1140, May
38. Pope Innocent II., of happy memory, was then in the Apostolic See.[544] He received him courteously, and displayed kindly pity for him on account of his long pilgrimage. And Malachy in the first place asked with many tears for that which he had fixed most deeply in his heart, that he might be allowed to live and die at Clairvaux, with the permission and blessing of the chief Pontiff. He sought this, not forgetful of the purpose for which he had come, but influenced by the longing for Clairvaux which he had brought with him.[545] But he did not obtain his request, because the apostolic man decided that he should be employed to more profitable advantage. He was not, however, wholly disappointed of his heart's desire,[546] since it was granted him if not to live, at least to die there. He spent a whole month in the City, visiting the holy places and resorting to them for prayer. During that time the chief Pontiff made frequent and careful inquiry of him and those who were with him concerning the affairs of their country, the morals of the people, the state of the churches, and the great things that God had wrought by him in the land. And when he was already preparing to return home the Pope committed his own authority to him, appointing him legate throughout the whole of Ireland. For Bishop Gilbert, who, as we have mentioned above, was then legate, had intimated to him that by reason of age and infirmity of body he could no longer discharge the duties of the office.[547] After this Malachy prayed that the constitution of the new metropolis[548] should be confirmed, and that palls should be given him for both sees. The privilege of confirmation he soon received; "but regarding the palls," said the chief Pontiff, "more formal action must be taken. You must call together the bishops and clerks and the magnates of the land and hold a general council; and so with the assent and common desire of all ye shall demand the pall by persons of honest repute, and it shall be given you." Then he took his mitre from his own head, and placed it on Malachy's head,[549] and more, he gave him the stole and maniple which he was accustomed to use in the offering; and saluting him with the kiss of peace he dismissed him, strengthened with the apostolic blessing and authority.
1140, July-August
39. And returning by Clairvaux he bestowed on us a second benediction.[550] And sighing deeply that it was not allowed him to remain as he longed to do, he said, "Meanwhile I pray you to keep these men for me, that they may learn from you what they may afterwards teach us." And he added, "They will be to us for a seed, and in this seed shall the nations be blessed,[551] even those nations which from ancient days have heard the name of monk, but have not seen a monk."[552] And leaving four of his most intimate companions[553] he departed: and they, when they were proved and found worthy, were made monks. After a time, when the saint was now in his own country, he sent others,[554] and they were dealt with in like manner. And when they had been instructed for some time and had applied their hearts unto1142 wisdom,[555] the holy brother Christian,[556] who was one of themselves, was given to them to be their father, and we sent them out, adding from our own a sufficient number for an abbey.[557] And this abbey conceived and bare five daughters,[558] and the seed being thus multiplied[559] the number of monks increases from day to day according to the desire and prophecy of Malachy. Now let us return to the order of the narrative.
40. (22). Malachy having set out from us had a prosperous journey through Scotland. And he found King David,[560] who is still alive to-day, in one of his castles;[561] and his son was sick nigh unto death.[562] And when Malachy entered the king's house he was honourably received by him and prevailed upon by humble entreaty that he would heal his son.[563] He sprinkled the youth with water which he had blessed, and fastening his eyes upon him said,[564] "Trust me, my son; you shall not die this time." He said this, and on the next day, according to his word, there followed the cure, and after the cure the joy of the father and the shouting and noise of the whole exulting family. The rumour went forth[565] to all, for what happened in the royal house and to the king's son could not be hid.[566] And lo, everywhere there resounded thanksgiving and the voice of praise,[567] both for the salvation of their lord, and for the novelty of the miracle. This is Henry;[568] for he still lives, the only son of his father, a brave and prudent knight, taking after his father as they say, in following after righteousness[569] and love of the truth. And both loved Malachy, as long as he lived, because he had recalled him from death. They asked him to remain some days; but he, shunning renown, was impatient of delay, and in the morning went on his way.
As he passed, therefore, through the village called Cruggleton,[570] a dumb girl met him. While he prayed the string of her tongue was loosed and she spake plain.[571]
Then he entered the village which they call St. Michael's Church,[572] and before all the people cured a woman who was brought to him, mad and bound with cords; and when he had sent her away restored he went on.
But when he came to Portus Lapasperi,[573] he waited there for a passage some days; but the time of delay did not pass idly. In the interval an oratory is constructed of twigs woven into a hedge, he both giving directions and himself working. When it was finished he surrounded it with a wall, and blessed the enclosed space for a cemetery. The merits of him who blessed, the miracles, which are said to be wrought there frequently to this day, sufficiently declare.
41. Hence it came that they were in the habit of carrying thither from the neighbouring places those that were infirm and diseased, and many were healed.[574] A woman paralysed in all her limbs, brought thither on a waggon, returned home on foot, having waited only one night in the holy place, not in vain, for the mercy of the Lord.[575]