Three laymen of Ireland who became monks: Beccan son of Cula, Mochu son of Lonan, and Enda of Arann.—Notes on the Félire of Oengus (Henry Bradshaw Society, vol. xxix., p. 112).
Three chief artisans of Ireland: Tassach with Patrick, Conlaed with Brigit, and Daig with Ciaran.—Ib., p. 186.
Three poets of the world: Homer of the Greeks, Vergil of the Latins, Ruman of the Gaels.—Book of Leinster, p. 354b.
The three worst counsels that have been acted on in Ireland through the advice of saints: the cutting short of Ciaran's life, the banishment of Colum Cille, the expulsion of Mochuta from Rathen.—Notes on the Félire of Oengus, p. 204, and Tripartite Life, p. 557.[3]
[3] Where for 'wrong stories' read 'wrong counsels' (sanasa sáeba). This triad is thus versified in the Brussels ms. 5100:—
Teora saoba sanasa Leithe Cuind roc[h]aras-a:
Mochuda cona clamhrad d'ionnarba a Rathain roghlain,
cur Coluim Cille tar sal, timdibhe saeghail Ciaráin.
Three things there are for which the Son of living God is not grateful: haughty piety, harsh reproof, reviling a person if it is not certain.[4]
[4] LB., p. 225 marg. inf., and Brussels ms. 5100, fo. 86a:
Fuil trí ní (a trí Br.) doná (danach Br.) buidech mac Dé bí:
crábud úallach, coisced (coiccsed Br.) serb, écnach duine mad inderb.
Three things there are for which the King of the sun is grateful: union of brethren, upright conversation, serving at the altar of God.[5]