And as the maidens listened to his words, their hearts were kindled with heavenly love, and they inquired further what they could do to show their gratitude to this great King.

In that same hour they were baptized; and in a short time they consecrated themselves to Him, the story of whose surpassing charity had so moved their young hearts.
Their brother also obtained the grace of conversion; and an old Irish custom of killing a sheep on St.Michael's Day, and distributing it amongst the poor, is said to date from a miracle performed by St.
Patrick for this royal convert.
Nor is the story of Aengus, another royal convert, less interesting.
About the year 445, the saint, after passing through Ossory, and converting a great number of people, entered the kingdom of Munster.

His destination was Cashel, from whence King Aengus, the son of Natfraech, came forth to meet him with the utmost reverence.
This prince had already obtained some knowledge of Christianity, and demanded the grace of holy baptism.
The saint willingly complied with his request.

His courtiers assembled with royal state to assist at the ceremony.

St.Patrick carried in his hand, as usual, the Bachall Isu; at the end of this crozier there was a sharp iron spike, by which he could plant it firmly in the ground beside him while preaching, or exercising his episcopal functions.