Page:Faoistin naoṁ-Ṗadraig (1906).djvu/90

74 heard a Divine response saying to me, "We have seen with displeasure the face of the chosen one stripped of its title;" nor did He says this, "Thou hast seen with displeasure," but, "We have seen with displeasure," as if he had made common cause with me in that matter. As He hath said: He that toucheth you is as he that toucheth the apple of mine eye.

30. Therefore I give thanks to Him who hath strengthened me in all things so as not to hinder me from the journey on which I had determined, and from my work, also, which I had learned from Christ my Lord, but rather did I feel in myself no little virtue coming from Him and my faith has been approved before God and men.

31. Whence I boldly declare that my conscience does not reproach me here or hereafter. God is my witness that I have not lied in the statements I have made to you.

32. But I am the rather grieved for my dearest friend, that we should have deserved to hear such a response as that. One to whom I had even entrusted my soul. And I learned from some of the brethren before that falling out, at which I was not present, nor was I in Britain then, nor will the story originate with me, that even he pressed hard on my behalf in my absence. Even he had said to me with his own lips: "Lo, thou art to be raised to the grade of bishop"; of which I was not worthy. But how did it happen that he afterwards publicly dishonoured me before everyone good and bad, in respect of a dignity which he had previously of his own accord and joyfully, granted me, and the Lord also, who is greater than all?

33. I have said enough. But still I ought not to hide the gift of God which He bestowed on us in the land of my captivity, because then I sought Him in