They remained in Rome for a considerable time and then set out once more, directing their steps now towards Tuscany, till at length they reached Fiesole,[3] where they entered the hospice of the monastery, intending to rest there for a week or two, and then to resume their journey.

[1] Also in 850, he gave the Church St. Brigid at Piacenza, to Columbanus' abbey at Bobbio,[8] provided that they establish there a hospice for Irish pilgrims.

A confirmation of this grant was obtained subsequently by Donatus from Charles the Bald at Placentia, with the condition annexed that anyone who infringed it should pay the church thirty pounds of gold.

[10] In it he alludes to his birth in Ireland, his years in the service of the princes of Italy (Lothair and Louis), his episcopate at Fiesole, and his activity as a teacher of grammar and poetry.

When it was printed by Colgan in 1647, the text was attributed to Coelan, an Irish monk of the eighth century, and only its foreword, which refers to previous Lives by Ultan and Aileran, was ascribed to the pen of Donatus.

Like Columkille, Donatus always cherished a tender regretful love for Ireland; and like him also he wrote a short poem in praise of it which is still preserved.

It is in Latin, and the following is a translation, made by a Dublin poet many years ago: Far westward lies an isle of ancient fame, By nature bless'd; and Scotia is her name, Enroll'd in books: exhaustless is her store, Of veiny silver, and of golden ore.

Her fruitful soil, for ever teems with wealth, With gems her waters, and her air with health; Her verdant fields with milk and honey flow; Her woolly fleeces vie with virgin snow; Her waving furrows float with bearded corn; And arms and arts her envied sons adorn!

Donatus' story, preserved in manuscript in the Laurentian Library in Florence, recounts that Brigid flew to his deathbed, and before she touched him, she hung her cloak on a sunbeam to dry.