenting, and on making reparation, the chief obtained
a pardon, especially owing to his friendship with St. Canice. At one time, Mochoemoc gave the site for a church or cell, to one of his disciples, who was named Mochoimbe, or Mochumba. "^ There he built, at first, a church, and a
"
refectory,5 or a Tech-osta,^ a house of entertainment. " Before the latter
had been thatched. Saints Mochoemoc, Cainech, Molua7 Mac Occae,^ and Mofechta,9 happened to arrive there. Mochoimbe asked them to go into the church,asnootherbuildingwasthenreadyfortheiraccommodation. Mo-
night. " There the holy visitors supped and remained until morning. Sub-
fechta " We shall not do replied,
but we shall
although it is unthatched, God will not let the rain or wind fall upon us this
Molua
" In this
at a future time. " St. Canice then " no man said, May
so,
go
into the for Tech-osta,
to- wards us, may it abound in riches forever. " Then said Mochoemoc, " Though bare this roof of mine be, yet God has sheltered us this night under it, from the wind and rain ; so may it be blessed, and may a noble building
sequently,
fail not to be
said,
place,
charity
practised
here,
be killed, in this place. " Thus, all three blessed the spot, and their blessing
remained on it. Whereupon, taking their departure, Mochoimbhe, its patron,
said, "O saints of God, are you going to leave me here alone? " They returned for answer, "We shall be with you spiritually, and you shall be venerated in this place, while you shall come with us to the judgment seat of God. " Then, for a sign of this covenant, the five saints present set up five small stones there, in the holy cemetery. These monuments were to be seen, in that same spot, when the Acts of Pulcherius were written, nor could any human power remove them.
Next have we an account, so strongly flavoured with the marvellous and incredible, that it should be ridiculous to attach any credence to it, at least in some of the extravagant circumstances related. This refers to a quarrel,
*'
Deus, qui eum conduxit citissime, ipse scit quod illi accidit, qui sibi et nobis late-
bat, nisi qUod ipse viribus perambularet suis. " From this passage, Colgan infers, the writer must have been living in the time of St. Canice, whose death is generally re- ferred to about the close of the sixth, or to
latter date, his Life is given, as it is his chief festival.
* Colgan thinks his feast may be that of Mochumma, venerated on the 4th of Ja- nuary, or of Mochumma, commemorated on the 17th of June. The latter seems to us the more likely alternative,
5 So is it designated, in the Latin ActSi
* Teach-osda "a house of enter- means,
tainment," and it is now applied to an inn, or to a public ale-house. This was the de* generate successor to the ancient Tech- aoided, or house of hospitality, according to a note, at this passage, by Professor O'Looney, in his translated Life.
? His Life may be seen, at the 4th of
the beginning of the seventh, century.
See xiii. , n. 29, p. 597. However, a different con- elusion might be drawn from this passage, which seems very considerably changed in wording, at least, as found in Professor O'Looney's English translation from the
Irish Life.
=
In the Latin Acts, the words are, "can- ta nobis frater interim missam," &c.
"Acta Sanctorum Martii Hibemise,"
^ His feast on the 12th of occurs,
August.
* In the Latin
Coche. "
Acts, he is called "filius
March, and on the 13th of September. At the
where
has been
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 355
which took place, between a chief,'° called ^ngus, of the Nan-Desies terri- tory," and another''^ of the same race, who is called Feidelem/3 or Foelan,^* son to Eochaidh,'5 or Eatach. ^^ However, they agreed to make peace, in
the presence of Mochoemoc ; yet, this was treacherously broken, by ^ngus, who killed his rival, Feidelim. This wicked proceeding greatly irritated our saint, who set out to bring the murderer to repentance, or to denounce him for his grievous crime. Yet, -^ngus told our saint, that Cuimin Fota'? had already blessed him, and had promised him the kingdom on earth and in heaven. " Then," said Mochoemoc, " as Cuimin blessed you, I shall not curse you ; but, I shall pronounce a malison against your wife and son," Whereupon, the chieftainess came with her son, and bending her knee most
"
humbly, in the presence of Pulcherius, she said,
spare us, O father, and willingly shall we do whatever you require from us, for you know, it was not within our power to correct the acts of our lord, the king, who has offended. "
he
on this lake, which surrounds and defends his castle, and on its occupants. " Then the waters of the lake were mysteriously absorbed in the land, beneath and around, which seemed to be dry, while the castle itself disappeared. This portent did not remove his obduracy, from ^ngus ; but, to punish him still more, his favourite daughter, and a war-steed, which was strong and fleet, died, on the instant. The chief was now moved to sincere repentance, and he asked the saint's pardon.
Colgan's
* ' Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
*5 The drawn accompanying illustration,
on the spot, by Mrs. Margaret X. White, 20 Eccles-street, Dublin, in May, 1878, was transferred to the wood by William F.
Wakeman, and engraved by Mrs. Millard.
346 LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
entered, and up the stair-way the visitor can safely ascend. The choir-arch
was ancient and beautifully constructed, but nothing remains of it now, save its sides, up to the points whence it sprung. These are 8 feet 2 inches, in height, and 9 feet 9 inches asunder. They are constructed of cut sand- stone, which is of a brownish colour. The wall is 3 feet 8 inches thick. At the distance of 5 feet 7 inches, from the middle gable, the nave south-wall contains a window, which was quadrangular, on the inside, and round-headed, on the outside. It meamires, on the inside, 4 feet 8 inches, in height, and 4feet,inwidth; but,ontheoutside,itisdestroyed,exceptthetopstone,in which its round head is formed. A doorway is placed on the same wall, at the distance of 7 feet 9 inches, from the west-gable, but, it is now nearly destroyed ; there is another doorway directly opposite to it, on the north-wall, and it forms a low arch, constructed of thin, hammered hme-stones, on the inside, and a semicircular arch of cut brown sand-stone, on the outside. On the inside, it is 7 feet 8 inches, in height, and 4 feet 10}^ inches, in breadth, while, on the outside, it is 7 feet in height, and 3 feet 4 inches, in width. The west gable contains a pointed window, about 12 feet from the ground, destroyed on the inside, and measuring about 4 feet, in height, and 7 inches, in width, on the outside. The north-wall contains another window, placed at the distance of 6 feet 3 inches, from the middle gable ; it forms a low arch, on the inside, and a semicircular one, on the outside, where it is con- structed of cut brown sand-stone. It measures, on the inside, 5 feet 4 inches, in height, and 4 feet 4 inches, in width ; and, on the outside, it is 2 feet 10 inches, in height, and 7 ^ inches, in width. There are three rudely-carved heads, placed over this, on the outside, and these look to be of considerable antiquity. The side-walls of the nave, belonging to this church, are 3 feet 8 inches, in thickness, and about 1 2 feet, in height. They are constructed of hammered lime-stones, cemented with sand and lime-mortar. 3° The churchyard is now deserted, and unenclosed. Owing to this, cattle take refuge within the church-walls, and the interior is in a most filthy condition. It was told the writer, that beneath the ordure, the nave is flagged with tombs. Amongthesearetwo,andtheimageofabishop,inraisedwork, will be found on each, with curious carvings. 3'
At a distance of over seventy paces from the church ruins already
3° Besides the writer's personal observa- tions on the spot, he has the late Dr. O'Donovan's accurate measurements re- corded in the text, as found in " Letters containing Information relative to the Anti- quities of the County of Tipperary, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey, in 1840," vol. i. Description of the parish of Two-Mile-Borris, pp. 454, 455. Letter, dated Nenagh, October 5th, 1840.
3' A very intelligent farmer, Mr. Michael
Hayes, who lives on the townlaml of Leigh,
furnished the writer with the following local
information, in a letter, dated June 3rd,
1878: "The old people here have very
little knowledge concerning the old build-
ings. There were three distinct plots of out. A lot of old bronze coin, like a penny,
burying-ground, and about forty years ago, while the owner of the land was levelling
and removing some old mounds, he dug up the largest skulls and bones of the human frame. The people could scarce imagine persons to be so big in former days. The ruins of an old mill were found convenient
came to light ; but, the date and figures
could not be explained by any person here at that time. There was about a gallon full of these in one heap, and within three feet of the surface. This was about forty years
ago. "
3» The accompanying illustration of this
in a stream, while sinking a river, and the mill-stones were of a small size, in the form of an old fort near. It is told, that there was a subterraneous — but the mouth
passage,
of it has been slopped up this was said to
be a place of refuge. There was hidden
treasure there, people say, but the parties who went to explore would not venture to go in more than a few yards. Several parties went there, in,search of treasure, after dreaming of hidden gold. Inside and under a window in the church, one party got a chalice about three feet from the floor, They left it there again, but found no gold. The ruins of a row of houses were found near, and the fireplaces could be pointed
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 347
described, and without the churchyard extension, within the townland of Leigh, on level ground, and in a meadow, are the ruins of the remotely-aged
oratory or ancient house, which evidently had a croft apartment, as still shown by joist holes, which are over the lower chamber. This little building
is 20 feet 4 inches, in length, and 11 feet 4 inches, in breadth, on the inside j
while the side walls are 2 feet 7 inches, in thickness, and 1 1 feet 6 inches, in height. 3' The two gables are remarkably sharp, and in tolerable preserva-
Old Oratory, at Leigh.
tion. There was a window, on the east gable ; but, it is now destroyed, with
the exception of two or three stones, on the inside, from which it appears, that it was round-headed. The side walls are featureless. The doorway was on the west gable, as is usual with Irish churches or oratories of the primitive ages, but its sides are now entirely defaced. The lintel remains, from which it can be ascertained, that this doorway was 5 feet 1 1 inches, in height ; its width, however, is not easily ascertainable. The lintel is a large lime-stone, measuring 5 feet 2 inches, in length, and 10^ inches, in height, while ex- tending I foot 10 inches, into the thickness of the wall. This oratory is built of field lime-stones, cemented with sand and good lime-mortar. 3? It is quite evident, from the local indications, that an antiquary could easily in- vestigate the sites of old buildings,3+ and discover road-ways adjoining, that formerly led to the old city and monastery of our saint.
old building was sketched by the writer, on 3* Within this parish, and^at Two-Mile- the spot in May, 1878. The drawing was Borris village itself, there is an ancient transferred to the wood, by William F. church. About 1 50 paces to the north-west
Wakeman, and engraved by Mrs. Millard. 33 See "Letters containing Information relative to the Antiquities of the County of Tipperary, collected during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840. " vol. i. John O'Donovan's Letter, dated Nenagh, October
5th, 1840, pp. 452, 453.
rises an old castle. On the townland of Rathmanna is a deserted churchyard, and the foundations of a ruined church, measur- ing 38 feet in length, and 18 in breadth. About 25 paces to the north of Ballydavid Castle ruins, there is a remarkable large fort, measuring 94 paces in diameter. It
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
After Pulclierius had been some time established in this place, his kind patron the Chief of Eile died. To him succeeded one Ronan,35 the son of Bledin, who resolved to expel the saint from his territories ; and, for that purpose, he came with several soldiers, but by a miracle their course was arrested, nor could they move from a certain spot. Finding this to be the case, their chief called out to a band of monks,3^ whom he saw, that they should bring their abbot to him, so that he might express sorrow for his evil intention. The monks told the chief, that their abbot was engaged in offer- ing sacrifice, and that afterwards he should chaunt the third hour, before any person dare interrupt his devotions. When Tierce^? was completed, the monks told their superior, what had occurred. The saint then sent a message to the chief, that he should not go out, until Nones^ had been finished. Then, indeed, Mochoemog went forth, the chief remaining immov-
able. The saint " O cruel man exclaimed,
what now doth
and thy heartlessness ? You have come to destroy this place, where you
shall be buried. " The chief " O servant of God whatsoever replied, ! you
order me to do, I shall obey, but I entreat you to release me from this
bondage. " Mochoemogthenorderedhimtodepart,andimmediatelyhewas able to do so. As his predecessor had previously done, in the presence of his chiefs, he gave the place to God and to his holy servant, while he ordered that himself and his generation39 should there be buried. He withdrew,
much pleased that the saint had pardoned him, and had also given a blessing. Thenceforward, he was very obedient to Pulcherius, and the saint loved him in return. After some time, however, Ronan died, and as he had desired it, theyburiedhimatLiath-mor. Thesaintprayedforhi—seternalrepose. A
certain scribe had a — with a St. Finian4° for controversy they
were both stoppingwiththeabbot regardingtheutilityofprayersforaman,whohad passed away from life, a slave to his pleasures. St. Mochoemog took part in this dispute, by alleging the many examples of Divine mercy on record, and
he "The soul of Ronan is in the hands of added,
so
on
my
own
that your contention is in vain, since death is near, and your grave shall for
everbeunknowntomen. Nevertheless,Ishallnotdenounceyou,lestyou be without God's kingdom. " The scribe departed. He died far away from his people, by a sudden visitation of Providence. As the saint had predicted, where his burial had taken place was unknown to all his friends. ^
CHAPTER III.
THE CHIEFTAIN SUIBHNE's REPENTANCE—FAILBHE FLANN BEG, KING OF MUNSTER, AT CASHEL—HIS PUNISHMENT AND VISION—VARIOUS MIRACLES ASCRIBED TO THE MERITS OF ST. MOCHCEMOC.
There are some incidental passages, in the Life of St. Mochoemoc, which illustrate the idea entertained by our fathers, regarding the necessity and
that, account, his sins shall be forgiven, while you," he said addressing the scribe,
" with conceit in puffed up
your
knowledge,
shall know it to be and so,
has a parapet, about 1 6 feet in height from the level of the field, on the outside. This mound rises about 5 feet over the platform of the fort itself. See ibid. , pp. 448 to 456.
^^ The Irish Life has it " Teirt. "
^8 Thg Irish Life has it " Noin. "
39 The Irish Life has it Genet or " tribe. " ^o xhe Irish Life has pii'^! '"- His identity
'5 In Professor O'Looney's translated does not seem to have been discovered.
Life he is "son of Beldine. " ^' See '* Acta Sanctorum Hiber- called, Colgan's
3* In Professor O'Looney's translated nias. " Vita S. Mochcemoci, &c. , cap. xvii. ,
Life they are called "a band of the Ma- xviii. , p. 592. — nachs. " CHAPTER III.
»
Thus is he named in
!
profit thy power
God,
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 349
advantages of sacramental confession. Thus, in the case of a chieftain, who usurped rule in Eile, and who is named Suibhne, the son of Diarmait, it is mentioned, that he expelled Feidelim,' the son of Ronan. Mochoemoc, however, made peace between them ; but, after this covenant, Elebinus,^ the son of Suibhne, killed Feidelim, through spite. This crime greatly grieved our saint, who ordered the corpse to be interred in his own cemetery. Be- fore going into the church, Mochoemoc planted and forgot his staff, at the ground, where the corpse was to be laid down, previous to its being brought within the building. The local legends had it, that the staff took root, and grew up into a large tree, which was shown at the spot, when the ancient Acts of our saint were written. St. Cainech happened to be present, at the time, and he contended, that there was no justification for burying a man thus suddenly killed, among the monks. Mochoemoc humbly said, "I do not desire to oppose thee, O father, but, let the corpse be interred in a sepa- rate place, on the outside, although his soul is in the presence of God, in
Heaven. Forsuchreason,heisentitledtohavehisresurrection,amongthe
monks, and my Bachal,3 and my Molad,* will be over him, in the place where he shall be buried, and they will not be loosed, until the young man, who accomplished this treacherous death, and the hand which perpetrated this murder, shall perish. The hand shall fall from his side, and soon after he willdie,andbeburiedinthisgrave; whileFeidelimshallyetcometolife and be buried among the monks. " The punishment and death of Elebinus followed, as the saint had predicted. The corpse of Feidelim was then ex- humed, and washed with water. The young chief came to life, in presence of all the people, and he received the Sacrament, at the hands of the holy
do "
monks. Elebinus was interred, moreover, on the outside of the church, where Feidelim had been at first deposited. These remarkable miracles urged
Suibhne to repent, and to ask for the protection of Mochoemoc, by stating that he was ready to go on a pilgrimage, or even to suffer martyrdom for his sins. Being thus penitent, he was ordered by St. Pulcherius, to confess his sins, 5 to live in a righteous manner thenceforward, to give alms for his own soul, and for that of Ronan, as also for the souls of his friends, and to endow Christian churches, since the mercy of Christ was ready for those persons, who returned to him. Everything enjoined by the holy abbot on the chief- tain was faithfully performed ; and, at last, Suibhne departed from this life, in a good state of mind, and while in his island castle, on the River Suir. ^
Failbhe Flann? Becc, King of Munster, resided at Tor na Righ, or the
Professor O'Looney's translated Life, but in the Latin Acts, he is called Foelanus.
abbot. Mochoemoc then " O said,
desire to exist in this
Then revealing to the saint, the rewards of the righteous, and the pains of the unrighteous, Feidelim replied, " O chief and father ! this world is but vanity, and, therefore, let me go into the heavenly kingdom. " Imparting a blessing, Mochoemoc allowed the purified spirit to depart, and his body was buried with honour among the
son, or do you rather wish to go to Heaven ?
you
world,
^
Such is the name in Professor O'Looney's
The Latin Life has it, ''in castello suo, ^ In John O'Dugan's Chronological Poem
translated Life. In the Latin called Slebinus.
"
find his reign thus determined
3 The Latin Acts have meus. "
it,
" baculus
4 In the Latin Acts, this Irish word is
<V ceAt M'^ 'o^A5 tT^itbe -pLari. transl—ated by Michael Kearney into Eng*
called "chrysmale. " " s The Latin Life states,
Videns eum vir Dei visitatum vera poenitentia, ait ei ; Con- fitere peccata tua, et eslo de cretero fidelis in
lish
omnibus," &c.
Acts,
he is
on the
of the Race of — we Kings Eibhear,"
*
in quadam insula in medio fluminis syure. "
*'
:
Ffailbhe Fflann, his raigne 14 yeares held out. "
:
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13. Kings'Tower,inCashel. ^ Thisplace,whererisesthecelebratedRock,in
"
the Ridge of the Fairies," and it was also known as Drum-feeva, being surrounded by extensive woods. It was called, likewise, Ciothdhruim. The Rock of Cashel is a huge mass of limestone, rising to a considerable height from the surrounding land, and
35°
pre-Christian times, was called Sidhe Druim, or
Fortress and Tribute Cross, on the Rock of Cashel.
perfectlyisolated; itisruggedandirregular,besidesbeingdifficultofascent. Core, the son of Lughaidh, and belonging to the race of Heber Fionn, was a contemporary with Niall of the Nine Hostages, who ascended the throne of Ireland, after the death of Crimhthann, which happened in the year 378. S Keating has a legend,^" connected with its first appropriation for building
—See John O'Daly's edition, pp. 18, 19. This toparch gained a victory over the Con-
nacians, in 622, at Carn-Feradhaigh, or " Feradach's Cairn," supposed to have been the ancient name for Seefin, in the barony of Coshlea, county of Limerick. He also fought, at the battle of Ath-Goan, or *' Goan'sford," a place not now known, but, lying west of the River Lififey, in 628. He died A. D. 633. See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , n. (g), p. 41. Also pp. 244, 245, 250, 251, and nn. (y, z), pp. 252, 253.
'° It iTins thus : Two herdsmen of the
Kings of Ely and Muskerry, named respec- tively Cularan or Ciolarn and Durdm, or
Durdre, having charge of the great herds of swine belonging to these chieftains, were having them fed, in the great woods around the rock. When, they had continued on the hill, about a quarter of a year, there ap- peared to them a figure as brilliant as the sun, whose voice was more melodious than any music they had ever heard. It was en-
gaged consecrating the hill, and prophesying the coming of St. Patrick. The herdsmen having returned to their homes, related what they had seen to their masters. This story soon reached Core, who repaired without
* The accompanying engraving, by Mrs.
Millard, of the Castle and Tribute Cross, on
the Rock of Cashel, was drawn on the wood
from a photograph of Frederick H. Mares, delay to Shee-drum. He built a palace by William F. Wakeman.
9 See Miss M. F.
Cusack's very interest- ing and readable " Popular History of Ire- land," chap, vii. , p. io6.
there, which was called Lis-na-Lachree, or "the Fort of Heroes ;" and, being King of Munster, his royal tribute was received on this rock, now called Carrick Patrick.
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
purposes,"inthereignofCore,KingofMunster. " Thiscelebratedprince most probably erected the Caiseal, or circular stone fort, here, in the fourth century of our Christian era. Most likely, too, he first changed the original
name of this place. We have no evidence of his having been a Christian
on the contrary, we find, that when St. Patrick'* visited Cashel, in the reign
of Aenghus-mac-Nadhfraech, who was the grandson of Core, idol worship
was in full exercise there. 's There can be no doubt, that the great Rock fortress had been of importance in pagan times ; and, from its defensive position, it was probably the chief regal fort of the Munster dynasts. Ac- cording to one authority, the name of this place has been derived from cais-ii, meaning a stone on which they used to lay down pledges, or from cis-ail, re- ferring to a payment of tribute, owing to the tribute given on it, by the men of Eire. '^ However, this latter statement must probably be interpreted, only to mean the men of Southern Ireland. The toparchs of Munster are frequently called, the Kings of Cashel, while this regal and archiepiscopal city is often styled, Cashel of the Kings. It so happened, that the horses of King Failbhe Flann—then the reigning king—had been put into a meadow, belonging to Liath Monastery, and containing some dry hay. They were driven out of it, by St. Mochoemog, and on hearing this, the toparch became highly incensed. He even commanded the ceithb-n, or mercenary troops, to seize the Chief of Eile, and his children,'? who were to be killed, unless Mo- choemog were banished from his lands. On learning this, the saint boldly
repaired to Cashel, in person, and there he met the king, who said to him, in a rage, "You bald little man, no'honour shall here be given to you, but you
shall be banished out of our The saint kingdom. "
replied,
" If I am
bald,
thou shalt be blind. " No sooner were these words spoken, than a keen and
burning pain was felt in the king's eyes, so that he was completely deprived
of sight. Then the king's friends entreated Mochoemoc to restore his vision.
The abbot
said,
" I will cure the
pain,
but he shall not see the Mo- light. "
choemoc then blessed water, with which Failbhe Flann bathed his eyes.
Although the pain was removed, his sight was not restored. Then the king
slept, and on the night succeeding this event, he had a remarkable vision. A
comely senior, whose figure was covered with a bright glory, seemed coming
to the king, and taking him by the hand, Failbhe was led from his own
house, on the mur, or rampart, of Tur Chaisil, to the south side of the Tor.
Thence he saw Magh Femen'^ all occupied by a congregation of white saints,
in beautiful The asked the old " Who are
cal Architecture of Ireland, to the close of the
array. king divine,
they forming
Wherefore, the rock was named Cashel, i. e. , "
Cios-ail, or the Rock of Tribute. " See
Twelfth Century," chap, vii. , No. x. , p. 85. '* See his at the of March.
"General of
History Ireland," part i. , p.
58. Duffy's edition.
"
In addition to the old circular cashel or stone cincture, which has been replaced by a more modern stone wall, and the old royal
Life, 17th
'= gee Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,
"
residence yet remaining, on this elevation,
yet stand the remains of the Cathedral, and true religion is there found related. He
Cormac's Chapel, nearly in a perfect state ; the Round Tower, in fine preservation, and retaining its stone roof; the Vicar's Hall, and a number of mediaeval domestic build- ings. The gate-tower, and portions of the ancient walls, are still traceable.
" In O'Dugan's Chronological Poem, he
is said to have gloriously reigned thirty years over Munster.
'3 See Richard Rolt Brash's " Ecclesiasti-
was slain, A. D. 489.
" See Dr. O' Donovan's " Leabhar na-g
Ceart, or the Book of Rights," pp. 28, 29. The tributes due to the King of Caiseal are
set down, at pp. 42 to 69, ibid.
'7 Such is the account in Professor
Septima Vita S. Patricii, pars, iii. , cap. xxix. , xxx. , pp. 155. 156. He appears to have been the first Christian King of Mun- ster, and the legend of his conversion to the
O'Looney's translated Life, but in the Latin ''
Acts it is stated, that the obsides, or host- ages," of Hele were thus threatefted.
'^ The Latin Life states, that the " arx
;
'3
352 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
""
that noble congregation ? The senior answered him, These are the high
bishops, and Patrick the Patron of Erin, and all his saints with him : it is to
assist Mochoemoc, whom you seek to destroy, they have come. I say to you, O king, unless you allow Mochoemoc to have his own desire, you shall soon
die, and you shall be sunk among the reprobate. " Again, the king slept, and once more the senior appeared, and took him away to the north side of the same Tur. Looking out on Magh Mosadh,'9 it was filled with a beautiful congregation, clothed in white. The king thought they remained, on the confinesofthetwoterritoriesofMaghFemenandofINIaghMosadh. He asked the senior who and then he received for " The
they were, answer,
most glorious Virgin Brigid*° is there, and St. Ita is with her, besides all the
virgins of Erin, who come to assist Mochoemoc, whom you are persecuting ; and behold, I predict, O father of your country, that you shall perish, and that none of your race shall ever reign, if you do not give Mochoemoc what- soever he wills. " After this, the senior departed, and the king awoke. Call- ing his councillors to him, Failbhe related all that had occurred, and then
summoning Mochoemoc to his judgment chair, in presence of those assembled, he told what had been revealed. The holy abbot gave praise to God, be- cause the king graciously allowed him to take his own course. Mochoemoc then bestowed his blessing, in return, when highly honoured and rewarded, the superior repaired to his monastery.
Again was this same king visited by St. Mochoemoc and by St. Colman, son of Dare. Failbhe spoke haughtily to both, but he was reproved by our saint, who declared, that the bishop, his companion, on account of his
nobility, relationship, and virtues, at least ought to receive some courtesy from the monarch, while Mochoemoc also announced, that the Demon of Pride and the Demon of Lust held sway over him. Sensible of his crimes, the king felt sorrowful, and Mochoemoc then cried out to the Demon of
Pride,
" Thou seed-sower of
vices,
take
flight,
and sit on until yonder stone,
joined by your companion, when I shall speak to you. " Next was the Demon of Lust banished from the king, and he went to keep company with
the other wicked Then said the saint to spirit.
both,
seducers to the north side of Cashel Tor, where we have not to travel, and
may you do little mischief until the Day of Judgment. " The mediaeval legend pointed out the place of their captivity, where their moans and wail- ings were frequently heard. The king then thanked the Almighty for his miraculous liberation, and he took leave of the holy men, with blessings and honours bestowed on them, when they parted for their respective monas- teries.
The monks of St. Mochoemoc once went eastward of Liath Monastery, tohewtimberinawood. Itsohappened,thatoneofthemcutdownatree, and in falling against another tree, the monk was held fast, nor could he even shout,tomakehimselfheardbyhiscompanionswhowereapart. Notthink- ing about him, these returned to their house, but, as all were sitting do\vn to table, Mochoemoc remarked, and enquired, regarding the absence of the
imperilled brother.
him,
The monks said they knew not what had become of
" O sons and have committed a brothers, you
but the abbot
replied,
greatmistake,notconsideringhisdanger. " Thensendingthemback,they
found the monk, in such a position, that they feared he must be killed, even if they cut that tree. Then Mochoemoc went to the place, and invoking the
Cassel" looks over this plain, to the south of it.
*° Her feast occurs, on the 1st of Feb* written "tampus Monael," evidently a ruary.
'' In one passage, the Latin Life has this
mistake for "Mossadhe. " This plain"reached northward from Cashel.
" two Depart you
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
name of the Most Holy Trinity, the tree rose upwards to its former position,
while the mark of a deep cut was for a long time afterwards seen in it.
monk was at once miraculously released, and all the company returned to their monastery, giving thanks to God for his mercies. Again, the saint's monks went one day to cut down corn, and three of them suddenly died on the spot. This grieved Mochcemoc, who went thither and blessing some water, he converted it into wine. After an aspersion, the three dead men came to life, but they were faint, until tasting the liquid, their strength returned, when resuming their labours, they lived afterwards for several days. Thencereturningtohiscell,''^ Mochcemocsawatree,thefruitofwhichwas exceedingly bitter. He made the sigh of the cross upon that tree, and the fruit subsequently became sweet. Thus, on the same day, Mochcemoc wrought three distinct miracles; first, by converting water into wine, secondly, by raising the dead to life, and thirdly, by changing bitter into sweet fruit. Two of Mochoemoc's monks—an old and a young man—were seized with sickness : the latter died and was buried, the former lived. Then the saint exclaimed after this manner, " O Lord Jesus Christ, how have I deserved of thee, to inflict death on the young man, whom I desired should
live,
spare
and follow
and
for life the old man so advanced in " years !
thee,
Then, he told the grave to open, and give up its dead, in the name of Christ, theSonofGod. Theyoungmaninstantlyarose,andheblessedtheSaviour ofall. Nextturningtotheoldman,Mochcemocasked,ifhewerereadytodie.
*'
The senior replied,
Christ. " He then received the Sacrament, when perfect and pure he departed. Soon,afterwards,anAngeloftheLordcametoMochoemog,and
thee a
your people, shall be obtained," The Latin Acts add, that such a Divinely- prociured permission, the holy man Pulcherius granted to his disciples. ^^
CHAPTER IV.
ST, MOCHCEMOC'S ACQUAINTANCE AND TRANSACTIONS, IN REFERENCE TO SAINTS CANICE, DAGAN, MOCHUMBA, MOLUA, MOFECHTA, FURSEY, DYMA, CUANCHEIR, AND GAINER, AS ALSO TO THE CHIEFS COLMAN, ^NGUSS, Fe'iDELIM, CUAN, AND SCANLAN—ST. MOCHCEMOC'S DEATH AND BURIAL—HIS FESTIVAL AND MEMORIALS— CONCLUSION.
On a certain day, the holy Abbot Canice promised, that he would come to Liath, and at the ninth hour, to visit St. Pulcherius. Canice then lived at
Aghaboe, in the territory of Ossory, but, when the appointed hour came, he hadforgottenthatpromise; yet,thenasuddenrecollectionbroughtittohis mind, and he was troubled on account of that neglect. However, by some extraordinary means, Canice was speedily transported to Leith, the ordinary journey of a day, and there he timely arrived, notwithstanding, to chaunt Nones with St. Pulcherius. ' The latter ordered a bath to be prepared, for
he " O servant of said,
Christ hath
that as
It is meet for a very old person to have a desire to go to
God,
know and desire, so long as you live, whatever may be judged necessary for
his he said to guest ; and,
Canice,
" O
brother,
celebrate^ Mass for in the us,
''
Life, we find, here, Sella, with an annotation within a parenthesis [" probably Sellach- Tellach, household-residence, or naonastic
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Mochoemoci
Vol. III. —No. 6.
Abbatis de Liath-mor in Helia, cap. xix. ,
xx. , xxi. , xxii. , xxiii. , xxiv. , xxv. , xxvi. , pp. 59210594. Withsomedifferencesofread- ing, tlie Life, translated by Professor O'Looney, corresponds in the order of chap- ters. —
In Professor O'Looney's translated
establishment. "]
^^ "
See Colgan's ni? e," Martii xiii.
CHAPTER IV.
'
The Latin Acts add z
granted
privilege,
you
The
:
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 13.
meantime, so that the monks may return from their work to hear it, acting in the spirit of obedience. " This request Canice at first refused, until a miracle, which soon afterwards took place, compelled him to comply. Pouring forth acts of thanksgiving, both holy men then returned to partake of food, the whole community being edified and filled with spiritual joy.
At—Liath, too, St. Dagans—afterwards Abbot of Inbher Daile, or Enne- reilly received his early education, while his career, even then, was marked by the performance of great miracles. Colman, the son of Feradach, and a chief of Ossory, had dared to violate the monastery of Mochoemoc, where a fugitive had taken refuge ; and, for this, the saint decreed . his chastisement.
Yet, afterwards, on repenting, and on making reparation, the chief obtained
a pardon, especially owing to his friendship with St. Canice. At one time, Mochoemoc gave the site for a church or cell, to one of his disciples, who was named Mochoimbe, or Mochumba. "^ There he built, at first, a church, and a
"
refectory,5 or a Tech-osta,^ a house of entertainment. " Before the latter
had been thatched. Saints Mochoemoc, Cainech, Molua7 Mac Occae,^ and Mofechta,9 happened to arrive there. Mochoimbe asked them to go into the church,asnootherbuildingwasthenreadyfortheiraccommodation. Mo-
night. " There the holy visitors supped and remained until morning. Sub-
fechta " We shall not do replied,
but we shall
although it is unthatched, God will not let the rain or wind fall upon us this
Molua
" In this
at a future time. " St. Canice then " no man said, May
so,
go
into the for Tech-osta,
to- wards us, may it abound in riches forever. " Then said Mochoemoc, " Though bare this roof of mine be, yet God has sheltered us this night under it, from the wind and rain ; so may it be blessed, and may a noble building
sequently,
fail not to be
said,
place,
charity
practised
here,
be killed, in this place. " Thus, all three blessed the spot, and their blessing
remained on it. Whereupon, taking their departure, Mochoimbhe, its patron,
said, "O saints of God, are you going to leave me here alone? " They returned for answer, "We shall be with you spiritually, and you shall be venerated in this place, while you shall come with us to the judgment seat of God. " Then, for a sign of this covenant, the five saints present set up five small stones there, in the holy cemetery. These monuments were to be seen, in that same spot, when the Acts of Pulcherius were written, nor could any human power remove them.
Next have we an account, so strongly flavoured with the marvellous and incredible, that it should be ridiculous to attach any credence to it, at least in some of the extravagant circumstances related. This refers to a quarrel,
*'
Deus, qui eum conduxit citissime, ipse scit quod illi accidit, qui sibi et nobis late-
bat, nisi qUod ipse viribus perambularet suis. " From this passage, Colgan infers, the writer must have been living in the time of St. Canice, whose death is generally re- ferred to about the close of the sixth, or to
latter date, his Life is given, as it is his chief festival.
* Colgan thinks his feast may be that of Mochumma, venerated on the 4th of Ja- nuary, or of Mochumma, commemorated on the 17th of June. The latter seems to us the more likely alternative,
5 So is it designated, in the Latin ActSi
* Teach-osda "a house of enter- means,
tainment," and it is now applied to an inn, or to a public ale-house. This was the de* generate successor to the ancient Tech- aoided, or house of hospitality, according to a note, at this passage, by Professor O'Looney, in his translated Life.
? His Life may be seen, at the 4th of
the beginning of the seventh, century.
See xiii. , n. 29, p. 597. However, a different con- elusion might be drawn from this passage, which seems very considerably changed in wording, at least, as found in Professor O'Looney's English translation from the
Irish Life.
=
In the Latin Acts, the words are, "can- ta nobis frater interim missam," &c.
"Acta Sanctorum Martii Hibemise,"
^ His feast on the 12th of occurs,
August.
* In the Latin
Coche. "
Acts, he is called "filius
March, and on the 13th of September. At the
where
has been
March 13. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 355
which took place, between a chief,'° called ^ngus, of the Nan-Desies terri- tory," and another''^ of the same race, who is called Feidelem/3 or Foelan,^* son to Eochaidh,'5 or Eatach. ^^ However, they agreed to make peace, in
the presence of Mochoemoc ; yet, this was treacherously broken, by ^ngus, who killed his rival, Feidelim. This wicked proceeding greatly irritated our saint, who set out to bring the murderer to repentance, or to denounce him for his grievous crime. Yet, -^ngus told our saint, that Cuimin Fota'? had already blessed him, and had promised him the kingdom on earth and in heaven. " Then," said Mochoemoc, " as Cuimin blessed you, I shall not curse you ; but, I shall pronounce a malison against your wife and son," Whereupon, the chieftainess came with her son, and bending her knee most
"
humbly, in the presence of Pulcherius, she said,
spare us, O father, and willingly shall we do whatever you require from us, for you know, it was not within our power to correct the acts of our lord, the king, who has offended. "
he
on this lake, which surrounds and defends his castle, and on its occupants. " Then the waters of the lake were mysteriously absorbed in the land, beneath and around, which seemed to be dry, while the castle itself disappeared. This portent did not remove his obduracy, from ^ngus ; but, to punish him still more, his favourite daughter, and a war-steed, which was strong and fleet, died, on the instant. The chief was now moved to sincere repentance, and he asked the saint's pardon.
