Mochuda, now grown old and of failing powers and strength, was wearied
and worried by the incessant clamour of building operations--the
dressing of stones and timber--carried on by the multitude of monks and
artisans. He therefore by consent and counsel of the brethren retired
to a remote, lonely place situated in a glen called "Mochuda's Inch"
below the great monastery. He took with him there a few monks and built
a resplendent monastery; he remained in that place a year and six months
more leading a hermitical life. The brethren and seniors of the
community visited him (from time to time) and he gave them sound,
sweetly-reasoned advice. He received a vow from each to follow his
Rule, for he was the support of the aged, the health-giver to the weak,
the consoler of the afflicted, the hope-giver to the hopeless, the
faith-giver to the doubting, the moderator and uniter of the young.

As soon as Mochuda saw the hardship to the visiting brothers and elders
of the descent from Lismore and the ascent thereto again--knowing at the
same time that his end was approaching--he ordered himself to be carried
up to the monastery so that the monks might be saved the fatigue of the
descent to him. Then it pleased God to call to Himself His devoted
servant from the troubles of life and to render to him the reward of his
good works. He opened the gates of heaven then and sent to him a host
of angels, in glory and majesty unspeakable. When Mochuda saw the
heavens open above him and the angel band approaching, he ordered that
he be set down in the middle of the glen and he related to the seniors
the things that he had seen and he asked to receive the Body of Christ
and he gave his last instruction to the monks--to observe the Law of God
and keep His commands. The place was by the cross called "Crux
Migrationis," or the cross from which Mochuda departed to Glory. Having
received the Body and Blood of Christ, having taught them divine