ed in his head. Mochuda noticed that some of
Columcille's successors and people from Durrow, which was one of
Columcille's foundations, had taken part in his eviction. He thus
addressed them:--"Contention and quarrelling shall be yours for ever to
work evil and schism amongst you--for you have had a prominent part in
exciting opposition to me." And so it fell out.

The king and his people thereupon compelled Mochuda to proceed on his
way. Mochuda did proceed with his disciples, eight hundred and sixty
seven in number (and as many more they left buried in Rahen). Moreover,
many more living disciples of his who had lived in various parts of
Ireland were already dead. All the community abounded in grace: many
of its members became bishops and abbots in after years and they erected
many churches to the glory of God.

Understand, moreover, that great was the charity of the holy bishop, as
the following fact will prove:--in a cell without the city of Rahen he
maintained in comfort and respectability a multitude of lepers. He
frequently visited them and ministered to them himself--entrusting that
office to no one else. It was known to all the lepers of Ireland how
Mochuda made their fellow-sufferers his special care and family, and the
result was that an immense number of lepers from all parts flocked to
him and he took charge and care of them. These on his departure from
Rahen he took with him to Lismore where he prepared suitable quarters
for them and there they have been ever since in comfort and in honour
according to Mochuda's command.

As Mochuda and his people journeyed along with their vehicles they found
the way blocked by a large tree which lay across it. Owing to the
density of underwood at either side they were unable to proceed. Some
one announced:--"There is a tree across the road before us, so that we
cannot advance." Mochuda said: "In the name of Christ I command thee,
tree, to rise up and stand again in thy former place." At the command
of Mochuda the tree stood erect as it was originally and it still
retains its former appearance, and there is a pile of stones there at
its base to commemorate the miracle.

It was necessary to proceed; the first night after Mochuda's departure
from Rahen the place that he came to was a cell called Drum Cuilinn
[Drumcullen], on the confines of Munster, Leinster, and Clanna Neill,
but actually within Clanna Neill, scil.:--in the territory of Fearceall
in which