“I never heard that before,” said Gusty. “'T is very beautiful.”
“I will tell you something else connected with it,” said Edward.
“After baptising the chief, St. Patrick made an eloquent exhortation to the assembled multitude, and in the course of his address, while enforcing his urgent appeal with appropriate gesture, as the hand which held his crosier, after being raised towards heaven, descended again towards the earth, the point of his staff, armed with metal, was driven through the foot of the chief, who, fancying it was part of the ceremony, and but a necessary testing of the firmness of his faith, never winced.”
“He was a fine fellow,” said Gusty. “And is that the crosier?” he added, alluding to the one in Edward's collection, and manifestly excited by what he had heard.
“No,” said Edward, “but one of early date, and belonging to some of the first preachers of the gospel amongst us.”
“And have you other things here with such beautiful stories belonging to them?” inquired Gusty, eager for more of that romantic lore which youth loves so passionately.
“Not that I know of,” answered Edward “but if these objects here had only tongues, if every sword, and belt, and spear-head, and golden bodkin, and other trinket could speak, no doubt we should hear stirring stories of gallant warriors and their ladye-loves.”
“Aye, that would be something to hear!” exclaimed Gusty.
“Well,” said Edward, “you may have many such stories by reading the history of your country; which if you have not read, I can lend you books enough.”
“Oh, thank you,” said Gusty; “I should like it so much.”