Page "Columbanus" Paragraph 14

Taking advantage of the absence of restraint, he speedily returned to his monastery.

On hearing this, Thierry and Brunehault sent soldiers to drive him back to Ireland.

None but Irish monks were to accompany him.

Accordingly, he was hurried to Nevers, made to embark on the Loire, and thus proceed to Nantes.

At Tours he visited the tomb of Saint Martin and sent a message to Thierry predicting that, within three years, he and his children would perish.

At Nantes, before the embarkation, he addressed a letter to his monks.

In it he desires all to obey Attala, whom he requests to abide with the community unless strife should arise on the Easter question.

His letter concludes thus " They come to tell me the ship is ready.

The end of my parchment compels me to finish my letter.

Love is not orderly ; it is this which has made it confused.

Farewell, dear hearts of mine ; pray for me that I may live in God.

" As soon as they set sail, such a storm arose that ship was driven ashore.

The captain would have nothing more to do with the monks ; they were thus free to go where they pleased.

Columbanus made his way to the friendly King Clothaire at Soissons in Neustria where he was gladly welcomed.

Clothaire in vain pressed him to remain in his territory.