272 THE SHRINE OF ST. PATRICK'S BELL.
rival
in the home of his choice, but 432 is the date commonly received, at
which time he appears to have been something under twenty-five years of
age. He first went to the north with the intention of seeking out
Milchu his master. But this individual burnt up both himself and his
house on the approach of the Saint in order not to be converted. So at
least ancient annals declare. It must be confessed that this paganism
was of the most robust type.
Having
failed in this quarter he then proceeded to the Boyne. This is one of
the most picturesque of rivers winding about among its wooded banks.
Both sides of the river are now dotted with handsome and carefully-kept
parks where ornamental trees and cows stand in pleasing and picturesque
groups, while the smoothly-mown grass rolls like green velvet down to
the water's edge. The water itself is limpid and clear as crystal, and
in the deep pools the silvery salmon leap high into the air after
heedless flies who come within reach. It
