Saint Patrick did preach to the Scots, And in Letavia much he endured, That whom he had won to the Lord In Judgment's dread day be secured. XIX. Emir's and proud Erimon's sons A demon contrived to ensnare; And them did dread Satan engulf In the dark, fearful depths of his lair, XX. Until our apostle arrived, Who rescued and set them all free, Through sixty long years of his life To Christ's cross the brave Fenians flee. XXI. Great darkness o'er Eire was spread, And its people their idols adored, Nor in the true Godhead believed, Nor the Trinity, too, of the Lord. XXII. At Armagh the realm's throne has been placed, To Emania a glory to be; And far-famed is Dundalethglas church, Nor let fame from Temoria flee. XXIII. To Armagh, in his infirm old age, Saint Patrick desired much to go; But God's angel at noon met the saint, And induced him his wish to forego. XXIV. Southward to the angel he came (For Victor had been his good guide), And the bush in which Victor appeared Burned bright, and a voice from it cried: XXV. "At Armagh let the government be, And to Christ let all glory be brought; Indeed, thou shalt come unto heaven; Thou obtainedst, because thou hadst sought. XXVI. "A hymn which you sing while alive Shall to Celts a proud armament be; And at judgment the Irish surround Their father, their patron, in thee." XXVII. After Patrick, good Tassach remained; When Patrick to Tassach Christ gave, Tassach said: "He from me shall receive"; And the prediction of Tassach was grave. XXVIII. For the night was installed a bright day, And that day for one year did remain; So that over all Eire the fair Light's brilliance and brightness did reign. XXIX. Bethoron a battle beheld Of great Nun against Chanaan's sons, In which Gabaon saw the sun stand, As the Scriptural narrative runs. XXX. For brave Josue stood the bright sun To witness the wicked all slain; Why not for Saint Patrick thrice more To illumine Hibernia's plain? XXXI. For all Eire's good clergy were come To bury Saint Patrick with pride; And the sounds of the singing from heaven Cast them sleeping all round, far and wide. XXXII. Saint Patrick's pure soul fled his frame (His works immortality make); And on the first night after death, The angels of God watched his wake. XXXIII. And when Patrick departed from life, To the other Saint Patrick came he; And to Jesus, of Mary the Son, The two passed, bright and pure, great and free. XXXIV. In Patrick pride's stain was not found; And great were the works that adorn This good son of Christ, Mary's Son! With God's blessing Saint Patrick was born. [Illustration: The Saint Patrick of Medieval Times.] TRIPARTITE LIFE. PART I.