Page:The most ancient lives of Saint Patrick - O'Leary.djvu/61

 It illuminated all Magh-Bregh. Then the king said: "That is a violation of my prohibition and law; and do you ascertain who did it." "We see the fire," said the druids, "and we know the night in which it is made. If it is not extinguished before morning," added they, "it will never be extinguished.  The man who lighted it will surpass the kings and princes, unless he is prevented." When the king heard this thing, he was much infuriated. Then the king said: "That is not how it shall be; but we will go," said he, "until we slay the man who lighted the fire." His chariot and horses were yoked for the king, and they went, in the end of the night, to Ferta-fer-féc. "You must take care," said the druids, "that you go not to the place where the fire was made, lest you worship the man who lighted it; but stay outside, and let him be called out to you, that he may know you to be a king, and himself a subject; and we will argue in your presence." "It is good counsel," said the king; "it shall be done as you say." They proceeded afterwards until they unyoked their horses and chariots in front of the Ferta. Patrick was "whispered" out to them; and it was commanded by them that no one should rise up before him, lest he should believe in him. Patrick rose and went out; and when he saw the chariots and horses unyoked, he sang the prophetic stanza: "Hi in curribus et hi in eorus (equis), Nos autem, in nomine Domini Dei nostri ma." They were then before him, and the rims of their shields against their chins; and none of them rose up before him, except one man alone, in whom was a figure from God&mdash;i.e., Ere, son of Dega. He is the Bishop Ere who is [commemorated]