of blood came when they had heard of the fullness of his sanctity and
grace. Moreover they submitted themselves to him and accepted his
religious rule. Declan judged it proper that he should visit Rome to
study discipline and ecclesiastical system, to secure for himself esteem
and approbation thence, and obtain authority to preach to the (Irish)
people and to bring back with him the rules of Rome as these obtained in
Rome itself. He set out with his followers and he tarried not till he
arrived in Rome where they remained some time.

8. At the same period there was a holy bishop, i.e. Ailbe, who had been
in Rome for a number of years before this and was in the household of
Pope Hilary by whom he had been made a bishop. When Declan with his
disciples arrived in Rome Ailbe received him with great affection and
gladness and he bore testimony before the Roman people to his (Declan's)
sanctity of life and nobility of blood. He (Declan) therefore received
marks of honour and sincere affection from the people and clergy of Rome
when they came to understand how worthy he was, for he was comely, of
good appearance, humble in act, sweet in speech, prudent in counsel,
frank in conversation, virtuous in mien, generous in gifts, holy in life
and resplendent in miracles.

9. When Declan had spent a considerable time in Rome he was ordained a
bishop by the Pope, who gave him church-books and rules and orders and
sent him to Ireland that he might preach there. Having bidden farewell
to the Pope and received the latter's blessing Declan commenced his
journey to Ireland. Many Romans followed him to Ireland to perform their
pilgrimage and to spend their lives there under the yoke and rule of
Bishop Declan, and amongst those who accompanied him was Runan, son of
the king of Rome; he was dear to Declan.