[HYMN OF S. FIACC.] 61. Clerich Herenn dollotar dairi Patraicc ascechsét: 63. Anim Patraic friachorp, isiarsethaib roscarad, 65. Intan conhualai Patraic, adella in Patraic naile; This hymn was composed after the date when Tara ceased to be a royal residence, and therefore not earlier than the latter part of the 6th century. Consequently it was not the composition of Fiacc of Sletty, as it is affirmed to be in the Preface to it in the Irish Liber Hymnorum. It was also, obviously, written in the interest of the Armagh claim to primacy. It is given here as the earliest do Genaír Patraicc. cument relating to S. Patrick's life, besides his own Confession and Letter. These lastnamed documents negative in effect both the alleged regular training of S. Patrick under S. Germanus, and his mission by the Pope. The Fiacc Hymn was written after the former legend had come into existence, but before anything had been heard of the latter. It is printed here from Stokes's Goidelica, pp. 126 [HYMN OF S. FIACC.] 61. Ireland's clerics went to watch Patrick from every road: the sound of the chant covered them, so that each of them slept on the road. 63. Patrick's soul from his body, it is after pains it was separated, God's angels on the first night were singing it without ceasing. 65. When Patrick went, he visited the other Patrick; it is together they ascended to Jesus, Mary's Son. 67. Patrick without loftiness or arrogance, it was much of good he thought. He was in the friendship of Mary's Son: happy was the fate to which he was born. |