280 CORNISH DEDICATIONS. 



across the sea. Tliey got as far as the mouth of the Tamar, 

 where they settled, and lived together for some time in prayer and 

 strictness of life. Indract planted his staff in the ground, and it 

 took root, and became a mighty oak. He also made a pond, from 

 which he daily drew fish, probably salmon, for his little 

 community. 



One day he discovered that a member of his society had 

 privily carried off a fish for his private consumption, in addition 

 to the regular meals. After this the supply failed, and Indract 

 deemed it advisable to leave. What apparently took place was 

 a quarrel among the members over the weir in the Tamar, which 

 grew so hot that the congregation separated into factions, and 

 one under Indract left. He went on to Rome, visited the tomb 

 of the apostles, and then retraced his steps, and in course of time 

 reached the neighbourhood of Glastonbury. 



The little party lodged at Shapwick, when one of the officials 

 of King Ina, named Horsa, supposing that the pilgrims had 

 money, fell on them by night, murdered the entire party, and 

 carried ofi: whatever he could lay hands on. 



King Ina at the time had his court at "Pedrot." Being 

 unable to sleep during the night, he went forth, and saw a 

 column of light standing over Shapwick. Probably Horsa had 

 set fire to the cottage of wattles in which were his victims. 



Next day Ina heard of the tragedy and ordered the removal 

 of the bodies to Glastonbury, which he was refounding. ■ Whether 

 the murderer was punished we are not told. According to this 

 legend the event took place about 710. 



There are difficulties in the story. How could the early part 

 of the history of the slaughtered men become known, as all had 

 been massacred ? No such a person as Indract, son of a King in 

 Ireland, is known in Irish history. 



The name is, however, found as that of the twenty-first 

 abbot of lona, who was in office in 849, in which year he trans- 

 ported the relics of S. Columba to Ireland. The Annals of 

 Ulster state that he was killed by the Saxons on March 12, 854.* 



* Annals of the Four Masters in 852. The Irish form of the name is 

 Indreachtaeh Hy Finachtain. Annals of Innisfallen, at date 840. It is thought 

 that be was at one time Abbot of London-Derry. 



