Page:A View of the State of Ireland - 1809.djvu/364

 hee restored forthwith, and bettered the foundation. At the age of thirtie yeares, he was by Canonicall election forced to accept the Bishopricke of Conereth, a people of all the Irish then most savage and bestiall, whom he with inestimable toyle reclaymed.

In the meane while died Celsus Archbishop of Ardmagh, to whom succeeded Malachias, at the age of thirty eight years. But ere this wel-nigh the space of 200. yeares together, a pestilent custome had crept into the country, that the Metropolitanes See, was inferred upon meere lay persons of the blood royall in manner bv inheritance, wherefore Nigellus the next of kindred animated by the partiality of some Princes, & getting into his custody the Bible and Staffe, and other Ornaments of S. Patricke (whereunto the eares of the common people tyed the prelacy) came to the Pallace, with a bande of Souldiours to have slaine the Bishop. When all the people wept and howled, for his perill, he alone stepped into the bosome of his enemies, demaunding their purpose. The very Tyrants letting fall their weapons in stead of the murder conspired, fell to reverence him, and departed friends. Three yeares he sate in the primacy, rather to discontinue the horrible corruption before used, then with intent to abide there: and their error having disanulled the abuse, he procured Gelasius to be his Successor, and returned to his former Bishopricke of Downe. For to Downe was then annexed Coner. But Malachias understanding that in times past, they were