being nearly black it began to grow white, and after no long time[536] there was scarcely a whiter horse to be found than it. [Sidenote: 1140, March] 37. (21). To me also it was granted to see the man on that journey,[537] and by the sight of him and by his word I was refreshed, and _I rejoiced as in all riches_;[538] and I, in turn, though a sinner, _found grace in his sight_[539] then, and from that time up to his death, as I said in the Preface.[540] He also, deigning to turn aside to Clairvaux,[541] when he saw the brothers was deeply moved; and they were not a little edified by his presence and his speech. So accepting the place and us, and gathering us into his inmost heart, he bade us farewell and departed. And crossing the Alps he came to Ivrea,[542] a city of Italy, where he immediately healed the little son of his host who _was sick and ready to die_.[543] [Sidenote: 1140, May] 38. Pope Innocent II., of happy memory, was then in the Apostolic See.[544] He received him courteously, and displayed kindly pity for him on account of his long pilgrimage. And Malachy in the first place asked with many tears for that which he had fixed most deeply in his heart, that he might be allowed to live and die at Clairvaux, with the permission and blessing of the chief Pontiff. He sought this, not forgetful of the purpose for which he had come, but influenced by the longing for Clairvaux which he had brought with him.[545] But he did not obtain his request, because the apostolic man decided that he should be employed to more profitable advantage. He was not, however, wholly disappointed of _his heart's desire_,[546] since it was granted him if not to live, at least to die there. He spent a whole month in the City, visiting the holy places and resorting to them for prayer. During that time the chief Pontiff made frequent and careful inquiry of him and those who were with him concerning the affairs of their country, the morals of the people, the state of the churches, and the great things that God had wrought by him in the land. And when he was already preparing to return home the Pope committed his own authority to him, appointing him legate throughout the whole of Ireland. For Bishop Gilbert, who, as we have mentioned above, was then legate, had intimated to him that by reason of age and infirmity of body _he could no longer discharge the duties of the office_.[547] After this Malachy prayed that the constitution of the new metropolis[548] should be confirmed, and that palls should be given him for both sees. The privilege of confirmation he soon received; "but regarding the palls," said the chief Pontiff, "more formal action must be taken. You must call together the bishops and clerks and the magnates of the land and hold a general council; and so with the assent and common desire of all ye shall demand the pall by persons of honest repute, and it shall be given you." Then he took his mitre from his own head, and placed it on Malachy's