There is an island of the sea in Ireland, from of old fruitful of fishes;[702] and the sea there abounds in fish. By the sins of the inhabitants, as it is believed, the wonted supply was taken away, and _she that had many children was waxed feeble_,[703] and her own great usefulness utterly dwindled away. While the natives were grieving, and the peoples taking ill the great loss, it was revealed to a certain woman that a remedy might be effected by the prayers of Malachy; and that became known to all, for she herself proclaimed it. By the will of God it happened that Malachy arrived. For while he was going round and filling the region with the Gospel, he turned aside thither that to them also he might impart the same grace.[704] But _the barbarous people_,[705] who cared more for the fishes,[706] demanded with all vehemence that he would deign to regard rather the sterility of their island. And when he answered that it was not for that he had come, but that he desired to catch men rather than fish,[707] yet seeing their faith[708] he _kneeled down on the shore and prayed_[709] to the Lord that, though they were unworthy of it, he would not deny them the benefit granted long before, since they sought it again with so great faith. _The prayer went up_,[710] there came up also _a multitude of fishes_,[711] and perhaps more fruitful than in ancient days; and the people of the land continue to enjoy that abundance to this day. What wonder if _the prayer of a righteous man_ which _penetrates the heavens_,[712] penetrated _the abysses_,[713] and called forth from the depth of the sea so great supplies of fish? 56. There came, on one occasion, three bishops into the village of Faughart,[714] which they say was the birthplace of Brigit the virgin;[715] and Malachy was a fourth. And the presbyter who had received them with hospitality, said to him, "What shall I do, for I have no fish?" And when he answered that he should seek them from the fishermen, he said, "For the last two years no fish have been found in the river;[716] and for that reason the fishermen also are all scattered and have even abandoned their art." And Malachy replied "Command them to _let down the nets_[717] in the name of the Lord." It was done, and twelve salmon were caught. They lowered them a second time, and catching as many more they brought to the tables both an unlooked-for dish and an unlooked-for miracle. And that it might be clear that this was granted to the merits of Malachy, the same sterility nevertheless continued also for the following two years. FOOTNOTES: [576] Of which, it appears from this and other passages (see p. 33, n. 1), he was still abbot. [577] 2 Cor. i. 15. [578] _Gentibus._ [579] Ps. xlviii. 2. [580] Isa. xxxii. 20. [581] Cp. Serm. ii. § 3. Perhaps here, as in that passage, we should read _person_ (_persona_) for _profession_ (_professio_). [582] Ps. cxlix. 6, 7. [583] Ps. xxxiv. 16; 1 Pet. iii. 12. [584] Ps. lxxv. 4 (vg.).