parts of Ireland, by the fame of his holy living; they devoted
themselves, soul and body to God and Declan, binding themselves
beneath his yoke and his rule. Moreover he built himself in every place
throughout the territory of the Decies, churches and monasteries and
not alone in his own territory (did he build) but in other regions of
Ireland under tribute to him. Great too were the multitudes (thousands)
of men and women who were under his spiritual sway and rule, in the
places we have referred to, throughout Ireland, where happily they
passed their lives. He ordained some of his disciples bishops and
appointed them in these places to sow the seed of faith and religion
therein. Gentleness and charity manifested themselves in Declan to
such an extent that his disciples preferred to live under his immediate
control and under his direction as subjects than to be in authority in
another monastery.

22. After this the holy renowned bishop, head of justice and faith in
the Gaelic island came into Ireland, i.e. Patrick sent by Celestinus,
the Pope. Aongus Mac Nathfrich went to meet him soon as he heard the
account of his coming. He conducted him (Patrick) with reverence and
great honour to his own royal city--to Cashel. Then Patrick baptised him
and blessed himself and his people and his city. Patrick heard that the
prince of the Decies had not been baptised and did not believe, that
there was a disagreement between the prince and Declan and that the
former refused to receive instruction from the latter. Patrick thereupon
set out to preach to the prince aforesaid. Next, as to the four bishops
we have named who had been in Rome: Except Declan alone they were not
in perfect agreement with Patrick. It is true that subsequently to
this they did enter into a league of peace and harmonious actions with
Patrick and paid him fealty. Ciaran, however, paid him all respect and
reverence and was of one mind with him present or absent. Ailbe then,
when he saw the kings and rulers of Ireland paying homage to Patrick
and going out to meet him, came himself to Cashel, to wait on him and he
also paid homage to him (Patrick) and submitted to his jurisdiction, in
presence of the king and all others. Bear in mind it was Ailbe whom the
other holy bishops had elected their superior. He therefore came first
to Patrick, lest the others, on his account, should offer opposition to
Patrick, and also that by his example the others might be more easily