Hugh referred the matter to Fothadh, his poet and adviser.

The learning and piety of the bard were well known; and a decision favourable to the clergy was the result.

This decision was given in a short poem of four quatrains which is preserved in the preface to the "Martyrology" of Aengus.

The following is a literal translation:-- "The Church of the living God, Touch her not, nor waste; Let her rights be reserved, As best ever they were.
"Every true monk who is Possessed of a pious conscience, To the church to which it is due Let him act as any servant.
"Every faithful servant from that out, Who is not bound by vows of obedience, Has liberty to join in the battles Of Aedh (Hugh) the Great, son of Nial.
"This is the proper rule, Certain it is not more, not less: Let every one serve his lot, Without defect, and without refusal." This decision obtained the name of a canon, and henceforth its author was distinguished as _Fothadh na Canoine_, or Fothadh of the Canons.
At the time of the promulgation of this canon, Aengus was residing at his church of Disert Bethech, near the present town of Monasterevan, not far from where the Irish monarch had pitched his camp.
The poet visited Aengus, and showed him the canon before presenting it to the king.

An intimacy was thus commenced, which must have proved one of singular pleasure to both parties.