SAINT PATRICK AND THE CHILDREN OF FOCHLUT WOOD.

ARGUMENT.

Saint Patrick makes way into Fochlut wood by the sea, the
oldest of Erin's forests, whence there had been borne
unto him, then in a distant land, the Children's Wail
from Erin. He meets there two young Virgins, who sing
a dirge of man's sorrowful condition. Afterwards they
lead him to the fortress of the king, their father.
There are sung two songs, a song of Vengeance and a
song of Lament; which ended, Saint Patrick makes
proclamation of the Advent and of the Resurrection.
The king and all his chiefs believe with full
contentment.

One day as Patrick sat upon a stone
Judging his people, Pagan babes flocked round,
All light and laughter, angel-like of mien,
Sueing for bread. He gave it, and they ate:
Then said he, "Kneel;" and taught them prayer: but lo!
Sudden the stag hounds' music dinned the wind;
They heard; they sprang; they chased it. Patrick spake;
"It was the cry of children that I heard
Borne from the black wood o'er the midnight seas:
Where are those children? What avails though Kings
Have bowed before my Gospel, and in awe
Nations knelt low, unless I set mine eyes
On Fochlut Wood?" Thus speaking, he arose,
And, journeying with the brethren toward the West,