to the meat--what kind it was and whence procured. They replied:
"Our master ordered us to kill a fat ram for you and we have done as
he commanded." Declan said, "Our Master is Jesus Christ and may He
show us what it is that connects the ministry of Satan with this meat
and preserve thy servants from eating forbidden food." As he spoke
thus Declan saw in the meat the claw of a dog, for, without intending
it, they had boiled one quarter of the dog with its paw adhering;
they thought they had buried it (the incriminating limb) with the
other paws. Declan exclaimed, "This is not a sheep's but a dog's
foot." When the attendants heard this they went at once to their
master and related the matter to him. Then Dercan came to Declan,
accepted his faith and received Baptism at his hands, giving himself
and his posterity to Declan for ever. Moreover he gave his homestead
to Declan and his people were baptised. After this Dercan requested
that Declan should bless something in his homestead which might
remain as a memorial of him (Dercan) for ever. Then Declan blessed a
bell which he perceived there and its name is Clog-Dhercain
("Dercan's Bell"); moreover, he declared: "I endow it with this
virtue (power) that if the king of Decies march around it when going
to battle, against his enemies, or to punish violation of his rights,
he shall return safely and with victory." This promise has been
frequently fulfilled, but proud (men) undertaking battle or conflict
unjustly even if they march around it do not obtain victory but
success remains with the enemy. The name of that homestead was
Teach-Dhercain ("Dercain's House") and its name now is Coningean,
from the claw [con] of the hound or dog aforesaid. To this place
came the saintly concourse, scil:--Coman and Ultan, MacErc and Mocoba
and Maclaisren, who dedicated themselves to (the service of) God and
placed themselves under the spiritual rule and sway of Declan.