dwell himself. There
was given him also, to instruct, together with Declan, another child,
scil., Cairbre Mac Colmain, who became afterwards a holy learned
bishop. Both these were for a considerable period pursuing their studies
together.

6. There were seven men dwelling in Magh Sgiath, who frequently saw the
fiery globe which it has been already told they first beheld at the time
of Declan's birth. It happened by the Grace of God that they were the
first persons to reveal and describe that lightning. These seven came to
the place where Declan abode and took him for their director and master.
They made known publicly in the presence of all that, later on, he
should be a bishop and they spoke prophetically:--"The day, O beloved
child and servant of God, will come when we shall commit ourselves and
our lands to thee." And it fell out thus (as they foretold), for, upon
believing, they were baptised and became wise, devout (and) attentive
and erected seven churches in honour of God around Magh Sgiath.

7. Declan remained a long time with Dioma, the holy man we have
named, and acquired science and sanctity and diversity of learning and
doctrine, and he was prudent, mild, and capable so that many who knew
his nobility of blood came when they had heard of the fullness of
his sanctity and grace. Moreover they submitted themselves to him and
accepted his religious rule. Declan judged it proper that he should
visit Rome to study discipline and ecclesiastical system, to secure for
himself esteem and approbation thence, and obtain authority to preach to
the (Irish) people and to bring back with him the rules of Rome as these
obtained in Rome itself. He set out with his followers and he tarried
not till he arrived in Rome where they remained some time.

8. At the same period there was a holy bishop, i.e. Ailbe, who had been
in Rome for a number of years before this and was in the household of
Pope Hilary by whom he had been made a bishop. When Declan with his
disciples arrived in Rome Ailbe received him with great affection and
gladness and he bore testimony before the Roman people to his (Declan's)
sanctity of life and nobility of blood. He (Declan) therefore received
marks of honour and sincere affection from the people and clergy of Rome
when they came to understand how worthy he was, for he was comely, of
good appearance, humble in act, sweet in speech, prudent in counsel,
frank in conversation, virtuous in mien, generous in