“Among all the miracles in Kildare, none appears to me more wonderful than th marvellous book which they say was written in the time of the Virgin [ie. St. Bridgit] at the dictation of an angel. It contains the Four Gospels according to St. Jerome, and almost every page is illustrated by drawings illuminated with a variety of brilliant colours. In one page you see the countenance of the Divine Majesty supernaturally pictured; in another, the mystic forms of the evangelists, with either six, four, or two wings: here are depicted the eagle, there the calf; here the face of man, there of a lion; with other figures in almost endless variety. If you observe them superficially, and in the usual careless manner, you would imagine them to be daubs, rather than careful compositions; expecting to find nothing exquisite. But if you apply yourself to a more close examination, and are able to penetrate the secrets of the art displayed in these pictures, you will find them so delicate and exquisite, so finely drawn, and the work of interlacing so elaborate, while the colours with which they are illuminated are so blended, and still so fresh, that you will be ready to assert that all this is the work of angelic, and not human skill.” AngelsEvangelistsHuman SkillsBook Of KildareFour GospelsIlluminated ManuscriptInsular ArtKildareSaint BrigidSaint Jerome Book:The History and Topography of Ireland Source: The History and Topography of Ireland
“Since, therefore, no man is born without faults, and he is esteemed the best whose errors are the least, let the wise man consider everything human as connected with himself; for in worldly affairs there is no perfect happiness under heaven.” MenHumansHeavenBornPerfectWiseErrorsFaultsAffairConnectedWorldlyPerfect Happiness Author:Gerald of Wales
“Wales was in ancient times divided into three parts nearly equal, consideration having been paid, in this division, more to the value than to the just quantity or proportion of territory.” ValuesThreeEqualPaidAncientProportionConsiderationDivisionDividedTerritoryQuantityWalesAncient Times Author:Gerald of Wales
“For human nature is so made that only what is unusual and infrequent excites wonder or is regarded as of value. We make no wonder of the rising and the setting of the sun which we see every day; and yet there is nothing in the universe more beautiful, or worthy of wonder. When, however, an eclipse of the sun takes place, everyone is amazed - because it happens rarely.” HumansMadeHappensBeautifulValuesUniverseWonderSunHuman NatureWorthySettingSettingsRisingUnusualAmazedEclipseEclipse Of The Sun Author:Gerald of Wales
“No one of this nation ever begs, for the houses of all are common to all; and they consider liberality and hospitality amongst the first virtues.” FirstsHouseNationsCommonVirtueHospitalityLiberality Author:Gerald of Wales
“Nature hath given not only to the highest, but also to the inferior, classes of the people of this nation, a boldness and confidence in speaking and answering, even in the presence of their princes and chieftains.” PeopleGivenNationsClassHighestInferiorsBoldness Author:Gerald of Wales
“Evil borders upon good, and vices are confounded with virtues; as the report of good qualities is delightful to a well-disposed mind, so the relation of the contrary should not be offensive.” ShouldMindWellsEvilQualityVirtueRelationVicesContraryBordersReportsOffensiveDelightfulGood Quality Author:Gerald of Wales
“Nor do I think that any other nation than this of Wales, nor any other language, whatever may hereafter come to pass, shall on the day of severe examination before the Supreme Judge, answer for this corner of the earth.” ThinkingMayEarthLanguageNationsAnswersJudgingCornersSupremeFierceSevereExaminationHereafterWales Author:Gerald of Wales
