"Stephen Lawhead - Patrick, Son of Ireland" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lawhead Stephen)

PATRICK

Son of Ireland
by
Stephen Lawhead


Seven years your portion, under a stone, in a quagmire,
without food, without taste, but the fire of thirst you ever
torturing; the law of judges your lesson, prayer your language;

And if you like to return

You will be, for a time, a Druid, perhaps.

- Ancient irish poem

In a book belonging to Ultan, Bishop of Connor, I have found
four names for Patrick: Succat, when he was born; Magonus,
which means “Famous”; Patricius, when he was ordained; and
Corthirthiac, when he served in the House of Four Druids.

- MUIRCHU, CA. A.D. 680

PROLOGUE

Ultan watches me with wary eyes. He is afraid. The others are
no less fearful, but they are older, so hide it better. I do not
berate them nor belittle their lack of faith. Their fear is well
founded. High King Loegair has decreed that to strike a fire on
this Beltaine night is certain death to him who strikes it. And
here on the hill of Cathair Ban we are about to kindle a beacon
that will be seen from one end of this dark island to the other.

I do what I can to calm them. “Brothers,” I say, “I pose a
question. Answer if you can. Which is greater, a salmon or a
whelk?”

“The salmon, king offish, is obviously greater,” answers the
trusting For-gall.

“Beyond all doubt?”

“Beyond any doubt whatever,” he replies; the others nod and
murmur in agreement.

“Then tell me this: Which is greater, a salmon or a man?”

“Not difficult, that,” replies Forgall. “A man is certainly
greater.”