The life of the glorious bishop S. Patricke apostle and primate of Ireland Togeather with the lives of the holy virgin S. Bridgit and of the glorious abbot Saint Columbe patrons of Ireland.

THE LIFE OF THE HOLY VIRGIN SAINT BRIGIT PATRONESSE OF IRELAND.

Abridged out of what COGITOSVS her owne nepheu, and IOANNES CAPGRAVIVS haue written more largely of her famous Actes, and Miracles.

Of S. Brigits Countrey, Parents, Birth, and many vertues; and especially of her charity to the poore. CHAP. I.

THE glorious virgin S. Brigit, who des∣cended of the ancient, and honorable family of Etech in the kingdom of Ire∣land, was borne at Fochart, a village a mile distant from Dundalke in the country of Louth. Her Father was a noble man of Leinster, named Dubtacus, who falling in loue with a hand∣mayd of his named Brocseca, a woman indued

with singuler beauty, and admirable comlines, he got her with child of this sacred virgin, which when his owne wife perceiued, being in great trouble therat, and taking the matter very gree∣uily, she said vnto him; cast out this handmayd, fearing her posterity surpasse mine. Dubtacus cō∣strayned through his wiues importuinty, made sale of her to a certaine Magitian, in whose house falling in trauaile, she was safe deliuered of the holy child; such as were present at her birth, saw the cloath, wherewith her tender head was couered, to burne with a flame of fire, whereu∣pon hastning to quench it, they found no fire at all.

2. So much did the holy virgin loath to feed of the Magitians meats, that she was constrayned euery day to cast vp what she eate. The Magitian considering attentiuely the cause therof, said: I am vncleane, & this holy virgin (ful of the spirit of God) cannot taste of my meate; choosing out therfore a white merch cow, he bestowed it vpon her to liue by her milke. The holy virgin increa∣sed in vertue, no lesse then in yeares; for she ex∣celled in all kind of holy conuersation and sancti∣ty of life, aed became very conspicuous for her modestie, chastity and temperance, but aboue al

her charity to the poore is most remarkable.

3. The sacred virgin being deputed by the Magitian to keepe his cowes, gaue all the butter, and milke she could gather to releiue the present wantes, and necessities of the poore. When the Magitian saw but a small quantity of butter in a great vesel, wherin the butter was to be kept, he chafed extreamely. The Saint seeing what passi∣on he was in, offered her pure prayers vp to God, and so by diuine vertue, filled the vessell with butter euen vp to the topp: wherat the Magitian was so much astonished and moued, that he be∣leiued in Christ, setting both her, and her mo∣ther at liberty.

4. In regard she gaue to the poore, all what∣soeuer she could lay handes vpon, and among o∣things, her Fathers sword, he purposed to sel her; for which end bringing her where the King was, he requested him that he would be pleased to buy his daughter. To whome the Kinge spoke in this manner; what made you to giue away your fathers sword, to the poore man? To whome she answeared, I haue giuen it to Christ, & Sir if my God did aske your maiesty, and my father too of me, I would bestow you both, and whatsoeuer els you haue vpō him, if it lay in my power. Thē

the King turning to her father sayd to him; this your daughter is of too great worth to be bought by me, and of farre greater to be sould by you, so giuing her another sword to giue her father, he dismissed her.

Of S. Brigites singuler chastity, and of some miracles wrought in approbation thereof, as also of other stupendious signes. CHAP. II.

WHEN this sacred spouse of Christ saw herselfe pressed, and importuned by her freindes to marry, she prayed to God, that he would be pleased to disfigure her body with some deformity, to the end that men shold cease from making further loue vnto her; and without delay her eye burst, and melted in her head; then taking three other maydes in her company, she repayred to a holy Bishop, called Machella, S. Patrickes disciple, to be vayled at his handes▪ the holy Bishop saw a piller of fire appeare ouer her head, and contemplating moreouer her earnest and ardent loue of virginall integrity, he gaue her the holy vayle of chastity: at which time as she fell prostrate before the venerable Prelate to

offer her selfe a holy, cleane and impolluted host to her heauenly spouse, she touched the alter postle, which incontinently budded forth a fresh with leaues, and so continueth greene and flori∣shing to this day: Being vayled with the sacred cognizance of chastity, her bursten eye was resto∣red againe to perfect health.

2. Against Easter the sacred virgin made bere of one onely measure or pecke of malt; fending part therof to eighteen Churches that were roūd about, and besides during all the octaue, that small quantity sufficed aboundantly, and serued to satisfy all those who would, and were desirous to taste therof. At the same time a Leaper came to the holy virgin, requesting her to help him to a cow, but she hauing none said to him; Wil you that we pray God to deliuer you from your sick∣nes? who answeared, that he preferred his cure before all other guiftes; whereupon she hauing blessed water, sprinkled the leaper therwith, and immediatly he became cleane: in like māner two sicke virgins taking water, which the holy Vir∣gin had blessed, recouered their perfect health.

3. Two blind men being Brittons, or En∣glish men by birth, with a leaper who was their guide, came to her Church doore, and besought

the sacred Virgin to help them to their bodily health; She intreated them to haue patience a lit∣tle, and to enter into the lodging to refresh thē∣selues, and that she would in the meane time pray to God in their behalfe; which delay they tooke so impatiently, that with great indignation they replied; you heale the diseased of your owne nati∣on, but as for vs being strangers, you neglect to cure vs for Christs sake. The holy virgin recea∣uing this reproach, went forth vnto them, and ca∣sting holy water vpon them, she cleansed the leaper, and restored the blynd men to their sight.

4. A certaine woman, brought some apples to the Saint, at which time there came some lea∣pers to begge alms of her: thē the said Saint dealt these apples amongst them. The woman hea∣ring it, cōuayed her aples away saying: I brought those apples for your selfe, and your virgins, & not to be giuen to leapers: whereat the Saint be∣ing not a little offended, she answeared; You haue done very ill in hindering vs to giue almes, therfore your trees will neuer more produce any fruit. The woman going forth into her orchard, which she left full of apples, found none at all, and so it remayned fruitles alwayes after.

Of S. Brigits great austerity, and of many admirable miracles wrought by her. CHAP. III.

ONE night the season being frosty an cold, whē al had taken themselues to their rest; and were fast a sleepe, the holy virgin went to a deepe poole, wherin she stood all night long wee∣ping and praying, firmely purposing with herself to obserue the same custome euery night: but our deare Sauiour out of the aboundance of his infi∣nit mercy, would not haue her to continue it any longer, for the next night following, she found the poole dry without any water, and comming to see it the next morning, she saw it as full as it was before: the same hapned to her the second night, which was a sufficient reason that she for∣bore that austere exercise of mortification.

2. Vpon a time that some venerable Bishops came to seeke lodging at her house, she being vn∣prouided of all prouision, the diuine munifi∣cence releiued her wantes by miracle: for thrice in one day did she milke one cow that she had, which yeilded so much milke, as the three best cowes would. Another tyme a Dog did fawne v∣pon

her for meate, the holy virgin, with whom mercy grew euen from her infancy, hauing no∣thing but flesh, that was boyling for some guests that were to come, drew it out of the pot, and gaue the doge a peece therof. When the flesh was laid vpon the table, it appeared, so intire, as if no∣thing had bine cut off, which excited the behol∣ders to great admiration of the miracle, & vene∣ration of the Saint.

3. The blessed virgin laboured very earne∣stly, to reclaime nine men from fulfilling their nefarious vow made of killing a man in the Ka∣lendes of Iuly, yet for nothing that she could, either say, or doe, would they relent from their wicked designe: Betaking her selfe therefore to prayer for the desperate wretches, loe there ap∣peeared before their eyes a figure, resembling to the full, the man whome they intended to kill, whom they incontinently assayled with their swordes and launces, & after, as it were insulting by way of triumphe ouer their slaine ennemy, came backe immediatly to the Saint with their wepons all imbrued in blood, where learning the truth of the matter, they did pennance for their cruell intent.

4. Vpon a time that a certaine farmer came

with all his family to celebrat some solemne feast with S. Bridgit, he being there, his Cowes were stolne away by theues, who in their way came to a riuer, which they found so swolne vp with wa∣ter, that they could not passe ouer, tying there∣fore their garments & armes, to the cowes hor∣nes, they made them enter into the water, but they returning backe with great violence, came and ranne directly to S. Bridgits aboade, and the men being starke naked, followed them, doing afterwardes pennance for their heinous fact, in the Saints monastery.

5. The holy virgin being once benighted in a spatious field in Meath, declined to a certaine poore womans howse, with whome she lodged all night, and albeit the woman roceiued, her with great ioye, rendering God many thankes for the happy and safe arriuall of the most holy virgin, yet her pouerty was such, that she wanted wherwithall to entertaine so worthy a guest, but neuertheles of reuerence to the Saint, she broke downe a frame she vsed to weaue in, and boyled therewith the calfe of one onely cow which she had. Supper being ended, and after resting her selfe all night, the next morning, to the end the charitable woman shold not sustaine

any dommage or detriment, by the entertayne∣ment, or refection of the Saint, she found ano∣ther calfe like to her owne with her cow, and found likewise a weauing frame, in forme and greatnes iust alike to her own that she had burnt.

Of the great power S. Brigit had ouer Diuels, & how much they feared her. CHAP. IIII.

WHEN a certaine person, tormented with a malignant spirit, knew that he was to be led to S. Brigit, he fell downe to the ground, saying: You shall not carry me thither. Do you know sayd they where she liues? yes sayd he, and I will not go by any meanes. And when they could not remoue him from the place, they sent for the Saint, intreating her to come thi∣ther; when the Diuell saw the sacred virgin com∣ming a farr off, being terrifyed, he departed from the man out of their sight.

2. Another obsessed person, who by reason of strange fits of fury and rage, wherewith he was vexed, bred great annoy & trouble to many, was brought to the Saint, to whome she sayd; Preach to me the word of our Sauiour Iesus

Christ, he answered, O most holy Virgin Brigit, I am compelled against my wil to obey your cō∣maundement, saying: Loue God then, and all men will loue thee: honour God, and all men will honour thee: feare God, and all men will feare thee, this being said, the diuell fled away with a loud cry.

3. As Saint Brigit sat at the table with a cer∣taine virgin whom she had inuited, she saw a Diuell sitting hard by her, the other virgin said: I would fayne see him, if it were possible. It is not impossible quoth S. Bridgit, but first signe your eyes, that they may be able to sustaine his sight, and contemplate his face: hauing signed her eyes, she saw the ennemy in a most vgly, and blacke shape, with a terrible great head, exhasing forth at his nostrils smoke, and flames of fire. Speake to vs Diuell, said S. Bridgit. To whome he answeared, O most holy virgin, I cannot speak to you, neither yet can I contemne your com∣maundements, since you contemne not Godes holy ordonances, and are so affable to his poore, and little ones. Wherfore camest thou hither? sayd the Blessed Virgin. I remaine with this vir∣gin, sayd he, and in regard of her slugishnes, I haue gotten a place in her. Behould then sayd

the holie virgin (turning to the other virgin) whome you haue intertayned these many yea∣res? And from that day forwardes, the virgin was deliuered from the Diuell.

4. There assembled together a great multi∣tude of men with oxen and engines to draw a∣way a great tree, which was cut downe that was to be vsed in some building, but all in vaine, for neither the multitude of men, the strength of the oxen, nor yet the variety of engines, could preuaile any thing towardes the remouing ther∣of. The men were almost ready to depart, thin∣king it impossible to stir it out of its place; at last by the help and force of Saint Bridgits pray∣ers, together with her pregnant faith like to a mustard seede, by which faith as our Sauiour sayth, Mountaines are transfered, they carried a∣way that tree without the asistance of any hu∣mane help, and found no difficulty in bringing it to the place, whither the Saint appointed them to carry it.

Of the obedience that vnreasonable creatures exhibited to Saint Bridgit. CHAP. V.

ONE day as the Saint saw Duckes, some∣times swimming in the waters, and other tymes flying in the ayre, she commanded them to come to her; They as if they had beene tray∣ned vp vnder humaine discipline, flew in great haste with prompt obedience to the Saint. The blessed virgin touched them gentlely, and im∣braced them sweetly, which doing for a pritty space, permitted them after to fly away. Another tyme a great wile bore being pursued very eager∣ly, came in great hast to S. Bridgits heard of swine; she beholding the boare among her swine, gaue him her blessing, and he remayned famili∣ar) & without any feare euer afterwith her heard. By this and the other precedent, example it is cleare and euident, that the fowles of the ayre, and beastes of the earthe, were subiect to her commaund, and obeyed her will and pleasure, as we may further gather from these ensuing ac∣cidents.

2. A simple country man comming to the Kinges court, saw there a Fox, who being taught for that purpose, made the King great recreati∣on with his many sleightes, and trickes, and thinking it was not tame or familiar, he killed it in presence of all the multitude, for which being reprehended, & cast into fetters, he was brought fast bound to the King, who commaunded that he should be put to death, vnles he procured him another Foxe like vnto the former in all condi∣tions, and subtill feates, and that his wife & chil∣dren should be made slaues. S. Brigit hearing thereof, prayed very earnestly to God for the release of the poore man: by and by another Fox entring into her coach, sat quietly, and familiar∣ly by her side, whome when she had presented to the King, and that he saw it to play trickes, and pranks, and in all thinges to be conformable to the other Fox, his wrath appeased therewith, he set the poore man at liberty, S. Bridgit returning to her monastery, and the Fox remayning as yet amongst the presse of people, fled backe againe into his denne: all those who saw what had pas∣sed, wondered much at the miracle, and honou∣red noe lesse the Saint by whose meanes it was wrought.

3. As the sacred Virgin sat with her virgins in her coach, she saw a man, with his wife, fami∣ly, and oxen, toyled very much with carrying he∣uy, and cumbersome burthens, euen in the ex∣treame heat of the sunne, and taking compassion of them, she gaue them her owne coach-horses to helpe, and ease them of their insupportable paynes. In the meane tyme she sat downe by the way side, and spoke to some of her virgins, bid∣ding them to digge vnder the adioyning earth, to the end that water might spring forth, where∣with such as were drye might quench their thirst. Vpon the digging vp of the ground, there gu∣shed out a cleare, and faire riuer. Within a little time after, there came a certaine Captaine to the place, who hearing of what S. Bridgit had done with the horses, he bestowed vpon her wilde, and madd horses, which became without delay so ta∣me and gentle, as if they had beene alwayes wont to draw a coach. There came leapers sometymes to Saint Bridgit, who begged her coach of her, which she gaue them without delay, & her hor∣ses likewise.

4. A certaine Queene came to visit S. Bri∣git, bringing with her many rich presents, and a∣mongst the rest a very fayre siluer chayne, which

her maydes tooke away, hiding it, the Saint be∣stowing the rest vpon the poore. Not long after when a poore man cried to the Saint for almes, hauing nothing, she tooke the chaine, and gaue it him. The maydes seeing it, sayd, you are the cause that we loose all that God sendes vs, for you giue all to the poore, leauing vs poore and needy. To whome she answeaed, seeke the chai∣ne in the place, where I am wont to pray in the Churche, and peraduenture you shall find it there: they finding the chayne, showed it to many, and kept it euer after, as an euident te∣stimony of her sanctimony, and vertue.

How S. Bridgit protected, and assisted such as inuo∣cated her in their distresse and dangers. CHAP. VI.

SAINT Bridgit came one time, being intrea∣ted therunto by her father, to the King, say∣ing, Let me haue your sword for my Father, and release me one of your slaues. To whome the King answeared, what will you giue me for these two great petitions. She replied, if you will, the life euerlasting, and that your seede thall reigne

for euer after you. The King answeared againe; I couet not a life, which I doe not see, neither am I sollcitous in behalfe of my children, that shall liue after me: two other thinges I desire, and couet, the first is, that I may enioy this life, which I loue; and the second is, that in all pla∣ces and conflictes, I get the vpper hand ouer mine ennemies. These two thinges, said the Blessed virgin, shalbe graunted you. Not long after, with a few in his company, he went to fight with a great multitude, and inuocating S. Bridgits helpe and assistance, he saw her goe be∣fore him, and a piller of fire to burne all vp e∣uen to the skies, soe the King hauing defeated his ennemies, he returned homewardes, magni∣fying the glory, and name of the most sacred virgin.

2. A virgin that suffered shipwracke by inuo∣cating S. Bridgitts helpe, walked drie foote, v∣pon the liquid waues, escaping by that meanes the daunger of death. Some of Saint Bridgitts maydes hauing receiued from a certaine rich man, many measures of meale, could not passe ouer a water that was in the way, being therfore destitute of all humane helpe, and assistance, they inuocated the powerfull suffrages of their

their most holy mistris, and they were suddain∣ly transported to the further side. A man that prohibited S. Bridgits coach to passe through his feildes, and stroake at her horses, fell downe to the ground, and yeilded vp his ghost suddainly.

3. A gentleman who was in the country, lo∣ned dishonestly a certaine woman, & contriuing with himself how to compasse his filthy delights, he gaue her in custody a rich siluer pynne, which he stole away priuily at vnawares from her, and cast it into the sea, thinking that when she could not restore it, she should become his slaue, and so should glut his wanton desires: all which wicked plot he put in practise, neither could he be con∣tented otherwise, then either by getting againe the siluer pin, or by her bondage. The chast wo∣man being driuen to this pinche, fled to S. Brid∣git, as to a cittie of refuge; As the holy virgin was musing with her selfe what to doe in this matter, behold one brought home fish taken out of the neighbour riuer, & they vnbowelling the fishes, the siluer pin was found in one of their bellies, so bringing the pin with her, she went to the as∣sembly, where the matter was to be determined, where she did show the pin, and it being knowne by many that saw it, to be the selfe same he cast in

to the sea, she freed the vertuous womā from her cruell tyrants handes, who afterwardes acknow∣ledging his fault, and guiltines, submitted him∣selfe to S. Bridgits pleasure, who hauing wrought this great miracle, returned backe againe to her monastery.

4. It fell out that the King called together an assembly of his subiectes, to make abroade and fayre high waye in a deep and impassible marsh, through which a great riuer ranne. The people meeting by their family, and kindreds, they di∣uided the worke, allotting to euery family his own share of that laborious taske, that part wher the riuer ran was most difficult, and fell to one of the families, who being potent & strong forced S. Bridgits kinsefolkes being weaker, to change with them. They in this their distresse, falling prostrate before the Saint, bemoned their wrong to her: To whome she answeared, Departe in peace, it is the will of God, that the riuer passe from that place, where you are put to such hea∣uy workes, to the other which they haue made choice of. The next morning, when the mul∣titude rose to begin the work, the riuer was found to haue left its ancient channel, where S. Bridgits family was constrayned to worke, & to be trans∣ferred

into the part of the potent, and proude men, who so vniustly oppressed the weaker com∣pany: in proofe whereof, the auncient channell where the riuer tooke its course in former ty∣mes, appeares drye without any waters to this very day.

Of many miraculous cures, wrought by the merits, and intercession of the Saint. CHAP. VII.

THE sacred virgin hauing deliuered many leapers, cripples, & obsessed persons, from their infirmities, there came two leapers with tea∣res in their eyes, beging the cure of their disease. Then the Saint praying, and blessing water, she commanded them to washe one another in that water. One being washed by his companion, be∣came cleane: to whome the Saint said, wash now your fellow; who seeing himself cleane, and boa∣sting of his health, wold not touch the others vl∣cers; which pride of his God did chastice, for im∣mediatly after he said. I feele sparkles of fire v∣pon my shoulders, and instantly all his body (his companion being cleansed) was couered o∣uer with leaprosy.

2. A certaine woman comming of deuotion, to visit S. Bridgit, brought her daughter with her, who was dumbe. S. Bridgit seeing the yong mayden, said vnto her. Are you content to be a virgin? (but not knowing that she was dumbe) The maid answeared incontinently, I will wil∣lingly do, what you will commaund me, & so de∣dicating her virginity to God, she to her dying day remayned most eloquent. A blind virgin na∣med Daria, spoake to S. Bridgit saying. Blesse mine eyes, to the end that I may see the world ac∣cording vnto my desire: her eyes being opened without delay, she sayd, shut mine eyes againe, for the more that one is absent from the world, so much the nearer, is that party to God; then S. Bridgit shut her eies as she requested.

3. One of Saint Bridgits, virgins burnt in the concupiscence of a certaine man, to whome she promised to steale forth in the night: after Saint Bridgit betooke her to her rest, the virgin rose ac∣cording to her promise; being inflamed with the fire of sēsuality, & likwise vexed with the tormēt of conscience, she knew not what to do, but fea∣ring God, and S. Bridgit, prayd her earnestly, that she would vouchsafe to helpe and assist her being indistresse. At last she resolued with her

selfe to make a fire, putting her selfe therinto, so by that meanes, with fire she quenched fire, and with payne, ouercame payne; which S. Bridgit knewe by diuine reuelation, yet neuertheles kept it secret, to see the euent and issue of the virgins combat. The next morning the virgin acknow∣ledgd her sin to Saint Bridgit, who sayd to her: because in fighting couragiously this night, thou hast burnt thy selfe, the fire of forincation shall neuer annoye thee in this life, nor the fire of hel burne thee in the next; then the holy virgin did heale her feete, so that no marke of the burning did appeare in them.

4. Neither ought we to omit that great mi∣racle, which this blessed Saint wrought in imita∣tion of our Sauiour, by opening the eyes of a mā who was blind frō his natiuity. A certaine Queen that had no children, by the holy Virgins inter∣cession obtayned issue. And as Almighty God for her sake and merits, did help others in their necessityes, so did he not fayle to assist her selfe in her wantes: for vpon a certaine time the holy virgin being in great necessity, besought God to help her to some honny, and what she sought for, she found it in great plenty, vpon the pauement of her house.

How the holy Virgin for the relief of the poore, wrought many admirable signes. CHAP. VIII.

SAINT Bridgit said to a certaine virgin who begged almes of her; I heare that there are many afflicted with sicknes in your country, take therfore my girdle, and with it, steaped in water, you shal in the name of our Sauiour Iesus Christ deliuer them of their infirmityes, and they will giue you both meate & cloathes: who taking the girdle, as the Saint commaunded, she cured dis∣eases, getting therby great gaynes, and becom∣ming very rich, she her selfe afterwardes, dealt great almes to the needy. Another time she cō∣uerted water into good bere to giue to leapers, who called to her for it. In like manner did she for the comfort of a needy person, conuert a sto∣ne into salt. She likewise deuided one garment betwene two poore men, and by diuine vertue, each part became an entire garment.

2. Among the many stupendious miracles she wrought, this is not to be accoūted the least, nor the least to be admired. To three leapers who besought her to bestow some charity of them,

she gaue a siluer vessell; and fearing it should be an occasion of debate, or discord amongst them, if they deuided it themselues, she spoke to the gold-smith to deuide it equally amongst thē. But he making his excuse, that he could not de∣uide it into three equal partes, the most holy vir∣gin her selfe tooke it into her hand, and stroke it against a stone, and soe deuided it iust into three equall parcells: in so much that afterwardes be∣ing put in scales to be weighed, neither part did ouerweigh the other, not so much as one drāme, so equall were the deuisions, and so the leapers departed away ioyfull with their shares, & with∣out cause either of enuy, or any iniury.

3. According to the example of holy Iob, she neuer permitted the poore to departe from her with empty handes, for she gaue them very pretious, and rich garmentes, which a holy Bi∣shop named Conleath, vsed to weare in saying the diuine mysteries of the Masse, vpon the higher feastes of our Lord, and the Apostles. Now when the time came, that the venerable Prelate should according to his wonted manner, vse the afore∣said episcopall robes, the holy virgin, who had giuen them to Christ in his needy members, re∣ceaued other such robes fully resembling the for∣mer,

as well in the weauing, or texture, as in colour, which were brought her in a waggon of two horses, euen at the same houre that she li∣berally gaue the others to the poore.

4. So large and liberall was her charity to the poore, that none euer had a repulse at her handes, as it is cleare and euident by this ensuing narration. For one time being abroad in the feildes feeding of her flocke, one who was well acquainted with the tendernes of her hart, and largenes of her hand, came to her seauen times in one day begging of almes, and euery time she gaue him a weather; and when euening approa∣ching she droue home the sheep, yet being tould ouer twice or thrice, the flocke was found entire, and complete, not one being missing to the great wonder of those who knew what chaunced. It is also recorded of her, that after prayer made for that intent, she got miraculously a summe of mo∣ney, with which she ransommed a guilty person, whome the King appointed to be put to death.

How the holy virgin, declared the innocency of Bishop Broon Saint Patrickes disciple, by making a yong suckling to speake, and of other no lesse remark∣able miracles. CHAP. IX.

A Certayne malitious woman, without re∣gard of conscience or feare of God, slande∣red most wickedly a venerable Bishop of Saint Patrickes disciples named Broon, by fathering v∣pon him a child, which she had gotten by ano∣ther. The Bishop standing vpō denial of the fact S. Bridgit calling the woman sayd, Who is the fa∣ther of your child? She answered, Bishop Broon; With that S. Bridgit signed the womans mouth with the figure of Christs banner, and instantly her head swelled vp with a great tumour, after she blessed the young infants tongue, saying to him; Who is your Father? The child made an∣sweare, Bishop Broon is not my Father, but that vilde and deformed man, who sitteth last among the people: then all the assembly rendring many thankes, and prayses to God, constrained the lewed woman to do pennance for her folly.

2. There was a certaine man named Lin∣guidinus,

who was indued with such admirable strength, and surpassing vigour of body, that he himselfe alone could do so much worke as twelue men, and who moreouer was so great a deuourer of meate, as to eate at once so much, as might well serue twelue men, for as in working he did counteruaile twelue men; so likewise in eating did he match that number. This man came to S. Bridgit, beseeching her to obtaine of God, that he would vouchsafe to temper, and bridle the immoderate appetite of his deuouring, and rauenous stomack, without diminishing or may∣ning the strength of his body. The holy Virgin gaue him her blessing, and offered vp her pray∣ers to God in behalfe of his iust petition, which he obtayned by her merits, and intercession, for neuer after did he take more, then was able to satisfy one man, being neuertheles able to per∣forme so much worke as he was before, when he did eate most of all.

3. The sacred virgin sent for many worke∣men, and reapers to cut downe her corne, & ha∣uing agreed with them for their pay, and appoin∣ted a day when they should come to performe their worke, it hapned that the day appointed, proued very rayny, in so much that the cloudes

powred forth showers in great aboundance ouer all the prouince, excepting on S. Bridgits feilds, which were not wet at all, the rayne falling thicke vpon euery side, so that where all the wor∣kemen in the country were constrayned to giue ouer their worke, by reason of the wet, & moi∣sty season, S. Bridgits workemen continued from morning without intermission or impediment, cutting downe of her corne, not without the ad∣miration of all who saw, and heard of that vnu∣suall miracle.

4. Another miracle no lesse stupendious, wherin the Reader may contēplate the purity of her hart, the perfctiō of her soule, the eminency of her merits, and the prerogatiue of her vertues we are to recount, which was this. At what time this sacred virgin fed her flocke in a wide & open playne, farre from any shelter, showres of rayne fell downe so thicke, that she was wet to the skin, who comming home with her cloathes all full of water, she saw a Sunne beame pearcing in tho∣rough a chinke, that illuminated the roome, and taking it for a pearch (the quickenes of her eyes being hindered, or somewhat blunted) she cast thereon her wet mantle, or vpper garmente, whereupon it hung being supported by it, as well

as by a beame, or post, to the great astonish∣ment of all the neighbours, who could not suf∣ficiently admire the merits, and vertues of this holy virgin.

Of S. Bridgits happy departure out of this life, and how she knew thereof by diuine reuelation, and of some miracles wrought after her death by her intercession and merits. CHAP. X.

THE sacred virgin hauing run out the course of her mortall dayes, in the exercise of all kind of sanctimony, and innocency of life, the time of the resolution of her terrene tabernacle drew neere at hand, whose deposition, as her selfe knew by reuelation, and foretould to one of her virgins, was not farre off. The holy virgin gaue vp her soule, to her heauenly spouse about the yeare of our redemption 518. Her venerable body, was placed in a sumptuous monument of gould, and siluer, adorned with iewells, and pretious stones, and was first interred in her owne monasterie at Kildare, together with the the sacred body of the holy Bishop Conleath; af∣terwardes it was translated (whereof we haue an

authentical record) to the citty of Dune in Vlster, where it lyes together with the venerable bodies of S. Patricke, and S. Columbe, the other two glorious patrons of Ireland. At Kildare and other places, many miracles haue been wrought by the merits of Saint Bridgit, we will content our sel∣ues with the relation of some few, fearing to cloy the Reader with to much tediousnes.

2. The ouerseer of Saint Bridgits great and famous monastery, sent workemen, and stone∣hewers to prouide a mill stone, they neither refle∣cting vpon the difficulty of the way, nor yet re∣garding that there was no meanes of getting downe the stone, went vp to the topp of a most high and craggy mountayne, where they hewed out a great stone forming it into a mill stone, the Ouerseer came with oxen and horses to carry it away, but seeing it impossible with oxen and horses to go where it was, in regard of the steepe and craggy ascent, all begūne to despaire of euer getting it downe, and so were ready to departe. But the prudent Ouerseer said; Not so, but let vs in the name of God, and S. Bridgit (to whome nothing is impossible) rowle it downe, and so conceauing a firme faith of the holie vir∣gins asistance, they cast it downe: and loe tho

stone rowling amongst the rocky, & stony crag∣ges, trunled downe without any detriment from the mountaine, and thence was carried to the mill. To which mill a certaine pagan sent his corne by an ignorāt & simple man to be groūd: when the corne was laid betweene the stones, the aforesaid stone being the vppermost, stood ir∣remoueable, neither could the violent current of the great riuer, nor yet the paynfull industry of men, whele it about: at last, knowing that the corne belonged to a pagan Magitian, and there∣fore S. Bridgits mill, would not grinde it, they remoued and put it away, powring other graine insteede therof, and then the stone without any impediment, kept its ordinary, & wonted course in grinding.

3. It hapned within a while after, that the mill by some chaunce or other tooke fire, which consumed the howse and the other stone to, that was ioyned to this, but as for this stone, that was particulerly dedicated to S. Bridgit, the fire did not presume to touch, neither was it bran∣ded with any signe, or marke of burning, which made them to bring the stone away, and to place it neare to S. Bridgits church doore, where ma∣ny diseased meeting, by the only touch of this

stone, were deliuered from their maladies. Here our author by occasion of this insueing miracle, enlargeth himself in describing the magnificence of Saint Bridgits church, the sumptuousnes of the oratories, the curiosity of anticke workes, and variety of curious portratures, with many other remarkable particulers, worthy the rea∣ding, which we to continue our intended course of breuity, do wittingly passe ouer, and will con∣tent our selues with the bare & succinct relation of the miracle it selfe, which was this.

4. The gate of Saint Bridgits oratory, tho∣rough which she, and her holy virgins passed, when they went to receaue the delicious viand of our Sauiours sacred and pure body being bro∣ken downe, & made wider, the carpenters setting the former doore vpon the hinges which was found, was lesse by a fourth part, or quarter: wherupon they resolued, either to add another peece to the ould doore, or to make another al of new; and as they were debating the busines, the principall worke maister sayd. Wee ought this next night to watch and pray at S. Bridgits monument, to the end that she may direct vs in the morning, what is best to be done in this matter: so passing al the night ouer at her shrine,

and rysing the next morning after, saying some prayers, setting the ould doore vpon the hinges, it fitted all the gate so iust, that it nether wanted, nor yet exceeded any thing in conuenient big∣nes: and in this manner was the doore by the merits of Saint Bridgit, extended to an equall & commensuratiue proportion with the gate of the church. Who can expresse (sayth our author here) the admirable beauty of this Church, or how can we declare the marueiles of this Citty? Or who may recount the innumerable thronges, and infinit multitudes of people flocking thither from all countryes? Some come to delight them selues with plentifull diuersity of banquets, some to solace themselues with variety of pleasant showes, and spectacles, others to obtayne the cure of their diseases, and others with rich, and great donaryes to solemnise Saint Bridgits natali∣tiall feast, which falleth vpon the first of Fe∣bruary, vpon which day in the yeare of Christ 518. as we haue touched aboue in the first para∣graffe of this present chapter, the holy virgin passed from the miseries of this mortal life, to the immortall ioyes of paradise. Whither God of his infinit grace conduct vs all to him, to his all immaculate mother, and to the two glorious

patrones of Ireland, Saint Patricke, and Saint Bridgit, be all honour, glory and prayse, world without end. Amen.

FINIS.