The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-15

LEGENDARY LORE MAKES SAINT
PATRICK A WONDERFUL MAN.
Chicago Evening Post.

Chicago Evening Post
Saint Patrick was gentleman,
AS everybody knows
The patron saint OF Ireland is a unique
and rather an interesting character. That
he was OF good family Is generally conced-
ed though the date and place OF his nativity
are somewhat clouded in uncertainty. Three
separate countries-England. Scotland and
France--claim the honor Of his birth. each
Offering a observation-disclosures spot the
scene Of the event. This goes to suggest
that he must have been born again sew
eraI times. which in turn argues that he
must have been either very good or very
bad These conflicting reports finally merge
!nto one line agreeing upon the fact OF his
having been carried of by pirates when he
was about sixteen yearssold and sold az a
slave into Ireland.
Now there may be, even at this late date
possibly, a few boys of sixteen who would
consider it great luck TO be carried of by
pirates and initiated into the mysteries, but
they are not as a rule of the type and ma
terial one would choose to make saint
Patrick was different he knew his business
from the first was faithful and diligent and
devoted his wits to learning the language
and then to making his escape back to Gaul.
He then became earnest student Of the
church. After taking orders he was given
the name of Patrick-his real name was
Maenwyn-and Pope Celestine sent him to
ireland as missionary in 433.
He seems to have possessed remarkable
powers of persuasion and miracle. In fact.
he seems to have had the right OF way from
start to finish. He made converts by the
thousaca and was followed by blessings
wherever he went. Through his influence
churches, monasteries. colleges and schools
sprang up and fiourished, and Ireland be-
came SO noted for learning and piety that
tx was called the isle or Saints
His first and most difficult task was to
overcome the Druids. who were supreme
In influence over the masses They proved
inyincible TO his arguments or commands.
and he was forced to resort TO the unp0p-
ular method OF cursing- He cursed first
their fields, causing shrinkage In the corn
market: then their rivers, so that no fish
came to their nets: he cursed their ket-
ties, so that nothing would cook in them;
then, as a climax, he cursed their bodies.
so that the earth opened and swallowed
them up and they were seen no more.
DROVE OUT THE SNAKES.
One OF the great material benefits realized
from the influence OF this great saint was
the expulsion Of all snakes from the land,
so that from that day to this no reptile
dare show his head above ground Snake
stories as well as fish stories always digest
better when taken with grain Of salt.
especially as they grow older. The ways
and means employed to accomplish the ex-
tinction are old in various forms, some of
whics SAVIOR of 1.-THE Arabian Nights" 1t
appears that in the clearing out of the YER
min he came across one old inhabitant who
strenuously objected TO obeying the order
to get out" Patrick found artifice neces-
sary TO accomplish his point. He presented
a very inviting box-not an opera box-to
-
himself at home. The ungrateful beast re-
fused, claiming the box was too small, but
after long contention. merely to prove his
case. the serpent crawled in, Patrick
clapped down the lid with Nov / have
yer and threw the casket into the sea,
where ever since the serpent has writhed
and implored as any one can testify who
has ever watched the lines or listened to
the voice of the sad waves.
Up in the County Down, in one OF the
Seven lakes. a monster snake allowed him.
self 10 be chained under the impression
that he was 10 be released Monday. No
date having been given In the contract for
any particular Monday. he is still confined
there, and any member of the first families
OF the neighborhood will tell you that every
moaning over the placid surface and echo
ing along the shores, Long Monday, Pat
rick. long Monday"
Saint Patrick was jealous in the suppress
sion of slavery. and is also claimed as an
ardent supporter of the temperance cause.
There are four holy wells near his chief res
lous qualities. This temperance claim is
somewhat weakened by the assertion that
''poteen." favorite beverage, derives its
name from the saint though IL is authenti-
cally stated that he forbade all drinking
until after vespers. This Is consistent
with little incident concerning him and a
party of friends who. having been out all
night, found themselves toward morning
cold and shivering. At his direction frozen
twigs and icicles were collected. and Pat
bright flame, by which all were comforted
This incident was the inspiration OF an old
poet to write the following lines:
50. Patrick. in legends told,
The morning being very cold.
In order TO sssuage the weather
Then gently breathsd upon the pyre
When every fragment blazed in hre.
as to sas. f isfs s ass s ssn behind s2 nand
TO such love-lorn wretch as me,
Who daily struggles to be free.
"a only ask % thaw the heart.
Which leads one to remark, on the side
how much more trouble lovers used to
have adjusting matters of the heart in the
olden days than they do now. Why was
f.? Does the introduction OF electricity have
anything TO do with IL?
GREAT SWIMMING FEAT
81. Patrick is never reported to have put
his foot In his mouth" but he did some
thing more Notwithstanding which
only true and loyal son OF Erin would
ever attempt-he SWAN across the Shannon
with his head in his mouth! Beat that If
you can,
There are many very valuable and potent
''relics" Of the saint One is in possession
OF humble family near Belfast, who cher
fish IL most carefully in a curiousIy en-
bossed silver case. Ii is a piece of the law
bone. which formerly contained five teeth
Two have been bestowed upon members
of the family emigrating to America and
another was deposited under the altar of a
church at Darrieghy The special virtue of
this relic is said to be most highly appre-
ciated I'm families where an addition is soon
expected.
The shamrock Is st. Patricks symbol
Chosen leaf
or bard and chief,
Old Erfns native shamrock.
The reason for its adoption and for it's
popularity is attributed to the tradition
that the saint used its trefoil leaves as
convincing illustration of the doctrine of
the trinity.
The plant that blooms forever
With the combined
And the thistle twined
1eV the strength OF foes TO sever.
Firm be the triple league they form
Despite all change OF weather;
IN sunshine, darkness. calm storm.
stiI may they fondly grow together.
The early English calendars assume and
appoint some very curious anniversaries TO
80 ~