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 with a great rain of _tears_,[683] he bestowed on her such a substitute for the unction as he could. Thus did he; but to his companions he said, "_Watch and pray._"[684] So they in psalms, he in tears, passed a night of vigil. And when the morning came the Lord heard His saint, for the _Spirit_ of the Lord was _making intercession for him_, who _maketh intercession for_ the saints _with groanings that cannot be uttered_.[685] Why more? She who had been dead _opened her eyes_,[686] and, as those do who wake from a deep sleep, rubbing her forehead and temples with her hands, she rose upon the bed, and recognizing Malachy, devoutly saluted him with bowed head. And mourning being _turned into joy_,[687] amazement took hold of all, both those who saw and those who heard. And Malachy also gave thanks and blessed the Lord. And he anointed her, nevertheless, knowing that in that sacrament _sins are forgiven_, and that _the prayer of faith saves the sick_.[688] After this he went away, and she recovered, and after living for some time in good health, _that the_ glory _of God should be made manifest in her_,[689] she accomplished the penance which Malachy had enjoined upon her, and again _fell asleep_[690] in a _good confession_,[691] and passed to the Lord.