to Declan for ever. Moreover he gave his homestead to Declan and his
people were baptised. After this Dercan requested that Declan should
bless something in his homestead which might remain as a memorial of him
(Dercan) for ever. Then Declan blessed a bell which he perceived there
and its name is Clog-Dhercain ("Dercan's Bell"); moreover, he declared:
"I endow it with this virtue (power) that if the king of Decies march
around it when going to battle, against his enemies, or to punish
violation of his rights, he shall return safely and with victory." This
promise has been frequently fulfilled, but proud (men) undertaking battle
or conflict unjustly even if they march around it do not obtain victory
but success remains with the enemy. The name of that homestead was
Teach-Dhercain ("Dercain's House") and its name now is Coningean, from
the claw [con] of the hound or dog aforesaid. To this place came the
saintly concourse, scil:--Coman and Ultan, MacErc and Mocoba and
Maclaisren, who dedicated themselves to (the service of) God and placed
themselves under the spiritual rule and sway of Declan.

31. Thereupon Declan established a monastery in that place, scil.--in
Coningin--and he placed there this holy community with a further band of
disciples. Ultan however he took away with him to the place whither he
went.

32. On another (subsequent) occasion Declan visited Bregia, i.e. the
original territory which belonged to his race previous to the expulsion
of his ancestors. There he was treated with particular honour by the
king of Tara and by the chieftains of Meath by whom he was beloved, since
it was from themselves (their tribe and territory) that his forbears had
gone out, for that region was the patrimony of his race and within it
lies Tara. Declan instituted therein a monastery of Canons, on land
which he received from the king, and it is from him the place is named.
Moreover he left therein a relic or illuminated book and a famous gospel
which he was accustomed to carry always with him. The gospel is still
preserved with much honour in the place and miracles are wrought through
it. After this again he turned towards Munster.

33. Declan was once travelling through Ossory when he wished to remain
for the night in a certain village. But the villagers not only did not
receive him but actually drove him forth by force of arms. The saint
however prayed to God that it might happen to them what the Sacred
Scr