In the town of Cashel a man came before him with his paralysed son, asking that he should be healed.[653] And Malachy, praying briefly, said, "_Go thy way; thy son_ shall be made whole."[654] He went, and on the morrow he returned with his son, who was nevertheless by no means whole. Then Malachy rose and standing over him prayed at greater length, and he was made whole. And turning to the father he said, "Offer him to God." The man assented, but did not keep his promise; and after some years his son, now a young man, relapsed into the same state, no doubt because of his father's disobedience and his violation of the pledge. Another man came from a long distance, when Malachy was in the borders of Munster, bringing to him his son, who was entirely deprived of the use of his feet. When he inquired how this had happened to him, he said, "As I suspect, by the malignity of demons"; adding, "It was they, if I mistake not, who, when he was playing in a field, _caused a sleep to fall_ upon him,[655] and when the child awoke he found himself so." Saying this, he poured forth his petition with tears, and earnestly sought help. Malachy pitying him prayed, bidding the sick boy in the meantime to sleep there upon the ground. He slept, and he arose whole. Because he had _come from far_[656] he kept him some time in his company, and he used to walk with him. 50. In the monastery of Bangor a certain poor man was maintained by the alms of the brothers; and he received a small sum every day, for performing some office in the mill. He had been lame for twelve years, creeping on the ground with his hands, and dragging his dead feet after him. Him Malachy found one day before his cell, sad and sorrowful, and asked him the cause. And he said, "You see how for a long time I am miserably troubled and _the hand of the Lord is upon me_;[657] and lo, to increase my distress, men who ought to have had pity, rather laugh at me and cast my wretchedness in my teeth." And when he heard him, moved with compassion, he _looked up to heaven_,[658] at the same time raising his hands. Having said a short prayer he entered his cell, and the other rose up. And standing upon his feet he wondered if it was true, suspecting that he was in a dream.[659] But he began to move with slow steps, for he did not altogether believe that he could walk. At length, _as it were waking out of a deep sleep_,[660] he recognized the mercy of the Lord upon him; he walked firmly, and returned to the mill _leaping_ and exulting _and praising God_. When those saw him who had before seen and _known him_ they _were filled with wonder and amazement,[661] supposing it to be a spirit_.[662] Malachy likewise healed a dropsical man by praying, who remained there in the monastery and was appointed shepherd.