A Harmony of the Four Lives of Saint Ciaran - Page 2

Loch Erne now called Inismacsaint (it is to be noted that VG knows nothing of this visit). From Loch Erne he went to Aran, thence (after a visit to Saint Senan on Scattery Island) to his brother's monastery at Isel, a place not certainly identified. After this he removes to Inis Aingin, now Hare Island in Loch Ree, which is his last halting-place before reaching his goal at Clonmacnois. There are twelve incidents. The first forms incident 13 of LC, which then breaks off; this text therefore no longer requires a special column. The wander-years end with 548, the year of the saint's arrival at Clonmacnois.

LA LB VG

XXX. The adventure of the robbers of Loch Erne -- 7 -- XXXI. How Ciaran floated a firebrand on the lake -- 10 -- XXXII. Ciaran in Aran 22 11 24 XXXIII. How a prophecy was fulfilled 12 -- 25 XXXIV. How Ciaran visited Senan 23 12 26 XXXV. Ciaran in Isel 24 13 28 XXXVI. The removal of the lake 25 14 29 XXXVII. Ciaran departs from Isel 26 -- 30 XXXVIII. Ciaran in Inis Aingin 27 15 31 XXXIX. The coming of Oenna 28 16 32 XL. How Ciaran recovered his gospel 29 -- 33 XLI. How Ciaran went from Inis Aingin to Clonmacnois 30 17 34

The difference of opinion as to the setting of incident XXXIII is to be noted. Also noteworthy is the absence of any reference to a second visit to Senan, though such is postulated in the lives of the latter saint.

=D.= The fourth phase covers the time--according to all our texts a few months, according to other authorities some years--intervening between the foundation of Clonmacnois and the death of Ciaran. The traditions of LA and VG here run along the same lines; LB is curiously diverse. There are in all twelve incidents, namely--

LA LB VG

XLII. The foundation of the church 31 -- 35 XLIII. How Ciaran sent a cloak to Senan 32 -- 27 XLIV. Ciaran and the wine 34 18 36 XLV. The story of Crithir 33 -- 37 XLVI. How an insult to Ciaran was averted -- 19 -- XLVII. How Ciaran was saved from shame -- 20 -- XLVIII. How a man was saved from robbers -- 21 -- XLIX. The death of Ciaran 35 22 38 L. The visit of Coemgen 36 -- 39 LI. The earth of Ciaran's tomb delivers Colum Cille from a whirlpool 37 23 -- LII. The envy of the saints -- -- 40 LIII. Panegyrics of Ciaran 38 24 41