he went
in to the dying woman, showing himself another servant of Elisha, except
that his work was more efficacious.[671] He bade her take that which
Malachy had blessed and sent to her, and to taste it if by any means she
could. But she was so refreshed when she heard Malachy's name, that she
was able to obey, and indicated by a nod (for she could not speak) that
she wished to be raised up for a little while. She was raised up, she
tasted; she was strengthened by what she tasted, she spoke, and gave
thanks. _And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon_ her,[672] and
she rested most sweetly in it, having long ceased to enjoy the benefit
of sleep, or to partake of food. Meanwhile _her blood was
staunched_[673] and awaking after a while she found herself whole,[674]
but she was still weak from long fasting and loss of blood. If in any
degree the cure was not complete,[675] on the following day the
wished-for presence and appearance of Malachy made it perfect.

53. (30). A nobleman lived in the neighbourhood of the monastery of
Bangor, whose wife was _sick nigh unto death_.[676] Malachy, being asked
to _come down ere she died_,[677] to _anoint the sick_ woman _with
oil_,[678] came down and went in to her; and when she saw him she
rejoiced greatly, animated by the hope of salvation. And when he was
preparing to anoint her, it seemed to all that it ought rather to be
postponed to the morning; for it was evening. Malachy assented, and when
he had given a blessing over the sick woman, he went out with those who
were with him. But shortly afterwards, suddenly _there was a cry
made_,[679] lamentation and great wailing through the whole house, for
it was reported that she had died. Malachy ran up when he heard the
tumult, and his disciples followed him. And coming to the bed, when he
had assured himself that she had breathed her last, he was greatly
troubled in mind, blaming himself that she had died without the grace of
the sacrament. And lifting up his hands to heaven he said, "_I beseech
thee_, Lord, _I have done very foolishly_. I, even _I, have
sinned_,[680] who postponed, not she who desired it." Saying this he
protested in the hearing of all that _he_ would not _be comforted_,[681]
that he would give _no rest to his spirit_,[682] unless he should be
allowed to restore the grace which he had taken away. And standing over
her, all night _he laboured in his groaning_; and, instead of the holy
oil, flooding the dead woman wi