realised the
extent of the king's diffidence he blessed the eye making on it the sign
of the cross and it was immediately healed in the presence of all. The
king and Mochuda took leave of one another and went each his own way.
The king and his hosting went to the aid of Leinster in the latter's
necessity.

Mochuda journeyed on through Muscraige Oirthir the chief of which
territory received him with great honour. Aodhan was the chief's name
and he bestowed his homestead called Isiol [Athassel] on Mochuda, who
blessed him and his seed. Next he came into the Decies. He travelled
through Magh Femin where he broke his journey at Ard Breanuinn
[Ardfinnan] on the bank of the Suir. There came to him here Maolochtair,
king of the Decies, and the other nobles [or one noble, Suibhne] of his
nation who were at variance with him concerning land. Mochuda by the
grace of God made peace amongst them, and dismissed them in amity.
Maolochtair gave that land to Mochuda who marked out a cell there where
is now the city of Ardfinnnan, attached to which is a large parish
subject to Mochuda and bearing his name. The wife of Maolochtair,
scil:--Cuciniceas, daughter of Failbhe Flann, king of Munster, had a
vision, viz.:--a flock of very beautiful birds flying above her head and
one bird was more beautiful and larger than the rest. The other birds
followed this one and it nestled in the king's bosom. Soon as she awoke
she related the vision to the king; the king observed: "Woman you have
dreamed a good dream and soon it will be realised; the flock of birds
you have seen is Mochuda with his monks coming from Rahen and the most
distinguished bird is Mochuda himself. And the settling in my bosom
means that the place of his resurrection will be in my territory. Many
blessings will come to us and our territory through him." That vision
of the faithful woman was realised as the faithful king had explained
it.

Subsequently Mochuda came to Maolochtair requesting from him a place
where he might erect a monastery. Maolochtair replied: "So large a
community cannot dwell in such a narrow place." Mochuda said: "God,
who sent us to you, will show you a place suited to us." The king
answered:--"I have a place, convenient for fish and wood, beside Slieve
Gua on the bank of the Nemh but I fear it will not be large enough."
Mochuda said:--"It will not be narrow; there is a river and fish and
that it shall be the place of our resurrection."