. . for his
learning and knowledge, for he had lived many years as
a stranger and pilgrim in Ireland"; and St. Willibrord, who
at the age of twenty journeyed to Ireland for purposes of
study, because he had heard that learning flourished in
that country.[3]
[1] Camb. Lit., i. 66.
[2] Healy, 272.
[3] Alcuin, Willibrord, c. 4.
Section III
Most of the references we have made above belong to
the sixth and seventh centuries, usually regarded as the
best age of Irish monachism. But the Irish enjoyed their
reputation unimpaired for a long time. Just before and
after the Northmen descended on their land in 795, we find
them making their mark abroad, not so much as missionaries
but as scholars and teachers.[17]
[1] See full account, R. H. S. (N. S.), v. 75.
A few instances will suffice. "The Acts of Charles,
written by a monk of St. Gallen late in the ninth century,
tells us of two Scots from Ireland,' who lighted with the
British merchants on the coast of Gaul,' and cried to the
crowd, If any man desireth wisdom, let him come unto us
and receive it, for we have it for sale.' They were soon invited
to the court of Charles.
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