during those years. By aid of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him he
(Declan)--discreet Christian man that he was--avoided every fault and
every unlawful desire during that time.

5. On the completion of seven years Declan was taken from his parents
and friends and fosterers to be sent to study as Colman had ordained. It
was to Dioma they sent him, a certain devout man perfect in the faith,
who had come at that time by God's design into Ireland having spent a
long period abroad in acquiring learning. He (Dioma) built in that place
a small cell wherein he might instruct Declan and dwell himself. There
was given him also, to instruct, together with Declan, another child,
scil., Cairbre Mac Colmain, who became afterwards a holy learned bishop.
Both these were for a considerable period pursuing their studies
together.

6. There were seven men dwelling in Magh Sgiath, who frequently saw the
fiery globe which it has been already told they first beheld at the time
of Declan's birth. It happened by the Grace of God that they were the
first persons to reveal and describe that lightning. These seven came to
the place where Declan abode and took him for their director and master.
They made known publicly in the presence of all that, later on, he should
be a bishop and they spoke prophetically:--"The day, O beloved child and
servant of God, will come when we shall commit ourselves and our lands to
thee." And it fell out thus (as they foretold), for, upon believing,
they were baptised and became wise, devout (and) attentive and erected
seven churches in honour of God around Magh Sgiath.

7. Declan remained a long time with Dioma, the holy man we have named,
and acquired science and sanctity and diversity of learning and doctrine,
and he was prudent, mild, and capable so that many who knew his nobility