Four Ancient Books of Wales.pdf I.

HISTORICAL POEMS CONTAININa ALLUSIONS
TO EVENTS PRIOR TO a.d. 560.



F0EM8 REFEBRINO TO EARLY TRADITIONS.

L
Thx Bkconoillition or Llud thx I«& .

BOOK OF TALIESSHT liY.
Text, ToL iL pb 813. Notes, toL iL p. 488.

^N the name of the Ood of Trinity, of knowing oharitjr,
A tribe numerous, ungentle their arrogance^
Have overrun Piydain, chief of islea
Men of the land of Asia, and land of Oafis.
A people of perfect prudence, their country is not known.
Their mother country ; they deviated on account of the sea.
Flowing their coats ; who is like themt
With discretion let the work of foes be brought about^
Europin, Arafin, Arafania
10 The Christian unmindful was impelled certainly
Beforo the reconciliation of liud and Uevelys.
The possessor of the fiedr isle trembled
Beforo the chief from Bome, of splendid tenor.
Neither hesitating nor crafty the king, fluent his speech.
Who has seen what I have seen of the strange speeohT
Thero wero formed a squaro masty the clarions of joumqr»
Before the presence of Boman leader thero is conflagration.



TBANSLATION OF THE POEHS



254 P0EX8 RKFERRINO TO

The son of Gradd, of fluent speech, retaliated,
CTmry burning : war on slaves.
20 I will consider, I will deliberate who caused them to ga
The Biythonic eneigy aroee.



11.
Tn Death-Sono of Corroi, Son of Datrt.

BOOK OF TAIJE88IN XLIL
Text, ToL iL p. 198. Notes, toL ii. p. 417.

L . t^HY laige fountain fills the river.
Thy coming will make thy value of little worth.
The death-song of Corroy agitates ma
If the warrior will allure, rough his temper.
And his evil was greater than its renown was great^
To seize the son of Dayry, lord of the southern sea,
Celebrated was his praise before she was entrusted to him.

IL Thy laige fountain fills the stream.

Thy coming will cause saddling without haste,
The death-song of Ck)rroi is with me now.
If (the warrior) will allure.

UL Thy large fountain fills the deep.

Thy arrows traverse the strand, not frowning or depressed.

The warrior conquers, great his rank of soldiers^

And after penetrating enters towns

And . . . the pure stream was promptly whitened.

WhOst the victorious one in the morning heaps carnage ;

Tales will be known to me from sky to earth.

Of the contention of Gorroi and Cocholyn,

Kumeioua their tumults about their borders^



BABLT TRADmOllS. 266

Springs the chief o*er the sunoonding mead of the some-
what gentle wood.
A Caer there was, love-difi[using» not paling, not trembling.
Happy is he whose sonl is rewarded.

III.
The Death-Soko of Ebof.

m

BOOK OF TALIESaiN XU
Text, ToL ii. p. 196. Notes, yoL iL p. 419.

^^EKB changed the elements

like night into day,

When came the gloriously-firee^

Ercwlf chief of baptism.

Ercwlf said.

That he valued not death.

Shield of the Mordei

Upon him it broke.

Ercwlf the arranger,
10 Determined, frantic

Four columns of equal length ;

Buddy gold along them.

The columns of Ercwlf

Will not dare a threatening^

A threatening will not dare.

The heat of the sun did not leave him.

No one went to heaven

Until went he,

Ercwlf the wall-piercer.
20 May the sand be my covering.

May the Trinity grant me

Mercy on the day of judgment^

In unity without want



>



V



25G POEMS REFERRING TO



/



IV.



BOOK OF TALIE88IN XU.
Text, voL iL p. 197. Notes, toL iL p. 410.

ffl, ADAWG, the joy of the wall,

Madawg, before he was in the graven

Was a fortress of abundance

Of games, and society.

The son of Uthyr before he was dain,

From his hand he pledged thea

Erof the cruel came.

Of impotent joy ;

Of impotent sorrow.

10 Erof the cruel caused
Treacheries to Jesus.
Though he believed.
The earth quaking
And the elements darkening.
And a shadow on the world,
And baptism trembling.
An impotent step
Was taken by fierce Erof,
Going in the course of things

20 Among the hideous fiends
Even to the bottom of UflTem.



XARLT TKilDITIOira. 267



V. •

BOOK OF TALIX88IX XLVI.
Text, voL iL p. 200. Notes, toL ii. p. 418.

3E AM Taliesin the ardent ;

I will enricli the praise of baptism.

At the baptism of the ruler, the worshipper wondered,

The conflict of the rocks and rocks and plaixL

There is trembling from fear of Cunedda the burner,

In Caer Weir and Caer Lliwelydd.

There is trembling from the mutual encounter.

A complete billow of fire over the seas,

A wave in which the brave fell among his companionsi *
10 A hundred received his attack on the earthy

like the roaring of the wind against the ashen speara

His dogs raised their backs at his presence^

They protected, and believed in his kindnesa

The bards are arranged according to accurate canons.

The death of Cunedda, which I deplore, is depbred.

Deplored be the strong protector, the fearless defender,

He will assimilate^ he will agree with the deep and shaUow,

A deep cutting he will agree ta

(His) discourse raised up the bard stricken in poverty.
20 Harder against an enemy than a bona

Pre-eminent is Cnnedda before the farrow (i «. the grave)

And the sod. His face was kept

A hundred times before there was dissolution. A dooi^
hurdle

The men of Bryniich carried in the battle.

They became pale from fear of him and his terror ohill-
moving.

Before the earth was the portion of his end.
VOL L 8



26S FORMS REFERRING TO

Like a swarm of swift dogs about a thicket

Sheathing (swords is) a worse cowardice than adversity.

The destiny of an annihilating sleep I deplore,
30 For the palace, for the shirt of Cunedda ;

For the salt streams, for the freely-dropping sea.

For the prey, and the quantity I lose.

The saxt»sm of bards tliat disparage I will harrow,

And others that thicken I will count

He was to be admired in the tumult with nine hundred
horse.

Before the communion of Cunedda,

There would be to me milch cows in summer,

There would be to me a steed in winter.

There would be to me bright wine and oiL
40 There would be to me a troop of slaves against any advance.

He was diligent of heat from an equally brave visitor.

A chief of lion aspect^ ashes become his fellow-countiymen,

Against the son of Edem, before the supremacy of tenors,

He was fierce, dauntless, irresistible,

For the streams of death he is distressed.

He carried the shield in the pre-eminent place.

Truly valiant were his princes.

Sleepiness^ and condolence^ and pale fronts

A good step^ will destroy sleep from a believer.



AKTHim THI OOLBDIO. 259



B.
POMMS REFEBBINO TO ARTHUR THB QULBDIO.

»

VL
Thk Chair of ths Sovkbuoh.

book of tauessin xv.

Text, ToL iL p. 165. Notes, yoL iL pu 404.

IP^HE declaration of a clear song;

Of unbounded Awen,

About a warrior of two authoi8»

Of the race of the steel Ala.

With his staff and his wisdom,

And his swift irruptions,

And hi. .«««ig. jA«* .

And his scriptural number,

And his red purple,
10 And his assault over the wall.

And his appropriate chair.

Amongst the retinue of the walL

Did not (he) lead fix>m Cawmur

Horses pale supporting burdens?

The sovereign elder.

The generous feeder.

' The third deep wise one,

To bless Arthur,

Arthur the blessed,
20 tn a compact song. '

On the ftce in battle,

Upon him a restless activity.

Who are the three chief ministers '

That guarded the country?



260 POEMS REFERRING TO

Who are the three skilful (ones)

That kept the token ?

That will come with eagerness

To meet their lord ?

High (is) the virtue of the course,
SO High will be the gaiety of the old.

High (is) the horn of travelling,

High the kine in the evening.

High (is) truth when it shines,

Higher when it speaks.

High when came from the cauldron

The three awens of Qogyrwen.

I have been Mynawg, wearing a collar.

With a horn in my hand

He deserves not the chair
40 That keeps not my word

With me is the splendid chair.

The inspiration of fluent (and) uigent song.

What the name of the three Caers,

Between the flood and the ebb ?

No one knows who is not pressing

The offspring of their president

Four Caers there are,

In Prydain, stationary,

Chiefs tumultuous.
50 As for what may not be, it will not be.

It will not be, because it may not be.

Let him be a conductor of fleets.

Let the billow cover over the shingle.

That the land becomes ocean.

So that it leaves not the diffs.

Nor hill nor dale.

Nor the least of shelter.

Against the wind when it shall rage.



ABTHUK THE GULEDIG. 361

The chair of the sovereign 1

60 He that keeps it is skilfuL

Let them be sought there I

Let the munificent be sought i

Warriors lost^

I think in a wrathful manner.

From the destruction of chief%

In a butchering manner,

From the loricated Legion,

Arose the Guledig,

Around the old renowned boundaiy.
70 The sprouting sprigs axe broken,

Fragile in like manner.

Fickle and dissolving.

Around the violent borders.

Of roving sea-adventurera,
Of the children of Saraphiu.
A task deep (and) pure
To liberate Elphin.



VIL

BLACK BOOK 07 GASBMABTHKN XXIL
Text, voL iL p. 60. NoteSi yoL iL p. 360.

"l^^HAT man is the porter?

Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr.

Who is the man that asks it!

Arthur and the fiedr CaL

How goes it with thee?

Truly in the best way in the world*

Into my house thou shalt not come,



J



POEMS REFERRING TO

Unless thou prevailest

I forbid it
10 Thou Shalt see it

If Wythnaint were to go,

The three would be unlucky :-—

Mabon, the son of Mydron^

The servant of Uthir Pendragon ;

Cysgaint, the son of Banon ;

And Gwyn Godybrion.

Terrible were my servants

Defending their rights.

Manawydan, the son of Uyr,
20 Deep was his counsel.

Did not Manawyd bring

Perforated shields from Tiywruid T

And Mabon, the son of Mellt

Spotted the grass with blood !

And Anwas Adeiniog,

And Uwch Uawynnog —

Guardians were they

On Eiddyn Cymminog,

A chieftain that patronised them.
SO He would have his will and make redress.

Cai entreated him,

While he killed every third person.

When Celli was lost,

Cuelli was found ; and rejoiced

Cai, as long as he hewed down.

Arthur distributed gifts.

The blood trickled down.

In the hall of Awamach,

Fighting with a hag,
40 He deft the head of PalacL

In the fastnesses of Dissethach,



ARTHUB THE OULBDIO. 26S

In Mjmyd Eiddyn,

He contended with Cynvyn ;

By the hundied there they fell»

There they fell by the handled, y

Before the accomplished Bedwyr. y

On the strands of Tiywroid,

Contending with Garwlwyd, .

Brave was his disposition,
oO With sword and shield ;

Vanity were the foremoet men

Compared with Cai in the battle \

The sword in the battle

Was unerring in his hand.

They were stanch commanders

Of a legion for the benefit of the countiy—

Bedwyr and Bridlaw ;

Nine hundred would to them listen ;

Six hundred gasping for breath
60 Would be the cost of attacking them.

Servants I have had,

Better it was when they were.

Before the chiefs of Emrais

I saw Cai in haste.

Booty for chieftains

Was Gwrhir among foes ;. v. : • .

Heavy was his vengeance, \ . '

Severe his advance.

When he drank from the horn, ..

70 He would drink with four.

To battle when he would come .

By the hundred would he slaughter;

There was no day that would satisfy him.

Unmerited was the ^eath of CaL

Cai the fSedr. and Uachau,



POEMS REFERRING TO

Battles did they sustaiu.
Before the pang of blue shafts
In the heights of Tstavingon
Cai pierced nine witches.
80 Cai the fiedr went to Mona,
To devastate liewon.
His shield was ready
Against Cath Palug
When the people welcomed him.
Who pierced the Cath Palug?
Nine score before dawn
Would M for its food.
Nine score chieftains.



vni.

BOOK OP TAUE88IN XXX
Text, ToL ii p. 181. Notes, voL iu p^ 410.

!• S WILL praise the sovereign, supreme king of the land.
Who hath extended his dominion over the shore of the

world.
Complete was the prison of Gweir in Caer Sidi,

_ •

Through the spite of Pwyll and PryderL

No one before him went into it

The heavy blue chain held the faithful youth,

And before the spoils of Annwvn woefully he sings,

And till doom shall continue a bard of prayer.

Thrice enough to fill Piydwen, we went into it ;

Except seven, none returned from Caer Sidi

IL Am I not a candidate for fame, if a song is heard !
In Caer Pediyvan, four its revolutions ;
In the first word from the cauldron when spoken.



ARTHUB THB GULKDIO. 266

From the breath of nine maidens it was gently wanned.
Is it not the cauldron of the chief of Annwvil ! What is

its intention t
A lidge about its edge and pearls.
It will not boil the food of a coward, that has not been

sworn,
A sword bright gleaming to him was raised.
And in the hand of Lleminawg it Was left
And before the door of the gate of Uffem the lamp was

burning.
And when we went with Arthur/ a splendid labour.
Except seven, none returned from Caer Yedwyd.

•

m. Am I not a candidate for fame with the listened song
In Caer Pedryvan, in the isle of the strong door?
The twili^t and pitchy darkness were mixed together.
Bright wine their liquor before their retmue.
Thrice enough to fill Piydwen we went on the sea»
Except seven, none returned from Caer Bigor.

IV. I shall not deserve much from the ruler of literature.
Beyond Caer Wydyr they saw not the prowess of Arthur.
Three score Canhwr stood on the wall.
Difficult was a conversation with its sentineL

*

Thrice enough to fill Prydwen there went with Arthur,
Except seven, none returned from Caer Qolud.

V. I shall not deserve much from those with long shields^ .
They know not what day, who the causer,
What hour in the serene day Cwy was born.
Who caused that he should not go to the dales of Devwj.
They know not the brindled ox, thick his headrband.
Seven score knobs in his collar.
And when we went with Arthur of anxious memoiy.
Except seven, none returned from Caer Yandwy.



POEMS REF£BRIKO TO

I shall not deserve much fix>m those of loose bias.
They know not what day the chief was caused.
yfbaX hour in the serene day the owner was bom.
yniaX animal they keep, silver its head.
IVhen we went with Arthur of anxious contention,
Except seven, none returned fix>m Caer Ochren.

Monks congregate like dogs in a kennel.
From contact with their superiors they acquire knowledge^
Is one the course of the wind, is one the water of the sea!
Is one the spark of the fire, of unrestrainable tumult?
Monks congregate like wolves.
From contact with their superiors they acquire knowledge.
Ihey know not when the deep night and dawn divide.
Nor what is the course of the wind, or who agitates it^
In what place it dies away, on what land it roars.
Ihe grave of the saint is vanishing from the altar-tomb.
I wiQ pray to the Lord, the great supreme^
Thai I be not wretched. Christ be my portioa



IX.
Geraint, Son of Erbin.

black book of caermabthen xxil

Ttzt, voL iL p. 37. Notes, voL iL pc 346.

RKD BOOK OF HEBQEBT XIV.
ToLty voL iL p. 274. Notes, vol. iL p. 441.

L }@EFOBE Geraint^ the enemy of oppression,
I saw white horses jaded and gory.
And after the shout^ a terrible resiBtance.



ARTHUB THE OULEDia . . 267

Q. Before Geiaint^ the unflmching fbe^

I saw horses jaded and goiy from the 1)aitle^ ^ *
And after the shouts a tenible impulsion.

m. Before Oeraint^ the enemy of tyranny, .
I saw horses white with foam.
And afiier the shouts a teirible toneni

iv. In Llongborth I saw the rage of slanghter,
And biers beyond all number.
And red-stained men from the assault of Gendnt

y. In Llongborth I saw the edges of blades in contact^
Men in terror, and blood on the pate^
Before Geraint^ the great son of his fiither.

▼L In llongborth I saw the spurs

Of men who would not flinch from the dread of the speai%
And the drinking of wine out of the bright glasa

TIL In llongborth I saw the weapons
Of men, and blood ftst dropping;
And after the shout^ a fearful return.

YiiL In llongborth I saw Arthur,

And brave men who hewed down with steel, *
Emperor, and conductor of the toil -

a. In llongborth Oeraint was slain,

A brave man from the region of Dymaint^
And before they were oveipowered, thqr omnmi^ed
daughter.



268 POEMS RKFEBRIKO TO ABTHUR THB GULKDIO.

X Uoder the thigh of Geraint were swift lacen^
Long-l^ged» with wheat for their com,
Buddy ones, with the assault of spotted eaglea

XL Under the thigh of Geraint were swift racers,
Long their l^s, grain was given them.
Baddy ones, with the assault of black eagles.

XIL Under the thigh of (jeraint were swift racers»
Long-lagged, restless over their grain.
Baddy ones, with the assault of red eagles.

xm. Under the thigh of Greraint were swift racers,
Long-lq;ged, grain-scattering
Baddy ones, with the assault of white eaglea

znr. Under the thigh of Geraint were swift racers^
Long-lagged, with the pace of the Btag,
With a nose like that of the consuming fire on a wild
mountain.

XT. Under the thigh of Geraint were swift racers.
Long-legged, satiated with grain,
Grey ones, with their manes tipped with silver.

XVL Under the thigh of Geraint were swift racers^
Long-lagged, well deserving of grain.
Buddy ones, with the assault of grey eagles.

xvu. Under the thigh of Geraint were swift racers,
Long-lq;ged, having com for food,
Buddy ones, with the assault of brown eagles.

xmL When Geraint was bom, open were the gates of heaven,
Christ granted what was asked,

the appearance of glorious



rOEHS UnBBIMO TO OWTDTON AT DON. 269



0.

POEMS REFEBBING TO OWTDTON AP DON AND
HIS OWYDDYL AND THE BRITHWYK



Dabomwt.
book of talib881n x.

Text, vol. iL p. 147. Notes, tdL u. pi 400/ .

^TOD pieserve the heavens

From a flood wide spjeading.

The first sui^ging billow

Has rolled over the sea-beaoh.

What tree is greater

Than he^ Daronwy 7

I know not for a refuge

Around the proud circle of heaven, '

That there is a mystery which is gMittr.
10 The light of the men of Ooronwy. '

Perhaps it may be known.

The magic wand of Mathonwy,

In the wood when it growa . '

Fruits more profitable.

On the bank of Gwyllyonwy.

Cynan shall obtain it^ .^ :

At the time when he govema

There will come yet

Over the ebb and over the strand,
20 Four chief sovereignties^

And the fifth not worsa

Men vehement^ extensive.



■



^



S70 POKMS BEFERRIKO TO OWTDTOK AP DOK

Over Piydain (their) poipoee.

Women shall be eloquent^

Stnngen shall be captive^
. A totient of longing

For mead and horsemanship.

Iliere will come two ladies^

A widow, and a slender single one ;
30 Iron their wings,

On warriors brooding.

Chieflains will come,

From about the land of Bome.

Their song will harmonise,

Their praise will spread abroad.

The nature of the oak and thorns

In song will harmonise.

A dog to draw,

A horse to more.
40 An ox to gore ; a sow to turn up.

The fifth £Eur young beast Jesus made

From the apparel of Adam to proceed

Hie foliage of trees, fair to behold them,

Whilst they were, and whilst it was.

When the Cymiy shall commit transgressions,

A foreigner will be found, who will love what was ?

I haye leaped a leap from a clear leap,

Good has been dispersed abroad, if a person finds no
eviL

The funeral-pile of Bun, it is an expiation,
60 Between Gaer Bian and Gaer Bywg,

Between Dineiddyn and Dineiddwg ;

A clear glance and a watchful sight

From the agitation of fire smoke will be raised.

And God our Creator will defend us.



AKD HIS OWTDDTL AMD TBI BBREVTB. 271



XL

The Praise of Lludd tbm Quut,
book of tauessik ul

Text, tdL u. pi 207. NoteBy toL iL p^ 4Si.

» •

Ip^HE best 80Dg they will dispiaiaia^
Eight numbers they will protect^ .
Monday, they will oome,
Devastating they will.ga.
Tuesday, they will portion
Anger against the adversary. .
Wednesday, they will reap.
Pomp in excess. ,

Thursday, they will part with
10 The undesired possessor.
Friday, a day of abundance
In the blood of men they will swim. '.
Saturday

Sunday, certainly, . . j

Assuredly there wiU come |

Five ships and five hundred
That make supplication —

BrUhi, Brithi /

Co-oceupaney or baiUe.
20 BrUhi Brithanai /

B^ore haUU, baUko/ypean in theJUUL
Son of the wood of Cogni,
There will be an adventuring of .
Every one to Adonai
On the sward of Pwmpai
An intimation they prophesy
A long cry against overwhelming;



POEMS BBFERRINO TO OWTDTOK AP DON

Long the public liarmony

Of Cadwaladyr and Gynan.
80 The world's profit (is) small,

The heat of the son is lost

The Druid will prophesy

What has been will be.

Slqr of Geirionydd,

I would go with thee

Gloomy like the evening,

In the recesses of the mountain.

When should be the full length

The Biython in chasing.
40 To the Brython there will be

Blood of glorious strenuousness^

After gold and golden trinketa

The devastation of Moni and lieeni*

And Eiyri, a dwelling in it

It is a perfect prophecy.

With dwellings laid wasta

The Gymiy of four languages

Shall change their speech.

Until shall come the cow, the speckled cow
50 That shall cause a blessing

On a fine day lowing,

On a fine night being boiled.

On the land of the boiler.

In the ships of the consumer.

Let the song of woe be chaunted.

Around the encircling border of Piydain.

They will come, with one purpose^

To resist a maritime disgraca

Be true the happiness
60 Of the sovereign of the world

The worshippers adored together,



AND HIS GWYDDTL AND THE BRITHWTB. 278

To the dale of grievous water it was gone

A portion full of com

Invites conflagratioa

Without Eppa^ without a oow-«talL *

Without a luzuiy of the world

The world will be desolate, usele8&

The deceitful will be fated. (^

Activity through freshness. ^

70 Small men are almost deceived

By the white-bellied trotter.

A hawk upon baptism

The swords of warriors will not pierce pyllellawi:

They had not what they wished for.

Violent is the grasp of the townman.

And to warriois there is a love of blood.

Cymry, Angles, Gwyddyl, of Pkydyn.

The Gymry, swift in mischief

Will launch their ships on the lake.
80 The North has been poisoned by rovers

Of a livid hateful hue and form.

Of the race of Adam the ancient

The third will be brought to set ont^

Bavens of the accurate retinue,

The sluggish animals of Seithin.

On sea, an anchor on the Christian.

A ciy from the sea, a cry from the mountain,

A cry from the sea, they vigorously utter.

Wood, field, dale, and hill.
90 Eveiy speech without any one attending,

High minded from evexy place

There will be oonfusioa

A multitude enraged,

And distress diffused

Vengeances through ready belief abiding. . .
YOU L T



274 POEMS BEFERRING TO GWTDTON AP DON

That the Creator afflicts, the powerfal God of
exalted state.

A long time before the day of doom.

There will come a day

And a reader will rise,
100 In the pleasant border of the land of Iwerdon,

To Piydain then will come exaltation,

Biython of the nobility of Bome.

There will be to me a judge unprejadioed, Toid
of guile;

The astrologers (or diviners) prophesy,

In the land of the lost ones.

Druids prophesy

Beyond the sea» beyond the Brython.

The summer will not be serene weather.

The noblemen shall be broken,
110 It will come to them from treachery

Beyond the effusion of the father of Ked.

A thousand in the judgment of exalted Piydain,

And within its united boundary.

May I not Ml into the embrace of the swamp.

Into the mob that peoples the depths of Uffem.

I greatly fear the flinty covering

With the Guledig of the boundless countiy.

XII.

BOOK OF TALIS8SIN XIV.
Text, roL u. pi 163. Notes, voL iL p^ 403.

^ WILL adore the love-diffusing Lord of every kindred.
The sovereign of hosts manifestly round the universa
A battle at the feast over joyless beverage^
A battle against the sons of Llyr in Ebyr Henvelen.



AND HIS OWTDDTL AND THK BRITHWTB. 275

I saw the oppresaion of the tumult, and wiafth and

tribulation,
The blades gleamed on the glittering helmets,
A battle against the lord of feme, in the dales of the Sersn,
Against Brochwel of Powys, that loved my Awen.
A battle in the pleasant course early against UrieOy

10 There falls about our feet blood on destruction.

Shall not my chair be defended from the oauldnm of
Ceridwen!
' May my tongne be free in the sanctuaiy of the praise of
Gogjnwen.
The praise of Gogyrwen is an oblation, which has satisfied
Them, with milk, and dew, and acorns.
Let us consider deeply before is heard confession,
That is coming assuredly death nearer and nearer.
And round the lands of Enlli the Dyvi has poured,
Baising the ships on the surface of the plain.
And let us call upon him that hath made us,

20 That he may protect us from the wrath of the alien nation.
When the isle of Mona shall be called a pleasant field,
Happy they the mild ones, the affliction of the Saxona
I came to Deganwy to contend
With Maelgwn, the greatest in delinquencies^
I liberated my lord in the presence of the distributor,
Elphin, the sovereign of greatly aspiring ones.
There are to me three chairs regular, accordant^
And until doom they will continue with the singers.
I have been in the battle of Godeu, with lieu and
Owydion,

30 They changed the form of the elementaiy trees and sedgea
I have been with Bran in Iwerdoa
I saw when was killed Morddwydtylloa
I heard a meeting about the minstrels,
With the Qwyddyl, devils^ distillers.



276 POEMS BKFERRIKG TO GWYDTON AP DON

From Peniyn Wleth to Loch Boon
Hie Cymry are of one mind, bold heroes.
Deliver thou the Gymiy in tribulation.
Three race8» cmel from true disposition,
Gwyddyl, and BiyUion, and Bomani,
40 Create discord and confusion.

And about the boundary of Prydain^ beautiful its towns,
Tliere is a battle against chiefs above the mead-vessels,
In the festivals of the Distributor, who bestowed gifla

upon ma
The chief astrologers received wonderful gifts.
Complete is my chair in Caer Sidi,
No one will be afflicted with disease or old age that may

be in it
It is known to Manawyd and PryderL
Three utterances, around the fire^ will he sing before it^
And around its borders are the streams of the ocean.
50 And the firuitful fountain is above it^

Is sweeter than white wine the liquor therein.

And when I shall have worshipped thee, Most High,

before the sod
May I be found in covenant with thee.



XIII.
The Battle of Godeu.
book of tauessin viil

Text, voL ii. pi 137. Notes, voL iL pi 399.

3E HAVE been in a multitude of shapes,
Before I assumed a consistent form.
I have been a sword, narrow, vari^ted,
I will believe when it is apparent



AND HIS OWTDDTL AND THB BRITHWYB. 277

I have been a tear in the air,

I have been the dullest of stars,

I have been a word among letten^

I have been a book in the origia

I have been the light of lanterns.
10 A year and a half.

I have been a continuing bridge^

Over three score Abers.

I have been a course, I have been an eagle.
• I have been a coracle in the seas :

I have been compliant in the banquet

I have been a drop in a shower ;

I have been a sword in the grasp of the hand :

I have been a shield in battla

I have been a string in a harp,
20 Disguised for nine years.

In water, in foam.

I have been sponge in the fire,

I have been wood in the covert

I am not he who will not sing of

A combat though small.

The conflict in the battle of Ooden of sprigs.

Against the Guledig of Piydain,

There passed central horses^

Fleets full of riches.
30 There passed an animal with wide jawa^

On it there were a hundred head^. *

And a battle was contested

Under the root of his tongue ;

And another battle there is

In his occiput.

A black sprawling toad.

With a hundred claws on it

A snake speckled, crested. ,



P0KM8 BEFEBRING TO GWYDYON AP DON

A hundred souls through sin
40 Shall be tormented in its flesh.

I have beea in Caer Yevenir,

Thither hastened grass and trees.

Minstrels were singing,

Warrior-bands were wondering,

At the exaltation of the Brython,

That Gwydyon eflfected.

There was a calling on the Creator,

Upon Christ for causes.

Until when the Eternal
60 Should deliver those whom he had made.

The Lord answered them.

Through language and elements :

Take the forms of the principal trees,

Arranging yourselves in battle array,

And restraining the public.

Inexperienced in battle hand to hand.

When the trees were enchanted,

In the expectation of not being trees.

The trees uttered their voices
60 From strings of harmony,

The disputes ceased.

Let us cut short heavy days,

A female restrained the din.

She came forth altogether lovely.

The head of the line, the head was a femala

The advantage of a sleepless cow

Would not make us give way.

The blood of men up to our thighs.

The greatest of importunate mental exertions
70 Sported in the world.

And one has ended

From considering the deluge,



AND HIS OWTDDYL AND THS BBITHWTB. 279

•

And Christ crucified^

And the day of judgment near at hand.

The alder-trees, the head of the line^

Formed the van.

The willows and quicken-trees

CSame late to the army.

Plum-trees, that are scaroSi
80 Unlonged for of men.

The elaborate medlar-trees.

The objects of contention.

The prickly rose-bushes,

Against a host of giants,

The raspberry brake did

What is better failed

For the security of Ufa ; /

Privet and woodbine

And ivy on its fronts
90 like furze to the combat

The cherry-tree was provoked.
• The birch, notwithstanding his high mindt

Was late before he was arrayed.

Not because of lus cowardice^

But on account of his greatness.

The laburnum held in mind.

That your wild nature was foreign.

Pine-trees in the porch,

The chair of disputation,
100 By me groaUy exalted.

In the presence of kings.

The elm with his retinue^

Did not go aside a foot ;

He would fight with the centre^

And the flanks, and the rear.

Hasel-liees^ it was judged ,



S80 P0IH8 BSFEBBINO TO GWTDTON AP DOK

That ample was thy mental exertion.

The privet^ happy his lot^

The bull of battle, the lord of the worR
110 Moiawg and Morydd

Were made prosperous in pines.

Holly, it was tinted with green,

He was the hero.

The hawthorn, surrounded by prickles^

With pain at his hand*

The aspen-wood has been topped,

It was topped in battle.

The fern that was plundered.

The broom, in the van of the army,
120 In the trenches he was hurt

The gorse did not do well.

Notwithstanding let it orerspread.

The heath was victorious, keeping off on all
sides.

The common people were charmed.

During the proceeding of the men.

The oak, quickly moving,

Before him, tremble heaven and earth.

A valiant door-keeper against an enemy.

His name is considered.
130 The blue-bells combined,

And caused a consternation.

In rejecting, were rejected.

Others, that were perforated.

Pear-trees, the best intruders

In the conflict of the plain.
A veiy wrathful wood.
The chestnut is bashful^
The opponent of happiness,
The jet has become black.



AND HIS GWTDDTL AND TUX BBITHWYB.



281



140 The mountain has become crooked.

The woods have become a kiln.

Existing formerly in the great seaa^

Since was heard the shout : —

The tops of the birch covered us with leavei^

And transformed u^ and changed our faded ttato^

The branches of the oak have ensnared ns

From the Gwarchan of Maelderw.

Laughing on the side of the rook»

The lord is not of an ardent natoreL
160 Not of mother and father.

When I was made^

Did my Creator create me.

Of nine-formed faculties^

Of the fruit of fruits,

Of the fruit of the primordial God,

Of primroses and blossoms of the hill,

Of the flowers of trees and shrubii

Of earth, of an earthly course^

When I was formed.
160 Of the flower of nettles,

Of the water of the ninth wave.

i

I was enchanted by Math, I

Before I became immortal,
I was enchanted by Gwydyon
The great purifier of the Bry then.
Of Eurwys, of Euron,
Of Euron, of Modroa
Of five battalions of scientific onei^
Teachers, children of MatL
170 When the removal occurred,
I was enchanted by the Guledig;
When he was half-burnt^
I was enchanted by the sage



S82 POniB REFERRINO TO OWTDTOH AP DON

Of sagea^ in the primitive world

When I had a being ;

When the host of the world waa in dignity;

The bard waa accustomed to benefits

To the aong of praise I am inclined, which the
tongue recites.

I played in the twilight^
180 I slept in purple ;

I was truly in the enchantment

With Dylan, the son of the wava

In the circumference, in the middle,

Between the knees of kings.

Scattering spears not keen,

From heaven when came,

To the great deep^ floods^

In the battle there will be

Four score hundreds,
190 That will divide according to their wilL

They are neither older nor younger,

Than myself in their divisions.

A wonder, Canhwr are bom, every one of nine
hundred.

He was with me also,

With my sword spotted with blood.

Honour was allotted to me

By the Lord, and protection (was) where he was.

If I come to where the boar was killed,

He will compose, he will decompose,
aOO He will form languages.

The strong-handed gleamer, lus name,

With a gleam he rules his numbers.

They would spread out in a flame.

When I shall go on high.

I have been a speckled snake on the hill.



AND HIS GWYDDTL AND THE BBITHWTB. 28S

I have been a viper in the liyn.

I have been a bill-hook crooked that euti^

I have been a ferocious spear

With mj chasuble and bowl
210 I will prophesy not badlj^

Four score smokes

On eveiy one what will bring. .

Five battalions of anns ^

Will be caught by my knifa

Six steeds of yellow hue

A hundred times better is

My cream-coloured steed.

Swift as the sea-mew

Which will not pass
220 Between the sea and the shore.

Am I not pr&^minent in the field of Uoodt

Over it are a hundred chieftains.

Crimson (is) the gem of my belt^

Gold my shield border.

There has not been bom, in the gap^

That has been viaiting me.

Except Goronwy,

From the dales of Edrywy.

Long white my fingers,
230 It is long since I have been a heTdwnan.

I travelled in the earth.

Before I was a proficient in learning.

I travelled, I made a circuity v.

I slept in a hundred islanda

A hundred Caere I have dwelt in.

Te intelligent Druids^

Declare to Arthur,

What is there more early

Than I that they sing o£



//
284 P0EM8 BKFERRING TO GWTDTOK AP DOM

240 And one is come

From considering the deluge.

And Christ cradfied.

And the day of futaie doom.

A golden gem in a golden jeweL

I am splendid

And shall be wanton

From the oppression of the metal-workers.



XIV.

BOOK OF TALIE88IN L
Text, ToL iL p. 108. Notes, vol ii. p. 307.

RED BOOK OF HEBGE8T XXm.
Text, ToL iL p 301. Notes, toL iL p. 461.

j^ PSIMinVE and ingenious address^ when thoronghly

elucidated.
Which was firsts is it darkness^ is it light?
Or Adam, when lie existed, on what day was he created?
Or under the earth's surface, what the foundation ?
He who is a legionary will receive no instruction.
Est qui peccator in many things^
Will lose the heavenly coimtiy, the community of priests.
In the morning no one comes
If ihey sing of three spheres.
10 Angles and Gallwydel,
Let them make their war.
Whence come night and day ?
Whence will the eagle become gray?
Whence is it that night is dark ?
Whence is it that the linnet is green ?
Hm ebullition of the sea,



AND HIS GWYDDYL AND THS BBITHWTB. 285

How is it not seen ?

There are three fountains *

In the mountain of ro8es»
20 There is a Caer of defence

Under the ocean's wave.

Illusive greeter,

What is the porter^s name ?

Who was confessor

To the gracious Son of Mary?

What was the most beneficial measaie

Which Adam accomplished ?

Who will measure Ufiem?

How thick its veil ?
30 How wide its mouth ?

What the size of its stones ?

Or the tops of its whirling trees t

Who bends them so crooked t

Or what fumes may be

About their stems?

Is it Lieu and Gwydyon

That perform their arts ?

Or do they know books

When they do ?
40 Whence come night and flood ?

How they disappear ?

Whither flies night from day ;

And how is it not seen?

Pater noster ambulo

Gentis tonans in adjuvando

Sibilem signum

Bogantes fortium

Excellent in every way around the glens

The two skilful ones make inquiries
50 About Caer Cerindan Cerindydd



286 P0EM8 EEFERKIKG TO OWTDTON AP DON

For the draught-horses of pector David.

They have enjoyment — ^they move abont —

May they find me greatly expanding.

The Cymry will be lamenting

While their souls will be tried

Before a horde of ravagera

The Cymry, chief wicked ones^

On account of the loss of holy wafers.

There will long be crying and wailing,
60 And gore will be conspicuous.

There came by sea
The wood-steeds of the strand.
The Angles in council
Shall see signs of
Exultation over Saxons.
The praises of the rulers
Will be celebrated in Sion.
Let the chief builders be
Against the fierce Ffichti,
70 The Morini Brython.

Their fate has been predicted ;
And the reaping of heroes
About the river Severn.
The stealing is disguised of Ken and Masswy
Ffis amala, fifur, f&r, sel.
Thou wilt discern the Trinity beyond my age
I implore the Creator, hai
Huai, that the Gentile may vanish
From the Gospel Equally worthy
80 With the retinue of the wall
Comu ameni dur.
I have been with skilful men.
With Matheu and Govannon,
With Ennydd and Elestron,



AND HIS GWTDDYL AND THS BRITHWTfi. 287

In company with Achwyson,

For a year in Caer Gofannon.

I am old. I am young. I am Gwion,

I am universal, I am possessed of penetrating wii

Thou wilt remember thy old Brython
90 (And) the Gwyddyl, kiln distillers,

Intoxicating the drunkards.

I am a bard ; I will not disclose secrets to sUtw ;

I am a|[uide : I am expert in contests.

If he would sow, he would plough ; he would ploiigfa»
he would not reap.

If a brother among brothers,

Didactic Bards with swelling breasts will arise

Who will meet around mead-vessels,
. And sing wrong poetry

And seek rewards that will not be,
100 Without law, without regulation, without gifts.

And afterwards will become angry.

There will be commotions and turbulent timea^

Seek no peace— it will not accrue to thea

The Buler of Heaven knows thy prayer.

From his ardent wrath thy praise has propitiated him

The Sovereign King of Glory addresses me with
wisdom: —

Hast thou seen the dominus fortis ?

Ejiowest thou the profound prediction domini ?

To the advantage of Uffem
110 Hie nemo in por progenie

He has liberated its tumultuous multituda

Dominus virtutum

Has gathered together those that were in slavery,

And before I existed He had perceived ma

May I be ardently devoted to God I

And before I desire the end of existence,



388 POEMS RKFKBBINO TO GWTDTOK AP DON

And before the broken foam shall come upon my lipe^
And before I become connected witti wooden boardB»
May there be festivals to my soul I
120 Book-learning scarcely tells me
Of serere aiSiddons after death-bed ;
And such as have heard my bardic books
They shall obtain the r^on of heaven, the best of
all abodes.

XV.

Dbath-Somg of Dtlak son of the Wave.

book of tauessin xlol

Text, voL iL p. 198. Notoi^ toL IL p. 417.

^^NE God Supreme, divine^ the wisest^ the greatest his

habitation,
When he came to the field, who charmed him in the hand of

the extremdy liberal
Or sooner than he^ who was on peace on the nature o£ a turn.
An opposing groom, poison made, a wrathful deed,
Piercing Dylan, a mischievous shore, violence freely flowing.
Wave of Iwerdon, and wave of Manau, and wave ct the North,
And wave of Piydain, hosts comely in fours.
I will adore the Father Qod, the regulator of the country,

without refusing.
The Creator of Heaven, may he admit us into mercy.

XVI.

BLACK BOOK OF CABRMARTHEN XXXV.
Text, voL iL p. 60. Notei^ roL ii. p. 358.

I- J^ HOBSEMAN resorts to the city.
With his white dogs^ and laige horns ;
If who have not before seen thee, know thee not



AND HIS OWYDDYL AMD THE BRITHWTB. 289

IL A horseman resorts to the rivei^s inoath, .
On a stout and warlike steed ;
Come with me, let me not be refused.

m. I will not go that way at present ;
Bear with the conduct of the delayer ;
And may the blessing of heaven and earth come
(upon thee).

IT. Thou, who hast not seen me daily,
And who resemblest a prudent man,
How long wilt thou absent thyself, and when wfli

thou come ?

*

▼. "When I return from Caer Seen,
From contending with Jews,
I will come to the city of Lieu and Gwidion.

YL Come with me into the city.

Thou shalt have wine which I have set apait^
And pure gold on thy clasp.

viL I know not the confident man,
Who owns a fire and a couch ;
Fairly and sweetly dost thou speak.

vm. Gome with me to my dwelling,

Thou shalt have high foaming wina
My name is Ugnach, the son of Mydna

IX. Ugnach 1 a blessing on thy throne 1
And mayst thou have grace and honour I
I am Taliessin who will repay thee thy banquet
VOL L u ^ '



290 POKlfS RKFKRRING TO OWTDTOK AP DOK

X. Taliessin, chief of men,
Victor in the contest of song,
Bemain here until Wednesday.

XL Ugnach 1 the most affluent in riches^
Grace be to thee from the highest region ;
I will not deserve blame ; I will not tany.



XVIL

BSD BOOK OF HEB0B8T XXIL
Text, ToL IL p. 899. Notes, toI iL p. 451.

U^O W miserable it is to see

Tumulty commotion^

Wounds and confusion*

The Brithwyr in motion*

And a cruel fate.

With the impulse of destiny,

And for heaven's sake

Declare the discontinuance of the disaster I

It is not well that a son should be bom :
10 His youthful destiny

Will necessarily be unbelief

And general privation : —

The Uoegrians declare it

Alas I for the utter confusion

Until the end of the seventh

From the haid Calenda

True it is^ deliverance will come

By means of the wished-for man.

May he throw open the White Mounts
20 And into Owynedd make his entiy I

The forces of the Cymiy



^«M



AND HIS GWYDDTL AND THE BRITHVTB. 291

Will be of one course with the lightning :

The signal of their deliverance
. Will be a true relief to the boeom :

The guarantee being Beged,

Whose share will be glorious.

Glorious will be our portion.

To me has been given sway,

I have become a predicting bard :
30 Camlan will be heard again

Scenes of groaning will again be seen.

And dismal lamentations^

And mischievous contention,

And the child will grow

Strong in battle, even when smalL

People will see battles.

And the increase of fortresses ;

Many a banner wiU be shattered :

A red banner I know there is,
40 It will be death to vanquish it

A signal of their coming, —

The heroic warriors.

Who will defend their bme.

Active their swords before thee,

Before me their virtuea

They shall receive their portion before death.

The day of causing blood-streams,

The day of assailing walls,

WiU come for certain,
50 And fleets on the water, |

Neither tax nor tribute

Nor service will succeed,

Nor the entreaties of the weak will avail,

Under the sway of the rulers.

May hens be relics



292 FOBMS RKFEBBING TO OWTPTOM AP DON,

iVom Mode to Mynneu I
Belieye in the liviDg God for benefits.
Who will dispense us free blessings.
B J imploring saints,
60 And the thorongh comprehension of books,
May we obtaii^ on Thnrsdaj, a portion
In the blissful r^on, the splendid place of rest I



POBM RIFERRINO TO OWTDDNO AND GWTNX AP NUDa 293



D.

POBM RBFSRRINa TO OWTDDNO AND OWTNN

AP NVDD.

XVIII.

BLACK BOOK OF CAERMASTHIN XXXIIL
Texty ToL iL p. 64. Notes, toL iL p. 351.

I* .^C BULL of conflict was he^ active in diapeising
an arrayed army,
The ruler of hoste, indisposed to anger, .

Blamdess and pore his conduct in protecting life. ^

n. Against a hero stout was his advance^
The ruler of hosts, disposer of wrath.
There wiU be protection for thee since thou askest it

UL For thou hast given me protection ;
How warmly wert thou welcomed I
The hero of hosts, from what region thou comest ?

rv. I come from battle and conflict
With a shield in my hand ;
Broken is the helmet by the pushing of spears.

«

V. I will address thee, exalted man.
With his shield in distress ;
Brave man, what is thy descent?

VL Bound-hoofed is my horse, the torment of battle
Whilst I am called Gwyn, the son of Nud,
The lover of Creurdilad, the daughter of Uud. ,



S94 POBM REFERRING TO

TIL Since it is thou, Owyn, an upright man,
From thee there is no concealing ;
I alflo am Owydneu Gkuranhir.

Tin. He will not leave me in a parley with thee»
By the bridle, as is becoming ;
Bat will hasten away to his home on the Tawy.

n. It is not the nearest Tawy I speak of to thee,
But the furthest Tawy ;
Eagle ! I will cause the furious sea to ebb.

X. Polished is my ring, golden my saddle and bright :
To my sadness
I saw a conflict before Caer Vandwy.

XL Before Caer Vandwy a host I saw.
Shields were shattered and ribs broken ;
Benowned and splendid was he who made the assault

XIL Gwyn ab Nud, the hope of armies,

Sooner would legions fall before the hoofs

Of thy horses, than broken rushes to the ground.

ziiL Handsome my dog and round-bodied,
And truly the best of dogs ;
Dormach was he, which belonged to Maelgwn.

ST. Dormach with the ruddy nose ! what a gazer
Thou art upon me ! because I notice
Thy wanderings on Gwibir Vynyd.

XT. I have been in the place where was killed Gwendolen,
The son of Ceidaw, the pillar of songs,
When the ravens screamed over blood.



GWYDDNO AND OWYNN AP HUDD. 295:

XVL I have been in the place where Bran was killed^
The son of Gweiyd, of fieur-extending &m6^
When the ravens of the battle-field scieamed.

xvn. I have been where Llachau was slain.
The son of Arthur, extolled in songs,
When the ravens screamed over blood.

XVHL I have been where Meurig was killed.
The son of Carreian, of honourable fame^
When the ravens screamed over flesh.



XLJL I have not been where Owallawg was
The son of Goholeth, the accomplished.
The resister of Llo^gir, the son of LleTnawg.

XX. I have been where the soldiers of Fkydain were alaiii,
From the East to the North ;
I am alive, they in their graves I



XXL I have been where the soldiers of F^cydain were dauv
From the East to the South
I am alive^ thqr in death 1



r



S96 POEMS RSFERBINO TO EARLY TRADITIONS



POEMS REFERRINO TO EARLY TRADITIONS
WHICH BELONG TO A LATER SCHOOL.

XIX.
TiiE Chair or Ceridwsn.

BOOK OP TALIKSSIN XVI.
Texty Yol ii. p. Ift8. Kotct, Yol. IL p^ 40A.

jSfOVEREION of the power of the air, tbou also

Tlio BAtisfoction of my transgressiona.

At midnight and at matins

There shone my liglita

Courteous the life of Minawg ap LIou»

Whom I saw here a short while aga

The end, in the slope of Ueu.

Ardent was his push in combats ;

Avagddu my son also.
10 Happy the Lord made him,

In the competition of songs,

His wisdom was better than inine»

The most skilful man ever heard of.

Gwydyon ap Don, of toiling spirits^

Enchanted a woman from blossoms,

And brought pigs from the south.

Since he had no sheltering cots^

Bapid curves, and plaited chains.

He made the forms of horses
20 IVom the springing

Plants, and illustrious saddles.

When ai6 judged the chairs,



WSICH BELONG TO A LATER BCHOOL 297

Excelling them (will be) mine,

My chair, my cauldron, and my laws,

And my pervading eloquence, meet for the chair.

I am called akilful in the court of Don.

I, and Euronwy, and Euion.

I saw a fierce conflict in Nant Fhmgoon

On a Sunday, at the time of dawn,
30 Between the bird of wrath and Gwydyoa

Thursday, certainly, they went to Mona

To obtain whirlings and sorcerers.

Arianrod, of laudable aspect^ dawn of serenity,

Tlie greatest disgrace evidently on the side of the Biythoiii

Hastily sends about his court the stream of a rainboWi

A stream that scares away violence fkom the earth.

The poison of its former state, about the world, it will leave.

They speak not falsdyi the books of Bedn

The chair of the Preserver is here.
40 And till doom, shall continue in Europe.

May the Trinity grant us

Mercy in the day of judgment

A fair alms firom good men.



The Death-Song of Uthtb PEin)&AG0V. '

BOOK OF TALIE88IK XLVm.

• <

Text, voL iL p. 803. Notes, voL iL p. 419.

^.^Cm I not with hosts making a dint

I would not cease, between two hosts, without gore.

Am I not he that is called Gorlassar ?

My belt was a rainbow to my foe.

Am I not a prince, in darknessi /



398 P0SM8 RKFERRINO TO EARLY TRADinOKS

(To him) that takes my appearance with my two chief
baskets 7

Am I not^ like Cawyl, ploughing?

I would not cease without gore between two hosta.

Is it not I that will defend my sanctuaiy 7
10 In separating with the friends of wrath.

Have I not been accustomed to blood about the wrathful,

A swoid-stroke daring against the sons of Cawmurf

Have I not shared my cause.

A ninth portion in the prowess of Arthur ?

Is it not I that have destroyed a hundred Caersf

Is it not I that slew a hundred governors 7

Is it not I that have given a hundred veils 7

Is it not I that cut off a hundred heads7

Is it not I that gave to Henpen
10 The tremendous sword of the enchanter ?

Is it not I that performed the rights of purification,

"When Hayamdor went to the top of the mountain 7

I was bereaved to my sorrow. My confidence was com-
mensurate.

There was not a world were it not for my progeny.

I am a bard to be praised. The unskilful

May he be possessed by the ravens and eagle and bird of
wrath.

Avagddu came to him with his equal,

When the bands of four men feed between two plains.

Abiding in heaven was he, my desire^
SO Against the eagle, against the fear of the unskilful

I am a bard, and I am a harper,

I am a piper, and I am a crowder.

Of seven score musicians the very great

Enchanter. There was of the enamelled honour the
privilege^

Hn of the expanded wings.



WHICH BELONG TO A lATXB 80H00L. 299

Thy son, thy barded proclamation,
Thy steward, of a gifted father.
My tongue to recite my death-aong.
If of stone-work the opposing wall of the world.
40 May the conntenance of Prydain be bright for my gaidanosb
Sovereign of heaven, let my messages not be rejected.

XXL

BOOK Of TALIE8SIK XLV.
Text, voL IL p. 199. Notes, toL iL p 41S.

Disturbed is the isle of the praise of Hu, the isle

of the severe recompenser
Mona of the good bowls, of active manliness. Hie Menei

its door.
I have drank liquor of wine and biagget^ fiom a brother

departed.
The universal sovereign, the end of every king, the ruinator.
Sorrowful (is) the Dean, since the Archdeacon is interred.
There has not been, there will not be in tribulation his equaL
When Aeddon came from the cotmtry of Gwydyon, the

thickly covered Seoa
A pure poison came four nightly fine-night seasons.
The contemporaries fell, the woods were no shelter against

the wind on the coast
10 Math and Eunyd, skilful with the magic wand, (reed the

elements.
In the life of Owydyon and Amaethon, there was counsel
Pierced (is) the front of the shield of the strong; fortunate^

strong irresistibly.
The powerful combination of his firont rank, it was not of

great account
Strong (in) feasting ; in eveiy assembly his will wai done^



800 P0BM8 RKFEBRING TO EABLY TRADITIONS

Beloved he went first; while I am alive, he shall be

commemorated.
May I be with Christy so that I may not be sorrowful,

when an apostle,
The generous Archdeacon amongst angels may he be

contained.
Disturbed (is) the isle of the praise of Hu, the isle of the

severe ruler.
Before the victorious youth, the fortress of the Cymry

remained tranquil
20 The dragon chie( a rightful proprietor in Britonia.

A sovereign is gone, alasl the chief that is gone to the earth.
Four damsels, after their lamentation, performed their office.
Yeiy grievous truly on sea, without land, long their dwelling.
On account of his integrity (it was) that they were not

satiated with distress.
I am blameable if I mention not his good actions.
In the place of liywy, who shall prohibit, who shall order?
In the place of Aeddon, who shall support Mona's gentle

authorities?
May I be with Christy that I may not be sorrowful, for

evil or good.
Share of mercy in the country of the governor of perfect
lifa

XXIL
The Praise of Talhssin.

book of taue88in xil

Teit, ToL iL p. 160. Notes, voL iL p. 403.

£@iESSENGEBS to me are come, so numerously are they

ient^
We shall bring a mutual conflict^ so great is my bosom.
like the effect of the oar in the brine is the liquor of Beli,



WHICH BELONG TO A LilTXB SCHOOIn 301

like a light shield on the back of a shadow.

like wrath and indignation from the protection

Of a Caer, and nine hundred governors became dead.

There will be a battle on Menei, a vehement letributioo.

There will be more on CSonwy, the scar of angij strife
shall canse it

Cold death the destiny of the ready muse^
10 From the vehement blade by the stroke of Edym.

Three el^^t unrestrainable, fell, heavily laden with foioes»

There fleets in the stream, an omen of the day of g^oom.

Three evenings of battle for three proper

Countries : a boat was made a burying plaoa

Three of eveiy three : three sins

And Eryri a hill of judgment

A host of Saxons : the second they were^ a third affliotkm.

In Cymry widowhood awaits women.

Before the presence of Cynan fire broke out
20 Cadwaladyr will bewail him.

He injured the countiy with pain,

Straw ; and roof of houses ; the house he burnt

There will be a wonder.

A man with the daughter of his brother.

They will cite what is steel

Of the lineage of Anarawd.

From him proceeded

Coch, wise his prudence.

He will not spare nor defend .

30 Either cousin or brother.

At the voice of the warrioi's horn.

Nine hundred (were) anxious.

Of universal affliction.

Thou wilt be calling forth verdancy from affected praise^

It will run to such as is oppressed in boeom,



302 rOIMB BIFKRaiNO TO SARLY TBADITIOKS.

XXIII.

BL4CK BOOK OF CAEBICABTHBK XXXTUI.
Text, ToL iL pc 60. Notes, toL ii. p. 362.

L JSTeITHENHIN, Stand thou forth.
And behold the billowy rows ;
The sea has covered the plain of OwydneiL

IL Accnised be the damsel,
Who^ after the wailing^
Let loose the Fountain of Yenus^ the raging deep.

IIL Accursed be the maiden,

Who^ after the conflict^ let loose

The fountain of Y enus^ the desolating sea.

IT. A great cry fiom the roaring sea arises above the
summit of the rampart^
To-day even to God does the supplication come !
Common after excess there ensues restraint

▼. A ciy fiom the roaring sea overpowers me this nighty
And it is not easy to relieve me;
Common after excess succeeds adversity.

TL A ay from the roaring sea comes upon the winds ;
The mighty and beneficent God has caused it I
Common after excess is want

vn. A ciy from the roaring sea

Impels me fiom my resting-place this night ;
Common after excess is far-extending destruction.

▼m. The grave of Seithenhin the weak-minded
Between Caer Cenedir and the shore
Of the great sea and Cinraa



poms BELAToro TO cmn or tbi onanr. SOS

P.

POEMS RELATING TO CITIES OF TEE OYUUT
AND THEIB LEGENDARY HEROES.

XXIV.

VUXX. BOOK or CAXBlUSTHnr XT.
Text, ToL iL p. 17. Kotfis, toL ii pt. 334.

L ^INAS MAON, may Qod the Ueased Soreieign
defend it I
What the sun will dry, Edar will moistea

IL Dinas Maon, the dislike of Sovereignfl^ where kingi
were hewed down in the obstinate conffiet
What the sun will dry, Mervin will moisten. ^

m. Dinas Maon, the security of the oountiy, may the
protection of God surround it I
What the sun will dry, Nynaw will moistea

lY. Mad put his thigh on Merchin the gray steed.
The fort of the brave will defend ma
What the sun will dry, Maelgwn wiU moisten.



BOOK Of TALIE88IN XXL
Text, ToL iL p. 168. Notes, toL iL p. 409.

BLA.CK BOOK Of CAEBHABTHXK XIY.
Text, ToL iL p. 16. Notes, toL iL p. 333.

L ^ WILL pray Qod to deliver the people of the fair
(town),
The owner of heaven and earth, all-wise penfadei;



304 POSMS RHATINO TO CITIES OF THE CTHRT

A feasant Caer there is on the surfoce of the ocean.

May be joyful in the splendid festival its king.

And the time when the sea makes great audacity.

Ihe crowns of bards are usual over mead-vesselB.

A wave will come, in haste, speed unto it^

That will bring them to the green sward from the region

of the FfichtL
And may I obtain, God, for my prayer,
HVhen I keep the covenant of conciliation with thee.

n. A pleasant Caer there is on a broad lake,
A fortress impregnable, the sea surrounds it
Pkydain greets thee : how will these agree?
The point of the lake of the son of Erbin ; be thine the

oxen.
There has been a retinue, and there has been song, in the

second place,
And an eagle, high in the sky, and the path of Granwyn,
Before the governing sovereign, that refuses not to start
The dispersed of renown, and a leader, they form

themselves.

m. A pleasant Caer there is on the ninth wave,
Pleasant its denizens in guarding each other.
They wiU not take them if it be through disgrace.
It is not their custom to be hard.
I will not speak falsely, upon my privilege,
Than the tenants of the two strands better the serfs of

Dyved,
An associate^ if he gives a banquet of deliverers,
WiU contain between every two the best multitude.

IT. A pleasant Caer there is, it will be made complete
By meads, and praise, and mountain-birds.



AND THEIB LEOEMDART HEROia 806

Smooth its songs, on its festival,

And my intelligent Lord, a splendid distribntor,

Before he went into his giave, in the bonndaij of

the Uan,
He gave me mead and wine firom a crystal cup.

V. A pleasant Caer there is on the shore of the gal(
Pleasantly is given to eveiy one his share.
I know in Dinbych, white with sea-mews,
A mild associate, the lord of Erlysan.
He was my law, on New Tear^s eve.
His song (was) solace, the king of splendid war.
And a veil of green colour, and possessing a feast
This may I be, a tongue over the bards of Pzydaio.



VL A pleasant Caer there is, that is supported with gift%
Mine were its foids, should I have chosen.
I will not speak of the progress of the law that I

had kept^
He deserves not a New Yeai^s gift that knows not this.
The writing of Piydain, anxious care,
While the waves continue to be agitated about it^
If necessary, £Eur into a cell I would penetmte.

vn. A pleasant Caer there is, rising up,

May we have shares in its meads and praisea
Pleasant on its boundary the sending forth of its

chieftains.
A cormorant approaches me, long its wings,
There comes to the top of the scream of the sea-bird&
Wrath within fate, let it penetrate the sands and stones.
And the gray wolf the best of conflicts.
May there be derived from above the banquet

accordant reasonings. '

VOL* h X ^



306 P0IM8 KSIATINO TO CITIES OF THE CTHBY

The blessiDg of the beneficent Enler of Heaven's

bannonious heights (be)
Upon ihem ; may He make denizens (theie) the

worthies of Owain.

«

Tm. A pleasant Caer there is on the mai^ of the flood.
FleaBantly is given to eveiy (one) his desire.
Address thou Gwyned, be thine the increase.
The dartings of the terrible spears were poured forth.
Wednesday, I saw men in distress,
Thursday, to their disgrace they returned.
And there were crimsoned hair, and clamorous woa
Exhausted were the men of Owyned the day that they

cama
And on Cevn Uech Vaelwy shields they will break.
They fell at the Cevn, a host of kinsmen.



XXVL

BIACK BOOK OF CAERMABTHEN VUL
Text, voL iL p. 10. Notesy yoL iL p 329.

L I^HE three depredatory horses of the Isle of

Piydain: —
Camawlaw^ the horse of Owain the son of Urien ;
Bucheslwm Seri, the horse of Owgawn Gleddyvrudd ;
And Tavawd hir Breich-hir, the horse of Cadwallawn

the son of Cadvan.

n. The three draught-horses of the Isle of Fxydain : —
Arvul Melyn, the horse of Pasgen the son of Urien ;
Du Hir Terwenydd, the horse of Selyv the son of

Cynan Garwyn;
And Drudlwyd, the horse of Bhydderch HaeL



AND THEIR LEGENDABT HIB0E8. 307

m. The three spirited horses of the Isle of Fkydain :—
Owinea Goddwf Hir, the horse of Cai ;
Bhathr Eon Tath Blaidd, the horse of Gilbert the

son of Cadgyffro ;
And Geincaled, the horse of GwalchmaL

IV. The three high-mettled horses of the Isle of Piydain >—
liuagor, the horse of Caradawg ;
And Melynlasy the horse of Caswallawn the ton of

' J961J« • • •



XXVIII.

BOOK Of TAUESSIN XXT.
Text, voL IL pc 176. Notes, toL ii p. 400.

§l£T broke out with matchless ftujr.
The rapid vehement fire.
Him we praise above the earth,
Fire» the fiery meteor of the dawn.
Above the high gale.
Higher than every cloud.
Great his animal
He will not delay
Nor the wedding-feast of liyr.
10. His path is like a water-course,
Thy rage in the chief streams.
The dawn smiles, repelling gloom,
At the dawn with violence,
At every meet season.
At the meet season of his turnings
At the four stages of his course,
I will extol him that judges violence^
Of the strong din, deep his wrath.



308 P0DI8 REIATING TO CITIES OF THE GYMRT

I am not a man, cowardly, gray,
20. A scum near the wattle.

The illusion of my two relatives.

Two groans of affliction without appetite.

From my hand to thy hand God will give naught

Thrice three protections, .

Betuming to the old places,

With a steed used to the field.

And the steed of Genethawg^

And the steed of Caradawg,

Perfect for travelling.
30. And the steed of Gwythur,

And the steed of Gwarddur,

And the steed of Arthur.

Datmtless to cause an ache,

And the steed of Taliessin,

And the steed of Lieu half domesticated,

And of Pebyr, the dark gray of the grova

And Grei, the steed of Cunin.

CSoman stubborn in the conflict^

Of ardent desires,
40. The Black, from the seas famous,

The steed of Brwyn, betrayer of the country.

And the three cloven-footed ones

They will not go a journey conveniently^

The terrible steed of Ceidaw,

A hoof with bribery on it

Mottle-shouldered Ysgodig

The steed of Uemenig

The horse of Bhydderch Shyddig

Of the gray colour of a pear.
60. And Uamre, full of inherent vigour^

And FroenvoU of a vigorous growth.

The steed of Sadymin,



AND THXIR LKGENDABY HXROE& S09

And the steed of Constantine.

And otheis handling,

For the country, the smart of foreigners.

The good Henwyn brought

A tale from EUraddug.

I have been a sow, I have been a buok»

I have been a sage, I have been a snouts
60. I have been a horn, I have been a wild sow,

I have been a shout in battla

I have been a torrent on the slope,

I have been a wave on the extended shora

I have been the light sprinkling of a deluge^

I have been a cat with a speckled head on three tvees.

I have been a circumference, I have been a head.

A goat on an elder-tree.

I have been a crane weU filled, a sight to behold.

Yeiy ardent the animals of Morial,
70. They kept a good stock

Of what is below the air, say the hateful men.

Too many do not live, of those that know me.

XXIX.

The Verses of the O&AVEa

BLACK BOOK OF CAERMABTHSlf XDL
Text, voL ii. p. 28. Notes, voL iL p. 341.

L I^ELE graves which the rain bedews f
Men that were not accustomed to afflict me :-—
Cerwyd, and Cywryd, and Caw.

n. The graves which the thicket covers 7

They would not succumb without avenging themselves :
Owryen, Morien, and MoriaL *



310 POEMS BEUITINO TO CITIES OF THE CTMBT

m. The grayes which the shower bedews 7
Men that would not snccomb stealthily :—
Grwen, and Owrien, and Owriad.

IT. The grave of Tydain, £either of the Muse^ in the
region of Bion Aien :
Where the wave makes a sullen sound
The grave of Dylan in Uan Beuna

T. The giave of Ceii Oledyvhir, in the r^on of Hen
Eglwys,
In a rugged steep place ;
Tarw Torment in the enclosure of C!orbra
•
VL The grave of Seithenhin the weak-minded
Between Gaer Cenedir and the shore
Of the great sea and Cinran.

TIL In Aber OwenoU is the grave of Piyderi,
Where the waves beat against the land ;
In Canawg is the grave of Owallawg Hir.

vm. The grave of Gwalchmai is in Peryddon,
Where the ninth wave flows :
The grave of Cynon is in Llan Badam.

DL The grave of Owrwawd the honourable is
In a lofty region : in a lowly place of repose,
The grave of Cynon the son of Clydno Eiddyn.

X The grave of Bun the son of Fyd is by the river
Eigryd,
In a cold place in the eartL
The grave of Cynon is in Byd Been.



AND THEIR LSGENDART HBS0E8. 811

XL Whose is the grave beneaUi the hill?

The grave of a man mighty in the confliot—
The grave of Cynon the son of Clydno Eiddyn.

XIL The grave of the son of Osvran is in Ctunlan,
After many a slaughter
Ihe grave of Bedwyr is in Grallt Tryvan.

xm. The grave of Owain ab Urien in a secluded part of
the world.
Under the sod of Llan Morvael;
In Abererch, that of Bhydderch HaeL

XIV. After wearing dark-brown clothes^ and red, and

splendid,
And riding magnificent steeds with sharp spean^
In Uan Heledd is the grave of Owain.

XV. After wounds and bloody plaios,

And wearing harness and riding white horses,
This, even this, is the grave of Cynddylan.

XVL Who owns the grave of good connections 7

He who would attack Uoegir of the compact host—
The grave of Owen, the son of Uywarch Hen, is thia

xvn. Whose is the grave in the circular space,

Which is covered by the sea and the border of the valley t
The grave of Meigen, the son of Bun, the ruler of a
hundred.

xviu. Whose is the grave in the island.

Which is covered by the sea with a border of ^umultt
The grave of Meigen, the son of Bun, the ruler of a court



812 P0EIC8 BKLATING TO CITIES OF TBI CTMRY



Nanow is the grave and long,

With respect to many long eveiy way : —

The grave of Meigen, the son of Eon, the ruler of right

The grave of the three serene persons on an elevated hill,
In the valley of Gwynn Gwynionawg —
Mor, and Meilyr, and Madawg.

The grave of Madawg, the splendid bulwark

In the meeting of contention, the grandson of Urien,

The best son to Owyn of Owynlliwg.



zxiL The grave of Mor, the magnificent, immovable sovereign,
The foremost pillar in the conflict
The son of Peredur Penwedig.

zzm. The grave of Meilyr Malwynawg of a sullenly-disposed
mind.
The hastener of a fortunate career.
Son to Brwyn of Brycheinawg.

ixiv. Whose is the grave in Eyd Vaen Ced
With its head in a downward direction ?
The grave of Bun, the son of Alun Dywed.

xzv. The grave of Alun Dywed in his own region.
Away he would not retreat from a difficulty —
The son of Meigen, it was well when he was bom.

XZVL The grave of Llia the Gwyddel is in the retreat of
Ardudwy,
Under the grass and withered leaves ;
The grave of Epynt is in the vale of GeweL



AND THSIR LEGXNDABT HXROB& 31S

XXYIL The Giave of Dywel, the aon of Erbin, ib in the pkin

of Caeaw ;
He would not be a vassal to a king ;
Blameless, he would not shrink from battle.

xzvm. The Giave of Qwigi* a hero and a Gwyndodian lion ;
And the grave of Llawr, the regulator of hoetti
In the upper part of Gwanas the men are I

XXDC The long graves in Gwanas-^
Their history is not had,
Whose thqr are and what their deeds.

XXX. There has been the family of Oeth and Anoeth—
Naked are their men and their youth —
Let him who seeks for them dig in Gwanas.

xxxL The grave of liwch Llawengin is on the river
Cerddenin,
The head of the Saxons of the district of Erbin ;

He would not be three months without a battle. C

xxxiL The graves in the Long Mountain —
Multitudes well know it —

Are the graves of Gwryeu, Gwryd Engwawd, and
Llwyddawg the son of Lliwelydd.

xxxm. Who owns the grave in the mountain t
One who marshalled armies —
It is the grave of Ffymvael Hael, the son of Hyvlydd.

XXXIV. Whose grave is this? The grave of Eiddiwkh the

Tall.
In the upland of Pennant Twrch,
The son of Arthan, accustomed to slaughter.



S14 POEMS BXUITIKO TO CITIES OF THE CTMBT



: The grave of liew Ltawgyfifes under the protection
of the sea,
With which he was familiar ;
He was a man that never gave the truth to any one.

The grave of Beidawg the Buddy in the vicinity of

Biw Uyvnaw ;
The grave of LIuosgar in Ceii ;
And at Byd Bridw the grave of OmnL

Far his turmoil and his seclusion ;
The sod of Machawe conceals him ;
Long the lamentations for the prowess of Beidawg
the Buddy.



zzxfm. Far his turmoil and his fame—

' The sod of Machawe is upon him»-

is Beidawg the Buddy, the son of Emyr Uydaw.



ITTTI. The grave of a monarch of Pzydain is in lieudir

Gwynaseddy
Where the flood enters the Llychwr ;
In Celli Briafael, the grave of GyrthmwL

xu The grave in YstyvachaUi
Which everybody doubts.
The grave of Gwrtheym Gwrthenau.



Cian wails in the waste of Cnud,
Yonder above the grave of the stranger —
The grave of Oynddilig, the son of C!orcnud.



JUL Truly did Elfiin bring me

To tiy my primitive bardic lore



AND THUB LKGINDAST HIROB& S16

. Over a chieftain —
The grave of Bwvawn with the imperioof aspeol

XLQt Truly did Elffin bring me
To tiy my bardic lore
Over an early chieftain —
The grave of Bwvawn, too early gone to the grave.

xuv. The grave of March, the grave of Owythnr,
The grave of Gwgawn Gleddyvmdd ;
A mysteiy to the world, the grave of Axihnr.

XLV. The grave of Elchwith ia by the rain bedewed,
With the plain of Meweddawg under it ;

«

Oynon ought to bewail him there.

XLVL Who owns this grave? this gravet and thiaf
Ask me, I know it ;

The grave of Ew, the grave of Eddew was thii^
And the grave of Eidal with the lofty mien.

XLvn. Eiddew and Eidal, the unflinching exiles^
The whelps of Cylchwydrai :
The sons of Meigen bred war-horses.

XLvm. Whose is this grave 7 It is the grave of Brwyno

the Tall,
Bold were his men in his region. ^
Where he would be, there would be no flight

XLDL Who owns this grave — not another!

Owythwch, the vehement in the conflict^ *
While he would kill thee, he would at thee laugh.



316 POEMS RELATING TO CITIES OF THE CTMRY

Lb The grave of Silid the intrepid is in the locality of
Ediywfy ;
The grave of Uemenig in lian Elwy,
In the swampy upland is the grave of Eilinwy.

U. The grave of a stately warrior ; many a carcase
Was nsoal from his hand.
Before he became silent beneath the stones ;
Llachar, the son of Bon, is in the valley of the Cain.

UL The grave of Talan Talyrth

Is at the contention of three battles,

A hewer down of the head of every force,

liberal was he^ and open his gates.

un. The grave of Elisner, the son of Ner,

Is in the depth of the earth without fear, without

concern ;
A commander of hosts was he^ so long as his time

lasted.

uv. The grave of a hero vehement in his rage

IJachar the ruler of hosts, at the confluence of noisy

waters,
Where the Tawne forms a wava

LV. Whose are graves in the fords ?

What is the grave of a chieftain, the son of Bygenau,
A man whose arms had abundant succesa

LVL Whose is this grave ? The grave of Braint
Between Uewin and Ilednaint —
The grave of a man, the woe of his foes.

Lva Whose is the grave on the slope of the hill ?
Uany who know it do not ask ;
The grave of Coel, the son of Cynvelyn.



.



AND THBIE LBQXNDABY HIROB& 817

Lvm. The grave of Dehewaint ia on the river Olewaint^
In the uplands of Mathavam,
The support of mighty warriors.

Lix. The grave of Aron, the son of Dewinvin, is in the
land of Gwenle ;
He would not shout after thieves^
Nor disclose the truth to enemiea

ix The grave of Tavlogau, the son of Ludd,

Is far away in Trewrudd ; and thus to us there is

affliction ;
He who buried him obtained an advantagOi

LXL Who owns the grave on the banks of Bjrddnanit
Bun his name, his bounties were infinite ;
A chief he was ! Biogan pierced him.

Lxn. He was like Cy vnyssen to demand satis&ction for
murder,
Buddy was his lance, serene his aspect:
Who derived the benefit ? The grave of Brsdwen.

LxnL Whose is the quadrangular grave

With its four stones around the front t
The grave of Madawg the intrepid warrior.

LXIV. In the soil of the region of Eivionydd,
There is a tall man of fine growth.
Who would kill all when he was greatly enraged.

ucv. The three graves on the ridge of Celvi,
The Awen has declared them to me : —
The grave of Cynon of the rugged brows,
The grave of Cynvael, and the grave of OynvelL



318 P0E1I8 BSLATIKO TO CITIES OF THE CTMBT.

UYL The grave of IlwidLIedDais in the land of Cemmaea^
Before his ribs had grown long,
The bull of conflict brought oppression thither.

ixriL The grave of the stately Siawn in Hirorw,

A mountain between the plain and the oaken forest^
Lau^iin^ treacherous^ and of bitter disposition was he.

ucrm. Who owns the grave in the sheltered placet
While he was^ he was no weakling : —
It is the grave of Ebediw, the son of Maelur.

LZDL Whose is the grave in yonder woody diff ?
His hand was an enemy to many ;»-
The bull of battle — ^mercy to him !

uau The graves of the sea-marsh.
Slightly are they ornamented I
There is Sanawg, a stately maid ;
There is Bun, ardent in war;
Thero is Earwen, the daughter of Hennin ;
There are Uedin and Uywy.

UXL The grave of Hennin Henben is in the heart of
Dindrben ;
The grave of Aergwl in Dyved,
At the ford of Cynan Gyhored.

UOOL Every one that is not dilatory inquires —
Whose is the mausoleum that is here 7
It is the grave of Einyawn, the son of Cunedda ;
It IB a disgrace that in Pzydain he should have been
slain.

Who owns the grave in the great plain?

Proud his hand upon his lance : —

The grave of Beli, the son of Benlli Oawr.



n.

HISTORICAL POEMS CONTAINING ALLUSIONS
TO EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO a.d. 660.

G.

POBMS BEFSBRINa TO WAR BETWEEN SONS OF
LLTWABOE HEN AND MWO MA WB DSEFTDD.

XXX.

Names o? thk Sons or Ixtwaboh Hnr.

BLACK BOOK OF CAEBMABTHEN XXXDL
Text, ToL iL p. 60. Notes, toL ii pi 355.

L J^WEETLT sings the biid on the firagiant txM
Over the head of Gwen ; before his covering over with

sod.
He used to fracture the armour of (liywarch) Hen.

IL The three best men in their country.
To defend their homesteads, —
Eithir, and Erthir, and Argad. ^

IIL The three sons of Liywarch, three intractable ones in
battla
Three fierce contenders, —
liew, and Araw, and Urien*



320 POEMS BBFEBBIHG TO WAR BETWEEN 80N8 OF

IT. Better may it fare for xny concerns.
That he be left on the banks of the river,
With a host of warlike men.

y. Tlie bull of conflict, conductor of the war,

The support of battle, and the lamp of benevolence^
Father of heaven, increase Thou his energy !

VL The best three men under heaven
To defend their homes, —
Pjrll, and Selyv, and Sandev.

▼n. The morning with the dawn of day.

When Mwg Mawr Drefydd was assaulted,
The steeds of Mechydd were not trained up.

TUL They met around Cavall ;

A corpse is there in blood through ii^justice^
From the rencounter of Khun and the other hero.

VL A shout will be uttered on the top of Mount liug
Over the grave of Cynllug ;
The reproach is mine ; it was I that caused it

X. Let the snow descend and cover the vale.
Warriors will hasten to battle ;
I do not go ; infirmity leaves me not

XL Thou art not a scholar, thou art not a recluse ;

Thou wilt not be called a monarch in the day of necessity ;
Alas I Oynddilig, that thou wert not a womaa

xn. Far away is Aber Uyw,

Fnither are the two Cyvedlyws ;

Talai^ this day tbou hast paid me with teara



LLTWASCH HBN AND MWG MAWB DBlTTDa S21



BLACK BOOK OF OAVBHABTHKir ZXZ.
Text, ToL iL p. 47. Notes, toL iL pi $49.

L ]]^[1eEN 18 the gale, baie the hillt
It is dMcult to find a shelter ;
The ford is turbid, frozen is the lake^
A man stands firm with one stalk.

n. Wave after wave rolls towards the shore ;

Loud the shoutings in front of the heights of the hill,
If one but just stands out

m. Cold is the place of the lake before the winter storm :
Diy the stalks of broken reeds ;
Lucky is he who sees the wood in the chest

XV. Ck>ld is the bed of fish in the shelter of a sheet of ice ;
Lean the stag ; the topmost reeds move quickly ;
Short the evening ; bent the treea

V. Let the white snow fall in deposits ;
Warriors will not leave their duty ;
Cold are the lakes without the appearance of warmth.

VL Let the white snow fall on the hoar frost ;
Idle is the shield on the shoulder of the aged ;
The wind is very high ; it has certainly frozea

viL Let the snow fall on the surfiace of the ice ;
Gently sweeps the wind the tops of thick trees';
Firm is the shield on the shoulder of the brave.

V0L.L Y



S22 poms BEFEBBINO TO WAR BETWKEN SONS OF

Tm. Let the snow descend and cover the vale ;
Warriors will hasten to battle ;
I shall not go ; — ^infirmity will not let me !



Let the snow &11 firom the side of the slope ;
Prisoner is the steed, lean the cattle ;
Cold is no pleasure to-day.



X. Let the snow fall ; white is the mountain-r^on ;
Bare the timber of the ship on sea ;
A host of men will cherish many counsels.

XL Golden hands are around the horns, the horns in
agitation;
Cold the stream, bright the sky,
Short the evening, bending are the tops of trees.

xn. The bees (live) on their store; small the clamour of birds.
The day is dewless ;
The hill-top is a conspicuous object ; red the dawn.

zm. The bees are under cover ; cold also is the ford,
Let the frost freeze as long as it lasts :
To him that is soft may dissolution happen I

xnr. The bees are in confinement this very day ;
How withered the stalks, hard the slope ;
Cold and dewless is the earth to-day.

XV. The bees are in shelter from the wet of winter ;
Blue the mist, hollow the cow-parsnip ;
Cowardliness is a bad quality in a man.



LLTWARCH HSK AND MWQ MAWB DBITTDD. . S2S



XVL Long the nighty baie the moor, hoaiy the diff ;
Giay the £Eur gall on the precipice;
Bongh the seas ; there will be rain to^y.

xm Dxy the wind, wet the road,

Ihe vale assumes its former appearance.

xniL Cold the thistle-stalks ; lean the stag ;

Smooth the river ; there will be fine weather.

XDL Foul the weather on the mountain ; the rivers troubled ;
Flood will wet the ground in towns ;
The earth looks like the ocean I

X3C Thou art not a scholar, thou art not a recluse ;

Thou wilt not be called a monarch in the day of necessity.
Alas I Cynddilig, that thou wert not a woman I

XXL Let the crooked hart bound at the top of the sheltered
vale;
May the ice be broken ; bare are the lowlands ;
The brave escapes from many a hardship.

xxn. The thrush has a spotted breast^ V ^

Spotted the breast of the thrush ;
The edge of the bank is broken
By the hoof of the lean, crooked, and stooping hail

xxm. Very high is the loud-sounding wind ;
It is scarcely right for one to stand out

XXIV. At AU-Saints it is habitual for the heath-tops to be dun ;
High-foaming is the sea-wave.
Short the day >— Druid, your advice I



324 POBMS BEFERBINa TO WAB BSTWEEN 80N8 OF



: If the shieldy and the vigour of the steed,
And of biave, fearless men, have gone to sleeps
The night is &ii to chase the foa



ZXTL Ihe wind is supreme ; sere and bare the trees»
Withered the reedi ; the hart is bounding ;
Pelis the Falser what land is this t

JXfiL If it poured down snow as far as Anrwl Melyn,
Oloom would not make me sad ;
I would lead a host to the hill of TydwL

zxfnL For thou knowest^ with equal ease, the causeway,
The ford, and the ascent^ if snow were to fiall.
When thou, Pelis, art our guide.



Anxiety in Pzydain will not cause me to-night
To march upon a region where there is the greatest

wailing;
From following after Owain.

Since thou bearest arms and shield upon thee.
Defender of the destructive battle,
Pelis, in what land wast thou fostered ?

The man whom God releases from a very close prison,
Buddy will be his spear from the territory of
of his entertainments.



Since the chieftain is gone to earth.
Pursue not his family ;
After mead seek no diseraca



LLTWARCH ESS AND ICWG MAWB DBITTDD. S26

xxxiiL The morning mih the dawn of day,

When Mwg Mawr Diefydd was assaulted,
The steeds of Mechydd were not iiained np^

xxxiY. Joy will be to me of no benefit,

Owing to the news which apprises me
That a wooden cover is upon Mechydd I

XZXT. They met aronnd Cavall ;

A corpse is there in blood through iiyiistioe,
From the rencounter of Bhon and the other hero.

xxxVL For the staffiers of Mwg have slain Mechydd ;
Dmdwas did not perceive the day ;
Creator of heaven ! thoa hast caused me severo
afiOiction I

xxxvn. Men are in the shout (of war) ; the ford is froien

over;
Ck>Id the wave, variegated the bosom of the sea ;
The eternal Ood give us counsel !

XJULVUL Mechydd, the son of Llywarch, the undaimted chie(
Fine and fair was his robe of the colour of the swan,
The first that fastened a horse by the bridle.



XXXTL

BLACK BOOK OF OAKBKABTUXN XXXIV.
Text, ToL it pi 66. Notes, toL u. p. 36i»

I^HOUOH I love the strand, I hate the
How the wave covered the stone of Csmwr I.



826 . POEMS REFERBINO TO WAR BETWEEN SONS OF

Ibe biave, the magnanimous, the amiablOi the generoua,

and the eneigetic,
Axe as stepping-stones to the bards of the world, and an

advantageous shelter.
The fiune of Heilyn proved a benefit to the solicitooa
To the day of judgment may his celebrity remain I
Though I love the strand, I hate the wave.
The wave has done violence^ dismal the blow to the

breast
He will complain as long as he believes on its account
10 It is a cheerful work to bathe on my bosom.

Though it (the water) fills the cavity, it does not disturb

the heart
And in the direction of Cyhaig did the wave arise.
Sorry we are for his concerns^
When Pebrwr fix)m a&r hastened to his death.
The brave and courageous multitude will afiect us both ;
As the water bearing the leaves shows it thee.
Mechydd is sad on account of thy coming.
I will not receive thee to my rooeptaola
Ttom my part I sold a horse for thee.
20 Cyhaig will revenge for the delay of his eigoymont^
And for the swoct strains.
dwarf I for thy anger to me there have been enemies.



XXXIII.

RED BOOK OF HERGE8T XL
Text, voL iL ^ 869. Notoa, vol. il p. 436.

L ^ WAS formerly fair of limb, I was eloquent in speech :
What is not wonderful will be extolled—
The men of Aigoed have ever supported ma



LLTWABCH HEN AND KWQ MAWB DfilTTDD. S27

IL I was fonnedy fair of limb, I was bold,
I was admitted into the congress-house
Of F6wy8» the paradise of the Cymij.

m. I was formerly fiEor of limb, I was comely ;
Throbbing was concomitant with my spear ;
My back (now) cnrved was first in Tigoor — ^I am hmtj^
I am wretched.

nr. Wooden crook 1 is it not the time of harvest^
When the fern is brown, and the reeds are yellow f
Have I not once disliked what I now love I

V. Wooden crook ! is not this winter.
When men are noisy over the beverage t
Is not my bedside void of greeting visits t

VL Wooden crook 1 is it not the spring,

When the cuckoos are brownish, when the foam is bright?
I am destitute of a maiden's leva

vu. Wooden crook I is it not the beginning of summer.
Are not the furrows brown, are not the corn-blades

curled t
It is refreshing to me to look at thy beak !

viiL Wooden crook 1 thou contented branch
That 8upi)orto8t a mourning old man I
Llywarch of pleasant talk I

IX. Wooden crook I thou hardy branch
That bearest with me — Qod protect thee !
Thou art justly called the tree of wandering.



328 P0I1C8 X£FEBBINO TO WAR BSTWXEN 80K8 OF

z. Wooden crook I be thou steady,

So that thou mayest support me the better —
Am not I Uywaich known to many far away?

XL Surely old age is uniting itself with me^
¥tom my hair to my teeth.
And the glowing eyeball which the young ones loved I

ZIL Surely old age is uniting itself with me,
From my hair to my teeth.
And the glowing eyeball which the women loved i

xnL Ihe wind grinningly blusters out^ white is the sldrt of
the wood,
lively is the stag, there is no moisture on the hill ;
Feeble is the aged, slowly he moves !

XIV. This lea( is it not driven by the wind?
Woe to it as to its fate !
It is old, this year was it bora

XV. What I bved when a youth are hateful to me now :
A strangei^s daughter, and a gray steed
Am not I for them unmeet?

XVL The four most hateful things to me through life^
Have met together with one accord :-—
Cough and old age, sickness and grie£

xviL I am old, I am bndy, I am decrepit and cdd,
After the sumptuous bed of honour :
I am wretched I am triply benti



LLTWABOH HSN AND MWO MAWB DBITTINX S20

xviiL I am triply bent and old» I am fioUj bold^
I am rash^ I am outrageous :
Those that loved me^ love me not



nz. Toong maidens love me not^ I am visited by nons^
I cannot move about—
Ah I death, that he does not seek me I

XX. I am sought by neither sleep nor gladness ;
After the slaughter of liawr and Qwen^
I am outrageous and loathsome, I am old

XXL Wretched was the fate decreed to Uywaroh
On the night he was bom ;
Long pain without being delivered of his load of troubliL

xxn. Array not thyself after waiting ; let not thy mind be
vexed;
Sharp is the gale, and bleak the spring; I—
Accuse me not» my motber«-I am thy son t

xxiiL Do I not recognise by my Awen,
My descent^ sway, and kindred :
Three themes of the harmonious Awen^?

XXIV. Sharp is my spear, furious in the onset ;
I will prepare to watch the ford ;
Support against falling may God grant me.,

XXV. Shouldst thou runaway^ I will weep for thee;
Shouldst thou be slain, I shall moum thee:
Lose not the couutenanoe of the men of conflict



SSO POXIIB BDERRINO TO WAB BETWEEN SONS OF

zxfL I will not lose thy conntenaDce^ pione to warfare,

Fma the time that the hero puts on harness for the

conzse;
I will hear the pang eie I quit the spot



Gliding in the wave along the beach ;

I perceive that the designof that battle will be fhistrated,

It is usual for the talkatiye to run away.



xxfUL Of that which concerns me I will speak ;

* There is breaking of spears about the place where I am;
I will not say but that I may retreat



Soft is the bog^ the cliff is hard,

Befiyre the harf s hoof the edge of the bank breaks,

A promise not fulfilled is none at alL

The streams will divide around the wall of the CSaer,

And I will prognosticate—

A shield with a fractured front before I skulk.

The horn given to thee by Urien,
With the wreath of gold around its rim.
Blow in it, if thou art in danger.



xxm For the terror of death from the base men of Llo^Qrr
I will not tarnish my honour ;
I will not dispraise maidena

mill Whilst I was of the age of yonder youth,
That wears the golden spura^
I was active in thrusting the spear.



LLTWABCH HSN AND MWO IfAWB DBITTDa 831

xxxiT. Truly thy young man is fiedthftil.

Thou art alive^ and thy witness is slain.

The old man that is no w feeble was not so in his youth.

xzzv. Owen, by the Uawen, watched last nighty
And success did not fail him :
The battle progressed on the green embankment

xxxYi Owen, by the liawen, watched last nighty
With the shield on the shoulder ;
As he was my son, he did not relareat

XXX7IL Gwen with the lowering look; troubled is my mind,
Thy death greatly provokes my wrath —
It is not kindred (only) that will speak of thee I

xxxniL Owen with thigh of wide opening watched last night
On the border of the ford of Morlas ;
And as he was my son, he did not retreat

XXXIX. Owen, I knew thy inherent disposition ;

In the assault like the eagle at fall of rivers thou wert;
If I were fortunate thou wouldst have escaped.

XL, Let the face of the ground be turned up, let the
assailants be covered,
When chiefs repair to the toil of war ;
Gwen, woe to him that is over old, for thee he is
indignant

XLL Let the face of the ground be turned up^ and the

plain be covered.
When the opposing spears are lifted up. '
Owen^ woe to him that is over old, that he should

have lost thee.






i



S32 P0K1C8 BIFER1UN0 TO WAR BETWXEN 80K8 OF

JUL My son was a man, splendid was his fame;
And he was the nephew of Urien ;
On the ford of M odas^ Owen was slain.

ZLQL Ihe shrine of the fierce overbearing foe»

That vanquished the circalacly compact army of

Uo^;
The grave of Owen, the son of Uywarch Hen, is this I

JUT. Fonr^md-twenty sons have been to me,

Wearing the golden chain, leaders of armies ;
Owen was the best of them,

ZLT. FoQX'«nd-twenty sons have been to me,
Wearing the golden chain, leaders of battle ;
Owen was the best son of his father.



ZLVL Foor-and-twenty sons to me have been,
Wearing the golden chain, leading princes ;
Compared with Owen they were but striplings.

ZLVIL Foor-and-twenty sons were in the family of Llywarch»
Of brave men full of the vrrath of war ;
Their march was a rush, immense their fame.

XLvm. Four-and-twenty were my sons complete ;
My flesh they have caused to wither ;
It is well thai my budget of nusfbrtune is come I



ZLDL When I^U was slain, gashing was the wound;
And the blood on the hair seemed horrible ;
And on both banks of the Ffraw there was violence.



LLTWABCH HEN AND KWO IfAWE DBEFTDD. 8SS

L. A room might be formed for ihe wings of ahialdi^
Which would hold one standing upright^
That were broken in the grasp of PylL

u. The chosen man amongst my sonSi
When each assaulted the foe,
Was £edr Fyll, impetuous as a fire through a ohismej.

UL Gracefully he placed his thigh over the saddle.
Of his horse, on the near and {ai side*-
Fylly impetuous as the fire through a chimney.

un. He was gentle, with a hand eager for battle ;
He was second to no.treasure ;
He was a bulwark on the course-
Fair Fylll fearful is his covering of separatioD.

Liv. When he stood at the door of his tent^
On the dark-gray steed,
At the sights the wife of Fyll would recognise a hero.

LY. There was fractured before Fyll a strong skull ;

Seldom would the silent coward be concealed from him ;
The weak is satisfied without anything^

LYL Fair Fyll, widely spread his &me : v

Am I not invigorated since thou hast existed
As my son, and joyful to have known theef

Lvn. The best three men under heaven '
That guarded their habitation,—
Fyll, and Selyv, and Sandev.



834 P0K1C8 BEFIRRINO TO WAB BBTWIIN 80N8 OF

LfiZL A ahield I gave to I^U ;

Before he slept was it not perforated 7

To promise it carelessly was to depreciate it



Should Cymiy come, and the piedatoiy host of Llo^,
And many from distant parts»
I^U would show them conduct



IX Kor I^U nor Madawg would be long liyed.
If they preserved the custom.
Would they surrender? they would not surrender I
they would never ask for truce I

ua Behold here the grave of a faultless one and warlike ;
With the Bards his fieune went^ where would not have

gone^
^U, if longer he had continued?

UOL Maeuy and Madawg, and Medel, valiant men,
And brothers not refractoiy,
Sdyv, HeUyn, liawr, and Lliver.

IXUL The grave of Gwell is in Bhiw Velen ;
The grave of Sawyl in liangoUen;
Llawr protects the pass of Llorien.

UOT. The grave of Bhudd, is it not covered with sods ?
The earth of Ammaroh docs not conceal
The grave of liyngodwy, the son of IJywaroh.

ixv. Far from hence is Aber IJyw,
Farther are the two Oyvedliws :
Talan, thou hast repaid my tears to-day.



LLTWABCH HXM AND MWO KAWE DSITTDD. 3S6

LXVL I have drunk wine from the goblet ;

He would rush forward against the lance-beaier;
like the wings of the dawn were the gleamings of the
spear of Duawg.

Lxvn. I have repented of the time that I entreated
That thou shouldst not have thy choice;
It would have been generous to have life prdonged
amontL

Lxym. I know the voice of distress :—

When he descended into the congress-house^
Chief of men, a goblet of wine he desenred.



S36 P0IM8 BBLATINO TO



POBMS BELATim TO OWALLAWG AP

LLEENA WO.



BLACK BOOK OP OAERMASTHEK XXXIL

Text| ToL iL p. 63. Note8| toL vl p. 361.

L i^N a fine night Pen Gethin heard the shout of a host,
When he took a long leap ;
Unless the ground be guarded he will not oeasa

n. Sinoe Coegawg is so rich as this in gold,
dose to the court of GwaUawg,
I also shall be wealthy.

HL Accursed be the tree

Which pulled out his eye in his presence,
GwaUawg ab Lleenawg, the ruler.

IT. Accursed be the black tree

That pulled out his eye from its place,
GwaUawg ab Lleenawg; the chief of armies.

T. Accursed be the white tree

That pulled out his eye from his head,
GwaUawg ab lieenawg, the sovereign.

TL Accursed be the green tree

That puUed out his eye when a youth,

GwaUawg ab Ueenawg, the honourabla*

* On the msigin : —

No one tlutt wm eminent went
In the wi J that Ghrallawg did,
With hif iteel into the meadow.

No one that wu hononxable went

In the wij that Henxig did.

With a baadige to the woman in three fokk



OWALLAWG AP LLVWAWO. 337



XXXV.

BOOK OF TALIE88IK XI.
Text, Tol. ii. p. 149. Notes, toL iL p. 401.

3EN the name of the Ruler of heaven, the mighty one

The supporter of his friends shall keep poeeession of hit
towns,

Splendid his princely spear.

Warlike kings spear-scouting.

He will defend the pleasant plain of lieenawg ;

The ruthless pushing shafts are broken.

Long they will experience

The gratitude of Prydain.

From the bush of Maw and Eiddyn,
10 They would not take opposition.

Friendly the aid of Clydwyn.

May I be satisfied I He supplied his fleet

From spears imtil the shafts were heated.

A cofl^ to every one his ambition.

They cannot reckon the battles fought

By Gwallawg. Better is wild food than a she-bear.

A battle in Agathes in defence,

Praise his active judgment caused.

A battle in the region of Bretrwyn with heat,
20 A great fire. Limited is his vehemence.

A battle, there was a rule of general benefit

A battle, a battle of trembling in Aeron.

A battle in Arddunion and Aeron.

Bring reproach to the youths.

A battle in the wood of Beit at the close of £he day.

Thou didst not think of thy foea

A battle in the presence of Mabon.

VOL. L Z



338 POKMS RELATING TO

He will not mention the contradiction of the saved.
A battle in Gwensteri, and thou subdnest lioegyr.

30 A darting of spears there is made.

A battle in the marsh of Terra with the dawn,

Easily broken (was) the terrible arch,

At the first uttering of the word,

Of kings who were extinguished in the war.

Men with full intent to obtain cattle.

Haearddur and Hyveidd and Gwallaw^

And Owen of Mona of Maelgwnian quality,

Will lay the Peithwyr prostrate.

At the end of the wood of Cleddyfein,

40 Fh)m which there will be pierced corpses,
And the ravens wandering about
In Pkydain, in Eiddyn, acknowledged
In Gafiran, in the retreat of Brecheinawc.
In energy, in exalted covering.
He sees not a hero, who saw not Qwallawg.



XXXVI.

UOOK OF TALIE88IN XXXVIII.'
Text, ToL ii. p. 193. Notes, toL ii p. 416.

^Of the name of the Ruler of the high powers of heaven,

They sing of, they deplore the prince ;

He rejected uniform ranks of the rulers,

Of the hosts of Run and Nudd and Nwy thoa

I will not praise contrary to the custom of the Bards of

the Brython.
Wonderfully liberal of the knowledge of astrologers.
One station of the complete songster; excellent of song;
I ardently desire ; I will sing to the Guledig.
In the country where he was trembling.



GWALLAWO AP LLBIKAWO. 3S9

10 He will not cause me to be unable to fonn the lay.
It is difficult to utter odes ;
That will not be deficient to the Guledig that does noi

refuse.
Of looking at a heavy ode of sovereignty
In his life will not come the advantage of the grave.
They will not be satisfied with the gratification of their

Uvea
Harder the torment of a liberal course,
A multitude present beyond Pxydain.
Thy excessive care of the too sprightly is corrupted.
Let it be corrupted. He shall be cut to pieces he shall

be judged.
20 He will judge all, the supreme man.

With his will as a judge ; and let him be benefited^
Not the man that claims the mortuary.
A youth violent that regrets the milky food,
like the herald of Gwallawg guiding on.
Of a forbearing aspect is the countenance of Gwallawgi
He inquires of no one what he has done.
Is he not my chief? Is there not sold to you
Thick mead in the end of summer ?
There will not increase save six.
30 Sweeter to thee is conversation from elders.
Talkative is the privileged orator
Of kings in the luxuriant circle of the good mead,
like the sun, the warm animator of summer, let him

sound the greatest song.
I will sing the wise soug, the song of the host of harmonyi
Thoy will be, thou wilt be a Druid in summer time^ the

aspect of the son
Of Ueenawg, with a flowing manly robe.
Light) a robe of heat \ vapour of heat^ heat of vapour.
Whilst it rose it was contained without disgrace.



340 POEMS BELATING TO QWALLAWQ AP LLEENAWG.

A Bwoid will destroy the swoidsman's hone ;
40 His host will not break me to thefty

The natave coontiy of a slave is not free to him.

They will perforate the fronts of shields before the fironts

of horsea
Fhna his steed of tomnlt^ Morial shall appear before the

host
Fiercely impassioned. They shall pledge the rich plains
Erom CSaer Clad to Caer Caradawj^
The support of the land of Penpxys and Gwallawg,
The Idog of the kings of tranquil aspect



POEMS BKLATINO TO URISN BIOID. 341



I.

POEMS RELATINO TO URIEN REOER

XXXVIL

RED BOOK OF HEBOBST XTIL
Text, ToL ii. p. 891. Notes, toL iL p. 448.

% HAVE freely greeted, I will freely greet, the familiAr

greeter of
Urien B^ed May he diffuse his joy abroad I
Gold and silver, how great their consumption and

destruction.
(Even) before they could come between the hands of the

scattererl
leuav caused loss and sorrow for horses daily;
Ceneu his brother, dilatory in the conflict^ was not skilful ;
Urien made retaliation for the dishonour
Of Cynin the active, ignominious was their execution.
About Aerven, an uncovered precipice, there will come an

army.
10 Selev has been captured ; he was incensed for what was

to come.
It will fare worse with the free and the bond on their

accoimt
Blades will be reddened, through proud words for the fruit

of their trees.
The four men will maintain the place of four hundred.
With the deepest water. I would bless the corrupt in the

enclosure on their account ;
And whoever obtains it^ may he be blessed for ever i
There will befall a loss from confiding in the claimant ;



Si2 POEMS BKLATING TO

And hands without thumbs, and blades on the flesh, and a

poor muster.
Puerile age will not be harmonious in the distractioa
There will be no fellowship, nor confidence in any toward

others.
20 A dragon from Gwynedd of precipitous lands and gentle

towns.
To the Uoegrians will go^ when the report of him will

spread abroad.
Stonework will be broken, with terrible destruction, in the

encounter ;
And more will be lost than spared of the Gwyndodiana
Fh)m mutual counselling, there will be means of deliverance

by sea and land
There will arise from concealment a man that will be a

blessing to the Gwyndodians ;
And the Biythyon, though a remnant^ will be victorious

over the ungentle multitude.
There will come a time when song will not be cherished,

nor will it be elaborate ;
The ruler will love wealth, and one sister will be bearish

to another.
Killing and drowning from Eleri as far as Chwilvynydd,
30 A conquering and unmerciful one will triumph;

Small will be his army in returning from the (action of)

Wednesday.
A bear from the south, will arise, meet
The lio^rians, and kill vast numbers of Powysians.
The affair of Gors Vochno, he that will escape from it will

be fortunate ;
There will be twelve women, and no wonder, for one man.
The age of youth will fare unbecomingly worse ;
After the tumultuous extermination, a bearded man in a

hundred will not be a warrior.



URIKN REOXD. 34S

Urien of Beged, generous he ia^ and will be^
And has been sinoe Adam.
40 He, proud in the hall, has the most wide-spreading sword
Among the thirteen kings of the North*
Do I know his name — ^Aneurin the poet with the flowing

song,
I being Taliesin^from the borders of the lake of Geirionnyddt
May I not^ when old,
Support my sore necessity,
If I praise not Urien. Amen.

XXXVIIL

BOOK OF TAUEBSIN XXXL
Text, vol ii. p. 183. Notes, toL iL p. 418.

J^HE men of Catraeth arose with the dawn.
About the Ouledig, of work a profitable merohant
This Urien, without mockery is his regret
He sustains the sovereignty and its demands.
Warlike, the grandeur of a perfect prince of baptism*
The men of Prydain hurtful in battle array.
At Owenystrad, continuously offerers of baUla
Protected neither the field nor woods
The people with shelter, when tribulation comes.
10 like the wave loud roaring over the beach,
I saw valiant men in battle array,
And after the morning, batUe-mangled flesh.
I saw a tumult of three limits slain,
A shout active in front was heard.

In defending Gwenystrad was seen /^

A mound and slanting ground obstructing. ^ ^ **

In the pass of the ford I saw men gory-tinted.
Dropping their arms beforo the pallid miserable ones.
They join in peace as they wero losers. .



S44 POEMS RELATING TO

20 Hand ou the cross they wail ou the gravel bank of
Garanwynyoa

The tribes revel over the rising wave.

The billows protect the hair of their capturea

I saw men of splendid progress

With blood that clotted on the garments^

Toiling energetically and incessantly in battla

The covering battle, where there was no flighty when
contrived

The roler of Beged, I am astonished at what was dared.

I saw a brow covered with rage on Urien,

When he furiously attacked his foes at the white stone
30 Of Galystem. His rage was a blade;

The bucklered men were sustained in need.

May a desire of battle come on Eurwyn.

And until I fail in old age.

In the sore necessity of death,

May I not be smiling,

If I praise not Urien.

XXXIX.

BOOK OF TALIE88IK XXXIL
Text, Tol. ii. p. 184. Notes, toL ii. p. 418.

*^^SI£N of the cultivated plain.
The most generous man of baptism.
Abundance has been given
To the men of earth.
As it has been gathered.
It has been scattered.
Joyful the bards of baptism
Whilst thy life continues.
There is greater joy
1 For the high-Camed, and liberal of praise.



UBISK BEOKD. ^ 346

It is greater glory.

That Urien and hia children should exist

And he especially

The supreme Guledig.

In a distant city»

A principal pilgrim.

The Iloegrians know him,

When they converse;

Death they had,
20 And firequent vexation.

Burning their homesteads^

And drawing their coverings.

And lo8S»

And great incomprehension,

Without obtaining deliverance

From Urien Beged.

The protector of Beged,

The praise of lor, the anchor of the country.

My inclination is on thee,
30 Of every hearing.

Heavy thy spear-throwing,

When the battle is heard.

When they resort to battle,

A smarting is made.

Fire in houses before day.

Before the sovereign of the cultivated plain.

The most fair cultivated plain.

And its most generous men.

The Angles are accustomed to be without homage
40 From most valiant king.

A most valiant progeny,

Thine is the best

Of those who have been, or willbe^

There is not thy match.



346 P0EM8 RELATING TO

When he is looked upon,
Yeiy great is the terror.
It is usual to look for him.
For an active king.
Around him a modest demeanour,
50 And the varied multitude.

The splendid prince of the North,

The choicest of princes.

And when I fail in age,

In the sore necessity of death,

May I not be smiling^

If I praise not Uriea

XL

BOOK OF TAUEBSIN XXXm.
Text, ToL IL p. 185. Notes, toL ii. p. 418.

3^N rest.
A song I kept
Respect and plenty
And mead I possessed.
I possessed mead.
His triumph.
And fair lands,
A great wonder.
And gold and hour,
10 And hour and treasure,
And plenty
And esteem.
And giving a desire,
A desire of giving it,
To encourage me.
He slays, he plagues.
He cherishes, he honours,



URISN BEGED. 347



He honours, he cherishes^
He slays before him.

20 Presence was given

To the bards of the worid.
Ever certainly
To thee they say
According to thy wilL
Ood hath caused to thee
The shoulder of kings
Against despicable fear.
Incitement of battle
The protection of a country.

30 The country protected
Battle of incitement
Usual about thee
The tumult of capering,
The capering of tumult
And drinking of ala
Ale for the drinking,
And a fair homestead,
And beautiful clothing.
To me has been extended

40 The lofty Uwjrvenydd,
And requests open.
In one dwell
Great and little.
Taliessin's song.
Thou comfortest it
Thou art the best
Of those that have heard
His vehement animosities.
1 also will praise

50 Thy deeds.

And until I fail in old age,



348 POEMS RBLATING TO

In the sore necessity of death,
May I not be smiling.
If I praise not Urien.

XU.

BOOK or TALIE8SIN XXXIV.
Text, ToL ii. p. 187. Notes, voL \l p. 413.

^N one year

One that provides

Wine and bounty and mead.

And manlineRB without enmity,

And a musician excelling.

With a swarm of spears about him.

With ribbands at their heads^

And their fiedr appearances.

Every one went from his presence^
10 They came into the conflict,

And his horse under him.

Purposing the affair of Mynaw.

And more harmony,

Advantage flowing about his hand.

Eight score of one colour

Of calves and cowa

Milch cows and oxen.

And every fair need.

I should not be joyful
20 If Urien were slain.

He is dear before he went

A Saxon shivering, trembUng;

With hair white-washed,

And a bier his destiny.

With a bloody face.

For the blood of men a little protected.



URIEN REOED. 349

And a man of the intrenchment penereru^

Whose wife is a widow.

Mine is the wine of the prince,
30 Mine is the wine of frequent partiesi

My chance, my aid, my head.

Since the rising up will not cause

A striking fronting one another.

Porter, listen.

What is the noise: is it the earth that quakesf

Or is it the sea that swells 7

Whitened, clinging together, against the infioitrjr.

If there is a cry on the hill.

Is it not Urien that terrifies 7
40 K there is a cry in the valley,

Is it not Urien that pierces 7

If there is a ciy in the mountain,

Is it not Urien that conquers f

If there is a cry on the slope,

Is it not Urien that wounds 7

If there is a sigh on the dyke,

Is it not Urien that is active 7

A ciy of a journey over the plain,

A cry in every meandering vala
60 Nor will one sneeze or two

Protect from death.

He would not be on famine

With spoils surrounding him.

Over-querulous, trailing, of a blue tint

Like death was his spear.

Killing his enemy.

And until I fail in old age.

In the sore necessity of death.

May I not be smiling,
60 If I praise not Urien.



360 P0EM8 RELATUIO TO

XUI.

DOOR OF TAUESSIK XXXYI.
Text, ToL il p. 100. Notoii, vol iL p. 414.

^^XrOL iho caroor of tho kings of Kogod.

Was I not an oxponso to thoc» though I am thino f

Thoy brandished tlio blado of battlo, and spoors of
batUc,

Men brandished under tho round shield ; lights

White gulls trampled.

It was not fell fought A false king is not good.

The Guledig will prepdle himself against eoutusions.

He will not drive the business of those that seek him.

We shall have a nimble horseman, of Qwirion's fame,
10 A leader of fair promise, wise as Don.

Until Ulph came with violence on his enemies.

Until Uricn came in the day to Aeron.

He was not an ogressor, there appeared not

The uplifted front of Urien before Powys.

Was not easily treated the heat of the compact of the tribes,

Hyveidd and Gododin and the lion prince.

Bold in patience, and journey of joint summons.

Without pollution he drew blood in his veins.

(He) that saw Uwyvenydd humbly will tremble,
20 A conspicuous banner in the second place,

A battle in the ford of Alclud, a battle at the Inver.

The battle of Cellawr Browyn. Tlie battle of Hireurur.

A battle in the underwood of Cadleu, a battle in Aboriood.

He interposes with the steel loud (and) groat

The battle of Cludvein, the affair of the head of the wood.

A tribe attracted of dogs to a plentitude of blood.

To destroy supreme felicity is the aim

Of the Angles, a hostile crew.



URIEN KEGSD. 361

Ruddy-stained from the conflict with Ulph at the foixL
80 Better is bom the Ouledig, forward was bom his loid«

Piydain's chief proprietor, haraionious his lord.

He bare not clothes, either blue or gray,

Or red or green ; he will not honour the ground.

He placed not his thigh over Moel Maelaur,

On horses of the speckled race of Mor QroidiawL

Summer until winter, and gently in hand.

On ford, and course exercising them.

And a guest \mder songs and exalting one's-s^lC

And until the end of tlie world was perceived the band.
40 They arrange, they sweep about chainless for an imager

UncowanUy about lights did I not mangle ?

I strove against the fall of spears on shoulders.

Shield in hand, Qodeu and Begcd protecting ;

Did I not see a man folding cattle ?

A serpent of enchantment^ a comely trampler of the
ground.

Do I not know a war wherein he was lost^

And how much I lose by his perishing 7

I shall not be extremely angry to possess mead-liquor.

From the heroic Hyveidd, of hospitable course.
60 Wit not I that was permitted (to have) shelter of the
battla

My kings were broken off from cheerful graces,

Shelter of the country good to the oppressed.

And until I fail in age,

In the sore necessity of death.

May I not be smiling;

If I praise not Urien.



352 POEMS RBLATIKO TO



XUIL

The Satisfaction of Uriek.
book of talie88in xxxix.

Text, troL ii. p. 105. Notes, toL iL pi. 416.

^^HE lion will be most implacable ;

I will not deplore him.

Urien I will approach,

To him I will sing.

When will come my surety,

I shall obtain adnussioa

Of the veiy best part»

Under the flow of melody,

It concerns me not much,
10 The everlasting lineage which I see.

I ¥rill not go to them, I will not be with them.

I will not address the North

And the kings of the plain.

Though there should be for many

That I should see a mutual pledging.

I have no need of affection :

Urien will not refuse me

The lands of Uwyvenydd.

Mine is their wealth,
20 Mine are the festivals,

Mine is the produce.

Mine are the metals,

And its rich productiona

Mead out of buffalo-horns

And good in abundance,

From the best prince.

The most generous that has been beard of.



URIEK BEGSD. ! 363

i

The chiefs of eveiy language I

To thee are all captiva ;

80 For thee there will be lamentation when thj death
is certain.

Though I should have prefened him

After being benefited, I wonld grow old

There was not one that I loved bettai;

(Of those) that I knew beforei

At times I see

The amount of what I shall have.

Except to God supreme^

I will not renounce

Thy royal sons,
40 Hie most generous of men,

llieir spears shall resound

In the land of their enemies.

And until I fail in old age,

In the sore necessity of death.

May I not be smiling,

If I praise not Urien.

XLIV.
The Spoils of Taliessin, a Song to Ubuk.

BOOK OF TAIilESSIN XXXVIL
Ttot, ToL ii p. 108. Notes, vol ii p. 415.

^N manliness he will greet my trouble^
Should I be bled, I should evidently get better ;
Truly I saw no one before, who saw not in me
Eveiy indisposition, he will cultivate his business.
I saw a feeding about a lion for plants^ ,
I saw leaves of luxuriant growth.
I saw a blanch with equal blossoma
Did I not see a prince? most liberal his customs,
vou I. 2 a d



354 POEMS RELATING TO

I WW the ruler of Catraeth beyond the plains
10 Be my oak (ie. prince) the gleaming spirit (t^ lightning)

of the Cymiy.
The yalue of my ciy great will be its advantage to

degrees
The chief of men, shield of warriors.
The extensive boofy of the ashen shaft is my fair Awen.
A shield before a prince, bright his smile,
Heroic, aspiring, the most heroic is Urien.
A merchant ¥rill not oppose me. Tumoltuous
The slothful one, brightly shines the blue of the enamelled

covering ; prolific and highly exalted
Every one ; a step without skill on the side of the watery

fronts of the MordeL
A chief excessively active to us he will come of thy will
80 Active the yellow-gray one in the halL
Full of peopla A protector in Aeron.
Great his energy, his poets, and his musicians^
Very fierce is lal against his enemie&
May great strength of men be connected with Biythoa
like the wheeling of a fieiy meteor over the earth,
like a wave that governs Uwy venydd.
Like tlie harmonious ode of Gwen and Gweithen,
Like Mor the greatly courteous is Urien.
In his early career an intrepid hero.
30 He is such a ruler of kings as Dyawr,

He is one (i$. unequalled) as a chaser of the swift

horses of the multitude.
In the beginning of May in Powys, in battle array.
He is one, coming when he visits his peopla
Eagle of the land, extensive thy glance.
I would have requested an active courser
Of vigorous trot^ the price of the spoil of Taliessia
One is the violent course on the bottom and the summit^



nsmi BEOSD. 866

One ia the gift of a baion to a loid.
One is the herd of stags in their flighty
40 One is the wolf not covetous of broom, .
One is the country where a son is born,
And of one form and one sound is the battle-plaoe

of warriors.
Of one sound they will evilly yoke
And Ceneu and Nudd Hael, and an extensive

country under him.
And if I obtain for myself a smile,
He will make the bards ever joyfuL
Before that I could wish dead the sons of Gwyden,
May the happy country of Urien be filled with Uood.

XLV.

BSD BOOK OF HXBQI8T XIL
Text, vol. ii. p. 867. Notes, vol. ii. p. 437.

L JI^ET the furious Unhwch lead me on
To the front of the mutual conflict —
'Tis better to be killed than parley on terma

II. Let the furious Unhwch lead me on—
It was said in the Pass of Uech, —
*' Dunawd the son of Pabo will not lurk."

m. Let the furious Unhwch lead me on —

Like the sullen agitation of the sea was the war^

expanding tumult
Of Urien with the ardent grasp.



If



IV. The eagle of Gal, Unhwch, bold and generous^
Wrathful in war, sure of conquest,
Was Urien with the ardent grasp.



366 P0EM8 RELATING TO

T. The eagle of Ghd, XJDhwch,

The possessor of the eneigetic soul . . .

The cell of the sea of smooth inlets with green surfaoa

TL A head I bear by my side,

That has been an assaulter between two hosts —
The magnanimons son of Cynvarch was its possessor.

TIL A head I bear by my side,

The head of Urien, the mild leader of his army —
And on his white bosom the sable raven is perched.

ItSL A head I bear in my shirt,

The head of Urien who governed a court in mildness —
And on his white bosom the sable raven gluta

DL A head I bear in my hand.

He that was a soaring eagle, whose like will not be had.
His princely breast is assailed by the devourer.

•

X. A head I bear by the side of my thigh,
That was the shield of his countxy»
That was a wheel in battle,
That was a ready sword in his countijr's batUes.

XL A head I bear on my sword :

Better his being alive than that he should go to the

grave;
He was a castle for old age.

XD. A head I bear from the bordering land of Penawg,
Wide extended was his warfare :
Urien the eloquent^ whose fame went far.



URIXN BEGXD. 857

xiiL A head I bear on my shoulder.

That would not bring on me di4graoe —
Woe to my hand that my lord is slain.

xiY. A head I bear on my arm,

He that overcame the land of Bryneioh — *
But after being a hero, now on the hearse.

xv. A head I bear in the grasp of my hand,
Of a chief that mildly governed a country ;
The head, the most powerful piUar of Prydain.

XVL A head I bear that supported me,
Is there any known but he welcomed f
Woe my hand, gone is ho that sustained me.

xviL A head I bear from the Riw,

With his lips foaming with blood*^ ^1

Woe to Beged from this day 1

xviiL My arm has not flagged ; my bosom is greatly trouUed ;
Ah I my hearty is it not broken ?
A head I bear that was my support

XDL The delicate white corpse will be covered to-day.
Under earth and stones :
Woe my hand, that the father of Owain is slain 1

XX. The delicate white corpse will be covered to-day.
Amidst earth and oak :
Woe my hand, that my cousin is slain I

XXL The delicate white corpse will be covered to-night ;
Under stones let it be left :
Woe my hand, what a step has fate decreed me 1



358 POEMS RSLATIKQ TO

xxo. The delicate white corpse will be covered to-night
Amidst earth and green sods :
Woe my hand, that the son of Cynvarch is slain I

xxm. The delicate white corpse will be covered to-day
Under the greensward and a tumulus :
Woe my hand, that my lord is slain I

XXIV. The delicate white corpse will be covered to-day.
Under earth and sand :
Woe my hand, the step that is decreed to me !



'. The delicate white corpse will be covered to-day
Under earth and nettles :

Woe my hand, that such a step could have happened
to me I



The delicate white corpse will be covered to-day

Under earth and blue stones :

Woe my hand, the step that has befallen me I

xxviL A master-feat of the world the brother has been in

pursuit of ;
For the horns of the buffalo, for a festive goblet ;
He was the depredator with the hounds in the covert

of Beged!

xxvm. A master-feat of the world the brother has eagerly

sought,
For the equivocal horn of the bufifolo ;
. He was the chaser with the hounds with the men of
Beged.

Enrdyl will be joyless this night,
And multitudes (will be so) besides :
In Aber lieu has Urien been slain.



uaiKN Rvoxa 859

XXX. Eurdyl will be sorrowful from the tribulatioii of tfaie
nighty
And from the fate that ie to me be&Uen ;
That her brother should be slain at Aber lieu.



xxxL On Friday I saw great anxiety
Among the hosts of Baptism*
like a swarm without a hive^ bold in despair.

xxxiL Were there not given to me by Bun, greatly fiuid

of war,
A hundred swarms and a hundred shieldst
But one swann was better far than alL

•

xxxm. Were there not given to me by Bun* the Cunons

chief,
A cantrev, and a hundred oxen f
But one gift was better &r than those.

XXXIV. In the lifetime of Bun, the peaceless ranger,
The unjust will wallow in dangers ;

May there be irons on the steeds of rapina

XXXV. The extreme I know of my trouble : '
Is what all will hear in every season of warfare ;
No one can charge me with anything.

xxxvL Dunawd, the leading horseman, would drive onward,
Intent upon making a corpse.
Against the onset of Owain.

\
xxxviL Dunawd, the chief of the age, would drive onward,

Intent upon making baUle,

Against the conflict of Pasgen.



360 P0IM8 BELATINQ TO

xxzYin. Owallawg» the horseman of tomult^ would drive

onward.
Intent upon tiying the sharpest edge^
Against the conflict of Elphin.

zxnx. Bran, the son of Mellym, would drive onwatd»
CioUecting men to bum my ovens :
A wolf that looked grimly by the banks of Abers.

XLb Morgant and his men would drive onward,
Collecting a host to bum my lands :
He was a mouse that scratched against a rock

XII. I pushed onward when Elgno was slain ;

The blade which Fyll brandished would gleam

terribly.
If tents were pitched in his country.

XUL A second time I saw, after a conflict,

A golden shield on the shoulder of Urien ;
A second to him there was Elgno Hen.

zuu. Upon the resolution there came a failing
From the dread of a furious horseman :
Will there be another compared with Urien f

ZLiv. Decapitated is my lord, his opponents are powerful :
Warriors will not love his enemies :
Many sovereigns has he consumed.

ZLV. The ardent disposition of Urien I it ia sadness to me :
There is commotion in every rq^ion.
In pursuit of Llovan liawdivro.



ubun biobd. 361

XLVL Gentle gate ! thou art heard afar ;

There is scarcely another deserving praise^
Since Urien is no mora

XLYIL Many a hunting-dog and fine grown hawk
Have been trained on its flow,
Before Erlleon became desolate.

XLTiiL This hearth, deserted by the shout of war.
More congenial on its floor would hare been
The mead, and loquacious drinkers.

XLDL This hearth, will not nettles cover it f
While its defender lived,
More congenial to it were those who made lequesta

L This hearth, will it not be covered by the greensward!
In the lifetime of Owain and Elphin,
Its cauldron boiled the prey.

LL This hearth, will it not be covered with musty fingers!
More congenial around its viand would have been
The gashing sword of the dauntless.

UL This hearth, will not the slender brambles cover it !
Burning wood used to be on it^
Which Reged was accustomed to givei



LiiL This hearth, will not thorns cover it?

More congenial on it would have been the

group
Of Owain's social retinue.



362 POEKS RSLATINQ TO UBIEN BEOED.

LIT. This hearth, will it not be covered over by the ants?
More accustomed it was to bright torches.
And harmless festivities.

LT. This hearth, will it not be covered with dock-leavesf
More congenial on its floor would have been
The mead, and loquacious drinkers.

LTL This hearth, will it not be turned up by the swinef
More congenial to it would have been
The joy of men, and the circling horns of banquet

Lva This hearth, will it not be scratched up by the fowl f
Want would not approach it
In the lifetime of Owain and Urien.



LTm. This buttress, and that one there^

More congenial around them would have been
The joy of a host; and the tread of a minstreL



P0E1I8 BXIATIMa TO U£IXN AND HIB BON OWIK. S68



J.

POEMS BSLATING TO UBIEN AND HIS

SON OWEN.

XLVL

BOOK OF TAUESSIN XTHL
Text, ToL iL p. 168. Notes, rd. iL p. 406.

,^i rumour has come to me from Calchvynyd,

A disgrace in the south countiy, a praiseworthy pillage.

And he will give to a lion the fierceness of lus baptiam.

Full is his strath of joyful produce.

The people are satiated with war&re^ the strangen ara

satiated,
A battle of encroachment^ during the excessive heat of

the country,
A wonder of Cjrmry that relate it
Let the cattle of the son of Idno come to Dyved.
And let no one dare not to come.
10 To pay a hundred cows I will give one calf
The slaughter of thy foes about thy countzy,
like fire it heats a vapour where it happens to be.
When we made an expedition to the land of Owydno,
There was a coipse delicately fair between the gravel

and the pebbles on the bank.
When he returned in the autumn from the countiy of

Clydesmen,
The cow did not low to her cal£
Will greet Mabon from another countiy,
A batUe^ when Owain defends the cattle of his oountxy.
A battle in the ford of Alclud, a battle in the Gwen,



<.



364 POEMS REIATIKQ TO

20 A battle, in conjunction of tumolt to them.

A battle against Bodawys of snowy-white aspect^

Brandishing of spears and black, and bright sheets^

A battle on this side of the gleaming guiding heart of oak.

A shield in hand» the camp trembling,

Saw Mabon on the fair portion of BeidoL

Against the kine of B^ged they engaged,

If they had wings they would have flown.

Against Mabon without corpses they would not go.

Meeting, they descend and commence the battla
SO The oountiy of Mabon is pierced with destructive
slaughter.

When Owain descends for the kine of his father.

There broke out lime^ and wax, and hawthorn.

Is it not fSedr prey for any one to take a bald cow ?

Support each other against men with ruddy spears.

Against the four-way-spreading conflagration.

Against the mighty rising.

Against gore on flesh,

Against a dismal straining.

A rumour came to me^
40 From the bright lands of the South.

Splendid and liberal chiefiB declare

That thou shall not be addressed by vulgar one&

About the ford of the boundary, about the alders his
battle-places.

When was caused the battle of the king, sovereign, prinoe,

Very wild will the kine be before Maboa

From the meeting of Gwrgun.

The resting-place of the corpses of some was in Bun.

There was joy, there will be for ravens.

Loud the talk of men after
50 Battle. Escaped not the shield of Owain.

With notched shield an opposing in battle tumult^



URIKM AND HIS SON OWKK. 366

CatUe would not run about without crimBon faces.

Crimson were the kine of Bender, and great his giaoe^

Gore surrounding the top of his head.

And a white fitce conspicuous the gasping.

The golden saddle (was) drenched in gore^ as^ to its

appearance.
The Owentians praise the boofy, the booty was extended.
The booty in front of the eager battle of the eager

strangers.
A booty of heads with forked branches. On the shields
60 Awfully the blades are falling about the head.
A battle in front of Owain, great; great his rage.
A fine day, they fell, men, defending (their) country.
There rested the extreme-impelling advantage of their

&ther.



XLVIL

The Affair of Argoxd Llwtfain.

«

BOOK OF TALIES8IN XXXT.
Text, ToL IL p. 189. Notes, toL ii p. 418.

Sl^N the morning of Saturday there was a great battle^
From when the sun rose until it gained its height
Flamdwyn hastened in four hosts
Godeu and Beged to overwhelm.
They extended from Aigoed to Arvynyd.
They retained not life during one day.
Flamdwyn called out again, of great impetuosity.
Will they give hostages 7 are they ready 7
Owain answered. Let the gashing appear,
10 They will not give, they are not, they are not ready^
And Ceneu, son of Goel, would be an irritated lion
Before be would give a hostage to any ona



366 rOKMS RKIATINO TO

Urien called out again, tho lord of the cultivated region,
If there be a meeting for kindred,
Let U8 raise a banner above the mountain.
And advance our persons over the border.
And let us raise our spears over the heads of men,
And rush upon Flamdwyn in his army,
And slaughter with liim and his followers.
20 And because of the aflcdr of Ai^goed Uwyfain,
There was many a corpsa
The ravens were red from tho warring of mea
And the common people hurried with the tidings.
And I will divine the year that I am not increasing.
And until I fail in old ag<^
In the sore necessity of death.
May I not be smiling,
If I praise not Urien.

XLVIII.

The Dsath-sono of Owaik.

book of talies8im xliv.

Text, ToL iL jk 199. Notes, toL iL jk 417.

JJI^HE soul of Owain son of Uriea May its Lord consider

its need.
The chief of Beged, the heavy sward conceals him. His

knowledge was not shallow.
A low cell (contains) the renowned protector of bards, the

wings of dawn were the flowing of his lances.
For there will not be found a match for the chief of the

glittering west
The reaper of the tenacious foes. The ofispring of his father

and grandfather.
When Flamdwyn killed Owain, there was not one greater

than he sleeping.



I

I



URIBN AMD UI8 80K OWXM. 867

A wide numbor of Lloegyr went to sleep with light in

their eyes.
And those that fled not instantly were beyond necessity.
Owain valiantly chastised thonit like a pack (of wolyes)

pursuing shoop.
10 A worthy man, upon his many-ooloored trappingSi he

would give horses to those that asked.
While he hoarded hard money, it was not shared for

hissouL
The soul of Owain. son of Urien.



368 POEMS BELATIKO TO



P0BU8 RELATING TO THE BATTLE OF

ARDDER7D.

XUX.

BULCK BOOK OF CAEHHARTHEN I.
Text, ToL iL JK 3. Notes, toL il jk 380.

I ^^OW sad with me, how sad 1
Have Cedwyy and Gadvan perished ?
Glaring and tomultaons was the slaughter ;
Perforated was the shield from Trywruyd.

TAUESSIN.

IL It was Maelgwn that I saw combating,

Hia household before the tumult of the host is not
silent

MTBDIN.

m. Before two men in Nevtur will they land.

Before Errith and Gurrith on a pale white horse.
The slender bay they will undoubtedly bear away.
Soon will his retinue be seen with Elgan.
Alas for his death 1 a great journey they cama

TALIE88IK.

IT. Ry^ the one-toothed, a span was his shield ;
Even to thee has complete prosperity coma
Cyndur has been slain ; beyond measure they deplore ;
Men that were generous while they lived have been

slain;
Three men of note^ whose esteem was great with Elgan.



THI BATTLI OP ARDDIBTD.
MTRDiy.

V. Through and through, in excess and exoees they onn
From yonder and yonder there came to ue Bna a

^ Melgan ;
Slay, in their last conflict^ Diwel
The son of Erbin, and his men» they did.

<* ' TAUE88IN.

.VI. The host of Maelgwn, it was fortunate that they cam
Slaughtering men of battle^ penetmting the goiy pb
Even the action of Ardderyd,* when there will h

crisis,
Ck)ntinually for the hero they will prepare.

MVRDIK.

VII. A host of flying darts, reeking will be the goiy plaii
A host of warriors^ vigorous and active will thqr be
A host, when wounds will be given, a host, when fli;

will take place,
A host, when they will return to the combat

TALIE8SIN.

\niL The seven sons of Eliffer, seven heroes when put ii
proof^
They will not avoid seven spears in their aevei
divisions.

MYRDUr.

IX. Seven blaziog fires^ seven opposing armies,
The seventh Cynvelyn in every foraroost placa

' TALII88IK.

t

X. Seven thrusting spears^ seven rivers-ful
Of the blood of chieftains win they tlL

2 B



370 rOEMS RELATING It)

MYRDIN.

XL Seven score generous ones liave gone to the sliades;
In the wood of Celyddon they came to their end.

Since I, Myrdin, am next after Taliessin,
Let my prediction become common.



BLACI^ BOOK OF CAERMAKTHEN XVII.
Text, ToL it )). 18. Notes, vol it ix 335.

L JS^WEET appletree of delightful branches,

Budding luxuriantly, and shooting forth renowned scions,

I wiU predict before the owner of Machreu,

That in the valley of Machawy on Wednesday there will

be blood, —
Joy to Ilo^yr of the blood-red bladea
Hear, O little pig ! there will come on Thursday
Joy to the Cymry of mighty battles,
In iheir defence of Gymminawd, with their incessant

sword-thrusts.
On the Saxons there will be a slaughter with ashen

spears.
And their heads will be used as balls to play with.
I prophesy truth without disguise, —
The elevation of a child in a secluded part of the South.

IL Sweet appletree, a green tree of luxurious growth.
How large are its branches, and beautiful its form !
And I will predict a battle that will make me shriek
At Pengwem, in the sovereign feast, mead is appropriate.^

* The IbUowing lines srs added it the bottom of the pi^ :-»

And arooDd CjnnmiBawdi a deadly hewing down
^r a chief of Efyri— luititd will iwsain.



THB BATTLI OF ABDDUTD. 371

in. Sweet appletree» and a yellow tiee»

Orow at Tal Ardd, without a garden aommnding it ;

And I will predict a battle in Pkydyn,

In defence of their frontier against the men of Dablm ;

Seven ships will come ovor the wide lake^

And seven hundred over the sea to conquer.

Of those that come, none will go to Cennyn,

Except seven half-empty ones, according to the pro d ictkwL

IT. Sweet applctree that luxuriantly grows !

Food I used to take at its base to please a iair maid»
When, with my shield on my shoulder, and my swoid ott

my thigh,
I slept all alone in the woods of Celyddoa
Hear, little pig I now apply thyself to reason,
And listen to birds whose notes are pleasant^
Sovereigns across the sea will come on Monday ;
Blessed will the Cymiy be, from that design.

V. Sweet appletree that grows in the glade I

Their vehemence will conceal it from the lords of

Bydderch,
Trodden it is around its base, and men are about it
Terrible to them were heroic forms.
Gwendydd loves me not, greets me not;
I am hated by the firmest minister of Kydderoh ;
I have ruined his son and his daughter.
Death takes all away, why does he not visit me t
For after Gwendddeu no princes honour me ;
I am not soothed with diversion, I am not visited by the

fair;
Tet in the battle of Ardderyd golden was my toiqnti^
Tbriugh I am now despised by her who is of the ookmr

of swans. %



3T2 POEMS RELATING TO

TL Sweet applctree of delicaUt bloom,

That grows in concealment in tlie woods!

At break of day tlie tale waa told me,

That the firmest minister is offended at my creed,

Twice, thrice, four times, in one day.

Jesus! would that my end had come

Before the death of the son of Gwendydd happen on my
hand!

TIL Sweet appletree, wliicli grows by the river-side!

With respect to iU the keeper will not thrive on its

splendid fruit
Wliilc my reason was not aberrant^ I used to be around

its stem
With a fair sportive maid, a paragon of slender form.
Ten years and forty, as the toy of lawless ones,
Have I been wandering in gloom and among sprites.
After wealth in abundance and entertaining minstrels,

1 have been (here so long that) it is useless for gloom

and sprites to lead me astray.
I will not sleep, but tremble on account of my leader,
My lord Gwenddoleu, and those who are natives of my

countiy.
AtUa suffering disease and longing grief about the words

of Celyddon,
Hay I become a blessed servant of the Sovereign of

splendid retinues!

TIXL Sweet appletree of delicate blossoms,
Which grows in the soil amid the trees I
The Sibyl foretells a tale that wiU come to pass
A golden rod of great valuSb will, for bravery,
Be given to glorious ehiefii beibre the dngona;
The diilbier of gnot will vanquish the profluii man.



THI BA1TLI OP ABDDHIYD. 31

Before the child, bold as the tun in his courses,
Saxons shall be eradicated, and bards shall ikmrish.

I
IX Sweet appletree, and a tree of crimson hue,

Which grow in concealment in the wood of Cdyddon ;

Though sought for their fruity it will be in vain.

Until Cadwaladyr oomes finom the oonference of Gadvaoi

To the Eagle of lywi and Teiwi riyers;

And until fierce anguish oomes firm Aranwynioo,

And the wild and loug-haiied ones aie made tame :

X. Sweet appletree, and a tree of crimson hue^

Which grow in concealment in the wood of Celyddon ;
Though sought for their fruity it will be in vain.
Until Cadwaladyr comes fiom the conference of hhy

Rheon,
And Cynan to meet him advances upon the Saxons;
The Cymry vrill be victorious^ glorious will be their leade
AH shall have their rights, and the Biython will rqoio
Sounding the horns oC gladness^ and chanting tha son

of peace and happiness !



374 THE GODODW rOSMfl.



L.
THE GODODIN POEMS.

LL

BOOK OP AKEURIN L
Teit, vuL ii. p. 02. Notes, vol. ii. p. 369.

Tins 18 THE GODODIN. ANEUBUT COMPOSED IT.

I. ^)F manly disposition was the youth,
Valour bad he in the tumult ;
Fleet thick-maned chargers
Were under the tliigh of the illustrious youth ;
A shield, light and broad.
Was on the slender swift flank,
A sword, blue and bright.
Golden spurs, and ermine.
It is not by me

Tluit hatred shall be shown to thee ;
I will do better towards thee.
To celebrate thee in poetic eulogy.
Sooner hndst thou gone to the bloody bier
Than to the nuptial feast ;
Sooner hadst tliou gone to be food for ravens
Than to the conflict of spears ;
Thou beloved friend of Owaiu !
Wrong it is that he should be under ravens.
It is evident in what region
The only son of Marro was killed.

iL Caeawg, the leader, wherever he came,

Breathless in the presenoe of a maid would he
distributa the mead ;






TIIK OOD)DIK FOtMg. 376

\

The front of his shield was pierced, when he heard

The sliout of battle, he would give no qoarter wherarer

ho pursued ;
He would not retreat from the combat^ until he caused
Blood to stream ; like rushes would he hew down the nan

who would not yield.
The Qododin does not relate, in the land of Mofdai,
Before the tents of Madawg, when he returned,
Of but one man in a hundred that came back

UL Gaeawg, the combatant, the stay of his countiy,

Whose attack is like the rush of the eagle into the sea,

when allured by his prqr ;
He formed a compact, his signal was observed ;
Better was his resolution performed : he retreated not
Before the host of Gododin, at the close of day.
With confidence he pressed upon the conflict of If anawyd ;
And regarded neither spear nor shield.
There is not to be found a habitation that abounded in

dainties,
That has been kept from the attack of the warriors.

IV. Caeawg, the leader, the wolf of the strand,
Amber wreaths encircled his brow ;

Precious was the amber, worth wine from the horn.

He repelled the violence of ignoble men, and blood trickled

down;
For Gwynedd and the North would have come to his shares
By the advice of the son of Ysgyrran,
Who wore the broken shield.

V. Gaeawg, the leader, armed was he in the noisy conflict ;
His was the foremost part of the advanced division, in

front of the hosts.



376 THB GODODII POEU&

Before his blades fell five battaliona

Of the men of Deivyr and Brenneicb, uttering groans :

Twenty hundred perished in one hour.

Sooner did his flesh go to the wol( than he to the

nuptial feast ;
He sooner became food for the raven, than approached

the altar ;
Before he entered the conflict of spears^ his blood

streamed to the ground.
It was the price of mead in the hall, amidst the throng.
Hyveidd Hir shall be celebrated as long as there will

be a minstreL

•

TL The men went to Gododin with laughter and spright-

linesSy
Bitter were they in the battle, displaying their blades ;
A short year they remained in peace.
The son of Bodgad, by the eneigy of his hand, caused

a throbbing.
Though they went to churches to do penance,
The old, ftnd the young, and the bold-handed,
The inevitable strife of death was to pierce them.

▼u. The men went to Gododin, laughing as they moved :
A gloomy disaster befell their army ;
Thou slayest them with blades, without much noise :
Thou, powerful pillar of living right, causest stillness.

Tm. The men went to Catraeth, loquacious was their host ;
Fresh mead was their feast^ and also their poison.
Three hundred were contending with weapons ;
And after sportive mirth, stillness ensued !
Though they went to churches to do penance,
The inevitable strife of death was to pierce them.



\



I

TUB GO0>DiN Fonca 877

IX. The men went to Catraeth, fed with mead^ tnd drunk
Firm and yigorous; it were wrong if I n^ected to

praise them.
Around the red, mighfy, and murky blades
Obstinately and fiercely fought the dogs of war.
If I had judged you to be on the side of the tribe of

Brenneich,
Not the phantom of a man would I have left alive.
A friend I have lost^ mjrself being unhurt ;
He openly opposed the terrible chief —
The magnanimous hero did not seek the dowry of hit

fathei^in-law ;
The son of Cian of Maen Gwyngwn.

X The men went to Catraeth with the dawn ;
They dealt peaceably with those who feared them.
A hundred thousand and three hundred engaged in

mutual overthrow.
Drenched in gore they served as butts for lances ;
Their post they most manfully defended
Before the retinue of Mynyddawg Mwynvawr.

XL The men went to Catraeth with the dawn ;

Begrettcd are their absence and their disposition ;

Mead they drank, yellow, sweety ensnaring.

In that year many a minstrel fell

Bedder were their swords than their plimiea

Their blades were white as lime, their helmets split

into four parts.
Before the retinue of Mynyddawg Mwynvawr.

XIL The men went to Catraeth with the day :
Have not the best of battles their disgrace ?
They made biers a matter of necessity.
With blades full of vigour in defence of Baptism.



378 THE OODODI f POEM&

This is best before the alliance of kindred.
Exceedingly great was the bloodshed and death, of which

they were the cause.
Before the army of Gododin, when the day occurred.
Is not a double quantify of discretion the best

strengthener of a hero t

zm. The man went to Gatraeth with the day :

Truly he quaffed the foaming mead on serene nights ;

Ue was unlucky, though proverbially fortunate :

His mission, through ambition, was that of a destroyer.

There hastened not to Catraeth

A chief so magnificent

As to his design on the standard.

Never was there such a host

From the fort of Eiddyn,

That would scatter abroad the mounted ravagers.

Tudvwlch Hir, near his land and towns^

Slaughtered the Saxons for seven days.

His valour remained until he was overpowered ;

And his memory will remain among his fair associates.

When Tudvwlch, the supporter of the land, arrived.

The station of the son of Cilydd became a plain of blood.

znr. The man went to Catraeth with the dawn ;
To them were their shields a protection.
Blood they sought, the gleamcrs assembled :
Simultaneously, like thunder, arose the din of shields.
The man of envy, the deserter, and the base,
He would tear and pierce with pikes.
From an elevated position, he slew, with a blade,
In iron affliction, a steel-clad commander;
He subdued in Mordai those that owed him homage ;
Before Erthgi armies groaned.



THI GODODIK F0I1C& 879

xy. Of the battle of Catraeth, when it shall be related.
The people will utter sighs ; long has been their sorow.
There will be a dominion without a soYereign, and a

murky land.
The sons of Oodebawg, an upright dan.
Bore, streaming, long biers.
Sad was the &te, just the neoessity,
Decreed to Tudvwlch and Cyvwlch Hir.
Together they drank the clear mead
By the light of the rushes,
Though pleasant to the taste^ its banefulness lasted loQg.

xn. Before Echeching, the splendid Caer, he shouted :
Young and forward men followed him ;
Before, on the Bludwe the horn was poured out
In the joyful Mordai ;
Before, his drink would be biagget ;
Before, gold and rich purple he would display ;
Before, high-fed horses would bear him safe away ;
Gwrthlev and he, when he poured out the liquor,
Before, ho would raise the shout, and there would be a

profitable diminution ;
He was a bear in his mareh, always unwilling to skulL

xvu. And now the early leader,
The sun is ascending.

The sovereign from which emanates universal light
In the heaven of the Isle of Prydain.
Direful was the flight before the shaking
Of the shield in the direction of the victor ;
Bright was the horn
In the hall of Eiddyn ;
With pomp was he invited



.380 THE QODODIN POIM&

To the feast of the intoxicating mead ;

He drank the beverage of wine

At the meeting of the reapers ;

He diank transparent wine^

With a daring purpose.

The reapers sing of war.

War with the shining wing ;

The minstrels sang of war.

Of harnessed war»

Of winged war.

No shield was unexpanded

In the conflict of spears ;

Of equal eye they fell

In the struggle of battle.

•

Unshaken in the tumult.

Without dishonour did he retaliate ;

His will had to be conciliated

Ere became a green sward

The grave of Gwrvelling the great

XVIIL Qualities they will honour.

Three forward (chiefs or bands) of Novant^

A battalion of five hundred ;

Tliree diicfs and three hundred ;

There are three Knights of battla

From Eiddyu, arrayed in golden armour,

Three loricated hosta

Three Kings wearing the golden torques ;

Three bold Knighta

Three equal batUes;

Three of the same order, mutually jealous.

Bitterly would they chase the foe ;

Three dreadful in the conflict ;

that would kill dead as lead.



THB OODODIN P0I1C& S81

There was in the war a oollecti<m of gold ;

Three Bovereigns of the people.

Came from the Brython,

Cynri and Cenon

And Cynrain from Aeron,

To greet with ashen lances.

The Deivyr distillers.

Came there from the Brython,

A better man than Cynon,

A serpent to his sullen foes?

XIX. I drank mead and wine in Mordai,
Great was the quantity of spears
In the assembly of the warriors.
Ho prepared food for the eagle.
When Cydywal sallied forth, he raised

The shout with the green dawn, and dealt out tribolatioD ;

Splintered shields about the ground he left^

With darts of awful tearing did he hew down ;

In the battle, the foremost in the van

The son of Syvno wounded; the astronomer knew it

He who sold his life,

In the face of warning,

With sharpened blades committed slaughter ;

But he himself was slain by crosses and spears.

According to the compact, he meditated an attack,

And admired a pile of carcases

Of gallant men of toil,

Whom in the upper part of Gwynedd he pierced.

XX. I drank wine and mead in Mordai,

And because I drank, I fell by the side of the rampart;

the fate of allurement
Colwedd the brave was not without ambitioa



382 THE OODODIN FOIM&

When all fell thou didst also teJL

ThuB, when the issue comes^ it were well if thou hadst

not sinned.
Plpesent^ it was related^ was a person of a daring arm.

XXL The men went to Catraeth ; they were renowned ;
Wine and mead firom golden cups was their beverage;
That year was to them of exalted solemnity;
Three warriors and three score and three hundred,

wearing the golden torques.
Of those who hurried forth after the excess of revelling,
But three escaped by the prowess of the gashing sword,
The two war-dogs of Aeron, and Cenon the dauntless,
And myself from the spilling of my blood, the reward

of my sacred song.

xxiL My friend in real distress, we should have been by

none disturbed.
Had not the white Commander led forth (his army) :
We should not have been separated in the hall from

the banquet of mead.
Had he not laid waste our convenient position.
He who is base in the field, is base on the hearth.
Truly the Qododin relates that after the gashing assault^
There was none more ardent than liivieu.

xxiiL Scattered, broken, of motionless form, is the weapon.
To which it was highly congenial to prostrate the horde

of the IJoegrians.
Shields were strewn in the entrance^ shields in the battle

of lances;
He reduced men to ashes^
And made women widows^
Before his death.



m GODODor FonoL ttt

the BOB of Hoewgi»
With^MXi^
ne caused tbe efltaaioii of blood.

xxiT. Adan was the hero of the two MMm

Whose front was Taii^geted, and motion like that of/
ewai^4teed. /

Impelaoiis were the lanoei^ there was siiBshiMb
Theie was food for ie?eiii^ to the leten there wa I piofit
And befote he would let them go fieob
Vfiiih the moming dew, like tbs eagle in his pleasant

oonrse, ^

He scattered them on either side as thej advanced

forward.
The Bards of the wwM will pconoanoe an opinion on

menofyalou
No ransom would ayail those whom his standard porsoed.
The spears in the hands of the warriors were causing

devastation.
And ere was interred under his horses,
One who had been energetic in his commands^
His blood had thoroughly washed his armour:
Buddvan, the son of Bleiddvan the Bold.

XXV. It were wrong to leave him without a memorial, n great

wrong.
He would not leave an open gap through cowardice ;
The benefit of the minstrels of Ptydain never quitted his

court
On the calends of January, according to his design.
His land was not ploughed, since it lay wasta.
He was n mighty dragon of indignant disposition.



384 THE GODODIN POBMa.

A oommaQder in the bloody field after the banquet of

wine; —
Gwenabwj, the eon of Gwen, of the strife of Catraeth.

XXTL True it was, as songs relate,

No one's steed overtook MarchleiL

The lances of the commander

From his prancing horse, strewed a thick path.

As he was reared to bring slaughter and support

Furious was the stroke of his protecting sword ;

Ashen shafts were scattered from the grasp of his hand.

From the stony pile ;

He delighted to spread destruction.

He would slaughter with a vari^ted sword bom a

furze-bush ;
As when a company of reapers comes in the interval of

fine weather.
Would Marchleu cause the blood to flow.

xxvn. Issao was sent from the southern region ;
His conduct resembled the flowing sea ;
He was full of modesty and gentleness,
When he delightfully drank the mead.
But along the rampart of Offer to the point of Madden,
He was not fierce without heroism, nor did he attempt

scattering without effecting it,
His sword resounded in the mouths of mothers ;
He was an ardent spirit, •praise be to him, the son of

Gwyddneu.

xzviii.CSeredig; lovely is his fame ;

He would gain distinction, and preserve it ;

Gentle^ lowly, calm, before the day arrived

In which he learned the achievements of the brave :



TBM QODWnr MDOk MS

May ft be flie lot of flM frieiid of iOQgi to driivs
In flie ooimtiy (tf heave^ aad leoc^gniie lib lionie I

Cevedig; amiable kfldflr,

A wreetler in the impetnoiie fi|^t;

His gold-beqpens^ eUdd was eoospioiMms on Urn

battle-fieUI,
His knoes weie ImdEen, and distteied into q^Untan^
The stvdce of his sword was fieioe and penelnliQg ;
like a men would he maintain his post
Belbie he xeoeiTed ihe affieUon of esrtl^ iNim tiie IM

blow.
He had fulfilled his in goaiding his station.
May he find a oompleto leoeption
'¥^th the Triniigr in perfect nnitj. C

When Oaradawg mshed to battle^

Like the woodland boar was the gash of the hewer ;

He was the bull of battle in the conflicting fight ;

He allured wild dogs with his hand.

My witnesses are Owain the son of £ulad»

And Gwryen, and Gwyn, and Gwiyad.

From Catraeth, from the conflict^

From Biyn Hydwn, before it was taken^

After having clear mead in his hand,

Gwrien did not see his fether.



XXXL The men marched with speed, together they bounded

onward ;
Short-lived were they — ^having become drunk over the

clarified mead.
The retinue of Mynyddawg^ renowned in a trial.
Their life was the price of their banquet of mead ^—

VOL L 2



386 THB GODODIN POEMS.

Caradawg and Madawg, Pyll and leuan,
Gwgawn and Gwiawn» Gwyn and Cynvan^
Peredur with steel arms, Gwawrddur and Aeddau.
A defence were they in the tumult^ though with

shattered shields.
When they were slain, they also slaughtered;
Not one to his native home returned.

xxxn. The men marched with speed, together were they regaled
That year over mead ; great was their design :
How sad to mention them I how grievous the longing

for them !
Their retreat was poison ; no mothet^s son nurses them.
How long the vexationandhow long theregretfor them —
For the brave men of the wine-fed r^on !
Gwlyged of Gododin, having partaken of the inciting
Banquet of Mynyddawg, performed illustrious deeds.
And dear was the price he gave for the purchase of the

conflict of Gatraeth.

zxxnL The men went to Gatraeth in battle-array and with

shout of war,
With the strength of steeds, and with dark-brown

harness, and with shields.
With uplifted javelins, and sharp lances,
With glittering mail, and with sworda
He excelled, he penetrated through the host^ '
Five battalions fell before his blade;
Ruvawn Hir, — ^he gave gold to the altar,
And gifts and precious stones to the minstreL

xxxiY. No hall was ever made so loquacious, —
So greats so magnificent for the slaughter.
Morien procured and spread the fire^



THI QODODOr FOnttL SST

He woqM not say that Genon wmild iio£ mike Ik eoq^
Of one hameaeeJ, anned with a piDn^ and of wido-

ipfead fiunot
His swoid raeoonded on the top of the simpaik
No more than a hnge etone can be xemofed from ito

fixed phu)e
Will Owid» the eon of Peithan, be aunred.

xxxT. No hall was ever 10 ftall of delegatea :
Had not Moxyen been like Cazadawg^'
With difficulty oonld he have escaped towaids

Mynawg^
Fierce^ he was fieroer than the eon of FlBiawg ;
Stout was his hand, he set flames to the ratieating

horsemen.
Terrible in the city was the 017 of the muItitQde ;
The van of die army of Gododin was e c a tteied ;
In the day of wrath he was nimble iiad was he not

destructive in retaliating?
The dependants of Mynyddawg deserved their horns

of mead.

ixxTL No hall was ever mode so immovable

As that of Gynon of the gentle breast^ sovereign of

valuable treasures.
He aat no longer at the upper end of the high seat
Those whom he pierced were not pierced again;
Sharp was the point of his lance ;
With his enamelled armour he penetrated through

the troops ;
Swift in the van were the horses, in tlie van they tore

along.
In the day of wrath, destruction at t ended his blades
When Gynon rushed forward with the green dawa



388 THB OODODIM POEIfa



A giieyous descent was made on his native place ;

He repelled aggression, he fixed a boundaiy ;

His spear forcibly poshed the langhing chiefs of

war:
Even as far as Effyd reached his valoar, which was like

that of Elphin ;
Eithinyn the renowned, an ardent spirit, the bull

of conflict



xzxvm. A grievous descent was made on his native places

The price of mead in the hall, and the feast of

wine;
His blades were scattered abont between two armies^
Hlostrious was the knight in front of Gododin.
Eithinyn the renowned, an ardent spirit^ the boU of

conflict

TTTfT. A grievous descent was made in fnmt of the

extended riches ;
The army dispersed with trailing shields. —
A shivered shield before the herd of the roaring

BelL
A dwarf from the bloody field hastened to the

fence ;
On our part there came a hoary-headed man to take

counsel
On a prancing steed, bearing a message from the

goldcn-torqued leader.
Twrch proposed a compact in front of the destructive

course:
Worthy was the shout of refusal ;
We cried, "Let heaven bo our protection;
Lot his compact bo that he should bo prostrated 1^

the spear in battla''



7HB OODODIH FOUOL SM

The wanbn of tbe fiu^-fioned Aokd
Would not oontend witbout prostnitliig Ut bosk
to tbe grouncL

XL For the pieidng of the ddlM and moifc hiiB^
For tbe &ir ooipse wbiob fdl proetnte on tbe gRNm^
For tbe fiJliog of the bair from off bis beid^ j
IVom tibe grandson of tbe eagle of Gwydiei^ : —
Did not Gwyddwg defend witb bia apear,
BeaemUing and bononxing bia maatar t
Moriea of tbe aacied aong defended
Ibe wall, and depoaed tbe bead
Of tlH, ddef in tlu, gmond. both aw MVport »d ««

aovereign
Eq[Qal to tbree men, to pleaae tbe maid» waa Bndirai^
Eqnal to twdve waa Gwenabwjr ibe aon of GNren.

XIX For tbe piercing of tbe akQfol and moat leaned mai^
He bore a shield in tbe action ;
Witb eneigy did tbe atroke of bia aword £bJ1 on tbe

bead.
In Uoegyr he caused gashinga before tbree bondred

chieftains.
Ho who tokos hold of a wolfs mane without a dub
In his hand, must naturally have a brave diq^oaitkm

under his cloak
In the engagement of wrath and carnage
Bradwen perished — ^he did not eacapa

XUL A man moved rapidly on the wall of the Oaer,

He was of a warlike disposition ; neither a bouae nor a

city was actively engaged in battle.
One weak man, with his shouts.
Endeavoured to keep off tho birda of battle. •



390 THE GODODIK POEMS.

Surely Syll of Mirein relates that there were more

That had chanced to come from liwy,

From around the inlet of the flood ;

Surely he relates that there were more

At an early hour,

Equal to Cynhaval in merit

XLIO. When thou, famous conqueror 1

Wast protecting the ear of com in the uplands
Deservedly were we said to run like men of mark.
The entrance to Din Drei was not guarded.
Such as was fond of treasure took it ;
There was a city for the army that should venture to

enter.
Gwynwyd was not called, where he was not

XLiv. Since there are a hundred men in one house,
I know the cares of distress.
The chief of the men must pay the oontribution.

XLV. I am not headstrong and petulant

I will not avenge myself on him who drives ma

I will not laugh in derision. .

Under foot for a while,

My knee is stretched.

My hands are bound,

In the earthen house.

With an iron chain

Around my two knees.

Yet of the mead bom the horn,

And of the men of Catraeth^

I, Aneurin, will compose.

As Taliesin knows^

An elaborate son{%



♦ •« ,



TBI GODODIK VOIMa S91

Or a ttniii to Oododin,

Befim the dawn of the br^^btnl Aqr. ' /.

XLTL TlieciikfezploilofiheKmrihdidtlielMO^

Of a geMKWB braMt was li% Ubeitl is Us p^
Iliaie does not walk apoa the Mitlv rno/Sbm bis Ml

bomi
Siidi an iDaitriioii% po w a r ft dy iroimiad waniOK
Bjy the fewe of the g^eaniiiig •w«d 1^
Rom the ^ffF^ft? fmrttign priMn he hvoodil lae 9ft$
Fram tiie plaoe of death, ficom a hdelik v^gioB }^
Omeo, the eon of Ujnfaidiy eoeigatifl^ bold. .

XLTU. He would not bear the leproadi of a eoogiee^ a
' Seiqrllt^ with hie Teaaela ftdl of mead ;

He enriohed his ewmd witii deeds of violeiiee; i

He enriched thoee idio nished to war ;

And with his arm made poob (rf bloody

In firont of the annies of Gk>dodin and Bmnnyoh.

Fleet horses were customazj in his halL

There was streaming gore, and dark-brown hamesa

A long stream of light there was from his hand.

And like a hunter shooting with the bow

Was Owen; and the attacking parties mutnally

repulsed each other,
Friend and foe by turns ;
The men did not cut their way to flee^
But they were the general defendeia of waj npxML

XLvm. Uech lieutu and Tud IleodTr^
The course of Gododin,
The course of Bagno^ doee at hand,
The hand that was director of the qpleadoor of
battle,



».



392 THE GODODIM POKMa

With the branch of Caerwya

Before it was shattered

By the season of the storm, by the storm of the season.

To form a rank in front of myriads of men.

Coming from Dindywydd,

Excited with rage,

Deeply did they design.

Sharply did they pierce,

"Wholly did the host chant,

Battered was their shield ;

Before the bull of conflict

Their van was broken.



His languid foes trembled greatly,

Since the battle of most active tumult^

At the border of Banceirw,

Around the border of Bancarw ;

The fingers of Brych will break the bar.

For Pwyll, for Disteir, for Distar,

For Pwyll, for Boddig, for Rychwazdd,

A strong bow was spent by Rys in BiwdrecL

They that were not bold did not attain their purpose ;

None escaped that was once overtaken and pierced.



Ik It was no good deed that his shield should be pieroed.
On the side of his horse ;
Not meetly did he place his thigh
On the long-legged, slender, gray charger.
Dark was his shaft, dark.
Darker was his saddle.
Thy man is in his cell,
Gnawing the shoulder of a buck ;
May he have the benefit of his hand 1
Farbehel



-t - (

»■



TOM QODWDI N8Wb Nt

UL It WM weQ illiat Adomrjr came to Qww;
CKma was left witboiit Bndww.
Hum didrt 4|^ UIl, ud bnn^
Ihoa didife not do wone tban MoiTW ;
Thoa didrt not reguA tbe lear or tiM taa.
Of tlM towaring figiue irithoiit a lidttot
IliOtt didst not oboenro the gveat tireDiBig Mt of

loiig^btiL
Iliat voqM Imw dowBi and gmrt M qpMHEter to tb

LIL Gododiii^ in nqpeet (rf ibee win I detnand
The dales bqrond tbe fid^ of Dnim Xiqrd.
The dave to tbe love of nioDsgr is witfaort selfwBtaeL
19^ the ooanssl of tby son let thy vafaor ddne iHEttL
It was not e d^gradiqg adfioa
In fkont of Tan Yeithiii,
From twilight to twilight^ the edge gleamed.
Glittering exterior had the purple of the pilgrim.
Owaws, the defenceless, the delight of the bolwaik of

battle, was skin.
His scream was inseparable from Aneorin.

Lia Together arise the associated warriors^

To Catraeth the loquadous mnltitude eageriy maroh ;
The e£fect of mead in the hall, and the bevemge of winsi
Blades were scattered between the two annies»
Illustrious was the knight in front of Gododin >—
Eithinyn the renowned, an ardent spirit^ the buU of
conflict

LIT. Together arise the associated warriors^

Strangers to the countiy, their deeds shall be heard oC
The bright wave murmured along on its pilgrimsg^



9



394 THB GODODIK POEMS.

While the young deer were in full melody.

Among the spears of Biych thou couldst see no rods.

Merit does not accord with the rear.

Moryal in pursuit will not countenance evil deeds.

With his steel blade ready for the effusion of blood.

LT. Together arise the associated warriors.

Strangers to the country, their deeds shall be heard o£

There was slaughtering with axes and blades,

And there was raising laige cairns over the men of toil.

LTL Together arise the warriors^ together met,
And all with one accord sallied forth ;
Short were their lives, long is the grief of those who

loved them.
Seven times their number of Uoegrians they had slain ;
After the conflict women raised a lamentation ;
Many a mother has the tear on her eyelash.

Lvn. No hall was ever made so faultless

Nor a hero so generous, with the aspect of a lion of the

greatest course,
As Cynon of the gentle breast» the most comely lord.
The city, its fame extends to the remotest parts ;
It was the staying shelter of the army, the benefit of

flowing melody.
In the world, engaged in arms, the battle-ciy.
And war, the most heroic was he ;
He slew the mounted ravagers with the sharpest

blade;
Like rushes did they fall before his hand.
Son of Glydno, of lasting fame I I will sing
To thee a song of praise without limits without end.




ivnt Vnm Ott buqnet of wine uA aiid 7^?'^
Th«7 dqilond tba dMth 'ItL^

Of the mother of Hwmfth.
Hie eDetgetio fidud.
Kmoond her in froBi of Ae Un^
And oenRB Boddngnk
The hoTOiing nraw

Asoend in the ikf. \k4^ ■

nte finemoit qwumen bll i''^^

like s Tir^n-twum mmnd Urn ' ".

Withoat the BomldBnoa of ft letmt
Warrion in wondv ihook their j>f«Un^ - ' :i

Withpdlidlip^ /

CMMedbythefceenneeioftheiliiliimiritwd. /

Wakeful vaa the oumnl et the lilgiaali« «C *• /

banquet ;
To-ity sleepUee if
The mother of Beiddnn, the leader of the



ux. From the banquet of wine and mead
They went to the strife
Of mail-clad warrion : I know no tale of alaai^itn

which accorda
So complete a deatraction as haa happened
Before Catraeth, loqoacioui was the host
Of the retinae of Mjnyddaw^ the nnfortnnate ben,
Out of three hundred bnt (me man letomed,

IX From the banquet itf wine and mead thegr haetene^
Men renowned in difficnltr, oaieleas of their livea ;
In bright array around the vianda they fiaaated togetbar ;
Wine and mead and meal they enjoyed.
From the retinue of Mynyddawg I am being ndned ;
And I hare lost a leader from tmcmg my tma fiieodi.



896 TSa GODODIM POEM&

Of the body of three hundred men that hastened to
Catraeth, alas I none have returned but one alone.

uo. Ftessent^ in the combat of speai% was impetuous as a
ball,
And on his horse would he be^ when not at home ;
Yet illusive was his aid against Gododia
Of wine and mead he was lavish ;
He perished on the course ;
And under rednstained warriors
Are the steeds of the knight^ who in the morning had
been bold.

um. Angor, thou who scatterest the brave^

like a seipent thou piercest the sullen ones,

Thou tramplest upon those that are clad in strong mail

In front of the anny :

like an enraged bear, guarding and assaultii^

Thou tramplest upon speara

In the day of conflicts

In the swampy entrenchment :

like Neddig Kar,

Who in his fury prepared

A feast for the birds,

In the tumultuous fight

Upright thou art called from thy righteous deed,

Before the director and bulwark of the course of war,

Merin, and Madyen, it is fortunate that thou wert bom.

uan. It is incumbent to sing of the complete acquisition
Of the warriors, who around Catraeth made a tumult-
uous rout
VHtii confusion and blood, treading and tramplingi
The strength of the drinking horn was trodden down,
because it had held mead ;




mT. It it iwmml i mt to ijng cf lo Madh iww»%

The Imd ndie cpT Ini tad <l ttamlK aal «( IIHriil^
Ua aoUe muliaiB of Hit U^ •( «■»*
13i« nddj iMptn of mr Hi thr dab^



In lottk Ibo octant o( flio hnd ihdl tai o( ailk
^ntk th; iUoU npon Oj itaUir tten tat _

hioeoaanflj dam .
mill th^Uado (anta Uood Inn) Ukn Mkat wk

item tfaaa Y B aaa l a.
Aa mon^ to diinl^ thoi ait aatitM to (aU.
^Vinfriionriabad' ina Qinadaari^ 12ia aoa a< £tpnL



i



UCT. It ia mrambont to sing of Uie mostzioni ntbiaik
That, after the fiital impnlM, filled Aeron.
Their hoods eatiafied the mouths of the brown ei^ei^
And prepoied food fin the beasts of pi^.
Of those who weofe to Cotzaetl^ wearing the goldao

torques,
Upon the message of M7njddaw|b wnnlga of Uw

people^
^ere came not withoat lepraoeh on behalf of the

Biython,
^ Gododin, a man frmn alitt better tbsn pTnoa

LZn, It is incumbent to sing of so skOfU a man ; '

Joyoaa was he in the hall ; his lift wu not withoat



398 TUB OODODIK P0SM8.

Bold, all around the world would Eidol seok for

melody;
For gold, and fine horses, and intoxicating mead.
Only one man of those who loved the world returned, —
Qynddilig of Aeron, the grandson of Enovant

IXTIL It is incumbent to sing of the illustrious retinue

That went on the message of Mynyddawg, sovereign

of the people.
And the daughter of Eudav Hir, the scouige of

Gwananhon,
"Who was appareled in purple robesi certain to cause

manglings.

UCflU. The warriors celebrated the praise of Ny ved.
When in their presence fire was lighted.
On Tuesday, they put on their dark-brown garments ;
On Wednesday, they jxilished their enamelled armour ;
On Thursday, their destruction was certain ;
On Friday, was brought carnage all around :
On Saturday, their joint labour did no execution ;
On Sunday, their blades assumed a ruddy hue ;
On Monday, was seen a pool knee-deep of blood.
Truly, the Gododin relates that, after the toil.
Before the tents of Madawg, when he returned.
Only one man in a hundred came back»



Early rising in the mom

There was a conflict at the Aber in front of the course^

The pass and the knoll were in conflagration.

like a boar didst thou lead to the mounts

There was treasure for him that was fond of it ; there

was room;
And there was the blood of dark-brown hawks.



THB OODODOr pouul 8M

VOL Eaiiy risuig in an instant of tima^

After IdndBng a ftre at the Aber in front of the fbnoa^
After leading his men in dose anmj»

In front of a hundred he pierced the ibiemosk

It was sad that yon shoold hnvo eansed e gnsUi^ of

bloody
like the drinldng of mead in the nddst of hM|^Me&
It was brave of yon to stay the litUe man \
With the fierce and impetuons stroke of the swoid
How irresistible was he when he would kiU
Ihe foe I would that his equal could be tmnd I .

*

htXL He fell headlong down the preoqpioe ; -
Song did not support his noble head :
It was a vidation of privilege to kiU him iribsn beaiiig

the branch,
It was the usage that Owain should aaoend upon the

course.
And extend, before the onsets the best branoh.
And that he should pursue the study of meet and

learned straina
An excellent man was he, the assuager of tumult and

battle,
His grasp dreaded a sword ;
In his hand he bore an empty corselet
sovereign, dispense rewards
Out of his precious shrine.
Eidol, with frigid blood and pallid countenance^
Spreading carnage^ his judgment was just and supreme^
Owner of horses
And strong trappings,
And ice-like shields ;
Instantaneously he makes an onsets ascending and

descending



400 Tint OODODIM P0SM8.

uom. The leader of war with eagerness condncts the batUe,
A mighty coontiy loves mighty reapers.
Blood is a heavy return for new mead.
His cheeks are covered with armour all around,
There is a trampling of accoutrements — accoutrements

are trampled.
He calls for death and brings desolatioa
In the first onset his lances penetrate the taigets^
And for light on the course, shrubs blaze on the spears.

uamL A conflict on all sides destroyed thy cell ;

And a haU there was to thee, where used to be

poured out
Mead, sweet and ensnaring.
Owiys make the battle dash with the dawn ;
The fiedr gift of the tribes of the lioegrians ;
Punishment he inflicted until a reverse came.
May the dependants of Gwynedd hear of his renown.
Owananhon wiU be his grava
The lance of the conflict of Gwynedd,
The bull of the host^ the oppressor of sovereigns^
Before earth pressed upon him, before he lay down ;
Be the extreme boundaiy of Gododin his grave 1

UOOT. An army is accustomed to be in hardships.

Mynawg, the bitter-handed leader of the forces,

He was wise, ardent^ and stately :

At the social banquet he was not at all harsL

They removed the valuable treasures that were in

his possession :
And not the image of anything for the benefit of the

region was leftb
We are calledl like the sea is the tumult in the
conflict;



Spem WB antaalljr dMJlng igMit all






LD^aUed an ■hup miq^eM of inn, gMUag «vm

thagrand,
And wiUi » elMig du MMk Uk w At pte
A wiliCMiMfal wnrior i



uzr. He tapported wuJnitM ud wu-iamem.
DnDdwd irith govs on nd^tidaad dtaMtli '
b tba dwft of tlM anny of DiBO^
TIm angix dog of war npoB dw tnfvriiig UB.
W« an oallad to the hoBonnUe poit of aamk ;
Moat oonapiowma ia Uw Inwholad Bald^TB.

I4ZTL Mynawg of the ixqaegBiUa attvad of Oadefi^
UTuvg, fin Urn ou ohaeka an aid :
Befiirethenigiiig flame (rfEtddyn he tttraed not ai U fc ~

He atatjoned men of Simneaa at the eutnnoe^
He placed a thick covering in the nn,
Vigoroosly he descended open the fhriona foe ; '

He caoaed devastation and aiutainfld great weight.
Of the retinae of Mynyddawg there eecaped none
Except one fndl weapon, tottering ereiy way.

LXXTiL Since the loss of MotTed there was no shield-heanr.
To Buppoit the strand, or to set the gnnind on &n ;
Firmly did he grasp in his hand a bine bUde^
A shaft pondeions u a chief priest^a onaiar ;
He todfl a gray stately'Jieaded Conner,
And behind his blade then was a dreadfdl hU of

slaughter ;
When onrpovered, he did not ran away freai tha

UtUb
VOU I. 2d



402 THE GODODIN POEMS.

He poured out to as sparkling mead, sweet and
ensnaring.

uonriiL I beheld the array from the high land of Adoyn ;

They descended with the sacrifice for the conflagra-
tion;

I saw what was usual, a continual running to the
town.

And the men of Nwythyon entirely lost ;

I saw men in complete order approaching with a
shout;

And the heads of Dyvynwal and Breych, ravens
devoured them.

LXXDL Blessed conqueror, of temper mild, the bone of the

people,
With his blue streamer displayed, while the foes

range the se&
Brave is he on the waters, most numerous his host ;
With a bold breast and loud shout they pierced him.
It was his custom to make a descent before nine

armaments^
In the face of blood, of the countiy, and of the tribes.
I love the victor^s throne which was for harmonious

strains,
CynddiUg of Aeron, the lion's whelp I



I could wish to have been the first to fall in Catraeth,
As the price of mead in the hall, and the beverage

of wine ;
I could wish to have been pierced by the blade^
Ere he was slain on the green plain of UflBa
I loved the son of renown, who caused Uood to flow.
And made his sword descend upon the violmt



Cto a tde of Tilovr Mbn Gododb te lihli^
Itt wUoh tbe son of CUdbw hM Ml Ui Ium m
nmnofwarf

IXXZL B is Mi Ibr SM^ after onr toOp

16 mite tiie ptng of detft flnoiq^ infi^^

And doobfy giieTiKis aad Md fior iM to am

Oar mea iUling ftom head to Sm^

"^11^ a kpg i|^ tad wtth rappoielMi

After tbe itnmMiis wukicn of oar aatffa kad aad

ooniitayy
Baifawn and Owgawai, Owiawn and CNrl^rgeJt

Uaa inort giJlant at tiioir poi^ ▼aliaiit ill diiBoattioib
May their ioal& now after tba ^mimIK<i^ /

Be reoeiTed into tiba ooanky of beatai^ tiia aboda of
tnmqoillily. ..

uziiL He rqpeUed ilia ohein iliroai^ a pool of U^

He ekugliteied like a hero such as asked no qositer.
With a sling and a spear ; he flung off his glass

goblet
Of mead ; in the presence of soTereigns he OTOrthrew

an army.
His oonnsel prevailed wherever he spoke.
A multitude that had no pity would not be allowed
Before the onset of his battle-axes and sword ;
Sharpened they were ; and his sounding blade

carefully watched. ■ ^

Lxxxm. A supply of an army,
A supply of lanoesy
And a host in the vanguard,
"^th a menacing front :
In the day of strenuous exertion.



404 TtfK GODODDf FORMS.

In ilio cagor conflict,
Tlicy displnyod thoir valour.
After intoxication,
And the drinking of mead,
There was no deliverance.
They watched us
For a while ;

When it shall bo related how the attack
Of horses and men was repelled, it will be pronounced
the decree of fata

wnof. Why shouhl so much anxiety come to me t
I am anxious about the maid—
Tlie maid that is in Arddcg.
Tlicro is a procipitaio running*
And lamentation along the course.
Aflectionatcly have I deplored,
Deeply have I loved,
The illustrious dweller of the wood I
And the men of Argocd.
Woe to those who are accustomed
To be marshalled for battle I
lie pressed hard upon the hostile force, for the

benent of chieftains,
Through rough woods.
And dammed-up waters.
To the festivities.
At which they caroused together : he conducted us

to a bright fire.
And to a white and fresh hida
Gereint from the south raised a shout ;
A brilliant gleam reflected on the pierced shield.
Of the lord of the spear, a gentle lord ;
Attached to the glory of the



THK OODODIK POEMS. 406

Fostority will occompUsli V ^

Wliat Gcreiut would have done.
GronerouB and resolute wert thou I

a

LXXXY. Instantaneously his fistme is wafted on hi|^
Irrcsistiblo was Angor in the conflict^
Unflinching eagle of the forward heroes ;
He bore the toil, brilliant was his seal ;
He outstripped fleetest horses in war;
Uut he was mild when the wine from the goblet

flowed.
Before the now mood, and his oheek beoama pale^
He was a man of the banquet over delioioas BMid

from the bowl.

LXXXVL With slaughter was every region filled ;
His courage was like a fetter :
The front of his shield was pieroed.
Disagreeablo is the delay of the wrathful
To defend By woniawg.
The second time they raised the shouts and were

crushed
By the war-horses with gory trappings.
An immovable array will his warlike nobles fonuy
And the field was reddened when he was graatlj

enraged.
Severe in the conflict^ with a blade he slaughtered ;
Sad news from the battle he brought ;
And a New-yeai^s song he composed.
Adan, the son of Ervai, there was pieroed»
Adan 1 the haughty boar, was pierced.
One damsel, a maid, and a hero.
And when he was only a youth he had the rights of

a king.



406 TI1£ OODODIN POSMa

Being lord of Gwyndyd, of the blood of 01yd

Gwaredawg.
Ere the turf was laid on the gentle face
Of the genemuB dead, now undisturbed,
He was celebrated for fame and generosity*
This is the grave of Garthwys Hir from the land of

Bywoniawg.

LXXXTIL The coat of Dinogad was of various colours^

And made of the speckled skins of young wolves.

" Whistle ! whistle I" the juggling sound !

I fain would dispraise it ; it is dispraised by eight

slavea
When thy father went out to hunt»
With his pole on his shoulder, and his provisions in

his hand,
He would call to his dogs of equal size, —
*' Catch it I catch it I seize it I seize it I"
He would kill a fish in his coracle,
As a noble lion kills (his prey).
When thy father went up to the mountain
He would bring back the head of a roebuck, Uie

head of a wild boar, the head of a stag,
The head of a spotted moor-hen from the mountain.
The head of a fish from the falls of Derwonnyd.
As many as thy father could reach with his flesh-hook,
Of wild boars, lions, and foxes.
None would escape except those that were too nimble.

Lxxxvm. If distress were to happen to me through extortion,
There would not come, there would not bo to me

anything more calamitous.
No man has been nursed in a hall who could bo

braver



TBI OOMMI yOBOL 407

Ihu hflb Off tten^Usr fai tettlflk

And on tbe fcid of TmiAwjA Uo haam wm% Urn

bosti
TbT nwpotd WM Ml Ihml oooiimhI Ui tmov i
And befare tiia kpg gmm ooffWodUm Tiioitli Hm

mi.
H^ tbe on]^ ton of Ituwudk fommi mt ^
of



ijmre, I WW tibo mmj from tibo hoadlind of Adoya,
OMayiPg the anorifleo to tibo iwnjlmitioii ;
I «w tiie two 11^ fkom tkib iMiw fik^
B|f tiie oommandi of KivjtiNii fiiillijr iw« ^^f

aflUoted.
I asir tibo mei^ who mads a (Nik hraMlv wiA As

dawn at Addgrn ;
And tibo head of Dirtynwal Vijoh, laiiM d afw u i d

it

xa Gododin, in respect of thee will I demand

In the presence of a hundxed that aie named with

deeds of valour.
And of Owaichan, the son of Dwywei of gallant

bravery,
Let it be forcibly seized in one region.
Since the stabbing of the delight of the bulwaik of

battle^
Since earth has gone upon Aneurin,
My ciy has not been separated from Qododin.

XCL Echo speaks of the formidable and dragcn-like
weapons^
And of the fiiir game which was played in front of
the unclaimed course of Qododin.



408 TUB GODODIN POEMS.

He brought a supply of wine into the tents of the

natives^
In the season of the storm, when there were vessels ou

the sea,
When there was a host on the sea, a well-nourished

host
A splendid troop of warriors, sucoessfnl against a myriad

of men,
Is coming from Dindy wydd in Dy vnwydd.
Before Doleu in battle, worn out were their shields, and

battered their helmeta

XCOL With slaughter was eveiy r^on filled.

His courage was like a fetter ;

The front of his shield was pierced.

Disagreeable is the delay of the brave

To defend Rywyniawg.

The second time they reposed, and were crushed

By the war-horses with goiy trappings.

An immovable army will his warlike and brave nobles
form.

When they are greatly affronted.

Severe in the conflict with blades he slaughtered ;

Sad news from the battle he brought ;

And an hundred New-years' songs he composed.

Adan, the son of Urvai, was pierced ;

Adan, the haughty boar, was x)ierced ;

One damsel, a maid, and a hero.

And when he was only a youth he had the rights of a
king,

Lord of Gwyndyd, of the blood of Cilydd Owaredawg

Ere the turf was laid on the face of the generous dead.

Wisely collected were his treasure^ praise, and high-
sounding fame.



••• -■•-** * '



TBI OODObV IWMk 409

Hie glim of Gortbyii Hir tnm Um highlimh el
B^rwynawg.



TOIL FortiiepiflieingoftiietkflfUMidiMMkkaiMd

For tiie fidr eoipee whidi ftn pioetirte w tlM gm^
^ Tlnto six penont judged tibo ataoefew deed mif im
Ihe moniiiig ;
And Me ri ep lifted up Ue eaeieiit koM^
And, ehoutinft mbent hie tjght4Mwni boiw .
Towiide tbe Owyr, and tiie QiTd^jfl, Md Bgrdhfak
Towiide tiie lovdj, deiidei^ Uoodeleiiied ta^
The i|^ of Owenebwjy tibe eon of Ghren.






XdT. FcNTtheefflieliiigoftiieekilftiieiidiBoet

Theie wee giM end mmoWf wbmt he Ml ye e jiele im

the gnrand ; . . ;

Hiebeniier showed Ms le&k^ end wee bene h]^ n Mm

at his side.
A tomultaoos scene wee beheld in Sddyn, and on the

baUle-fidd.
The grasp of his hand prevailed
Over the Gynt^ and the Qwyddyl^ and Pxjrdeiiy ^
He who meddles with the mane of a wolf without a dnb

in his hand.
He most naturally have a brave disposition under hip

cloak
The sigh of Owenabwy, the son of Owen.



410 THB OODODIK POEMS.



LIL

BOOK OF AHEUBOI U.

Text, voL iL p. 93. Notes, Td. ii. p. 31K>.

Hebb beoiknkth thx Gobcuah of Tudvwlcu.

I^HET assemble in amis, the ranks are formed, tumult

approaches ;
In front are the warlike, in front the noble, in front the

good;
YHiile the trenches are full of motion, around are heard the

curved horns, and are seen the curved falchions ;
To the praise of the king with the host whose presence

is devastatioa
I saw dark gore arising on the stalks of plants, on the

dasp of the fetter,
On the bunches, on the sovereign, on the bush, and the

spear:
And ruddy was the sea-beach; and on the sea-beach, and in

Ewionydd
And Gwynheidyd splendid excess prevailed.
The crowd made a firm stay before the ceremony, like the

checking of excesa
10 Uplifted were the shields around the front of the aged

when the excess prevailed.
A wolf in his lifetime was Bleiddiad, unrestrained in his

braveiy.
Active were the glittering shafts with the aspect of a

serpent^ from the radiance of serpents.
Wounded thou art^ commander of ruler% and delight of

females.
Thou bvedst partly to live : I wish thou livedst^ thou

of victorious eneigy I



OOMUIJQMl 4ai



Vtiattij fupgst&mi bull (of eooiielX I

thoa who wert fiNid of tbe taaudfci
In tbe fiw» of tbe aoi, in Um ftooi ndc of WM^ tiM^

pttofbattfe
Bi«n raodiito in Qjpnwjd. y

A wnw Imiit farOi wUoh affliotod tte woiUL /

Ho wftund to tiie tribat of tbe ecmrfqr> iB^
of tlio inftntnTy

"^^ Toar BraMiido% feor mffitwy tR^

Tho Aiddo wm in splintai% and tbe 1^

000 from tihe iqnai^
Tho Mill who poiid the e i pw Mo d nwad otfof Hio Mho

honii^
A nMn of qiitHtji ranonndod with pmpkb ^ ^ttf of



It wat tho perframonoe of TodYwloh of MvoM aqpool^ wImo^

atandaid waa of the ookrar of tibo blood of fH^aa
Bjr leaaon of mead free dnink» a mnltitiide wank ofar Urn

boundaiy.
In the action at the goal, for the preservation of kw.
Gynan, the eneigetic ohief from Mona^ acted joatlj aa

r^ards the higher orders.
Tudvwlch and Cyywlch made breachea in the he^ta of

Caere;
With Mynyddawg dieaatronB did their waasaQa provei
30 A year of longing for the men of Cateaeth is dieriahed bj

me; —
Their ateel blade8» their mead, their vehemenoe^ and their

fetters.
They assemble in arms^ the ranks are fonned ; do I not

hear the tumult f

AMD 80 IT WDKIH.



412 TUK OODODIN POEMa



LIII.
BOOK OF AHEURIK IV.
Text, vuL U. p. 04. Notot, toI. ii. {k 308.

UXBI NOW DEOINKETU THX OOBCIIAK Of CTKVKLTH.

la^ERE I to praise.

Wuro I to sing;

Tho Qwarchau would causo high ahooU to tpring;

StAlks liko the coUor of Tiyoh Trwyth,

Moimtruusl/ savngo, bunting and tlirualing throughv

When ho wiu attackml iu tlio river

Before his precious things.

Com Gaflbu burst through,

Before the cainis of lUwrhou,
10 Tlioso that delighted in war,

Wlioso bones were shorty tlieir horsemen shorten

Oylvaoh burst through

Tho assaults of heroism.

Fury against tlie Angles is just ;

It is right to kill ; it is right to crush those who are
crushing.

Before the congenial splendour

Tliero will be light for furthering the projocti

And ability to descend

To every daring eutorprise,
20 Through nail, through snare,

Through trapdoor, and fetters.

And gold spread abroad ;

And deep sorrow will happen

To Gwynassedd the yellow.

Uis blood will be around him

Concealed will be the froth




Of tb* qdendid yaWov mcrul ;

Affdn then wiU bo blootl around him

Bofon tba IwttlflB of Cynvulyn,—
SO fkom tha indignation of Cynvolyn.

Tbo B^iftod pUlnr of wmlh,

Food^KTidw fcr tlio birda.

With pendflDt ■timpfl

Will tho giMOftd ones rotuni,

Under the thf(^ of tlio horoox,

A* iwiA M >tHitcs niDvo

On ft pkonat knvn.

Sovorofgn of tho I'Oid of nori^t I

IttaminotolBini'iitliiiii,
40 Until X oomo to tlic siloiit tky I

Tho foo nakod fof

A tong-liendlod woniwn I

Hon povorfkd Utitu Uia liittlily-lioaounxl Uya

la tho OwATohftn of Oyiivolyii.

Tlio Qorclinn of Oyiivolyn, to iimko tlio mgton woop.

A man of fortUudo from Qwyoodd hu departed hia oooatrjrl

Tlio brnve are lamontml ;

Lot tlio Cocr of Kidditx doploro

Tho drood &ud illuatriona mon olothod In splendid Uae>
SO Drilliftnt is thy ruddy gom — ia it not praofame 1 i

Flowing paoegyrio ia duo to tho horsoa I

Of Eithinyn — ara thoy not splendid t

Tho Ovarchan of Cynvolyn on Qododin I

Has ho nots for a man, performed a reaeonable part t

Ilia heavy spoar, adomod with gold, he beatonred on ua ;

Bo it for the benefit of hia sonl I

His son T^an ahall be bononrad

In nambering and in partitioninft the gmndaou of Oadvaa,

The pillar of ardency.
60 When weapons were hnrlod



414 THE OODODIK POBM&

Over the heads of battle-wolves.
Soon would he come in the day of distress.
Three men and three score and three hundred
To the conflict of Catraeth went forth ;
Of those who hastened

From the mead of the cup-bearers, three only returned, —
Cynon, and Cadreith, and Gadlew of Cadnant ;
And me, on account of my blood they deplored.
Son of the omen pile^ my ransom they contributed,
70 Of pure gold, and steel, and silver.

For their heroism they received no protection.
The Owarchan of Cynvdyn will celebrate their contribu-
tioa

HiRB nDKTH THK OWABCHAH OF CtNVKLTV.



LIV.

BOOK OF ANEURIH V.
Text, voL ii p. 97. Kotos, vol ii p. 394.

Every ode of the Gododin is equivalent to a single song,
according to the privilege of poetical composition. Each of
the Qwarchans is equal to three hundred and sixty-three songs,
because the number of the men who went to Catraeth is com-
memorated in the Gorchans ; and as no man should go to
battle without arms^ so no baid ought to contend without
that poem.

Here now b^ns the Gwarchan of Maelderw. Talieesin
•ung it, and it is a privileged ode. His three Owarchans are
equal in poetical competition to all the odes in the Oododin.



The noise of two Abers around the Caer I
Anmse thyself to anns and splendour!



A man that will run when ihcm punuesti ^ *

Will have the roimded house of the sepulchre for his bed.

Call together, but do not reproach the over^mzioiis ;

And meddle not with the fierce and violent

Let him who has a just claim break the boondiiy.

He does not calculate upon praise

Who defends YiSa shelter.

Praise is the meed of those who have made imprewinns

The victor gazed towards the fair ona
20 Of bright and prominent uplifted fix>nt^

On the ruddy dragon» the palladium of Pharaon,

Which will in the air accompany the people.

Dead is every one that fell on his mouth

In the repulsion of the march of Teth and Toddyd.

Courteous was the great retinue of the wall, of ashaii
spears.

To the sea thou mayst not come ;

But neither thy retreat nor thy oounseT will fail.

Thou magnanimous soul in the defence of his boundiriaSL

Ko more can they extricate themselves^
80 Extricate themselves before the barrier of Eiddyn.



416 THE GODODIK POEMa

Gray-headed cliief of ministers,
Whose counsels were deep.

The mutually sweet will not produce the mutually bitter.
I have mutually wished,
40 I do mutually wish for the repose of Enlli

The fair aspect of which is filled with deep interest,

On the course on a serene morning.

It allures me, it plays upon my strong desire.

I will ask the men for a dwelling,

In order to lessen the loss.

Happiness was lost and recovered.

The northern Bun, chieftain, thou hast caused to withdraw ;

The flit one in returning thou wilt cause to return to ma

They call more for lai^ trees than for honeysuckles.

{Three lines ufUranshUed),
Let the sovereign stand firm between the looks of Drem-

rudd.
The ruddy glancer, whose purpose cannot be viewed for-a

sufficient time,
Whose purpose cannot be viewed for a sufficient time^
By those who with impunity plough the noisy sea.
first to be satisfied is the pale one,
The eccentric, whose throne is of complete form.
Before he was covered, Gownddelw
60 Was a tall man of great worth like Maelderw.
I will extol him who wields the spear,
Whose course is like that of the ruler of the mounts
The pervader of the land, by whose influence I am moved.
With active tumult did he descend to the ravine between

the hills,
Kor was his presence a running shadow.
Whatever may befall the high land,
Disgrace shall never happen to the assembled train.



L It u veil that Adonwy came, Adoawy to tUose that

were left.
What Biadwen did, thou hast done ; thoa didst kill aiid

bum,
Thoa didst not keep the rear or the ran.
Iknowtheaspectofthyhelinet Iharenotat
To sea a worse knight than Odgur.

u. ThTce hundred golden-ton^ued ones hastened along
To engage in the conflict ; a sally ensued ;
And though they were killed, they also killed ;
And uuto the end of the world honotued tbejr shill ba ;
And of those who went in mutual ami^,
Alas ! except one man none escaped.

IIL Three hundred wearing the golden torques,

Fond of valorous toil, and headlong in the oonrse ;

Three hundred haughty ones.

Unanimous, and equally armed

Three hundred prancing faonoa

Did with them hasten.

Three chiefs and three hundred,

Alas I none retomed.

IT. Ftoious in the bottle^ unreoeding in distzeas ;

Ib the conflict there was no peace if he acted vigotou^, ;

In the day of wrat^ shunning was no pert of his vodc ;

The aspect of a boar had Bleiddig son of Eli ;

Wine was qoatElBd in brimfnl vessels of glass-;

And the day of hatUe, exploits did he aehien

On Arvwl Cann, before he died.

Buddy-tinted carnage naad to attisot him :

T. Vigoronaly in the front of battles woald he omm the

crimsoD flnid to flow,
VOL L S K




418 THE OODODIN POEMS.

Powerful as an instrument in battle^
And splendidly covered with mail
Beport informs me
That the dexterous blade
Will not be manifested
To the diffident

TL He would reduce men to ashes^
And make wives widows.
Before his death, —
Breint, son of Bleiddgi ;
With spears would he
Cause blood to flow.

▼n Great is the design of him who conceals his vigorous

attack;
His weapon ho will conceal
like a hidden treasure. ^
When all ascended, thou descendest
Ceneu Owyn, the blood of the dead how didst thou

shed!
Three years and four,

ThoUy guardian, didst put on magnificent raiment
And to protect thee.
Though a youth, it was not right for me^ for thou didst

not retreat
Preesent narrates that he was carried away with the arms.

Tin. When he repaired to his native country, his fame was
spread abroad ;
He poured out the wine, the golden-torqued man I
He would give a goigeously fine suit to a brave person,
And check a hundred men, courteous hero I
And send away the progeny of a foreign knight ;—
Hie only son of Cian from beyond Bannawg;



TUB GODODIS POEUS. 419

Never did in Go^Iodin tread ou Ihe surface of the foss^
While he waa, any one more ardent than Lliv.

IX Angor, the scatterer of the brave, serpent with the
piercing pike,
An immovable stone in front of the army ;
Accustomed to the preparation of attacks,
And greatly to reward the assaulting lance.
Perfect art thou called from thy just deed,
- Leader, director, and bulwark of all that are of the some
language :
Todwlch, the subduer in battle, the deatroysr of Caen,

X Angor, the scatterer of the brav^ serpent with the
piercing pike in tlie front of the anny ;
Perfect art thou called from thy just deed.
Faithful art thou called from thy faithful deed
Leader, director, and the bulwark of every tribei
Meiyn, son of Madyeith, it is well that thou art bmi t

XL Qwolowy secured a gray ■wtHl, whose roaring vaa at

that of water.
Angor, the scatterer of the brave, an imnwrable itoM

in tbe ftoat of the army.
Ruddy radiance^ and horaea, and men wen in flmot of

Glododin,
Whence ao rapidly aacends the addmaa
Of the Baid of the Cymiy, Tottaitii, in ttoat of Qaith

Merin.

XIL His shield, with endurance he wonld not lower

B^ne the fiuse of any one; wiong he would not

encoonge.
Uigent were the request* (or hanm in Hie ei



420 THI OODODIK P0RM8.

The gold of the horocfl, tlio crowd of holly lances

covered it with goro.
While his comrade was pierced, he pierced otliers ;
Disgrace to thee he would not bring :
Active in martial valour, he mode a noble display.
When he carried away the famous Cyhuron of Mordei.

xm. Falsely it was said by Tudleo,

That no one's steeds were overtaken by Marchlew«
Ab he was reared to bring support to all around :
Powerful was the stroke of his sword on the adversary ;
Eogcrly ascended the ashen spear ftom the grasp
Of his hand, from the narrow summit of the awful pile.

znr. Direct us to heaven, the wished-for home of order I
Woe to us on account of constant lamentation and grief t
When the strangers came from Dineiddyn,
Every wise man was banished the country.
In the contention with lioegyr of various conflicts,
Nine score for every one were made prostrata
An array of horses, harness, and silken robes,
Owaednerth arranged conspicuously ftom the batUa

zv. From the retinue of Mynyddawg that hastened

In splendid order around the store of beverage r^led

they themselves,
From the banquet of Mynyddawg; my mind has become

sad.
Because of those of my true kinsmen I have completely

lost
Of three hundred golden-wreathed heroes^ who maiohed

toCatrMth,
Alas ! except one man none escaped




TUB OOUODIK POEMS. -421

xn. The ntinue of Qododiit rodo ou

Swon-colourod liorsos willi quivoiing mouei and droop-
ing liarncsfl,
Aud in front of tlio host, tho tlitong dosoondod,
III dofunco of his goucralBliii>, and the mood of Eiddyi^
lly tho advico of Myuyddawg.
TIio shields wuro moved about,
Tho kiic«a foil
Upon fiiir brows,
Wliilo t)io inoQ woro languidly dropping Uko fiillt txma

tho Iroo.
Thoy boro no ropronch, niou thnt did not skulk.

XtU. Uavo I not dnuik niood on tho tunrch,

A banquet of wino bcforo Catraoth as a prosorrotiTO t
Wlion lie mado sku^'htor witli his unyielding lonoo
In tlio conflict, it was no inglorious sight to soe wh«M

tliou wert.
A monster was no ftightM ottjoot to thee vhlle

efTeoting deliverance,
Torrible and shielded Madawg Elvod.

xnn. When they fairly met, thera mm no eeoaping fin li&
Dialgur of Arvon fetched bright gold at the re^nest
OftheBrython. High-mettled were the bones (tf Cynon.

XIX. Llech liendu, and Tud Uenvre,
The oouis^ the oonres of Gododin.
A hand I a hand I a counsel I a counsel I
A tempest over the sea I a Teasel ftom btgroid see t
The hoot of Heidiliawn, the host of Meidlyawn^ a d«gaie-

iat«host^
Moving from Dindywydd.
Battered was the shield before the boll of oonflio^ the

Tin wae brtduo.



422 THE GODODIK POEMS.

XX. Golden-mailed warriors were there on the walls of the

Caer ;
Slow was the excess, bnt the tumult of battle was not

dilatory.
One feeble man with his shouts kept away
The birds of the region, like PeUoid Mirain.
No one living will relate what happened
At Lliw, about the banks of Uwch Llivanad ;
No one living will relate of any one to whom in the

day of conflict
C]maval was not equal in merit

XXL Ko achievement to-day around Keimyn !

The same covering envelopes men of the noblest descent
A numerous host engaged in battle which is worth

relating,
The son of Kwython killed of the golden-torquod ones
A hundred chieftains, as fieur as it is related, the vehemence
Was greater than when a hundred men went to Catraeth.
He was like a mead-fed hero with a laige heart
He was a man of hosts ; energetic was he in his coat of

mail.
He was a man of conflict^ fierce was he on the ridge of

CavalL
Ko man among a thousand brave warriors
Handled a spear, or a shield, or a sword, or a dagger*
Who was a braver man than Neim the son of Kwython.

xxiL While there was a drop, they were like three lions in
purpose;
In the battle three brave, prompt^ active lions.
Bribon who wielded the thick lance,'

xxin. Accustomed was he to defend Qododin against a hero.
In the van of battle, against vehement onea^



THE QODODIH POEUa. 42S



I Accustomed was be, in tbe maimeT of Alan, to ba

, Bwift ;

f Accustomed was he before a bordo of depredators to

i make a descent ;

I Accnstomed was the son of Golyetan, though be wu

I A sovereign, to listen to what his father said;

Accustomed was he, in tbe interest of Mynyddawf^
' to have a perforated sliield.

And a ruddy tancc^ before tbe vigorous chief of Eiddyn.

SXIT. The rulers did not celebrate the praise of Um holy

one.
Before tbe attack of the numerous host, the batUe

was broken through.
Like a raging fire through combustibles.
On Tuesday, tbey put on their splendid robes ;
On Wedncsdny, bitter was tboir assembly ;
On Thursday, messengeis fbrmed oontiMts ;
On Friday, there were carnage and ooutusum ;
Ou Saturday, they dealt mutual blows ;
On Sunday, thqr were pierced by ruddy weapOM ;
On Monday, a pool of blood, knee-deep, wm mod.
^e Gododin, alter tedious toil, oumot relate it
Before tbe toita of Uadawg after the retuRL

XXT. A grievous deeoent was made in front of tbe houded

riches;
The fint to chase them was a perwn renowned far

activi^ ;-^
OwannanuoQ, honoured in the mead banquet, wlioee

proweai I will extol ;
And next to him the brave^ninded and heroio
Eithinyn tbe renowned, ttte wn of Bodw.



434 THE OODODIN POEMa

XXTL Men of excess went with them,

Who had been revelling in wine and mead.

In the banquet of Mynyddawg.

Wo aie greaUy grieved at the loss

Of a man of such terrible energy ;

Like thunder from heaven was the clashing of his

shield.
From the agitation caused by Eithinyn ;

xmL Swift and heroic he was when at early dawn
Ue would arise to lead his band ;
But whether leading or following
Before a hundred he stood prominent
He was so disposed to (assault) them,
As to drink mead or wine ;
He was so unsparing;
When he transfixed the foes,
And forward was his course towards theuL

xzvm. Bapidly and heroically with the dawn they marched
To the conflict^ with the commander in ftont of the

course ;
Gwair was greeted by the fluid gore
In the van of the battle ;
He was a beloved friend
In the day of distress.
The defence of the mountain, the place.
And the forward beam of war, wore a murky hua

XXDL His lances were seen among the hosts

'^^gorously employed for mutual defence against the

foe;
Befove the din of his shields they concealed them-
selves;




THE GODODIH POEMS. 43S



Tbey lay bid beforo Eiddyn, Uie lofty liill ;

And of OS many as he found none Tetnmed ;

Of him the truth is related and sung :

Obstinately would he pierce armour, when be causod

B trembling ;
And he whom be pierced, would not be pierced again.
Bepeated are the lamcutations that hia picaents u«

gone ; ^

His friends were as numerous as bees ; '

And before he was covered under the awtrd of the

earth,
He caused the mead to flow,

i, {Five Una untraiulaUd.)

The Gododin will not relate at the early dawn
Of any to whom Gynavol was not e^oaL

L Blade weapons, broad and raddy, were abundant

before he was covered,
The hero who filled the plain with aUaghtarad mok
He was a joyous chie( an unflinching wolMike htm,

afirm wolf
In the camp, with a aubmisaive retinue bleanng him ;
Before he was aneeted, he was not fteUa.
Perfect art thou called horn thy righteoui deed ;
Leader, director, and bulwark of all that are of the

■anie languagcv
Todvwlch, tiie subduer in battlt^ the deitKTar of

Caera. «.

I. The slayer of boats is gone to the Uaok glebe:
A pieoe of earth has made
Sweet bitter to the people.
WUhand learea an dnraD too and fto at hla pabt



1



426 THB OODODIN FOEMa

It was not for the advantage of the coontiy that tlfe

sod (should cover him) ;
The bull of conflict never retreated the width of an aora
Sad is the fate that it should thus be !

xzxm. He pierced upwards of three hundred of the foe^
He slaughtered the centre and the extreme ;
He was worthy to be at the head of an army, most

gentle ;
He fed his horses upon barley in winter.
Black ravens croaked on the wall
Of the beautiful Caer. He was an Arthur
In the midst of the exhausting conflict^
In the assault in the pass, like Owemor the hero.

zxxnr. I ought to sing to Cynon with the flesh-spears :

In action, and before the desolating spears of Aeron,
His hand was reckoned at the head of hoaiy heroes.
To me was distributed the best fare among the daring

ones,
To the advantage of Mynyddawg, knight of the people,
He appointed me to harass the enemy
On Gatraeth, where the golden-torqued heroes were

loquacious.
Thqr pierced and slaughtered those who stood before

them;
Whelps committed ravages about their territories.
There was scarcely in the lists, on the part of the

Brython,
At Qododin, from a distance a man better than Cenon.

xixf. It is incumbent on me to oelebrate the complete
acquisition
Of our warriors, who around Catraeth made a tumult-
uous rout,



THE GODODIM POEUB. 427

Witbconf usion,aud blood, and treading, and tramplio^
Where valour was trampled, and veugeance taken

because of the contribution of meed.
As to the carnage of the coubatanto,
Cibno does not ielat« after the excitement of battJs. '
Since he has received the communion he ehall be

interred.

XXXn Birds were allured (unlraiulatocC).
{One line untran»l<U«d.)
He put on gold before the batUe-sbonti in th* fitont
rank of the accomplished heroes.
(Three lines untrantlaied.)
Cibno the son of Gwengad had a bng aod apleudid
retinue.

xxxvii. I owe a complete song to the dog of Oweronjrd. '

Let joy be iu the chamber, ' * * f

LV.

SoNO TO Alb.

BOOK OF TAUESSa XX.
Text, roL ii ^ les. NotM, toL U. p^ 407.
L
IPIHE qoaliUes shall be extolled
Of the man that chained the wind.
When his powers come.
Extremely noisy the elements;
For ever will thy impulae be,
Thou dost pervade
The tide of darkness and day.
The i»y, tboro will be a sheltfir to me^
The ni^t» it will be tested.



428 TlIK OODODIN POIM0.

10 Softness is praisod.

From a groat Quiodig,

Tho groat God caused

The sun of summor, and its excessivo boat ;

And he caused

Tlie abundance of tho wood and field

lie is the powerful cause of tho stream,

Flowing abundantly.

He is the powerful cause of eveiy kindness ;

God redeemed me
20 And before they come,

Ihe people of the world to the one hill,

They will not bo able to do tho leasts

Without the power of the King.

He shall stoep it in the Uyn,

Until it shall sprout

Uo shall steep it another time

Until it is sodden.

Not for a long time will bo finished
80 Wlmt the elements produce.

Let his vessels be washed.

Let his wort be clear.

And when there shall be an exciter of song,

Let it be brought from the cell.

Let it be brought before kings.

In splendid festivals.

Will not oppose every two

The honey that made it

God's departure in me^
40 As long as the world is in being;

The mildest is the Trinity.

The provocative of the drunkard is drunkenness.

The fishes might show

Tlie capacity of the lodgments



TUB (lODODlN rOIUB.

Of tho gravel of tlio salt SDO,
Ilofoni it ovorwholms tlio itrand.
Tito grovel of tho Bolt aoa
Itolow tho sand

Will conccnl mo from Uio ptivilt^ed 9
Myself lio will deliver.
60 No one will bo entisfled,

Witliout tho power of tito Trinity.



Qualities they will honour

In tlio boundary of Garonl.

Tlio mighty ones, witliout dosiro, from tho r

Mnnh will remove,

When tho string of harmony reaonndi.

Or tlio BlutdcB of night approooh.

Iho hidden rotroat front day,

Do the skilful in song know

\Vhoro tho powerful artist is conooolod T
10 That will give mo a robo

From tho gnto when ho ascends.

When tho chief leads, in winter.

What melody is commenced together.

la choosing loud fame.

With haste the fortunate will ran,

He will awoke tlie sleeper.

Ho will merit Corawg

Of the mony-citicd Cymry,

The father of Coradawg ;
20 The sound of the Meueivians,

The sound of Mynawg of Mooa.

The great terrible peijured

Gwentians, long-haired.

On aoconnt of Goer Wyrongon.



430 THE GODODIN POKMa

Who will pay the precious reward f

Is it Maelgwn from Mona ?

Or shall it come from Aeron !

Or Coel or Ganawon ?

Or Owrweddw or his sons ?
30 His enemies shall not exnlt

From the hostages of Tnyr.

To him will resort the minstrels»

The star of magnificent stars^

Have I not disarmed the mystery ?

In Mordei Uffin,

In the seas of Grododin,

He is a sharer of varied words»

The raven of the morning divining.

I am an aged exile,
40 I am of joyful talents,

And the stroke of malice.

Mine, the praising of Urien,

Of splendid purity of life.

Very keen his conduct of hosts.

The ruddy-reaping of the steep.

Ruddyn formed them,

At the battle in Harddnenwys,

It was Tnyr that broke them to pieoes.

A hundred festivals holding
60 A hundred friends he defended.

I saw mighty men,

Who hastened to the shout of war ;

I saw blood on the ground

From the assault of sworda

Thqr tinged with blue the wings of the dawn ;

They threw off the spears.

Three hundred festivals complete of the renowned

Tnyr, od the earth indeed there will be redneea.



rOKMS EKLATDJG TO CADWALLAWH.



POEMS RELATING TO CADWALLAWN.



BOOK OY TALIE8SIN XLDC
Text, vol. :l p. 2D4. Notes roL u- p. AVk

j^ BRIGHT feativity

About the two lakes,

The lake on my side.

Tlie side about, the Caer,

The Caer in Hrgoncy

Has been described.

A comely fiiglit from it ;

And the legion of the band

Augmented stones.
10 The dragon will flow around,

Above the places,

Vessels of liquor.

Liquor in golden horns,

flnlden home in hand,

it and on the knife,

Tiio knife on the rallying point.

Truly I implore thee.

Victorious Beli,

Son of Manogon, the kiag,
20 That will preserve the qualities

Of the boney isle of Beli,

He bad a right to it.

Fire cbiels there will be

OftheOwyddylFfiobti,



4S2 P0KM8 BELATINO TO

Of a sinner's disposition.

Of the race of the knife.

Five others there will be,

Of the Norddmyn's place,

The sixth a wonderful Idnj^
SO From sowing to reaping.

The seventh proceeded

To land over the flood.

The eighth of the line of Dyvi

Shall not be separated ftom prosperity,

Before the shout of YennL

The calls of EtyrL

With difficulty thou wilt coma

Let us implore Eloi,

When we may be with CeU,
40 A dwelling of heaven will be to me.



LVII.

BOOK OF TALDSSSIN L
Text, ToL iL Pi 805. Kotei, vol ii. p^ 480.

^^ AT God exalt over the community of Biython
The sign of gladness of a host iiom Mona.
There is a contention among the active patriots of Gwynedd.
Of bright radiancy, firom evexy battle to have pledges.
Powys will become grave in embraces.
Men, great-craving, will act on their laws.
Two hosts will go, they will be consonant
Of one disposition, of one word, harmonious^ compact
Thqr will divide justly the people of Ceredigiawa
10 When thou seest men few about Llyn Aeron.
When will be heavy Tjrwi and Teivi rivers^
They wOl make battle in haste about liys Lkmion.





CADWALLAWK.

What ho saw he left over-laden.

He protected not cities from indignations

A man wann, a nmii that guards, a man of impttlae.

He was not an utterly clownish man, Bieddon.

When Cadwallawn came

Over the ocean of Iwerdon,

He regulated heaven as high creator.
20 Songsters, soon may I liear their cares,

An army of liorsemen eo harassing about Caer IJion,

And the revenge of Idwal on Aranwynyon,

And playing at ball with heads of Saxons.

There will be troubled the Cat Yreith and it« strtuge
language.

From the ford at Taradyr, aa far as Forth Wygyi in Mon^

A youth brought them to Dinas Maon.

From the time when is defended the honey and clover ^m

They leave their noiso and contention, ^M

30 Xot unpledged to raise anger against enemies. V

May God exalt over the community of Brythoa



BED BOOK OF HEKOEST XT.
Tut, ToL iL p. 977. NoUb, toL li. p. 441.
L ©"ADWALLAWN, before he came.
Fought, to our ample satisfaction,
Fourteen great battles.
For fairest Piydein,
And sixty skirmishes.

IL Cadwallawn encamped on Ceiat ;

Birds presaged the troubles of Uoegyi ;
His band was open, and honour flowed. .
TOi. 1 2 r



4M POEMB BKLATIMQ TO

la Cadwallawn encamped on Yddon,

The fierce affliction of his foes,
.' A lion proapenms ovei the Saxons.

IT. Cadwallawn the illostrious
Encamped on DigoU Monnt^
For seven months and seven battles daily.

T. Cadwallawn encamped on the Havren,
And on the further side of Dygen,
And the devoorers were burning Meigen.

TL Cadwallawn encamped on the Vfj,
The multitude, after passing the water.
Followed to the batUe of shield.

Tit Cadwallawn encamped by the well

Of Bedwyr; before soldiers he cherished virtue ;
There Cynon showed how to assert the right

TiiL Cadwallawn encamped on the Tav ;
Very numerous I see
The sharers in the fame of the powerful chief

VL Cadwallawn encamped on the Tawy ;

He had the hand of slaughter in the breach ;
Illustrious was he, eager he sought the conflict

X. Cadwallawn encamped beyond the Caer
Of Caew, with an army uigent in tumult
A hundred battles» and the breaking of a hundred
Caere.

XL Cadwallawn oncampod on the Cowyn ;
The hand was weaiy of the rein ;
The men of Uo^gyf, numerous their oomplainti.



CADWALULWK. 4SS '

XIL CadwaUawn encampod this night

In the extremity of the region of PenYio^

For refuge to retreat where the diflBcolty was great

xm. Cadwallawn encamped on the TeiTi ;
The blood mixed with the brine ;
The f uiy of Qwynedd violently raged.

JOY. Cadwallawn encamped on the liver Dnlfyrdd,
He made the eagles full :
After the battle gifts were conferred.

XV. Cadwallawn encamped, my brother, ? .

In the upper part of the country of Donawd ; ^

His wrath was violent in the gushing fight \ "



XVL Cadwallawn encamped on

The lion with a numerous host^

Great the tumult, extremely harassing to the rear.

■|
xvu. From the plotting of strangers and iniquitous -

Monks, as the water flows from the fountain, .

Sad and heavy will be the day for Cadwallawn.

«

xyin. The trees have put on the gay robes

Of summer ; let wrath be hastened by Cftte ;
Let us meet around Elved.



•



J



c



436^ PRSDicnvK forms



N.
PBBDICTIVBPOBMSRBLATINO TO CADWALADYB.

TiiK Omen of Patdein thk Great.

BOOK OF TALIE88IN VI.

Text, ToL iL p. 123. Notes, toL iL p. 308.

I.
]^H£ Awen foretellfl the hastening of
The multitude, possessed of wealth and peace ;
And a bountiful sovereign, and eloquent princes.
And after tranquillity, commotion in every place,
Heroic men raising a tumult of fierce contention.
Swift the remorse of defending too long.
The contention of men even to Caer Weir, the dispersion

of the Allmyn.
They made great rejoicing after exhaustion.
And the reconciling of the Cymry and the men of Dublin,
10 The Owyddyl of Iwerdon, Mona, and Prydyn,
Cornwall and Clydemen their compact with them.
The Biython will be outcasts^ when they shall have done.
Far will be foretold the time they shall be.
Kings and nobles will subdue them.
The men of the North at the entry surrounding them.
In the midst of their front they will descend.

a

Myrdin foretells these will meet»

In Aber Peiyddon, the stewards of the kings ;

And though there be no right of daughter thqr complain.



IIKUTINO TO CADWAUDTtt. 4S7

SO Of one will of the mind they will refW.

Stewards their taxes would collect ;

In the treasui'es of Cymry, there was not that the; would
pay.

One that is a proprietor says thia.

There will not come one Uiat will pay in slaveiy.

Tlie great Son of Mary declareth, when it did not break ont

Against tlio chief of the Saxons and thoir foudnow,

Fat ho the Cychniyn to Gwrthcym of Gwynedd.

Ho drove the AUmyn to banishment

No one will attain to any th i ng, but what earth will deprive.
80 They know not what may be passing in every outlet

"When they bought Tlianct, through lack of discretion,

"With Hors and Ucngys, who were in theit career,

Their prosperity has been derived from us without honour.

^ft«r a secret, the captive was worked upon at the Ynver.

Drunkenness will be pleased with much liquot of maft^

Toverty will bear with the death of many.

Terrors will bear with the tears of women ;

An enervated chief will excite a wtiling.

The sorrow of the world will bear with much irritatioD,
40 When the Cechmyn of Thanet an our kings^

May the Trinity ward off the blow tioA is intended.

To agitate the land of the Biython, and the Saxoos at
variance.

Sooner may their Icings be in banishment

Than the Cymiy should go into ezil&



The great Son of Maty declareth, when wiU not break cot
The Cymry against the surmise of a baron, and piinoea;
Foremost ones in asking, examples, one law they oompIaiI^
One meeting, one coundl, of one voice they ar&
There were non% however great, who did nofc speak



438 : PREDICTIVE POEMS

60 Except to dispense with surmises they would not agree.

To God and David they recommended themselves.

Let him pay, let him refrain from a refusal to Allmyn.

Let them make ill reports of the wants of the townsman.

The Cymry will meet the Saxons.

For. various mutual consumption and resistance.

Of the excessively great army, when they have experience.

And on the hill, at the blades and shout^ they will tremble,

And on the Qwy severe rencounters will follow them*

And a banner will come, rough it will descend.
.60 And like the budded blossoms the Saxons will £eJL

.The Cymry gathering strength with union of actions.
. First and last the Granwynyon were in a strait^

The stewards to the value of their deceit prostrating them.

Their army in the running of blood surrounding them.

Others on their feet through woods will retreat

Through the ramparts of the city they will flea

A war without returning to the land of Pkydyn.

The council will be broken by hand, like the sea they
will glide away.

The stewards of Caer Ceri dishonoured complain.
70 Some the valley and hill do not dedine.

To Aber Peryddon they came not well

Tremendous taxes they collect

Nine score hundred men they descend.

Great mockery, except four, they did not return.

Tranquillity to their wives they say.

Their shirts full of gore they wash.

The Cymiy, foremost in asking, profuse of soul.

The men of ihe South will defend their taxes^

With sharp-ground blades utteriy thqr will kilL
80 There will be no advantage to the physician from wf^tt
they da

The armies of Cadwaladyr, mighty thqr come,



nuiim TO Qunuuon.

Tha Qymij mn uaiiad, • liatde they made.
A 4ni^itw wttiiont naMnn they assailed
Iq tU <nd of tbeir tun. dettb tbey know^ '
OOktn, htgs tauahcs thtj planted.
Tor iq^ of agM tbau tuceo titey will not leare oC
Inwood, in pkin, OB bil^
A iaotOs in the duk irill go vith them.
P71MB opening » flsinid v«f in evety A
' 90 Skzou agiinat Ao Bkytimi^ woe they will sing.
Cidwalidyr a jnllHr with his princes.
' Ihoogb prndeoM nttady Bttflnding to them.
IVbea th^ dnp their oovoiQg over their snpport.
In afflioticiii, and tha orinam gore on the cheeks of the

ATTm yti,
At the' end of eniy ezpsditioD spoil they lead.
Hm SaxoB on jomney as fhr is Goer Wynt formeily who

•oonoc skolkedT
Happy they, the Cymiy, when thc^ b^,
The Trinity delivered ns &om the fonner tnmUe^
Let not Dyved or Glywyssyg trembK
100 Tho praise of etowaids will not affect king^

Kor shall the councils of the Saxons obtain whak Hmj

say.
Meads shall not cause drunkenness with vm,
Without the payment by fato of what we haTSi
From otphaued sons and others a few ;
Through the intercessiou of David and the saints ot

Pijdeyn,
As fiu as the stream of Arkgo Uiey will flee ont



The Awen foretells, the day wiU oome,
. 'When he will come to snmnuMi to one council,
One company, one eoonoil, and IJoegyr bung bunt




440 PRKDICnVE POEMS

110 In the hope of detracting our most comely anny.
And the song of another country will flee alwaya

f He knows not a hiding-place for my goods^ and where

will be a shelter?
They raise a barking, like a bear from the monntaia
To pay flattery their country will bleed.
Again shall come the toil of spears, fierce and sharp :
The friend shall not spare the body of his companion
Again shall come the head of a salmon without brains ;
Again shall come widowed women and spare horsea
Again shall come a terrible shout from the assault of
the warriors,

« 120 And many hands unequal before scattering armiea
The messengers of death met together,
When stood carcases according to their origin.
The tax will be avenged and the value daily,
And the many messages on the false army.

V.

•

The Cymry have prevailed through the rencounter,
Completely unanimous : of one voice, of one faith.
\ ' Tlie Cjrmry have prevailed to cause battle.

And the tribes of many a country they will collect^
And the holy banner of David they will raise,
130 To lead the Gwyddyl through the dark blue sea.
And the faction of Dublin with us stood,
IVhen they come to the battle, they will not deny them-
selves;
They will oak the Saxons what they seek :
How much of debt from the country they hold 7
Whence is their route when they settled?
Whence their generation ? from what land did they come?
Since the time of Owrtbeym thqr trample upon ua
. IVnth will not be obtained in the land of discord.



BBLATINO TO GADWALADTB. 441

Did they not trample entirely on the privilq;e of oor

saints?
140 Did they not entirely break throogfa the tniradai of

David ?
The Cymry will keep themselves^ when ihqr visit
The Allmyn will not go from the places they stand on^
Until they shall have paid seven times the Til«e of

what they did.
And death shall scatter to the value of their wnog.
The kin of Garmawn will pay of honou;
In four years and four hundred.
Valiant men long-haired, the Lord will incite : '
And a driving of the Saxons from Iwerdon there will beu
Thence will come from Lengo, a wanton fleet
160 The battle was ruined, the armies were torn.
There will come from Aldud, men, bold, fiedthfol.
To drive from Prydein bright armiea
There will come from Llydaw, a seasonable ally.
Warriors from their war-horses will not regard theirotigin.
Saxons on all sides into disgrace will come ;
Their age has passed away ; there is not a countiy.
Death has been accomplished to the black auziliaiy.
Disease and duty will deliver us,
After gold and silver and what is congenial.
160 Let a bush be their shelter in reward of their bad faith.
Let the sea be, let an anchor be, their counsellora.
Let gore be, let death be, their auxiliary.
Cynan and Cadwaladyr, mighty in armies ;
They will be honoured until judgment : prosperity will

attend them.
Two tenacious chiefs ; profound their counsel
Two that will overcome the Saxons^ with the aid of the

Lord.
Twogenerousones, twotreasurers of a merchant's oouniiy.



442 PBSDicnvB poems

Two fearless ones, ready, of one fortune, of one fiedtk
Two exalters of Prydein of bright armies.
170 Two bears do not know shame barking daily.
Droids foretell what great things will happen.
From Mynaw to Uydaw in their hands will be.
From Dyred to Thanet they will possess.
From the light to the ground along their Abera
Their chief partly paid for the land.
A nakedness on Cynon, Saxons wiU not be.
The Owyddyl will return to their native country,
The Cymry will raise up a mighty auziliaiy.
Armies about ale from the tumult of soldiera
. 180 And the kings of God that have kept their faith
Will summon to every fleet : trouble will end ;
And Cynan will reconcile them with each other.
Cynon will not call in as combatants,
Save the Cechmyn of Cadwaladyr, and his merchants,
like a Cymro, joyful of speech- he will be^
About the afflicted isle swarms will cease ;
When the carcases stand according to their race,
. Even to Aber Santwic it will be noised.
That the Allmyn are about to emigrate abroad,
190 One after another, breaking afresh upon their race.
The Saxons at anchor on the sea always.
The Cymry venerable until doomsday shall be supreme
.They will not seek books nor be covetous of poets.
The presage of this isle will be no other than this.
We will praise the King that created heaven and earth.
May David be a leader to the combatants
Ynyr in Oelli Caer for Ood he is ;
Ha will not die^ he will not run away, be will not

exhaust;
He will not fade^ he will not (kilt ha will not bend, he

will not tremUe.



TO OAOWiUDTB.



BOOK or TlUBBm XLVIL
Azl^ ToL iL p^ Ml. KolM, voLu.i>.410.

85HB Amn fiuotdb tlw bastening of

The mnUitadc^ poMened of wealth and peace,

And a faonntiflil wrenagii, uid eloquent princes.

And after tnaqnillilgr, oonnLotion in eveiy pUcoi

Tha ievea anna of Bdi anae,

CaawiUawn, and liadd, and Cestuddyn,

Diwed, Flot Coll, lago from llie land of Prydyn.

A ooontiy boiliiig will be nade as far as Balaon.

Tiled ont tbeir nail% teac^ fbr jouineyiog thair iein&
10 Bordcrren of a nnffag ooontiy.

The Oyuuy kat all their booiity.

IntheallunoeofUiaaovanigii's serva&ta,

Ilyminawg will ^peai

Who will be an amhitioaa man.

To subdue Mona,

And to rain Qwynedd,

From its oxtremi^ to ita centre. •

From itfl bogiuntng fh>m ita end.

And to take its pledges.
20 Persevering bis face,

He will submit to nonc^ *

Whether Gymrjr or Saxons.

A person will oomo &om oonoealmonlt

That will make an univenal stain of lec^

And a batUo of strifes.

Another will oome,

Fai^«ztonding bis anniea,

A triumph to the BiTttion.



444 PRKDICnVE POEMB



LXL

BOOK OF TAUES8IN LUL
Texty ToL iL p. 21 1. Kotea, ToL iL p. 421.

I. ^f^BXTLY thexe will be to me a Boman fiiencL
Possibly from the son of another man he will cause
Before him that he heard the expanding tumult
And an anny and flow of blood on his enemy.
And let horses sound, and the multitude (be) merciful
They would cut^ they would greatly assemble in the

sword of conflict
Bavens and eagles adore blood.
The ruddy path of the violent bear is fearless.
Let Cadwaladyr rise ardent and gleaming
On the face of the embattled hosta of vigorous countries.

u. Truly there will be to me a day-share of frailties^
A vow of prophecy in the first beginning.
Years victorious, an excess of extensive rights.
When winter overspreads^ sharp the steering of ships.
Confined the flow of harmony, courteous, respiring.
Glorious the appearance of the torrent on the top of

the waves.
The swans resort round the morsel on the face of the

surges.
Bear and lion empty the bright pools.
The boundaiy depends upon crimson spears.
Too much is sought chastisement^ a caution to the fronts.
Before his ranks and great possessions^
Creeds fall, collars are broken by tiie crowds in fiont
To the combat of Cadwaladyr, of splendidly-read fame^
There arose a dragon from the south,
By a free youth he was slain on a Thursday,



RUiATIKQ TO OADWALADTR. 446

m. Truly there will be to mo boanteou« heroianiy
A royal eulogy of fame of great abundanoa
A path thick, abundant^ broad its form.
Until there be seven languages to the king of Owyneddt
Until exhausting tumult passes away,
A king fond of a sleepless covering,
Violence on Angles^ and a journey to banishment^
Through a sea will glide their ofbpring.

IT. Truly there will be to me one having a right to Moiul
Olorious the protection of the dragon to the peopto of

the Biython.
Chief of armies, a respecter of breastplated man.
Deep, the prophecy divine of the Druids.
They would pitch their tents on Tren and Taianhon.
They would lie in ambush, to take Mona
Far to go away be it a length from Iwerdon. ' m

Fair the honour to liberate the Csesarians. ^

V. Predict a scene of unlovely discord.

I know when a battle was caused over wine and mead

A bear from Deheubarth barking at Gwynedd.

Defending too long wonderful superfluity.

Its fortified uplands were prepared,

On the calends of winter placing lands.

The mutual reflection on shields in the shout of the sword.

To the combat of Cadwaladyr on the lord of Owynedd.

VL Truly it will come, this will come to pas&
All Uoegyr will lose their possessions by us.
Seeing the aspects of the speckled white men.
Between the shafts of arrows and white iron,
A shouting on the sea, a lance-darting trembling of
slaughter —



446 PRCDicnvi poems relatino to cadwaiadyb.

They will languish in the ocean, beyond the broad lake,
Sea and isles will be their gain.

tiL Truly there will come to me from beyond Hafiren
Bepelled of Prydein, a king of destiny.
A mild ruler of armies, numerous his progeny.
A kingdom suitable, hateful from ice.
The common people of the world truly will be joyftd.
They possess eneigies» a tribe of rich mea
The flash flamied over the r^on of Hafien.
Let the Cymiy be collected splendidly
To the combat of Cadwaladyr ; be joyful
The chief minstrelB with the gjloiy of the baUle.

Tm. Truly he will come

With his host and ships,

And scaring shields.

And changing lances.

And after a valiant shout,

His will will be dona

May the circle of Piydein

Be enflamed thera

The dragon will not hide himself,

However many may come.

Not light the praise

Of conquering Dyved. '

He will bear likewise.

Over the efluBions of B^^

The creator, possessor of treasure^

Generous, daring his flow,

Immense his battla

By airing the skin -

Of Cadwaladyr, an active work.



WITH VOVTik 447



• •



o.

P0BX8 CONNBCTBD WITH POWTS.



■ . • '



LXIL

BimB OP CTKiiK OABwnr wm or Bncamuk
BOOK OF TAunnv xxm

1>xl, fd. iL p. 171. Kotai^ ToL IL pi» iok

^TtN AN, the ezdttt oTlMtl^

Bestowed on me tieamire^

For not fabe the gloi7 - •

Of the stout hunting dogs of the doiMifat

A hundred eteede of equal peo^

Silver their coveringi

A hundred legions in green ■ *

Of one front running together.

A hundred urchins in my bosom
10 And a battalion of cats.

A sword with sheath of stona

A fist-cell better than any.

A hundred Cynan had,

Hateful not to see,

From the vales of CadelL

In battle they were not shakea

To the battle on Wy there resorted

Spears innumembla

The Owentians wore slain,
20 With the gore-drenched blada

A battle in Mona» greal^ fitir,

Hovering over, and praised ^.\ .i

Over the Menei, there went \ ,

Horses and confident ones. •



1



448 POEMS CONNECTED WITH P0WT8.

A battle on the hill of Dyved.

Slaughter stings in motion.

Nor were seen

The kine before the countenance of any one^

Let the son of Brochuael boast,
30 He will declare his wish.

Let Cornwall greet.

The younger will not praise fitte.

The incomprehensible will depress

In the day that is praised by me^

My patron of Cynan.

Batdes arose.

A woeful spreading fiame^

There raises up a great fire.

A battle in the country of Brachan,
40 A warring scene of tumuli^

Miserable princes.

Were made to tremble before Cynan.

The breastplate being transfixed,

Like a ruler, they cried out^

Qyngen of perfect song

Thou wilt help with thy wide countiy.

A saying was heard.

Eveiy one in his red place,

Be the circle red, they say ironically,
50 They will enslaye thy Cynan.

LXIIL

BID BOOK OP HXB0I8T XYL
Text, ToL iL p. 879. Notts, toL IL pu 446.

L JSTtAND forth, maidens, and survey the land
Of Cyndylan ; Uys Pengwem, is it not in flames?
Woe to the youth that bngs for good fellowship.



POEUS CONKBCTED WITtl POWTft. 449 '

H. One tree with Dig tendril on it J

Is escaping it may be, I

But what God aliall have willed, let it ootne I I

in. Cyndylan, with heart like the ice of winter I

With thrust of wild boar through his head, m

Thou hast dispensed the ale of Tren I ■

IT, Cyndylan, with heart like the fire of spring, ^

flj thn rnmnifiTi nnth, in tlir iniiliit rif tlin rnmninn ipnnnTi, 1
Defending Tren, that wasted town I J

V. Cyndylan, bright pillar of hia country, ■

Chain-bearer, obstinate in fight, V

Prot«cted Tren, the town of his father I 1

TL Cyndylan, bright intelligence departed, J

Chain-bcaier, obstinate in the host, I

Protected Tren as long as be was living.

TO. Cyndylan, with heart of greyhound,

When be descended to the tunnoil of batUa^
A carnage he carved oat

Tia Cyndylan, with heart of bavk,
Was the true enraged
Cab of Cyndrwyn, the rtnbbom one;

n. Cyndylan, with heart of wild boar,

When he descended to the onset of battl^
There was carnage in two beapa.

X. Cyndylan, bungiy boar, mrago;
lion, wolf fast hdding of deaoent^
The wild boar will not gire baok the town of hia btbn;
rou I. 2



P0K1I8 CONNICCTED WITH P0WT8.

XL Cyndylan 1 while towards thee fled
His hearty it was a great festival
With him, like the press of the battle I

xn Cyndylan of Powys purple gallant is he I
The strangers' refuge, their life's anchor,
Cub of Cyudrwyn, much to be lamented I

XDL Cyndylan, hit son of Gyndrv^,

No fitting garb is the beard about the nose^
Will a man be no better than a maid?

xiT. Cyndylan I a cause of grief thou art
Set forward will not be the arrayy .
Around the pressure of the covert of thy shield I

XT. Cyndylan, keep thou the slope
Till the Lloq[rians come to-day, .
Anxiety on account of one is not fitting.

XYL Cyndylan, keep thou the top

Till the Lloegrians come through Tren*
Tis not called a wood for one tree I



xviL My heart has great misery

In joining together the black boards^
Fair is the flesh of Cyndylant the common grief of
a hundred hosts I

xvm. The Hall of Cyndylan is dark

To-night^ without firs^ without bed I

ru weep a while, aflerwiids I shall be silent



I



POKMS CONNECTED WITH P0WT8.

XtX. Tbe Hall of Cyndylan is dark

To-night, without fin, without candlal
Except God, who will give mo patience T

XX The Hall of Cyndylan is dark
To-night, without fire, without light,
Let there come spreading silence around thee I

XXI. The Hall of Cyndylan I dark

Its roof, after the fair assemblage 1
Alas, it makes not well its end 1



XXII. The Hall of Cyndylan! art thou not

Without seemlinessT in the gmve ia thy shield I
As long as he was living there was no break in t
shingle.



xxm Thfl Hall of Cyndylan ia fbrlom

To*night, since there has been no one
Ah 1 death will not leave no long I



XXIV, The Hall of Cyndylan ia not pleasant
To-night, on the top of Ganeo Hytwyth,
Without lord, without oompeny, witbont fi

XXV. The Hall of Cyndylan ii gloomy
To-night, without ilre^ without songt—
Tears are the trouble of my oheeki I

XXVL Tbe HaU of Cyndylan is gloomy
To-night, without funily,



452 POEMS CONNECTED WITH POWYa

xxm. The Hall of Cyndylan pierces me
To see it^ without roof^ without fire.
Dead is my chief^ myself alive 1

xmn. The Hall of Cyndylan lies waste
To-night^ after warriors contended,
Elvan, Cyndylan Caeawc 1

The Hall of Cyndylan is piercing cold
To4iight^ after the honour that befel ma
Without the men, without the women it sheltered.

The Hall of Cyndylan is still

To-night^ after losing its elder.

The great merciful God I what shall I do?

ZXXL The Hall of Cyndylan ! dark is its roof
Since the destruction by the LoQgrians
Cyndylan and Elvan of Powys.

xxxn. The Hall of Cyndylan is dark

To-night^ of the children of Cyndrwyn,
Cynon and Owiawn and Owyn.

xzzm. The Hall of Cyndylan pierces me

Every hour, aflier the great gathering din at the fire
Which I saw at thy fire-hearth I *

xxxnr. The eagle of Eli, loud his cry:
He has swallowed fiesh drink.
Heart-blood of Cyndylan fair I

The eagle of Eli screams aloud

To-night^ in the blood of &ir men he wallows I

He is in the wood, a heavy grief to me I



S COKHKCTED WITH rOWVS.

XZXTL The eagle of £11 1 bear

To-night, bloody is he, I defy not.

He is in the wood, a heavy grief to me !

XXXVII The eagle of Eli, let him afflict

To-night the vale of illustrious Meiasir,
Brochwael's land, long let him ailtaat it I

xxxTiu. The eagle of Eli keeps the aeas ;

He will not con., Aber.

Let him call, let hii be Uood of tma I

XXXDC The eagle of Eli tn
The wood at dawn i
His greed, may his t it I

XL. The eagle of Pengwe ay hom-beak.

Very loud his echoing
Eager for the flesh.

XLL The eagle of Pengwem with the gray hotn-be«k.
Very loud his call of defiance.
Eager for the flesh of Gyndylaa I

XLIL The eagle of Pengwem with the gray hom>beak,
Very loud hie clamour,
Eager for the flesh of him I love I

XUIL The eagle of Peugwem I f^om tSu if his call
To-nighti for the men of blood u his look-on^
Truly will Trea be called the rained townl

xuv. The eagje of FeDgwem I from «fitr let him call .
To-night, for the blood of men Irt him look oit(» -
Truly will Tren be called tlw town (tf flame I




454 POEMS COMNECTED WITH P0WT8.

XLY. The churches of Bassa I there rests

To-night^ there enda^ there shrinks within himself,
The shelter in battle, heart of the men of Aigoed 1

XLfL The churches of Bassa are enriched
To-night^ my tongue hath done it I
Buddy are they, overflowing my grief 1

XLTD, The churches of Bassa are close neighbouring
To-night to the heir of Cyndrwyn,
Graveyard of Gyndylan Mr I

XLViiL The churches of Bassa are lovely

To-night^ their clover hath made them so,
Buddy are they, overflowing my heart !

XUX. The churches of Bassa have lost their privilq;e
Since the destruction by the lioegrians
Of Cyndylan and Elvan of Powys.

L The churches of Bassa are to make an end
To-night ; the warriors are not to continua
He knows who knoweth all things, and I here
know.

LL The churches of Bassa are still
To-night^ and I am to cry I
Buddy are they, overflowing is my lament

LIL The White Town in the booom of the wood 1
There has ever been of its lustyhood,
On the surface of the grass, the blood I '



vri uabvivy AM |i«upiO| Are ui«jr uu^ guuo i

LY. The White Town between Tren and Trodwyd I
More common was the broken shield
V Coming from battle than the evening ox.

LYL The White Town between Tren and TmTaL
More common was the blood
On the surface of the grass than the plooghed fidlow.

Lvn. AlaSy Ffreuer I how sad is it

To-nighty after the loss of kindred.

By the mishap of my tongue were thqr slain.

LYIIL AlaSy Ffreuer 1 how languid she is
To-night^ after the death of Elvan,
And the eagle of Gyndrwyn, Cyndylan.

ux. It is not the death of Ffreuer that separates me
To-night from the ei^joyment of the social cinda
I will keep awake, I will early weep.

LX. It is not the death of Ffreuer that pierces me with pain.




456 POEMS GONKECTED WITH P0WY8.

IJOL It is not the death of Ffreuer that I am tormented
with
To-night^ but myself^ being feebly eick.
My brothers and my country I mourn.



lxhl Fair Ffreuer I there are brothers who cherish thee^
And who have not sprung from the ungenerous;
They are men who cherish no timidity.

LXIT. Fair Ffreuer I to thee have been brothers;
When they heard the meeting of armies
Their confidence would not fail them.

LXV. I and Ffreuer and Median,

While there may be battle in eveiy places
Are not concerned if our side be not slain.

ucvL The mountain, were it still higher
I will not covet^ there to lead my lifa
light of valuable things is my clothing.

unm. FtoJlel with the Avaerwy,

The Tren enters the Tiydonwy,

And the Twroh falls into the Marchnwy.

Lxvm. Piurallel with the Elwydden,

The Trydonwy flows into the I^ren,
And the Oeirw flows into the Alwen.

un. Before my covering was made of the hide
Of the hardy goat) intent I was on canu^ ;
I was made drunk with the mead of Biyum.



POEMS COHNECTEQ WITH P0WT8. 457

LXX. Before my covensg wu made of the hida

Of tlie hardy goal, the young goat to the holly,
- I was made drank with the mead of Tren.

LXXL After my btethren from the ngion of the Btfrsu, *
And about the two banks of the Dwyiyv,
Woe ia me, God, that I am alire 1 J

LXXIL Ailer well-tratned horses and gaiments of roddj
hue.
And the waving yellow plumes.
Slender ie my leg, a covering is not left mei i

LXXin. The cattle of Edeyroiawn went not astny,
And with none did they go away,
la the lifetime of Oorwynion, a man of Uchnknl,

LXXIV. The cattle of Edeymiawn went not astray.
And with none did they wander.
In the lifetime of Oowrynion, a man . . .
Beprooch is known to the herdaman.
The price is shame and lefasaL
On such as come to disgiaoe it will be&U.
I know what is good,
The blood of one hero for another.

uxv. Were it the wife of Gyrthmwl, abt would b* lugoid
This day ; loud wonld be her sonam ;
She would deplore the loss of her bamei.

UZTL Hie Boil of Eical it on oourageona meo.
On the progeny of Moiyol,



458 rOBICS.CONNRCTRD WITH POWT&

iXXTiL Tho hawk of Holedd calls unto mo

^ Ood 1 why is it that to thoe have been given
The hones of my country and thoir land ? ^

LXXTUL Tho hawk of Helodd will greet me

'' Ood I why is it that to thee are given the dark-
coloured harness
Of Cyndylan and his forty horses f "

LXXUL Have I not gased with my eyes on pleasant laud
From the conspicuous seat of Oorwynion f
Long the course of the run, longer my recollection

LXXX. Have I not gazed from Dinlle

. Wrocon on the patrimony of Ffreuer, \
Witli grief for its social ei\joyment?

LXXXL A horseman from a Caer below,
He was slow in his complaints.
A man of Sannaii



LXXXIL Shun wore my brothers all at once—
Cynan, Cyndylan, Cynwraith —
In defending Tron, a town laid waste.

LXXXliL A tribe would not tread on the nest

Of Cynddylan ; he would never flinch a foot ;
His mother nursed no weakling son.

Lxxxnr. Brethren I have had who never were dqected»
Who grow up like hasd saplings ;
One by one^ they are all gona



rOKMS bONNBCTED WtTK POWYB.

1.XXXT. Urut]ir«D I have had whom God hta Ukcn
From mo ; my misfortuiio caused it.
They would not purchoac gloty by fftlio meaiMi

ucxxvL Tldu tlio galo, thick tho rumour,

Swoot tho furruwi; tliou that uiodo them rom4iii not;
TltOBJ wlio have boon are uo more.




UxxviL Wlmt IB hcnrd by Ood ftiid ^lal^
WhAt ii hoard by young and old,
Disgrace of boorda, lot tbo flior Iooml

Uxxvta Wliilo it lives tho llicr wUl fly

With gnnnontA waiting for tho battleflold,
And with blue blodos tho oltiof waa onliToiuKL

UUXU. I WDiidor tho bright fort ia uo more
L AftoT it« dofomloTs uotorioiuly skilAil

In tho lair of tho boar thoro ia breaking of pignut*.

xo. Tboy are noitlior miat uor imoke,
Nor warriora in mutual defonoe.
In a meadow alaughtar ia bad.

XCL I Uatouod in tlie moodow to tlio olattor of ahMdh
A foitresa ia uo roatrolnt to the migli^,
Tho boat of men, CaraiimaoL

XUU. Comumaol, proaiuro tlturo ia on Uioo ;
I kuDw thy rotntot ttom bottlo.
A mark ia wont on tbo brow of a

XOUL Aoouatomed to exert a liberal band,
Tho aon of Cyndylan, ntainor of praiae.
The hut man of Oyndrwyn, OaianmaeL



460 P0XII8 CONNECTED WITH POWY&

xciT. Devoid of zeal was he,

And his patrimony was sequestrated.
Who sought Caranmael for a judga

JCf. Caranmael, intimate with exertion.
Son of Cyndylan of ready fame,
Was not a judge, though he would wist to be.

XCTL Where Caranmael put on the oorselet of Cyndylan,
And pushed forward his ashen spear,
A Frank should not deprive him of his head.

xcm. The time when I fared on rich viands
I would not lift my thigh
For a man that complained of a sore disease.

XCVllL Brothers I also have had

That would not complain of pestilential diseases :
One was Elvan, Cyndylan another.

xcix. Hair is not gracefully worn, is it not becoming
A man in the heat of conflictf
My brethren were not damoroua

a But for death and its fearful afflictions,
And the pang of the blue blades
I will not be clamorous either.

GL The plain of Maodyn, is it not covered with fixMtf
Since the destruction of him who was of benevolent

. puipose
On the grave of Eirinwed thick the snow.



pOBa conrscrxD wtth powt& 461

ciL The mound of Elwyddon, U H not drenched with
rain.
And the plain of Maodyn below it T
Cynon ought to deplore hitn.

cin. Foot equal brothers to me have been,
And each was the head of a famil;.
Tren knows to itself no owner.

CIV. Four eqnal brothers to me have been.
And to each chief there was vigour.
Tien knows no congenial owner.

OT. Four equal courageous and comely

Brothers to me have been from Cyndrwyn.
There is not to Tren the possession of tmjajiaeat.

on. Fly thee hence, and array thjrself ;

Thou art not wont to rise with the dawn.
Am I not wounded by a spike from the comer of
thy bag?

cviL Fly tliee hence and hide thyself ;
Thou art not of sinleaa conversation.
Pioetntion is uaelesa, thy creeping will oaose a DoiaA.



/



462 P0EM8 WHICH MKMTIOK HKNRY,



P.

POEMS WHICH MENTION HENRY, OB THE SON

OF HENBT.

LXIV.

A DlALOOUB BBTWEEN MtRDIN AND HIS &I8TBR

GWKNDTDD.

BSD BOOK or HBB0B8T I.
Text, ToL ii p. S18. Motet, toL iL p. 4S3.

L ^ have come to thee to tell
Of the jurisdiction I have in the North ;
The beauty of eveiy region hae been described to me.

n. Since the action of Arddeiyd and Eiydon,
Owendydd, and all that will happen to me»
Dull of understandings to what place of festivityshall Igof

m. I will address my twin-brother
Myrdin, a wise man and a diviner/
Since he is accustomed to make disclosures
When a maid goes to him.

IV. I shall become the simpleton's song :

It is the ominous belief of the Cymiy. The gale intimates
That the standard of Bydderoh Hael is unobstmeted.

V. Though Bydderoh has the pre-eminence,
And all the Cymry under him,

Tel^ after him, who will comef



ir



OR TUB SON or HENBT.



n Rydderch Hael, the feller of the foe,
Denlt his stabe &iiiong them,
Id the day of bliaa at the ford of Tawy.

TIL Rydderch Hael, while he is the enemy

Of the city of the bards in the region of the dyd;
Where will he go to the ford?

TlU. I will tell it to Gwendydd.

Since she has addressed me skilfully,

The day after to-morrow Rydderch Uael will not be.

i5c. I will ask my far-fiuned twin*brother,
The intrepid in battle,
After Rydderch who will be J

X. As Gwenddoleu was slain in the blood-spiUiiigof Aridaqr^ J
And I have come from among the fursBt
Morgont Mawr, the son of Sadymin.

XL I will uk my fkr-fatned brother,

The fiwterer of Bong among the atreuni^
Who will rule after Morgant 1

xa. As Gwenddolen waa slain in the bloodshed of AxiAaji,
And I wonder why I ahonld be poceived,
Hw coy of the oonntiy to Urien.

xia Thy head is of tbfloolont of winter bou;
Qod hu reliered thy neceesitiee ;
Who will rale after Urien 1

xtT. HeiTen has brought « heavy atBiotton'
On me^ and Z em iU At lut ;
Maelgwn Hir orer the land of Qwynedd. /



464 P0EV8 WHICH MENTIOK HKNBT,

XT. From parting with my brother pines away

My hearty poor is my aspect along my furrowed cheek ;
Now, after Maelgwn, who will rolef

XVL Bon is his name, impetuous in the gushing conflict ;
And fighting in the van of the army.
The woe of Pxydein of the day f

XTIL Since thou art a companion and canon

Of Cunllaithy which with great expense we support^
To whom will Owynedd go after Bun f

xmL Bun his name^ renowned in war ;

What I predict will surely come to pas8»
Gwendydd, the country will be in the hand of Beli

XDL I will ask my far-famed twin-brother.
Intrepid in difficulties.
Who will rule after Beli?

XX. Since my reason is gone with ghosts of the mountain,
And I myself am pensive,
After Beli, his son laga

XXL Since thy reason is gone with ghosts of the mountain,
And thou thyself art pensive,
Who will rule after lago?

xxiL He that comes before me with a lofty mien.
Moving to the social banquet ;
After lago^ his son Cadvan f

xxm. The songs have fully predicted

Thai one of universal Cune will come ;
Who will rule after Oadvan?



mv. IhtfllMntiy af the brave Cadwallavn,

Iks tan quiters of the world shall b«ftr of it ;
Ihs baadi of the Angles will fall to the gnnind,
AaA flMn will bo a world to admin it



ZXr. IhoB^ I IM thy ch<!ek so direful.
It MntM fanpuleively to my mind.




Who win nlfl afler Gadwallawn )

Xm> A till flttB holding a conferenca.
Aid Ftydrin under one Bc«ptre,
The bMt Mm of Cymro, Cadwaladyr.

XJtTiL Ho thtt comm before me mildly,

Hii iblUtiH ere they not woribleut
After Otdiralkdyr, IdwaL

IXTOL I win uk flue mildly,

Fu^amed, and best of men on mtOi,
Who will mle after Idwal T

XXIX. There will rule after Idwal, -

In conaequence of a dauntless one being oellod teti^
Whitenihielded Howel, the aon of CedmL ' y

XXX. I will ask my fkr-famed twin-brotbor.
The intrepid in war,
Who will mle after Howel ?

XXXL I will tell his illaatrioas fun^

Qwoidydd, before I part ftom thee ;
After Howel, Rodri.

xxxiL Gynan in Hona will bc^

He will not preserve his rights ;
TOL. 1 2 H



466 POEMS WHICH MENllON HENBY,

And before tho son of Bodri may bo callecly
Tho son of Ccolodigan will ba

xxxm. I will ask on account of the world,
And answer thou nie gently ;
Who wiU rule after Cynan ?

xxxnr. Since Owcnddoleu was slain in the bloodshed of
Ardderyd» thou art filled with dismay ;
Morvyn Vrych from the region of Manaw.

XXXT. I will ask my brother renowned in fame,
Lucid his song, and ho the best of men,
Wlio will nile aitcr Mervyn ?

XXXTL I will declare, from no malevolence,

TIio opproAsion of Piydein, but ftt)m ooneom ;
Alter Mervyn, Bodri Mawr.

XXXVII. I will ask my fa^famed twin-brother.
Intrepid in the day of the war-shout ;
Wlio will rule after the son of Bodri Mawr f

xzxvm. On the banks of the Conwy in the conflict of

Wednesday,
Admired will be the eloquence
Of the hoaiy sovereign Anarawd.

I will address my far-famed twin-brother,
Intrepid in the day of mockery.
Who will rule after Anarawdf

xu The next is nearer to the time
Of unseen messengers ;
The sovereign^ in the hand of HoweL



mt TBI soir or kikit. 407

xu Tbo Bonleven bave not been,

And will not be nearer to Pmdiee.

An order from a kiln is no woiae ttaui turn a etrnnk

XUL I will ask my belored brother.

Whom I have soon eolebrstod in fiiOMb
Who will rule after tlie Borderers t

XLOL A year and a half to loquaeioiis

BMons^ whoso lives shsU be shortened ;
Xvoiy eareloss one will be dispaiaged.

xu?. Since then art a oompanion and eanon of OnsUailK
Tho moroy of God to thy soul I
Who will rule nftor the Barons I

XLT. A single person will arise from obsenritgTi
Who will not preserve his ooontonaaoe ;
Oynan of tho d<^ will possess Oynaj.

XLVi. I will ask tlioo on account of the wodd,
Answer tliou mo gently.
Who will rule after Oynan ?

XLVIL A man from a distant foroign countiy ;
Thoy will batter impregnable Caere ;
They say a king from a baron.

XLViiL I will ask on account of the world.
Since thou knowest the meaning ;
Who will rule after the Baron f

XLix. I will foretell of Serven Wyn,

A constant white-shielded messenger,

Brave, and strong like a whito enoiroled prison ;



468 POENtS WHICH MENTIOK HENRY,

He will traverse the countries of treacherouB sovereigns ;
And they will tremble before him as far as Ptydein.

u I will ask my blessed brother,
For it is I that is inquiring it^
Who will rule after Serven Wyn ?

LL Two white-shielded Belis

Will then come and cause tumult ;
Golden peace will not be.

UL I will ask my far-famed twin-brother,
Intrepid among the Cymiy,
Who will rule after the two white-shielded Belisf

LOL A single passionate one with a beneficent mien.
Counselling a battle of defence ;
Who will rule before the extermination }

UT. I will ask my far-famed twin-brother.
Intrepid in the battle,
Who is the single passionate one
That thou predictest then ?
What his name? what is he? when will he come?

LT. Gruffyd his name, vehement and handsome :

It is natural that he should throw lustre on his Idndred ;
He will rule over the land of Ptydein.

LVL I will ask my far-fiamed twin-brother,
Intrepid in battles^
Who shall possess it after Gruflyd ?

LVD. I will declare from no malevolence^

The oppression of Prydein, but firom ooncem ;
After Gruflyd, Gwyn Gwarther.



I



OR THE SON OF HKNRY. 469

LVjiL I will ask my fJEur-famed twin-brother.
The intrepid in war.
Who will rule after Gwjm Gwarther?

LDL Alas [ {bit Gwendydd, great is the prognotticatioii of

the oracle,
And the tales of the Sybil ;
Of an odious stock will be the two Idases ;
For land they will be admired; from their juxisdiclioiit

long animosity.

LX. I will ask my far-famed twin-brother,
Intrepid in the battles,
Who will rule after them?

LXi. I will predict that no youth will venture ;
A king, a lion with unflinching hand,
Gylvin Gevel with a wolfs grasp.

LXil. I will ask my profound brother,

Whom I have seen tenderly nourished,
After that who will be sovereign ?

LXiii. To the multiplicity of the number of the stars
Will his retinue be compared ;
He is Mackwy Dau Hanner.

LXiv. I will ask my unprotected brother,

The key of difl&culty, the benefit of a lord —
Who will rule after Dau Hanner?

Lxv. There will be a mixture of the Gwyddelian tongue in
the battle,
With the Cymro, and a fierce conflict ;
He is the lord of eight chief Caers.



470 POEMS WHICH MENTION HENRY,

Lzn. I will ask my pensive brother,
Who has read the book of Cado,
Who will rule after him 7

Lzra I say that he is from Reged,

Sinoe I am solemnly addressed ;
The whelp of the illustrious Henri,
Never in his age will there be deliverance.

Lzvin. I will ask my brother renowned in fame,
Undaunted among the Cymiy,
Who will rule after the son of Henrit

uoz. When there will be a bridge on the Tav, and another
on thel^wi.
Confusion will come upon lioegyr.
And I will predict aflier the son of Henri,
Such and such a king and troublous times will be.

LEX. I will ask my blessed brother.
For it is I that is inquiring;
Who will rule after such and such a king ?

LXXL A silly king will come,

And the men of Lloegyr will deceive him ;
There will be no prosperity of country under him.

LZXIL Myrdin fair, of fame-conferring sonj^
Wrathful in the world,
What will be in the age of the foolish one?

uooiL When Lloegyr will be groaninj^
And Cymir full of malignity,
An army will be moving to and fro.



OK THE BOM OF HKKBV.

uomr. Myrdin fair, gifted in speech,
Tell me no falsehood ;
What will be after the army)

LXXV. There will arise one out of the six

That have long been in concealment ;
Over LloGgyr he will have the nustoiy.

UCXVL Myrdiu fair, of lamG<<>onfemng stock.
Lot the wind turn inside the bonse,
Wlio wiU rule ai^r that?

LXXTIL It is established that Owein should come,
And conquer as for as London,
To give the Cymry glad tidings.

Lxxvm. Myrdin fair, most gifted and most famed.
For thy word I will believe,
Owein, how long will he continueT

Lxza. Qwendydd, listen to a ramour,
Let the wind turn in the valley,
Five years and two, as in time of yen.

LXXX. I will aak my profound brother,

Whom I have seen tenderly nourisbMl,
Who will thence be sovenign f

LXXXL When Owein will be in Uannr,
And a battie in Fiydyn close by,
There will be a man with men und«r him.

Lxxxn. I will ask my profound biothert

Whom I have seen tenderly nooriabed,
After that who will be ■onreigat



472 F0EM8 WHICH HENTION HENRY,

LXXxnL A ruler of good breeding and good will he be^
Will conquer the land,
And the country will be happy with joy.

LXZXIT« I will ask my profound brother,

Whom I have seen tenderly nourished,
After that who will be sovereign?

•
LXXXV. Let there be a ciy in the valley

Beli Hir and his men like the whirlwind ;
Blessed be the Cymry, woe to the Gynt

LXXXVL I will ask my far-famed twin-brother.
Intrepid in battles^
After Beli who will be the pos sess or?

Lxxxvn. Let there be a cry in the Aber,

Beli Hir and his numerous troops ;
Blessed be the Cymiy, woe to the GwyddyL

LXXXVUL I will address my farfiuned twin-brother
Intrepid in war ;
Why woe to the Gwyddyl ?

Lxxxix. I will predict that one prince will be
Of Gwynedd, after your aflOiction ;
You will have a victoiy over eveiy nation.

xa The canon of Morviyn, how united to us
Was Myrdin Vrych with the powerful bosl^
What will happen until the wish be accomplished?

XCL When Cadwaladyr will descend,
Having a laige united host with him.



OK TUE SON OF USSKT.

On Wednesday to defend the men of Owynedd,
Then wUl come the men of Ganr Qamwedd.

xcil. Do not separate abruptly from toe.
From a dislike to Uie conference;
In what pnrt will CadwaJadyr deeoeod 1

XOUL AVhen Codwalodyr descends
Into the valley of the Tywi.
Hard pressed will be the Abcrs
And the Btython will disperse the Britltwyr.

XCIT. I will ask my profound brother,

^Vhonk I have seen tenderly nouiiahed ;
Who will rule from thenceforth ?

XCT. ^VhBn a boor will know three languages

In Mona, and his son be of honourable descent,
Gwynedd will be heard to be abounding in riche&

XCTL Who will drira IJo^yr from the borden
Of the sea, who will move npcm Dyred f
And OB to the Cymiy, who will ncoonr tbern f

XCTIL The far-extended rout and tumult of S^dtnh,
And the tnnies of Cadwaladyr,
Above Uifl river Tardeniun,
Broke the key of men.



xcviiL Do not Mpante abruptly from ma,
■ From dislike to the oonfereoct^
What death will oany off Cadwakdyrt

xcox. He will be pierced by * tgmx ttom. tlte ■



474 roKMB wiiioH mention iiknry,

Of a sbip, and a Iiond boforo the ovemog ;
The day will bo a diitgraco to tho CymTy.

a Do not soparato abruptly from me
From disliko to tho couferonoo^
How long will Codwoladyr roign T

CL Tliroo months and thrco long yoars,
And full throo hundred years
With occoaional battlesi he will rula

ciL Do not scpomte abruptly from me
From dislike to the couforenee,
Who will rule after Cadwaladyr?

cm. To Gwendydd I will declare ;
Age after oge I will predict;
After Cadwaladyr, Cynda.

CIT. A hand upon the sword, another upon the cross,
Let eveiy one take care of his life ;
With Qynday there is no reconciliatioa

CT. I will foretell that there will be one prince
Of Owynedd, after your affliction.
You will overcome every natioa

CVL And as to the tribe of the children of Adam,
Who have proceeded from his flesh.
Will their freedom extend to the judgment ?

cva ¥nm the time the Qymry shall be without the aid
Of battle, and altogether without keeping their mioD,
It will be impossible to say who will be ruler.



ou Tiix soM or uunr. i

cmi OwondjrdU, tUo ilclicatvly fair,

Tho Gnt will bo Uio most puisuot ia Piydoia;
Lament, yo wrotclicd Cymry 1

cix. \Vlion oxtcroiinatioii bocomcs tbo higboit duty,
From tUo loa to tlio ahoiclow lanil,
8iqr, lady, tbat tka worid u at tn eud.



ox. And aft«T oxtonniiiation bocomot tha higbott
duly,
\V1to will tlioro bo to koop order t
'Will tlioTO bo a ohunili, aud a portion for * ptJMt '

CXI. Thoro will bo no portion for prioct nor miutrol,
Nor repairing to tho altar,
Until tUo licavon falls to tho oorth.



CXI). My twin-brother, since thou boat
Myrdin, ton of Morvryu the ikilfta^
Sod is the tale thou hut ottered.




CXUL I will declare to Owendydd,

For serionflly hast thou inquired of me,
^teimination, lady, will be the end.



cxiT, 'What I have hitherto predicted
To Owendydd, the idol of prinoea.
It will oome to paas to the nnaUett tittte^

err. Tvin-brother, tince theae thinga will hippea to

Even fbr the aoula of thy btetbreo,
What Bovereign after him will be 1



<;,



476 POEMS WHICH HENnON HENBY,

CXVL Gwendydd fair, the chief of courtesy,
I will seriously declare,
That never shall be a sovereign afterwards.

Gxvn. Alas ! thou dearest^ for the cold separation.
After the coming of tumult.
That by a sovereign brave and fearless
Thou shouldst be placed under eartL

cxviiL The air of heaven will scatter

Bash resolution, which deceives, if believed :
Prosperity until the judgment is certaia

cziz. By thy dissolution, thou tenderly nourished.
Am I not left cheerless ?
A delay will be good destiny when will be given
Praise to him who tells the truth.

cxx. From thy retreat arise, and unfold
The books of Awen without fear ;
And the discourse of a maid, and the repose of a
dream.

CXXL Dead is Morgeneu, dead Cyvrennin

MoryaL Dead is Moryen, the bulwark of battle ;
The heaviest grief is» Myrdin» for thy



cxxn. Tlie Creator has caused mo heavy aflUction;
Dead is Morgeneu* dead is Mordav,
Dead is Moiyen, I wish to die.

cxxuL My only brother, chide me not;

Since the battle of Ardderyd I am iU;



OB THi BOH or Hinr» ^477

It is initmetioii that I seek;
To God I ocnnmeiid thea



oxxpf. 1, tiaa, oommend the^

To the Ohief of all oeatiUM
OwendTdd fsu; the refage of songi. ^

oxxT. The songs too long hsTe tsnied

Cknioemiiig timveisd fiune to oome ;
« Would to God thqr had omne to pessl

cxxxTL Gwendjddy be not dissatitfed ;

Has not the hmden been oonsigped to the eaitli t
Eveiy one most give ap what he loves.



If



(sonrn. Whik I liye, I will not feisake thes^

And until the judgment will bear thee in mfaid;
Thy entrenchment is the heaviest calamity.

cxxvnL Swift is the steed, and free the wind ;
I will commend my blameless brother
To God, the supreme Ruler;
Partake of the communion before thy death.

cxxix. I will not receive the communion
From excommimicated monks^
With their cloaks on their hips;
May God himself give me communion I

cxxx. I will commend my blameless
Brother in the supreme Caer ;
May God take care of Myrdin 1



478 P0EM8 WHICH MENTION HENBT,

CXZXL I, too, will commend my blameless
Sister in the supreme Caer ; —
May God take care of Owendydd. Amen !

LXV.
A FuoiTiYB Pome OF Mtrdin in his Orat&

RED BOOK OF HEBGE8T IL
Text, ToL iL p. 234. Notes, toL iL p. 488.

L I^HE man that speaks from the grave
Has been instructed that before seven years,
Tlie horse of Eurdein of Uie North will die.

IL I have quaffed wine from a bright glass
With the lords of fierce war ;
My name is Myrdin, son of Morviyn.

m. I have quaffed wine from a goblet
With the lords of devouring war ;
Myrdin is my deserving name.

IV. When opposition will come upon a black wheel,
To destroy Uoegyr of exhausted course,

Bitter will be their enmity in defending

The White Mount ; at the White Mount distress there

will be,
And long regret to the nation of the Cymry.

•

V. There will be no protection in the recesses of Aidudwy,
In the maritime region of the Qymry,

From the renowned Boar of the intrepid host

VL When the red one of Normandy will come
To ohaige the lio^grians with enormous expense^



m



Ihsre wfll be • tax npoa ertqf j/nUdSm^
And • ofttOe at Abor HbdnL



I • m



tn. 'Wliaii the stroDg-fteolded cm will
As ftr as ^d Beogm,
Mea wiU be di^gmoed^ hilto 1PQIB srt : ^
. Ibe cUef noble of Fkydeh will be disir Md kk
jtidgment



TflL Wbea Henri wiU oome to daim

Mnr Oastell OB tbe boieder of Eqrii
Distubaiioe beyond sea wfll oall Um.



,* *



• * ■ «



;;•■ •



n. Wben tibe pale weak one wfll oome to daim hmkm^
tjDon milMnflsoma Imhrm^
He wfll sen forth the loiddii^ of Oaeigefak



» ■ Tl



,» 1



X Scaioe the aoomfl^ thick Uie ooni,
When there will suddenly appear
A king, a youth, woe to such as tremble 1 *

XL There will be a youth of great renown.
Who will conquer a thousand cities ;
Like the life of tender shoots will be that of the king
from a youth.

•

XIL Strong towards the weak will he be.

Weak towards the strong of the uplands ;«-
A ruler from whoee ooming worse it will fiuei

xm. There will be a state when thej will delight in
wantonness,
When women will be a soft herd,
. And a host of young ohfldren at confession.



480 P0K1C8 WHICH MENTION HENBT,

xiT. There will be a state wlien they will delight in order ;
Even the churl will do a good torn ;
The maid will be handsome, and the youth resolute.

Xf. There will be a state towards the end of the age,
When from adversity the young will tail.
And in May cuckoos die of cold

xn. There wiU be a state when they will delight in
hunting-dogs,
And build in intricate places ;
And a shirt without great cost cannot be obtained.

xm. There will be a state when they will delight in oaths ;
Vice will be active, and churches n^lected ;
Words as well as relics will be broken.
Truth will disappear, and falsehood spread ;
Faith will be weak, and disputings on alternate days.

xvm. There will be a state when they will delight in clothes;
The counsellor of a lord will be a vagrant of a bailiff ;
Empty-handed the bard, gay the priest ;
Men will be despised, refusals frequent

ZDL There will be a state without wind, without rain.

Without too much ploughing, without too much oon-

Land enough will one acre be for nine.

xXi When the men will oome without manliness^
And com grow in the place of trees^
In peace eveiywhere feasts will be prevalent

XXL When the cubit shall be held in esteem, trees in spring
There will be after the chief of mischief :
Let the cowhouse post be worse than a coulter.



w



on TIIK SON OF IIKKRY.



xxn. Wcdnesdoy, a dny of enmity.

Blades will be completely worn out ;

They trill conceal two in the blood of Cyngben.

xxiiL In Aber Sor there will bo n council

On men after the devastation of battle,
A happy mler is a leader Id the camp.

XXVr. In Aber Avon will be the host of Moiu.

■ And Angles after that will be at Hinwedon ;
His valour will Moryon long preservQ.

TXT. In Aber Dwvyr the leader will not hold out,

When that wliich will be perfonned by Owidig viU

take place,
And after the battle of Cyvarllug.

XXTL A battle will be on the river Byni,
And the Biython will be victorious ;
Tho men of Owhyr will perform acta of heroism.

xxviL In Aber Don a battle will ensue,
And tho ihafts will be unequal,
And crimson blood on the brow of Suumt.
Servile ia thy ciy, thou Qwendydd I
Have tdd it me the ghosts
Of the mountain, in Aber Caniv.

LXVI.
BUCK BOOK or CAS&MARTHRH XTL

Text, vol IL y. 17. NotM, vol iL p. 3U.

t )@LESSED is the biicb in the vaUejr of the Owy.
'Whose braoohea will Call off one by mai, two by two^
It will remain when there will be t battle in Atdodwy,
TOLL 2 1



482 roEMB wiiioii mention hrnrt,

Aud tlio lowing togctlior of cattle about the ford of

Mochnwy,
And spcon and shouting at Dyganwy,
And Edwin bearing sway in Mono,
And youths pale and light
In ruddy clothes commanding them.

tL Blessed is the birch in rumlumon,

^Vbich will see when the front of tlie stag shall be exalted,
And which will see the Franks clad in mail,
And about the hearth food for whelps,
And monks frequently riding on steeds.

m. Blessed is the birch in the heights of Dinwythwy,

Which will know when there shall be a battle in Ardudwy,
And spears uplifted around Ediywy,
And a bridge on the Taw, and another on the Tawy,
And another, on account of a misfortune, on Uie two

banks of the Gwy,
And the artificer that will make it, let his name be Ganry ;
And may the principal of Mona have dominion over ii
Women will be under the Gynt, and men in affliction.
Happier than I is he who will weleome
The time of Cadwaladyr : a song he may sing I

LXVII.

BLACK BOOK OF CAKBIUimiEN XVUL
Tat, Tol. ii. p. 21. Kotos, toI. ii. p. 338.

L Listen, O Uttle pig l thou happy litUe pig 1
Bury not thy snout on the top of the mountain ;
I Borrow in a secluded place in the woods.

For fear of the hunting dogs of B;ydderoh, the champion
of the



on Till B(w or mtKRY. 48S

And I will progncMticnK mitl it will lo tmt^ 1

As far M Abur Tnnutyr, bofoni tlio iiaurifcn of rrydeia^ J
All tlio Oymry will bo under tlio snnie warlika loader; |
Hi* iiamo is Llywolyii, of tlio linn J

Of Owyuedd, oiiu wlio will ororoomo. i

IL LitUiii, littlo pig I it is iioccasary to go, I

For fonr of tlio ImnUirs of Monloi, if ono dared, I

Lost wo bo pursuod atid ilisoovonxl ; I

And sliould wo cscnpo, I shall not oomploiD of ffttigua i
And I will predict, in rcspoct of tho nintli wave, I

And in respect of tlio einglo wliitc-boardod ponon, wbo J

cxlianslcd Dyvod, J

Who erected a chonoel in tbo laud for tbose of putwl 1

bclH J

In the uplaiid region, and among wild beasts. J

Until Cynan comes to it, to sea its distress, H

Her habitations will never be restored. ■

nL Listen, O little pig I I cannot easily sloep,

On acGonnt of the tumult of grief which is upon ms ;

Ten years and forty have I endured p&in ;

Evil is the joy which I now have;

May life be given me by Jesus, the most tmstwoithy

Of tho kings of heaven, of highest lineage I

It will not be well with the female descendants of Adam,

If they believe not in God, in the latter day,

I have seen Gwenddoleu, witli the precious gilts of prinee^

Gathering prey from every extremi^ of the landj

Beneath my gteen sod is he not still I

Hie chief of sovereigns of the North, of mildest diipoaitk«,

IT. listen, little pig I it was neoessaiy to pray.
For fear t^ the five sovereigns from Noimaitdi ;
And tiM fifth going over the salt sea.



484 POEMS WHICH MENTION HENRY,

To oonqaer Iwerdon with its pleasant towns ;

Ho will cause war and confusion.

And ruddy arms and groanings in it

And they» certainly, will come from it^

And do honour on the grave of DewL

And I will predict that there will be confusion

From the fighting of son and fiEither, the oountry shall

know it;
And that there will be to the Uo^rians the falling of citiesi
And that deliverance will never be to Normandi

▼. Listen, little pig 1 be not drowsy ;
There comes to us a sad report
Of petty chieftains full of peijuiy
And husbandmen that are close-fisted of the penny.
When there shall come over the sea men completely

covered with armour,
With war-horses under them, having two faces,
And two points on their terribly destructive spears;
There will be ploughing without reaping in the world of

war;
The grave will be better than life to all the wretched ;
Horns will be on the women of the four quarters ;
When the vigorous young men shall become corpses^
There will be a severe morning in Caer Sallawg.



▼L listen, little pig 1 thou pig of peace 1
A Sibyl has told me a wonderful tale ;
And I will predict a summer full of fury,
Between brothers^ treachery from Gwynedd.
When a pledge of peace shall long be required from the

land of Owynedd,
There shall come seven hundred ships of the Oynt with

the north wind;
And in Aber Dan their oonfeience will ba



Dl THE SON or UENRr. i

Je pig I thou blessed Uttle pig I
told me a tale whicli frightens me;
T shall encamp in the l&nd of EQilin,
i uyganwy a strong fort,
... of Uoegyr and Llywelyn,
m be a child on the ahonlden . . .

laoel, the son of Dunawd Deinvyn,



k shall flee the way ho does not seek ;
Dulas their support will be exhaosted,
idy hue will be their garments around them.

, ) little pig I listen to the colls for attentioii I

t crime of the necessitous God will tnaka
nnissionB.
. . what is becoming, be it mine,
And what is . . . let him seek. ~



IX. listen, little pig I it is broad daylight,

Hark thou to the song of water-birds whoae notM

h)ndl
To Ds there will be years and long day^
And iniquitous rulers, and the blasting of fhiit^
And bishops sheltering thieves, churches deaeentad,
And monks who will compensate for loads of nna.

X. listen, little pig I penetrate into Gwynadd ;
Have a partner when thou goest to rest
Little does Bydderch Hael know to-night at his fsail
What sleqilesaness last night I bore.
Hw sdov was np to my koee^ owing to ttke wa ri naa s of

theolue(
IcieleB hung to my hair ; sad is my £kt«t



<;.



486 POEMS WHICH MENTION HENKT,

Tuesday will come, the day of fierce anger, .
Between the ruler of Powys, and the r^on of Qwynedd.
When the beam of light will arise from its long repose^
And defend from its enemy the frontiers of Gwynedd.
Unless my Maker will grant me a share of his merqrt
Woe to me that I have existed, miserable will be my endl

XL listen, little pig I utter not a whisper;

When the host of war marches from Caermarthen,

To support, in the common cause, two whelpe

Of the line of Bys, the stay of battle^ the wailike

commander of armies,
When the Saxon shall be slain in the conflict of

Cymmerau,
Blessed will be the lot of Cymry, the people of Qymrwy.

XIL Listen, little pig ! blessed little pig of the oountiy !
Do not sleep in the morning, burrow not in the fiBrtile

region.
Lest Bydderch Hael and his cunning dogs should

come,
And before thou couldst reach the wood, thy perspixa*

tion trickled down.

xiu. Listen, little pigl thou blessed pig!

Hadst thou seen as much severe oppression as I have^
Thou wouldst not sleep in the momin|^ nor burrow on

thehilL
When the Saxons repose from their serpent cunning^
And the castle of CoUwyn is resorted to from a&r,
Clothes will be smarts and thel>lack pool clear.

xiv« Listen, little pig I hear thou now ;

When the men of Owynedd lay down their great woik.
Blades will be in hands, horns will be sounded.



^V OB TKE BOK OF llEKUY. 48T ]

^B Annour will be broken before shup lances. I

^1 And I will predict Uiat two rightful pnooet J

^K Will produce peace from heaven to earth— I

^M Cynan, Cadwoladyr, thorough Cymiy. I

^B May their councils be admired. I

^H ^« laws of the couDtty, and the exclusion of tnniUe% 1

^H And the abolition of armies and theft ; 1

^H And to us then there shall be a relief after our ill<, |

And from generosity none will be excluded. I

XV. Listen, little pig I is not the mountain green T I

My cloak is thin ; for me there is no repose ; I

^^ ' Pale is my visage ; Gwendydd does not come to me. 1
^1 When the men of Bryneich will bring their anny ts

tlie shore, J

Cymiy will conquer, glorioos will be their d^. J

ITL listen, O little pig I thou brawny pig 1 ■

Bury not tliy snout, consume not Myawy ; ^^^^|
Lore no pledge, love no play.
And an advice I will give to Gwenabvy,
" Be not an amorous youth given to wanton pllj."
And I will predict the battle of Maohawy,
When there will be ruddy spears in the Biw Dydmirj,
From the contention of ohiflftains; bnaatwill hMtra «■

the saddles;
Tbsn will be a morning of woe, and a voefol vintitka ;
A bear trtsm Dehenhaith will aris^
Hia men will spread over the land of Mynwy,
Bleaaed is the lot that awaita Gwendydd,
When the Prince of Dyved oomea to nil^

xvn. listen, little pig I are not the bnda of Hum*

V«7 green, the mountain beantifol, and boantifU th*

earthl



488 POEMS WIUCH MENTION HENRY,

And I will predict the battle of Coed liwyvein.

And ruddy biers from the attack of Owein,

When stewards shall make short disputes,

When there will be peijury and treachery amongst the

children of the land ;
And when Cadwaladyr comes to conquer
Mona, the Saxons shall be extirpated from lovely

Piydein.

zniL Listen, little pig I great wonders

Will be in Piydein, and I shall not be concerned ;
When come the inhabitants of the regions about
Mona to question the Biython, there will be troublesome

times;
A successful leader will uplift radiant spears^
Stout Cynan, appearing from the banks of the Teiln,
Will cause confusion in Dyved ;
May there be to him for riches melody in it 1

XDL Listen, O little pig 1 how wonderful it is

That the world is never long in the same condition I
How far the Saxons 'proclaim the cause of strife
With the generous Biython, the sons of trouble 1
And I wiU predict before the end
The Biython uppermost of the Saxons ; the Ficts say it ;
And then will come upon us the spirit of joyfulness^
After having long been of a tardy disposition.



Lbten, little pig ! hear tliou the melody

And chiiping of birds by Caer Beon«

One I have that I would place on Mynydd Maon,

To view the comely forms of the lovely ones.

And I will predict a battle on the wave,

And the battle of Machawy, and a battle on a river,



tn'aovovHnnrr. . 4$$

And Um brtUe of Ch» VoqIum^ tad te tetOa «r]fiBm|»
And tin brtUe of ipjmuiiHnrd. aad Urn UMlt vt

OMiUeoo,
And the bttfleof .Abwywiidv and tfctbHlltrf TidlMw ;
And wb«n tiben ahall bs an «nd of anufe «l Hn hmik

A diM win ttiflfl^ ftad good thm w^

XXL liitep liMe pigl % period will oom^
Bow BBisomUe tbot it diOQU eonM^ liiit 0^
Maids wiU be bold, i&d wivw wniOB ;
IlMff win kfve^ bat wiU not leveM tMr kf^^
• libeiel win not tto p wff e roq s be toweidi <pw
Bishops win be of e diitoeiit hagu^ weitbhs^
fiutUbsSi

zziL listen, Utile pgl t^ littie speeUed OMi

list to the Toice of sespUidsb grest is tbeir easqgr I

Minstrels will be oat» without their appropiiste portion ;
Though they stand at the door, a reward wiU not oodm^
I was told by a sea-gull that had come from afiur.
That strange sovereigns will make their appesitnoe;
Gwyddyl, and Brython, and Bomani
Will create discord and confusion,
And in the name of gods wiU pome into it^
And vigorously fight on both banks of the I^wL

xxiiL listen, little pigl thou stout-armed little one I

Hark to the voice of sea-birds, whose damoor is greak
Minstrels will be out^ without an honourable portion.
There will be repugnance to hospitali^; a youtli wiU

have his own opinion,
Without protection of countenanoe, without an honoiuv

able portion*



490 POEMS WHICH MKNTION HENBT,

When two brothers will be two Idases for land,
Fh)m their claim will be cherished a lasting feud.



; listen, little pig I to me it is of no puipose
To hear the voice of water-birdfl^ whose scream is

tumultuous,
Thin is the hair of my head, my covering is not warm ;
The dales are my barn, my com is not plenteous ;
My summer collection afiTords me no relief
Before parting from God, incessant was my passion.
And I will predict, before the end of the worid.
Women without shame, and men without manlint



listen, little pig ! a trembling pig I

Thin is my coverinj^ for me there is no repose,

Since the battle of Ardderyd it will not concern me^

Though the sky were to fall, and sea to overflow.

And I will predict that after Henri

Such and such a king in troublesome timea

When there shall be a bridge on the Taw, and another

on theTywi,
There will be an end of war in it



LXVIIL

* BSD BOOK OF HIBGX8T XX.
Text, voL iL p S9i. fColat, voL iL p 461.

]^H£ fleet of Mona, the seat of misfortune^
Prevents bloodshed, with the noiBe of oais around her.
A greater influx will be into the Ckmwy on account of

distress,
The men of the eagle of Eiyri having (alien.
Without ardour they were in the time of heat befoire

beccming



OR THE SOK OF HEKBT. 491* <

Cymiy viUiout energy against it^'ustica
TliB dragon of prediction is the son of Henri ; i

For a year was he desired before the oflsembliDg of horti^ J
Wolf of the mighty, mighty hia retainers :
10 The retinue of tha world will for a time be ft aign fion i

the Invisihlo.
Tlic coiintiy will be constant to the ruler of Normandy
The bone of Prydein, there will be anxiouB concern becanaa

of his birth,
Witli a constancy like the revolving of a wheel.
Chief of bards of every region, as to thy ancient claima
I will addi-ess thee by signs.

How oflea dost thou communicate with the yoatMol hen^ |
The heroic youth, amiable in society ?
Supremely high will be the voice of fame on the bios j

ses.
When the youths of Biythyon come to their privilege;
20 And Owein will be the ruler of the Idngdom.

A ruddy man in the ruddy scene, the joy of Gwynedd,
Of brave ancestors, the progeny of Mervyn, the bolmrk

of sovereignty.
A crowned young hero, on the point of efieoting (UIto>

ance.
Known to God is my wish.
That the Allmyn should commence their fli|^t with ft

bloody fat^
And with deatnotion ao precipitate, so vicdent^ ao terrible I
Extremely offengive is every naked truth, be it oertain
That diatouAed men have come contending abont tomui
A heap of niddy caicaaes by the peaceleaa blade bM ban

deserved ; and certainly aach is the case.
30 Eveiy mend, evvrj junotore, eveiy man, and erety

triumph,
Chriat haa eonfened npon me the advantage of knowi^



492 P0BM8 WHICH MBNTION HEMBT,

The lio^grians are unfit in the conflict of bladesi
An enervated rabble to contend in battle



LXIX.

#

RED BOOK OF HERGE8T XIX.

«

Text, voL il p. 804. Notes, toI il p. 451.

*

JSToON will it happen that kindred by nature will be in

the shout of war,
Soon will happen many a cut from the tournament ;
Soon will come between Saxons a recoil
From mutual wounding, irreverent burying and

ministering ;
Soon will the men of Manaw come to obtain praise^
And the North they will certainly make without peace.
Soon will be in Piydein anxiety and want^
And around Uoegyr they will loudly complain ;
For the falling of the son of Henri they will be amaxed ;
10 So great in the dispersion will be the trepidation I

Scattered over seas^ a number of legions they will chase

away.
Tumult will be on the borders, arrogance they will not

respect
And I will predict that they will enetgetically shout ;
The innocent like the guilty, they will hew down.
With great ambition the navy of Lloegyr they will attack ;
Barbarous hosts, plunder they will seek ;
With open violence they will reduce towens
And strongholds they will make weak.
In front of the host of the tournament^
30 For the contention of one day a myriad will iall ;
On the seas they will openly cause destruction.
At for me^ I will predict that children will not multiplyy



on TIIK SOS OF HBMRY.

Ad<I it is Dot I that concBal tli&t they will not be disperaod. J
An age of repose the Creator will caun to be, and thab J

extiuction ;
The Brythyoo will scatter them, chief they will ha
Tribulation will ensue from the anger of relatiTO,
And the Saxons will be joyful when they see iL
The omen promiseB to shorten it while they will ba.



LXX.

RED DOCK OF HEROKST XXL

Text, vol a. p. SBfl. Notes, ToL li. p. 4B1.

^HRIST JESUS I who art in complete posseasion vt \

light.

The strength of the feeble Chiistinn in the gloom;
Christ, the mysterious One I in order to piodnoa iiiiifiiniiiw
May attentnce be given to my bardie lay ;
May my bards, when they chanty be attended to ;
May my baidie word from the golden chair be kept ; .'
May my poem above books be read.
As a canon by him who chants the Fatenioata&
Beliflre in God, and Otoi will not r^ect thee ;
10 Beliere I from his court no maty will affoot thee ;
Beliere that He Buffered on a Friday,
And that He arose to orenioma a host
From the mutual sullenneM of royal chieb a tamnit ahaU

beheard;
By TUtue of oni^, the compact of Boeser,
May the Saxons hast«D away before disbreea I ' ' ' ';
On the boidets a staodiDg anny will be omnplaiiMd oC
Vapnfiteble Uaelenydd will be moleated.



494 POEMS WHICH MKNTION HKNRY,

Lawless, with rights, without a Caer.
SO Aroimd the land of Macl a long battle will be heard ;

Around the banks of Qwyran there will be a goiy scene ;

Around Buallt eager will be the tumult at the dose of day.

Beards in flight from mortal cowardica

Around Aber Cammarch may be greeted

The chief, the joy of his retinue.

Then will the poet be free from anxiety, '

From celebrating the completion of splendid actionSy

From the primitive language, penance^ and paternosters,

Fh)m the value of respect when thou art addressed.
SO Ask of the Supreme Being, from the depth of adoration,

Of adoration, success from above the light

To the steel against lioegyr which corrupts the paternoster,

To his friends, his flag, and his standard.

A man from concealment^ prompt^ brave^ and wrathfrd.

Will appear, to command a multitude ;

He will cause terror at the commencement^

And easily break the boundary on a iUday,

Friday : believe it is no falshood.

The Saxons will retreat from his oppression over the country.
40 About Aber Cammarch there will be ignominy.

Excessive tumult^ shouting, blades^ and men in batUe-anray.

And a splendid banner, it is no error,

And a dragon causing the death of a leader :

Llo^grians will be uttering doleful lamentations^

And men in the dire shout bewailing their brain&

A man over Lioegyr which corrupts religion,
' Will come to command his army ;

He will cause a happy beginning.

For a long time^ as regards the land, he will disappear,
80 Hie hero of a disturbed country.

Tbm will be a mutual sharpening of blades^ a mutual

• haTOC oolioeniing baptism.



Oft m tear ot mnr. \. Ut

It iriUbs time lite doontdtjr; and gifti viB U IJhRHi It

tttpoet
II16 Aolioii will bo iMfd ill 9f<0f At hadi
His diiving and inpeUiiiig fbMM win

l4tiis deMTve and l0vt GMT Let^rd4
BeoaoM itf the Toiod of Qod wiKM Akvov ii

ITiilil W6 diall have beeii loQg tbsoQi^

to Pniigr is a (rtifte of fkeedom ftma ftai^^

Plreeim will te tlis gite itf biptisa fton laf l4^

.Soak iiien^, to fear of ilie dsBMBl of ibooid»



• _



4xQ«iid BaaUt ihe tioops of tiis pabUo Iiost
Chnne a tomdt : tlisn is ooBBflaiiit to
mea diAanded lot tlia lioKdss of H«i i^^
Obsoaie is the tqp of the Omt wlweo xiiBs
Alun^ the foremost in beautjr, is oil oomn^tioiiy
Dispeisioii, Tain, and disgrace are oil over it :
70 The slaughter shocks one when thou relatest it ;
To relate its severe loss thou canst not
From the contention of a baion of short co^yperatioiiy
There will be a white corpse, without heady wifhont beanljv
There will be spare horses^ worthless to be destroTod.
And men with unfriendly looks about Ceii^
And loud uproar, and thrusting, and shonti]ig»'
And groaning in every . . •
Actively will the sons of Cymiy call upon Dewi
Who loveth peace and merqr . • •

80 Fellow-ranger of the green woods!
Fkunfiil, piercing grief affects ma
Oonflicts are pangs of anguish to the uptight '



<:



496 POEMS WHICH MEMTION HENRY, OR THE SON OP HENBT.

The life of a man is punned like that of a wretch,
• By the strong ones of Uoegyr who cormpt equify.
Let us meet them and see their death I
The union of Saxons is but for a night ;
Of ignoble descent they are in the banquet of mead ;
They make compacts without mutual entertainment and

sociality ;
And break them with a violent rupture :
90 Barons whoso co-operation is of short duratioa

And the ruler of what land in Gwyned, inferior in speech,
Can relate the fiatigue and trouble of pursuing them f
Look if you can see any paltry spoil
The tumult of slaughter is heard again.
Let reparation be made if there is military law.
It is peaceless treachery if a man is to be denied the hope
Of being brought to God at onca
Hosts get rich on full march.
A plaintiff is strong while investigating his claim.
100 A man was killed by an unlucky obstruction.
True^ it is incumbent on the innocent to die,
But it is a disgrace before God to cause his doatli.
There is a deliverer ten times to the brave.
Ood will be pleased when every language shall have

ceased.
Health by means of penanoe is a painful restriction.
May he give us through hope^
In the end, merpy thimc^ a just oompaot I Amen.



iir. ■•

MISCfiLLANEOUS POEMS FROM THE BLACK
BOOK OF CAERMARTHEN.



POBMS ATTRIBUTED TO OTHER EARIT BjiMDS.

LXXt
Ibuur.

wjicv. nooK or cakbmarthik n.
Tut, vol. ii. p. 0. KotM, ToL 11 p. aS3.

,^L- DREAM I happen to Mte laat night ; olerar ia 1m tlut MUi

intorprot it
It shiUI not be rolatotl to the wtaton ; be that vUl aot

omooal it shall know it not
It is RD kct of the gentle to govern the mnltituds. FlsMon

is not the wealth of a conntiy.
Ilave I not boon under the same oovering with a bfar inaid

of ttie hue of the billow of tho strand T
Labour bostowod ou anytbing good is no pain, and the

romcmbranoe of it will last.
Worse is my trouble to answer him who Is not awinaintad

withii
It is no leparation for an ovil deod, a desiatenoe after it Is dtmeu
One's benefit does not appear when it is asked for in a nand>

about way : thoit hadat hotter keep to what then ia.
VOL I. 2 k



498 POEMS ATTRIDUTED TO

And aasociAto witli tho viriuouSi and be rosoluto as to what

may hoppt^n.
10 llo that frequently commits crime will at hist bo caught
He that will not relate a thing fully, will not find himself

contradicted.
Biohes will not flourish with the wicked. Moss will not

be sung on a retreat
A sigh is no protection against the vile. He that is not

liberal does not deserve the name.



LXXIL

CUnXLTK.

BLACK BOOK OF CAEBMASTHKM UL
Text, ToL it p. 5. Noteii| toL iL p. 384.

@rOD supreme, be mine the Awen I Amen ; fiat !

A successful song of fruitful praise, relating to the bustling

course of the host,
According to the sacred ode of Gyridwen, the goddess of

various seeds.
The various seeds of poetic harmony, the exalted speech

of the graduated minstrel,
Cuhelyn the bard of elegant Cymroeo utterly rejects.
A poem for a favour, the gift of friendship, will not be

maintained.
Bat a composition of thorough praise is being brought to

thee^
Splendid singer in a choir, and of a song equal in length

and motion.
Appropriate and full were the tuneful homs^ gloriously

ascended the conflagration



Omn I4BLT BAIML 409



10 Of ihe natkm of the bonlor^ whose teoops wera itf ihe

paoo And iimultanoous movement
PkelM the horo^ whose gifk is leige^ the benefit of hnmble

snitoii.
UffiA is the lelmke of the mUjing-point of ielAti?e% the

winnor of pnisQ^
A sidlftil ftstener, tot a handled oelend% the soennralator

ofheet;
A fieiee ftowning wolf, whoso inflexible disposition is lew,

•oeostomed to jnrisdiotion.
EUbel was e msi) extiemdlj braver veijr oboioe end (bll of

wisdom;
A leeder as legards the Biython, fiill of knowledge and

pnidenoQ^ fieiy in his wrath ;
Aeoostomed to hatied, aoonstomed to hannonj, and to tiis

hig^ seat in the banquet of mead ;
Ftetsker of the intoxicating wins^ a kidght of the Kst^ a

pleoe of limitation ;
A lord who is the measurer of the wall* the delist of

the four quarters, the great centre power ;
20 A knight of stout conduct^ a knight of virtuous conduct^

with warriors full of rage ;
A guardian cdebmted in song^ a fine pan^gyrio^ the

blandishment of languaga
Odious was his death by Nognaw. Am I not agitated t

The active and eloquent one will I praise ;
A contented ruler, a restiess guardian, eneigetio and wise.
A company of active reiqpers^ melodious poetry, and the

assuaging of wrath ;
A talented hero, like a forious wave over the stmnd,
The marrow of fine songs^ a contemplative mind, a saeied

mystery ;
A servitor with knowledge^ the poss e s si on of meed, an

agreeable eulogy ;



500 POEICS ATTRIBUTED TO

Music which has melody like that of a golden oigaD, a

place of retirement ;
The action of law against violence, the admirable vigour of

the brave, the energy of the Supreme Being.
30 A blessing I will venture to ask, a blessing I will pray

for, I will bind myself thereby ;
The wonderful rush of the gale, the pervasion of fire, the

war of youth ;
One deserving of ruddy gold, one liberal of praise furrowed .

(with age), a free wing ;
Beady aflluencc, a rill in a pleasant shelter, a reward for a

pan^yric.
The most deserving will yield, he will keep his refuge

from the insult of the enemy :
He has completely kept the law, completely shown his

disposition before the placid Ogyrven.
For a good turn from me, may the gift of Cuhelyn give

satisfaction of mind.

LXXIII.

BLACK BOOK OP CAERMAKTnEN IV.
Text, YoL il p. 6. Notes, voL iL pi 327.

J^CCORDINO to the sacred ode of Cyridwen, the

Ogjrrven of various seeds, —
The various seeds of poetic harmony, the exalted speech of

the graduated minstrel,
Cuhelyn the wise,of elq;ant Cymraec, an exalted possession.
Will skilfully sing; the right of Aedan» the lion, shall be

heard.
A song of fulness, worthy of achair, a powerful composition

itiSb
Vnm suitors may he receive eulogy, and they presents tnm

him;




OTHBH EAKLT BAKDS. &0i

The bond of sovereigns, the subject of contnts in tuuv



Splendid are his liorses, handmle respect him, the Bldlfal

seek the chieftain.
The circle of deliverance, the nation's refuge, and a trcasura

of mutual reproach.
10 To banter with him, who is of a venerable form, I wonld

devoutly deaire ;
A broftd defence, like a ship to the suppliant, and a port to

the minstrel.
Quick as lightning, a powerful native, a chief whose might

is sharp ;
A luminitr)' of sense, much he knows, completely ha

accomplishes.
May the hero of the banquet, through peace, enforce tna-

qiiillity from this day.

r

LXXIV.

The Cthohooioh op Elaktb.

buck book of ca2buabthkh xx,

Text, vol ii pt 3B. Notes, vol. iL p. S44.

L J^OW gone are my ardour and livelinen ;
If I have erred, I truly acknowledge it ;
May the Lord not inflict upon me aeme p«in I

II. Mfty not the Lord inflict severe pain
On mao for his anger and paaaioa.
A R^robate of Heaven is rq)n>bale of eaitit.

in. Let unfol mortal believe in God, ,

And wake at midnight ;
Let bim who otkaAs Cluiat sleep not



S02 POKMS ATT&IBUTBD TO

IT, Let not a son of man sleep for the sake of the passion
Of the Son of Ood, but wake up at the early dawn ;
And he will obtain heaven and forgiveness.

T. Pardon will he obtain, who will call upon
God, and despise Him not^
And heaven the night he dies.

VL If a son of man dies without being reconciled
To God, for the sins which he has committed,
It is not well that a soul entered his flesL

TIL It is not common for the mischievous to employ him-
self in converse
With God, against the day of affliction,
The bold thinks that he shall not die.
Now gone —

LXXV.

BLACK BOOK OF CABRMABTHEN XXL
Text, YoL iL p. 3e. Notes, toL ii p. 344.

L ^IS^OT to call upon God, whose favour defends
Both the innocent and the angels,
Is too much of fidse pride ;
Woe to him that does it openly in the world.

n. I love not treasure with traces of dwellings no longer
existing ;
Everything in the present state is like a sunsmer

habitation.
I am a man to Him whose praise is above all things^
To the most high God who made ma



OTIIEB KAKLT BABDS. fiOl

lU. I lovo to proiae Vaiet, who can beatow tnio puftoe.
And with liim Lis rar-Gxt«ndmg virtuM ;
In ovety language lie is, with hope, ocknowiedged
As the gentle, high-famed, generous porter of hesTen.

IV. God I will implore to grant a request.
Lord, be Eloi my Protector I

That to my soul, for fear of tormenla,

Be the whole protection of all the martyn.

V. Of God I will ask another request,

That my soul, to bo safe from the tonnents of enemies,

And held in remembrance, may have

The protection of the Virgin Mary and the holy maident.



VL Of God t will aak a request also,
Just is he, and able to defead me,
That to my soul, for fear of tcirible torments.
Be the protection of the Christians of the world.

TIL Of Qod I will uk a considerate raquest,
Hut, being ready and diligent at all
To my loul, for fear of punialmient,
May be the proteoUon of Ood and all the
Not to eall npoa God —



504 ANOKYMOUB POEMS ON



R
ANONYMOUS POEMS ON BELIQI0U8 SUBJECTS.

LXXVI.

BLACK BOOK OF CAERMARTHEK V.
Text, Tol. iL p. 7. Kotci, toL ii. jk 387.

,^L SKILFUL oomposition, the pattern being from Gk)d,
A oomposition, the language, beautiful and pleasant^ from

Clirist
And should there be a language all complete around tlie

sun,
On as many pivots as there are under the sea,
On as many winged ones as the Almighty made^
And should every one have thrice three hundred tongues^
They could not relate the power of the Trinity.
A diligent man in pros|)ority will receive no punishment
Lot communion be ready against the Trinity.
10 Let him be ill and ailing when his flesh becomes weak,
That he may puflT his disguise.

Woe to thee, man of passion ; if the world were given me,
Unless thou wert to deliver thyself, thou wouldst be satiated

of the evil.
Art thou not at liberty as regards what thy mind loves ?
Furious thy violent dcatli, thy being borne on the wattled

frame ;
More wretched thy end, thy interment in the graven
And being trodden by feet in the midst of soil and sod.
Unequalled thy journey, thy separatioo from thy com-

panions.
Faithless and useless body, think of thy soul I
20 Bo4y» thou wouldst not hear when others spoke.



.ELIQI0U8 SUBJECTS. 505

Y of thy wealth befoiv private confeaaion 1

1 « of thy riches before the close aod Bilent

M ■ hfcdst intended, thou hast left undooe ;

A Mb &ot how many thou shouldst have lored.

Ai It Would havo been as regards the paanons

Mople.
Al pavld have come to ao nnch prosperity,

1 I of thy freedom purchaseet a hundred thioga,

«• WKertain,
'Jk It toddcnly as the motion of eyelid.

I Rotiood that they love siniaterly while seeldag

BWt

> pMlodik not Friday, of thy great humility ;

II lltidit not a patomostor at matins or vespers,

i mtm, the chief thing to be repeated ; meditat« ou

ithlng
KKwr.(l» Trinity.
Thou slioaldst |my what is equal to three Mren ptta^

noiton daily.
What has boen and is nott tad their life haa not piMsd

awny.
Hum art mora acouttomod to the roaring of the set than

to tlio proaohing of the evangel
Must thou not go to the pile^ bocauao thou haat not been

humblo?
Tlioa FDaiwctcdat neither rolios, nor altont nor chniolMa.
ThoD didst not attend to the strains of bards of barmaiiimu

uttorouoo.
Tbon didst not reipeot the law of the Creator of bMT«a

before death.
A atnago mixton didst thou employ in thy speech.
Woe is mo that I went with thee to our Joint work 1
Woe is me when I am about to ptaiao thee I



606 ANONTHOUS P0EH8 ON

When I came to thee» small waa my evil,
Bat it came to me from thy grovelling co-operation.
Aa for them, none will believe ua respecting thy appearance
of enjoyment

LXXVIL

BLACK BOOK OF CABRMABTHEK VL
Text, ToL iL p. 8. Kotei^ voL ii p. 388.

JSToUI^ since I was made in necessity blameless

True it is» woe is me that thou shouldst have come to my

design,
Neither for my own sake, nor for death, nor for end, nor

for beginning.
It was with seven faculties that I was thus blessed.
With seven created beings I was placed for purification ;
I was gleaming fire when I was caused to exist ;
I was dust of the earth, and grief could not reach me ;
I was a high wind, being less evil than good ;
I was a mist on a mountain seeking supplies of stags;
10 I was blossoms of trees on the face of the earth.

If the Lord had blessed me^ He would have placed me on
matter.

Soul, since I was made —

LXXVIIL

BLACK BOOK OF CAEBMABTHEir VIL
Text, vol iL p 9. Notes, vol iL p. 388.

J&to i» not npiOMdi one •nother. bat nther matadfy

save ourselves.
Certain is a meeting after separation.
The appointment of a senate^ and a certain conference^
And the rising fipom the grave after a long repose.



^^^^^^^H REUOIOUS SUBJECTS. S07

I^migUjr Ood will keep in his power the nun of eoneot

life,
And will let fire upon tho unholy people,
And lightning and thunder and widti-Bpread death.
Veitber ft solitaiy nor a sluggard shall paas to a place of

safety.
And after peace there ahsll be the usages of a kingdom ;
} Hie three hosts shall be brought to the DTnpoweiiDg

presence of Jesus :
A pare and blessed host like the angels ;
Another host, mixed, like the people of a country ;
Tlie third host, anhaptized, a multitude that directly after

death
Will proceed in a thick crowd to the side of devils.
Not one of them shall go, owing to their hideous foimi^
To tho place where there are flowers and dew oo tlw

pleasant land,
\Vhore Uiere are singers tuning their harmonious lays,
Kappy will bo their cogitations with the rnler ui Um

glorions retinue ;
Where the Apoetlee are in the kingdom of the humbly
) Wheie the bonnteous Creator is on hia glorious throne.
Hv' * dispoaiUon for the grave bo given na ; exilted k ft

leUtionship to Him ;
And befiue we are gathered together to mount Olivett
i/Uy those who hxn Csllen be victoiunu over death ;
AndvOTkliketheinmaywealaodo; foratthe judgnwnt-

llw wmdeiB, greatness and pUMUice of the CreMtor none

canielate.



508 ANONYMOUS POEMS ON



LXXIX.

BLACK BOOK OF CAERMABTHEN IX.
Teity ToL iL p. 10. Notes, voL iL p. 330.

JMlTST God be praised in the banning and the end

Who supplicates Him, He will neither despise nor rofusa

The only son of Mary, the great exemplar of king8»

Maiy, the mother of Christy the praise of women.

The sun will come from the East to the North.

Intercede, for thy great mercjr's sake,

Vfiiii thy Son, the glorious object of our love,

Ood above us, Ood before us, God possessing (all things).

May the Father of Heaven grant us a portion of mercy ;

10 Puissant Sovereign, may there be peace between us without
refusal ;
May we reform and make satisfaction for our transgressions^
Before I go to the earth to my fresh grave.
In the dark without a candle to my tribunal.
To my narrow abode, to the limits assigned to me^ to my

repose;
After my horse, and indulgence in fresh mead.
And social feasting and gallantly with women.
I will not sleep ; I will meditate on my end.
We are in a state the wantonness of which is sad ;
like leaves from the top of trees it will vanish away.

20 Woe to the niggard that hoards up precious things ;
And unless the Supreme Father will support him,
Though he is allowed to have his course in the present

world, his end will be dangerous.
He knows not what it is to be brave^ yet will he not
tremble in his present state ;



XRLtaious suamrs. 50f ^

He will not rise up in the morning, will utter do graatin^ 1

nor will he sit ; I

He will not sing joyfully nor aslc for men^. J

Bitter will, in the end, be the retribution J

Of haughtiness, arrogance, and restlesaneas. H

lie pampers his body for toads and snakes H

And lions, and conceives iniquity. ^

30 And death will come upon hoary age; 1

He is insatiable in the assembly and in the banquet. I

Old age will draw nigh, and spreads itself over thea I

Thy ear, thy sight, thy teeth, they will not return ; I

The skin of thy fingers will wrinkle, I

And age and hoariness will affect thee. I

^lay Michael make intercession for na, that the Ftther of S

heaven may dispense us His meicy I I

The beginning of summer is a moat pleasant eeaaon, taneftil I

tlie birds, green the stalks of plants, J

Ploughs are in the furrow, oxen in the yok^ J

Green is the sea, variegated the land. "

40 When cuckoos sing on the branches of pleasant treo,
May my joyfulness become greater:
Smoke is painful, aleeplesaness is inanii^at
Since my friends are returned to their former state
In the hill, in the dale, in the islands of the sea,
In every direction that one goes, in the preeanoe of tlie

blessed Christ there is no terror.
It was our desire^ our friend, our trespaas
To penetaat« into the land of thy bamahment
Seren saiuta end seven score and seven hundred did he

pieroa in one convention.
With Christ ttie blessed thcry sustain no apprabenaim of

ev3.
60 A gift I will ask, may it not be reAued me bjr the God of



610 ANONTHOUS P0VM8 ON ^^

Since there is a way to the gate of the Sopreme Father,
Chrial^ may I not be sad before thy throne 1



LXXX.

BLACK BOOR OF CAERMABTHBN X.
TextyToL ilp. IS. Notef^ toL iL p. 331.

^BHAIL, glorious Lord !

May church and chancel bless Thee !

And chancel and church \

And plain and precipice !

And the three fountains there are^

Two above wind, and one above the earth .

May darkness and light bless Thee I

And fine silk and sweet trees I

Abraham the chief of faith did Uess Thee.
10 And life eternal

And birds and bees.

And old and young.

Aaron and Moses did Uess Thee.

And male and femala

And the seven days and the stars.

And the air and the ether.

And books and letters.

And fish in the fiowing water.

And song and deed.
20 And sand and sward.

And such as were satisfied with good.

I will Uess Thee^ glorious Lord ! •
Haily gloiioQS Lord !



XKU«OUa BU BH OTB.



BUCK BOOK or CAEBHARTnEM XI.
Text, Tol iL p. 13. NotCB, toL iL p. 331.

L ¥ WILL extol Thee, the Trinity in the mysterious On^
I Who is One and Three, a Unity of one energy,
I Of the SAino essence and attributes, one God to be praised.
' I will praise Thee, great Father, whose mighty works ara
1 great;

To preiae Thee is j ust ; to praise Thee is incumbent on mcL

He produce of poetry is the right of Eloi

Hail, glorious Christ 1

Father, and Son, and Spirit ! Lord,

Qod, Adonai !

L I will extol God, who is both One and Two,
Who is Three without any eiror, without its being easily

doubted ;
Who made fruit, and rill, and areiy gushing straun ;
God is his name, being two Divine Ones to be oom^

piehended ;
Qod is his namc^ being three Divine Oses in faia eaagy ;
God is his name, being One ; the God of Paul and Awii^iii

L I will extol One^ who is both Two and On&
Who is, besides, Thre^ who is Qod Himself
Who made Mars and Luna, and male and female^
And ordained that the shallow and the tbyas ahoold not

be of equal depth ;
Who made heat and cold, and sun and moon,
And letters in the wax, and flame in the ooodle^
And affection to be one of the Bensea, and lorely woman latfl^
And caused the burning (tf five Oa«i^ and an erring eoniort.



512 AMOMTMOUS POKKS ON



LXXXIL

BLACK BOOK OF CAXRMABTHBN XIL
Text, Tol. it p. 13. Kotei^ voL ii. p. 33S.

SN tho name of the Lord, mine to adoie^ whoee praiae

is great
I will praise the great Buler, whoee blessing is groat on an

alms-deed;
The Ood that defends as, the Ood that made os^ the QoA

that will deliver ns^
The God of our hope^ blessed, perfect, and pure is his true

happiness.
Ood owns us ; Ood is above^ the Triune King,
God has been felt a support to us in affliction ;
God has been, bjr being imprisoned, in humility.
May the blessed Buler make us ftoo against tho day of

doom,
And bring us to the fosst^ for the sake of his meekness

and lowliness,
10 And happily roooivo us into Pamdiso from the burden of

sin.
And give us salvation, for the sake of his agony and five

wounds,
Terrible anguish I Ood delivered us when he Assumed flesh*
Man would have been lost^ liad lie not ransomed him,

aooording to his glorious ordinanoo.
Fkom tlie bloody Cross came rodemption to the whole

world.
Christ the mighty Shepherd, his merits will never fiUL




i. p. U.

In gmciouslf disposed King, who !■ wondeiftd J
• highest degree,
W t nbovo the children of Adaui,

^ py and most raigUty defence,

yfik priMBDua, glorious, and moat pure,
¥ M ttefai ia moat strong and binding.
ITfelAillMUdof him,and what is true, tliat will I col«bnt«.
To At gMKi Ood, to tho ooudosoonding iind moat oom*

pAMlooate Qod,
Tto tlM UaiMd Ood a snored song I will sing.
UatS X bMMue a blameless man to Ood, I will c

tlw lobstanco,
10 Aboal the itn wiiich Adnm ainnod.

About «n boforo tho judgmoni I am very uudona,
Against tho day of appuiutmentt whon kll mon ■hall ombs
From Uwir graves in thoir strength and gnotoit vigDor,
As tliQy wore whon tlioy wore hi tlieir vorjr prima,
In one liott to tho one plaoo moat ploaaoDt,
Kvon to the top of ono hill, in order to bo Judgod.
Among tills multitnde miiy I attain tho morit
Of boing ptotootod by » rotinue of tho nino ordon of

Iloavon.
My Ood I wliAt a gathering I
20 My Lord Go<l 1 may my bardie bn
Affect tho bonds of the univeno I
My groat Superior I my Owner I
Tho object of my rovoroneo I bofon going to tho iod, bofim

going to the gravel.
Permit thou me to indite a oompoiition

VOL, I. 3 L



514 ANomnious foems on

To tliy praiflo, before my tongue becomes mute,

And my memory like Job, who spoke

Unto his wife concerning her dragonic obedience.

When the servant of Grod on a certain day came

To him to the contest with his wife,
30 Before the blow he gave a handful

Of what had peeled from the surface of his flesh.

And since the presents which any one gave were now
acceptablct

The merciful Grod made a gift of charity

In pure gold, the treasure of the Trinity.

In a fainting state he sits, and there praises God.

Blessed was he to be plagued I Now said Sin,
* Thou kno west how to conceal the perfidy of the mysterious
Being."

The love-diffusing Lord of heaven, the Creator, take thou
to praise Him,

That thou mayest reach the fair and happy region,
40 Happy, pleasant^ free, and greatly deserving praise.

Loving wine, love thou the gentle, preserve the truth.

Eva did not preserve the sweet apple-tree which Qod com-
manded her.

For her transgression He was not reconciled to her.

But manifest pain he inflicted upon her.

Some wonderful covering of a flinty dress she put on herself;

The Maker of heaven caused her, in the midst of her riches^
to make herself bare.

And a second miracle did the bountiful Lord, who hears
being praised.

When she wished to avoid being caught^

The way in which she fled was where
60 There was a ploughman ploughing the ground.

With men in attendance. The mysterioas Trinity has

m

spoken it



uEUQtous susracra. 615



r

I Then went the faultless mother of splendid gifla
I Wth her happy husband. A crowd of men

IAllerwards came to ask
In en entertainment,
' Hast thou seen a woman and a son with her f
And any thou, for the record's truth.
And ho will not refuse our request,
Tliat thou didst see us going without her I

GO To a certain spot, and the blessJng of God be on it I
Upon that came a destitute rabble, a race of the disposi-

Ition of Gain,
A fierce and iniquitous multitude are they ;
A tower was sought, in order to seek the ni7et«rion«
Then said one who was deformed and unwitty, to Um
man whom thou seest, —
* Hast thou seen the men of the ci^ of gianta
Going by thee without turning ?"
I did see them when I harrowed the fair land.
Where you see the reaping.
What the children of Cain now did, wu
70 To torn away from the reapen.

Throngh the intercession of Maiy Maria,
And her knowledge communicated to her by God,
Then vera defending them, beridea faeneliC
The Holy Spirit and her sanctity,

LXXXIV.

BLACK BOOK or CAIBJfABTBKir XXT.
Text, ToL iL p. 41. Notci, Ttd. iL p. 346.
.^Cs long as we sojoum among exoen and prides .
Let our work be perfect ;
Let US seek delirerance through £uth.
And religion and belief as long as there is ft belief in



-J



616 ANONYMOUS P0EH8 ON

Qod through obtaining faith.

And by doing great penance dailjr»

Soul, why askeat thou me

What my end, and will the grave be my portion f



LXXXV,

BLACK BOOK OF CAERICASTHKN XXDL
Text, ToL ii. p. 40. Notes, toL iL jk 348.

L JiC BLESSING to the happy youth and to the fiur
kingdom I
Laige is the wave, capacious the breast
God is his name in the depth of every language.
Thou with eneigy didst overshadow the pure Maiy ;
Well hast Thou come in human form.
Behold here the Son of glorious hope,
Whose death proceeded from Idas.
He waa^ by his treachery and disgraceful conduct^
A deluder in the gentle service of his Lord ;
Cunning was he, but he was not wise ;
And until the judgment I know not his destinatioa
If a bard were every poet that is
On earth, on the brine and on the cultivated plain.
On the sand and on the seas, and in the stars of astronomy^
The giver with the gentle and ready hand being judges
More than they could I should wish, and also do^
To rekte the power and bounty of the Creator.
Great God ! to-day is thy nugesty extolled.

n. The blessing of the nine hosts of heaven on the mysterious
Creator, the mighty God and dominator.
Who has created the light of gladness^
And generous brightness of the sun in the day.



D



!



Ill



n



How long will it go^ or how will it bef

At the end of seven years.

The Crsator will check its course,

Until it comes to its former state.

Wo will yfmMf him who causes it» the mightjr

God, the Son of Mary, who created heaven and earth.

When thou earnest on Easter eve

From Uffem, what was thy portion became liberated ;

Crsator of heaven I may we purchase thy



ir



518 POEMS RELATIKG TO TBCOLAN.



S.

POEMS BELATiNO TO TSCOLAN.

LXXXVI.

BLACK BOOK OF CAEBHABTHEN XXVL
Text, ToL iL p. 42. Notes, toL iL p. 347.

L )!@LAGK thy horse, black thy oope»
Black thy head, black thyself
Tes, black I art thoa Yscolan f

IL I am Yscolan the scholar.
Slight is my douded reason,

There is no drowning the woe of him who offends a
sovereign.

m. For having burnt a church, and destroyed the cattle of
a school.
And caused a book to be submerged.
My penance is a heavy affliction.

IV. Creator of the creatures, of supports
The greatest^ pardon me my iniquity I
He who betrayed Thee, deceived me.

V. A full year was given me

At Bangor on the pole of a weir ;
Consider thou my suffering firom sea-wormSb

VL If I knew what I now know

As plain as the wind in the top branches of waving trees^
What I did I should never have done.




l-OEMS RF.LATING TO Y8C0LAN. 519



BLAUK BOOK OF CAEBMARTHKK XXTU.
Text, vol iu p. 43. Hole), vol. ii p. 347.



1. ^HE first word that I will utter
i In the morning when I get up.
I "May the Crow of Chriat be u • vesture aronnd c

I

y IL What belongs to my Creator I will pat on
, To-day, in one bouse will I attend.

He is iiot a Clod in whom I will not believe.



r



I will dress myself handsomely.

And believe ia no omen which is not certain ;

He that created me will strengthen me.



IT, I have a mind to see sights,
Intending to go to eea;
May a useful purpose become a treaauie I

T. I liave a mind for an advice,
Intending to go to sea ;
May the purpose be iiseful, Lord 1

Tl. Let the raven uplift it^ wing,

With the intention of going far away ;
May B. useful purpose become better I

VIL Let the raven uplift its win^

With the intention of going to Home ;
May a useful purpose became glorious I



520 POEMS BELATING TO T8C0LAK.

TOL Saddle thou the bayard with the wliite bridle^
To cottise Hiraethawg wiUi ita quaking grass :
Creator of Heaven I God must bo with us I



IX. Saddle thou the bayard with the short
Free in the conflict^ quick in his pace ;
Where the nose is» there will be snorting^

X Saddle thou the bayard with the long bound,
Free in the conflict^ pleasing in his pace ;
The sneering of the vicious will not check the bravei

XL Heavy the consistence of the earth, thick leaves its cover ;
Bitter the drinking-horn of sweet mead ;
Creator of Heaven I prosper my business I

xn. From the progeny of the sovereign and victor,
Owosprid, and Peter chief of every language^
Saint Ffraid, bless us on our journey 1
•

XIIL Thou, Sun, to him intercession and vows are made,
Lord, Christ the Mysterious, tlie pillar of beneficence 1
May I make satisfaction for my sin and actions.

u.

I asked to secular priests,
To their bishops and their judges,
* What is tlie best thing for the soul?"
The Paternoster, and consecrated wafers^ and a holy
Creed, he who sings them for his soul.
Until the judgment will be accustomed to the best thing.
Smooth the way as thou goest^ and cultivate peaces
And to thee there will be no end of mercy.
Qire food to the hungiy and eloihes to the naked.



rOEJIS REUTING TO TBCOLiH.



531



10 And Bay ihy devotions :

From the presence of devils thou hast escaped.

Tlio proud and the idle have pain ia their fletb,

Tlio reward of going to excess :

Bowaro of sifting what ia not pure.

Excess of sleep, and exccsa of drunkenneaa, tnd too
much beverage

Of mead, and too much submission to the flesh,

These are six bitter tilings ogaiust tlie judgment.

For pGijury in rcspoot of land, and the betra/meut of a
lorf,

And the soandaliaing of the bountmns^
20 At tlio day of judgment let tlicro bo repentanoe.

By rising to matins and noctums.

Awaking, and iutorooding witli the sainta,

Shall DVDiy duistian obtain forgivsaoM.



IV.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS FROM THE BOOK

OF ANEUMN.

T.
POBM CONTAIN INQ ANCIENT PROVERBS.

LXXXVIII.

BOOK OF ANEURIK HI.
Text, ToL iL p. 94. Notes, voL iL p. 391.

Here beginneth the Owabchak of Adebon.



J^HE apple will not fall fiir from the apple-tree.

The diligent cannot prosper with the prodigal

The naked will not be bold among thiafles.

All, when made to swear ovennuch, will &iL

Would I love him who would love the rapadoosf

Death will not occur twice.

Hia speech is of no use to the dumb.

Thou wilt not delight to put one of the same language in
fear.

The hones of an eflfeminate person are his dainties.
10

At home peace has been lost

Be thy mansion laige^ thou wert a hero in the day of con-
flict

As long as thero will be things to seek for thee there will
be seekers.

B^jti stones; a reaping to the fo^

The conduaioii of the Owarchan of Adeboa

An 80 HTDETH THE OWABCHAH OF ADEBOV.




UISCELLANEOUS POEMS FROM THB BOOK
OF TALIESSm.



•oaa BiLATiso TO TRE LIFE AND opuriosa

OF TALIESSIN.



k



LXXXIX.
TuK Fold op the Bardb.

BOOK OF T&LIBSBIM m.
Text, vol iL p. 110. Not«, r<d. U. p. 306.



^g^EDITATING wen my thoughts
On the vain poetty of the baids of Biython.
Making the best of themselves in the chief oonventioB.
Enongh, the caie of the smith's sledge-hammar.
I am in vant of a atick, straitened in aong
The fold of the bards, who knowa it not I
Fifteen thousand over it
Adjusting it

I am a harmonious one ; I am a clear ainger.
I am steel; lam a druid
I am an artificer ; I am a scientifio one.
I am a serpent ; I am 16ve ; I Till iodvlge in fi
I am not a confused bard driveUin^



524 POEMS RELATING TO THE

When songsters sing a song by memory.

They will not make wonderful cries ;

May I bo receiving them.

like receiving dothes without a hand.

Like sinking in a lake without swimming;

The stream boldly rises tumultnously in degree.
90 High in the blood of sea-board towna

The rock wave-surrounded, by great arrangement^

Will convey for us a defence, a pr{)tection from the enemy.

The rock of the chief proprietor, the head of tranquillity.

The intoxication of meads will cause us to speak.

I am a cell, I am a defti I am a restoration,

I am the depository of song ; I am a literary man ;

I love the high treea^ that afford a protection above^

And a bard that.composes, without earning anger ;

I love not him that causes contention ;
30 He that speaks ill of the skilful shall not possess mead.

It is a fit time to go to the drinking;

With the skilful men, about Bit,

And a hundred knots; the custom of the countiy,

The shepherd of the districts, support of gates,

like going without a foot to battle

He would not journey without a foot

He would not breed nuts without trees,

Like seeking for ants in the heath.

Like an instrument of foolish spoil,
40 Like the retinue of an army without a head,

Like feeding the unsheltered on lichen.

Like ridging furrows from the oountiy

Like raichiog the sky with a hook.

Like deprecating with the blood of thistles,
"i Like making light for the blind,

I Like sharing eloihes to the naked,

like qpieading buttermilk on the sand%



R) oTonom Of TtuEtsa. 635

] npoD milk,

^1 1 with IcoTcs,

10 ] rtoiso with rods.

1 richca before a word.

1 ;he hall, I am a chiok of the ohiur.

I loquiiciouB borda a hiudraiio&

iragged to my harsh reward,
thee, that wilt protect us, thou mq of Hary.

XC.

Hostile Cootkdeuct.



nl,ToLiLp. tag. Kotet,* li. p. 3B9.

BABD there is here, wb las not mag, wltai
Iw diall have to etng ; |

i tbig i when he shall havo fiuiahed,

An utrologer ihea he may be;

The generous ones nfoM me.

Then will not be one that will gin.

Through the language of Talieaun,

It was a bright day

"Wlieii Kian did

Fraioe the multitude.
10 Then will be a slaughter, let then be tin i p ewh of
Avagddu.

But if he ingenioualy biings

The requisitea forward,

Owiawn will dedai^

tbe deep, that will conto 1

He would make the dead ilivo,

And destitute of wealth he is.

They will not make their cauldrons,



526 roEMS belahkg to thb

That will boil without fire.

Thej will make their metals
20 In age of ages.

Thy pace that bears thee

From the deep of panegyric.

Is it not the hostile confederacy ?

"What its custom ?

So much of national song

Tour tongue has given.

Why will ye not recite an oration

Of blessing over the liquor of brightness t

The theme of every one's rhapsody.
30 I shall be there according to custom,

He was a profound judge.

He came after his periodical custom.

The third of the equal judgea

Three score years

I have supported an earthly scenes

In the water of law and the multituda

In the element of lands.

A hundred servants surrounded,

A hundred kings made vowa
40 A hundred they are that went^

A hundred they arQ that cama

A hundred minstrels sang,

And he foretold of them.

IJaddon, the daughter of the straanip

little was her desire

For gold and silver.

Who is the living one that left hert

Blood on the breast ;

He will probably be spoken o(
50 He will be greatly praised.

I am Taliessin,



RD OPINIOKS OP TAUESSIK.

eate the true lineege
mg until tlio end,
Ittern of Elphin.
M tribute
BtodgoldadebtT
b htt«d and not lured,
gr and treason,
n lot advantage,
M^ the fiuctuation of our song.
bmllMr that freely greets,
1 BM no ono shall know.
iriN man of the primary scienctv
I titnkiger reasoned,
nk imth, about the resolrent^
bont tha taan describing windiiga.
iboiit men well versed in praise.
Lat tu prooced, God it if^
lluoagfa the language of Talhaeam,
70 Baptism waa the day of judgment^ *•

That judged the characteriitica
Of the force of poetry.
He and his virtue gave
Inspintion without mediocrity,
Seven score Ogyrven
Are in the Awen.

Eight score, of every score it wiH be one.
In the deep it will oesse from in ;
In the de^ it will bo exoesaively ingiy;
60 In the deep, below the eartli ;
lu the sky, above the earth.
There is one tliat knows
What sadness is,
. Better than joy.
I know the law of the gnwee ti



c



528 rOEMS KSLATINO TO TUI

Tlio Awcn, wlicn it flows,

ConccrDing skilful payments^

Concerning happy days.

Concerning a tranquil life,
90 Concerning the protection of ages.

Concerning what beseems Idngs; how long their
consolation.

Concerning similar things^ that are on the fi^e of
the earth.

Magnificent astronomy, when oommnnieated,

Sees all that is higK

Wlien the mind is active^

When the sea is pleasant^

When the race is valiant^

When the high one is supplicated.

Or the sun when it is given,
100 When it covers the land

Covering land of what extent t

When was drawn the bird of wrath.

The bird of wrath when it was drawn.

When the earth is grcea

Who chaunted songs t

Songs who chaunted ?

If true^ who has considered them t

It has been considered in books^
110 How many winds, how many streams^

How many streams, how many winds.

How many rivers in their courses^

How many rivers there are.

The earth, what its breadth ;

Or what its thickness.

I know the noise of the blades^

Crimson on all sides^ about the floor.

I know the rQgolator,



Lirt AHD OPINIOHa 0» TAUEaStlt.

Ilctwocn bcavou and earth ;
120 Whoa an opjMsite hill is echoing,

AVIicQ dorttstation urgca onward.

When tho ailvery (vault) ii shining,

Wlicn tho doll shall bo gloomy.

Tho breath when it is black,

When is best that haa been.

A cow, when it is homed,

A wife, when eho is lovely,

Milk, when it is wliilo,

Whon tho holly is green,
130 AVlieii is bearded the kid

In tlio multitude of fields,

Wlion it is bcnnlod,

Whon the cow-parsnip is created.

When ia rcvolvinj; tlie whool,

Wlicn tlio raallct ia flat.

When is spotted tlio littlo roebuok,

When tho salt is brine,

Ale, when it is of tn active qnoUtj.

When ia of purplish hoe th« tlder.
140 When is gicen the Unne^

When are red the hips,

Or a woman when restlesa.

When the night comes on.

What reserve there is in the honr of flowing

No one knows whence the bosom of the ton it
made ruddy.

A stain on a new ganment.

It is difficult to lemovfl it

The string of a haip, why it complain^

Tbt cuckoo, why it oomplaina^ why it liiiga.
160 Why keepeth tiie agreeaUe,

Why have led the camp
>L. L 2 k



530 POEMS RELATUfG TO THB

Gereint and Annan.
What brings out the sparkle
From hard working of the stones.
When is sweet-smelling the goat^s-beard
When the crows are of a waxen hne.
Talhayam is
The greatest astronomer.
What is the imagination of treea
160 From the muse the agreement of a day.
I know good and eviL



The bowl of whom has flowed,

What dawn has fimshed,

Who preached,

Eli and Eneas :

I know the cuckoos of summer,

(Where) they will be in the winter.
170 The Awen I sing,

From the deep I bring it»

A river while it flows^

I know its extent ;

I know when it disappears;

I know when it fills ;

I know when it overflows;

I know when it shrinks ;

I know what base

There is beneath the sea.
180 I know their equiyalent^

Every one in its retinue ;

How many were heard in a day.

How many days in a year.

How many shafts in a battle^

How many drops in a shower.



NS OFINI0K8 OF TAUSSSUr.

livided them,
mockeiy, the partial sturiog ap of
lis muse of Gwydyoa
le one,
1 the river,
people of Fharaoh.
ought the windings
leent reasons,
was the active patience,
heaven was upreared.
it waa a sail-staff
B earth to sky.

r ta&ay ftngera about the Idlon,
«t one, about the hand,
it name the two words
hot deliver in one cauIdroL.
flB the see. is turning roood,
in black are the fish.
Jfarine food shall be theii fleah.
Until it is traosfonned.
When fish shall contain it,
When the foot of the white swan is blul^
Foiir4ided the shaip spear.
The tribe of heaven will not pat down.
210 "Which are the four elements.
Their end is not known.
What pigs, or what wandering of it^pi,
I salute Uiee, Sard of the border.
May he incnase thee^ (whose) bonei (tn ol
(Where) two cataracts of wind ML
My mind has been expressed
Li Hebrew, in Hebraic.
In Hebraic, in Hebrew,
landatn LaodatA Jeaa.



I
Idran. ~



532 POEMS REIATINO TO THI

220^ A second time was I fonned.

I have been a blue salmoa

I have been a dog ; I have been a stag ;

I have been a roebuck on the mountain.

I have been a stock, I have been a spade ;

I have been an axe in the hand ;

I have been a pin in a foroeps^

A year and a half;

I have been a speckled white cook

Upon hens in Eiddya
230 I have been a stallion over a stud.

I have been a violent bull,

I have been a buck of yellow hue^

As it is feeding.

I have been a grain discovered,

Which grew on a hill

He that reaped me placed me,

Into a smoke-hole driving me.

Exerting of the hand.

In afflicting me,
240 A hen received me.

With ruddy claws^ (and) parting comb.

I rested nine nights.

In her womb a child,

I have been matured,

I have been an oflfering before the Ouladig,

I have been dead, I have been alive.

A branch there was to me of ivy,

I have been a convoy.

Before God I have been poor.
260 Again advised me the cherislier

With ruddy daws ; of what she gave me

Scarcely can be recounted ;

Orsatly will it be piaiaed.



Tax Chair or TAUtssiir.

BOOK or TALISSSnC XUL
Tut, roL E p. l&l. NotM, toI IL pi. 401.

^ AM the sgitator
Of the pnise of God the Buler.
With respect to the concenu of aon^
The nquiaites of a profound apeftkn,
A bard, with the hnaat of «n aatrologer.'
When he leoites

Tlie Awen at the setting in of the awning
On the fine night of a fine dajr.
Baids loqoaoiouB the light will s>
10 Their praise will not bring me to a
In the strath, on the course.
With aspect of great canning.
I am not a mute artist^
Conspicuous among tlie barda of tlie poo^
I animate the beld,
I inflnence the h



534 POEMS BEIATING TO THE

A prize in eveiy unveiling.

When the dew is undisturbed.

And the wheat is reaped,

And the bees are gentle^

And myrrh and frankincense,

And transmarine aloea
80 And the golden pipes of lieu.

And a curtain of excellent silver,

And a ruddy gem, and berries.

And the foam of the sea.

Vfhj will the fountain hasten

Water-cresses of purifying juicy quality?

What will join together the common people f

Wort» the nobility of liquor.

And a load that the moon separates.

The placid gentleness of Merlyn.
40 And philosophers of intelligence

Will study about the moon.

And the influence of an order of maUt

Exposed to the breeze of the sky.

And a soddening and efiusion.

And a portion after efibsion.

And the coracle of glass

In the hand of the pilgrim,

And the valiant one and pitch.

And the honoured S^gyr£^g,
50 And medical plants.

A place of complete benefit,

And bards and blossoms.

And gloomy bushes^

And primroses and small herbsi

And the points of the tree-shrubs.

And defioieney and poss e s si o n ,

And frequent pledging.



Ont t oanldnm of firs tnM,
And the rirer of Gwuini,
And the infloenoe of fine imJihm,
And bonejr tad trefoil,
And meird-lionu intoxkating
70 Pteuiiig to e eorereign,
Ibegiftof tite Droida.



xcai.

SOHO TO TEX WDTD.

BOOK OF TUIUSIir Xfit

Teit,Td.iLih IftV. NotM, toL U. p. «

®> UESS who it is.
Greeted befoie the deloga
A creetore ■tron^
Withont flesh, without bone^
Without veins, withont blood,
Withont heed, end withont feet
It win not be dder, it will not be



636 P0KM8 UKLATINO TO TUK

Wlion it cornea from the beginning.

Groat his beauties^

Tlio one that mode him.

lie, in the fleH ho^ in the voodp

Without band and without foot

Without old ago, without age.
20 Witliout tlie most jealous deatinj

And he (i») coeval

With tlie five periodi of the five agea.

And also is older,

Though there be five hundred thousand years.

And he is as wide

As the lace of the earth,

And he was not bom,

And he has not been seen.

lie, on sea, he, on land,
30 He sees not, he is not seea

He is not sincere.

He will not come when it is wished.

He, on land, he, on sca»

He is indispensable^

He is unoonfined.

He is unequalled.

He fifom four r^ons,

He will not be according to counsel

He commences his journey
40 From above the stone of marUa

He is loud-voiced, he is muta

He is unoourteous.

He is vehementi he is bold,

When he gknoes over the land.

He is mute^ he is loud^voioed.

He is Uusteiing.

Oraatest^ his banner



IIo will disoidor.

IIo will not ropoir whkt h» doM

Aod ho aiuloas,

Ho is wot, ho is dry,

He oomoa ftoquonUx
60 From tho hcnt of the snn, and tlu eold>
of tho mooa

The moon is without bonefiti

Because loss, hot hoat

One Person has made it,

All the creatUTOB.

He owns the Ix^inning

And the end without falsehood. ^

Not sldlful, the minstrel

That praisea not the Lord.

Xot true, tho songster
70 That praises not the Father.

Not usual will a plough be

Without iron, without seed.

Then was not a lig^t

Before the creation of beaTea;



538 POEMS REULTING TO THB

The tenth were discardect
They loved not their Father.
A loveless shower
In utter ruin,
liucufer the corrupter,
lake his destitute countiy
Seven stars there are,
Of the seven gifts of the Lord.
The student of the stars
90 Knows their substanoe.
Malta mercedus
Olaolimus
Lunalafurus
Jubiter venerus
From the sun freely flowing
The moon fetches light
Bemembrance is not in vain,
No cross if not believed.
Our Father I OurFatherl
100 Our relative and companioa

Our Sovereign, we shall not be separated.
By the host of Liucufer.

xcm.

SOKO TO MBAD.

BOOK OF TALIE88IN XIX.
Text, vd. iL p. 164. Notas, vd. IL p 407.

^ WILL adore the Bnler, chief of every places

Him, thai supports the heaven : Lord of eveiything.

Him, thai made the water for every one good,

Him^ thai made every gift^ and prospeis it

Hqr ICtdgwn of Mona be affected with mead, and aili9Ct us.



LirS AND OFDnOHS or TAUKSSW. 539

From tho foaming incad-horns, with thechoicest pareliqaai;

^Miich the bees collect, and do not enjoy.

Kfead distilled aparkling, its praise ia ever/where.

The multitode of creatures which the earth DonnHbea,
10 God made for man to enrich him.

Some fierce, some mute, he enjoys then.

Some vild, some tame, the Lord makes them.

Their coverings become clothing.

For food, for drink, till doom they will continue.

I will implore the Kaler, eovcreign of the eountiy of poMo.

To liberate Bphin from banishment

The man who gave me wine and ale and mead.

And the great princely steeds, beautiful their appeuuioc^

May he yet give me bounty to the end.
30 By the will of God, he will give in honour,

Five five-hundred festivals in the way of peace.

ElphiniiQ knight of mead, lat» be thy time of rat
T —

XCIV.

SOKO TO THE GRKAT WoKLD.

BOOK OF TALIESBIN LV.

Text, vol ii p. S14. Note*, vol. ii p. 4SI.

W WILL adore my Father,
My God, my atrengthener.
Who infused through my head
A soul to direct me.
Who has made for me in perception.
My seven faculties.
Of fire and earth.
And water and air.
And mist and flowerst
10 And southerly wind.



540 POEMS RELATING TO THE

OUier senses of perception
Thy fSEtther formed for me.
One is to have instinct
With the second I touch.
With the third I call.
With the fourth I taste,
With the fifth I see,
With the sixth I hear.
With the seventh I smell.

20 And I foresay,
Seven airs there are,
Above the astronomer,
And three parts the seas.
How they strike on all sides.
How great and wonderful.
The world, not of one form.
Did God make above^
On the planets.
He made Sola^

30 He made Luna,
He made Marca
And Marcarucia,
He made Venus,
He made Venerus^
He made Severus,
And the seventh Satumus^
The good God made
Five zones of the earth.
For as long as it will last

40 One is cold.

And the second is cold.
And the third is heat^
Disagreeable^ unprofitable.
The fourth, paradise^



LITE AND OPINIONS Or TJkUESSIK.

The people will coatain.

Tlie fifth is the temperate.

And the gates of the univerne.

Into three it is divided.

In the minstielBy of perception.
50 Ooo is Asia,

The sccoDd is Africa,

The third is Europa.

The baptism of consolatioo.

Until doomaday it will cootinue,

When everything will be jadged.

My Awen has caused ma

To praise my king.

I am Taliesain,

With a speed flowing as a diriner.
60 Continuing to the end

In the pattern of Elphio.

xcv.

SOHO TO THE liTTLE WOILD.

BOOK 07 TAUIBBIN LTL

Test, roL ii. p. 816. Hotet, ml iL pt 4M.

I^I^HE beautifnl I aaugot I vill nn^
The world one day more.
Mach I reason,
And I meditate.

I will addiesa the borda of tba world.
Since it ia not told me
What supports the world.
That it falls not into vaoanqr.
Or if the world should &I1,
10 On what would it &J1 ?



642 P0X1C8 RELATIKO TO THI

Who would uphold it ?
The world, how it comes again.
When it faUa in decay.
Again in the enclosing ciicla
The world, how wonderful it is,
That it falls not at once.
The world, how peculiar it is,
So great was it trampled on.
Johannes^ Mattheus^
20 Lucas^ and Marcus^
Thqr sustain the word
Through the grace of the Spirit

XCVL
JumnLi Obnahents or Talubsin.

BOOK OF TALDSSSIN DL
Text, ToL IL p. 144. Notas, toL iL p^ 400.

^ WILL address my Loid,
To consider the Awen.
What brought necessity
Before the time of Ceridwen.
Primarily through my life
Poverty has been.
The wealthy monks
Why will thqr not speak to mef
Why will they not cause me to tremble?
10 One hour that I was not followed.
What disappearance of smoke f
Why sang he evil f
What fountain breaks out
Abore the oorert of darkness f
When the reed is whiter



ID OPINIONS OF TALII8SIH.

is a moonlight nigltt
T was not sung,
shaken out,
ia apt to be forward
se of vnves on the shore.
I vengeance of the ocean,
will reach to them,
a a atone is so heavy,
in a thorn ia so shaip.
lowest thou which is be '
Its base or its point,
fyho caused a partition
Between man and frigidity 1
"Whose is the wholesomeet sor* T
The young or the old 1
Euoweat thou what thou art
When thou art sleeping!
Whether a body or a aoal.
Or a secieey of perception ?
Tits ingeoiouB minsbel,
Why does he not inform me T
Knowest tbon when should be
The night waiting the passing of tbe dty T
Enowest thou a sign,
40 How many leaves there arsT
Who uplifted the mountain.
Before the elements fell ?
Who supports the atructoie
Of the earth for a habitation 1
The Kul of whom is oomplained of 1
Who has seen i(i who kmnriT
I wonder in books
That tbqr know not truly
Hie •ool, what is its seat




644 P0XM8 UUTIKO TO THE

60 What form iU limba,

Through what part it pours out^

What air it respires t

A war petulant,

A sinner endangered.

A wonder in mockeiy,

What were its dregs.

Which is the best intoxication,

Of mead or of bragget f

When their happiness
60 Was protected by the Ood of Trinity

Why should I utter a treatise.

Except of thee f

Who caused coin

Of current silver ?

When is so current

A car so prickly ;

Death having a foundation,

In eveiy country is shared.

Death above our head,
70 Wide is its covering,

High above the canopy of heavea

Man is oldest when he is bora

And is younger (and) younger continually.

What is there to be anxious about^

Of the present attainment f

After a want of property,

Does it not make to us a shoftnesa of life f

Enough of sadness^

The visitation of the grava
80 And the One that made us»

IVom the supreme oonntiy.

Be he oar God, and bring us

Tdhimaitheendl



kl. 'I

UTK Ajm OPIKIOXg OF TAtrKSfllK. 541^

XCVII.

Tmt ELcaY OF rtit! Tiiousakd Som.

F BOOK OP TU.IE8SIM 11.

' ■ T«xl,YoLH. p. 100. Koto, vol ii p. 3B7.

I 3E WILL offer a prayer to the Trinity,

May the Eternal grant me to pmiao thee '

In the present course, dangerous
I Oar vork ; destruction is a slight impulse of wntb.
' They reckon of the saiuta a trilje,
J King of heaven, may I bo eloqncnt about thee I

Before the separation of my soiil ttbm my flesh.

Thou particularly knowest in what is my sin.

[L Thy entreaty before the paternal governance
May there be to me from the Trinity mercy !
I adore, I earnestly long for the elements of Uood,
Nine degrees of the mystic troops of heaven,
And the tenth, saints a preparation of seveni.
Heroic numberer of languages, \

A conspicnons searshoal of goodly iiiereBa&
A Dumber that God will watch with extrame lor&
In heaven, in earth, at the end.
In Bttaitfl^ in expanse, in form.
In body, in soul, in habit,
Fradence (la) far from the presence of kingft
I adoie thee, Huler of the land of peaoa
Let my soul be in a condition of life ;
For ever in (his) court ;
A servant of heaven (to be), he will not refdae nw.

, Apostles and martyn,

Toutha, supplicants of glory,
OL, t ' 2 m



546 POEMS BBLATING TO THE

And Solomon (that) served God :
Of pure speech, of pure walk, thy quality
And a verdant gift will come to me.
As long as I keep my faculties.
Numbers there were clean and holy,
Steps, golden columns of the church.
And many writers have declared.
Skilled in the fully-holy books.
For the multitude discarded anxiety.
May my soul be defended from it I

IT. A number there were in the inconcurrence
Of Uffem, a cold refuge ;
During the five ages of the world.
Until when Christ loosened the bondaga
From the deep shore of the abyss of evil
Many God brought through protection,
Two thousand sons of the children of Ilia.
A bimatu et infira
Slew the amistra.
Edris ertri kila

The tears of Bachel, it was seen thai a plague
Had come to Jerusalem.

T. The number of the saints of Armorica»
And a number in the form of Toronia,
That had broken the advanced Caer of Boma.
And Poli and Alexandria
And Garanwys and Indra
Tree partes divida
Asicia» AfiUca, Europa.

VL The number of the saints in Caphamaum^ Maritueiit
and




In it prophesied Chriat, the son of Hary, dsogbter vt ■

Joachim ;
From the chief temple of the chief infidel a



4




TIL The number of the saints of Erechalde,
The fame far of the castle of Maria.
That broke not again Syloe
Ecclesie retimde
Fholatie cesarie
AmanioQ amabute.
And the valleys of Bersabe.
And before the Christian religion the men of CutaaiiM^
And the severely juat ones of Ketunde^
The languages, Greek and Hebrew,
And Latin, men of gleaming pervasion.

VOL The number of saints in scores,
Valiant men, golden their party.
Befot« kings a career of praise.
Warriors, no one was beTote them in '<""«"^*ng.
In straits, in expanse, in every need, '^
May diey be a city to our body and oar loal I

IX. The nninber of the saints of SicouKrialia,
And isle of Deffrobaai
And the holy multitude that blessed
Water, wine, hostile men deetroyed.
And entreating bis exalted weight,
Under the stars, saint* he jdanted.

X. The number of tlie saints that th« upper regioD hold%
Effeotns n inferior
A •npeiare superior



648 POEMS BEIATINO TO THE

And armonim and thyfor
And the valley of Enor and Segor,
And Carthage the greater and the less.
And the green isle^ the boundary of the sea.

XL The number of the saints of the Isle of Piydein,
And Iwerdon, a gentle portion.
Multitudes, of beautiful works,
Believed, served with us.

xn. The number of saints, a synod without desire.
From God the divine prophesy.
In every tongue they compose.
About the earth they were.
And so many wisely prophesied
Christy and before he was, they wera

xra. The number of the saints of the East^
And the concord of the nation of Judah.
Languages of Greek and Hebrew,
And Latin, men of gleaming pervasion.

XIV. Seven scores, seven scores^ seven hundreds of saints^
And seven thousands and seven ten scorei^
November a number implored.
Through martyrs good they came.
Fifteen scores of saints there were
And three thousand children of Morialia
In these Decembers above relatives
Over the head of Jesus utter sigha

XV. Twelve thousand in the convention
Believed through the voice of John.
They worships thqr deserve a portion.
In heaven \hej will not be angry.




UrE AND OflNlONB OF TJklllCBSrN.

TIL Nine thousauJ saiuts received

Baptism, nnd religion, and conEeasion.
Kotwitlietauding deatli the puniahment of pAopU

(ia) beat,
Ufforn, cold iU refuge.
If tlie Lord bath saliaficd us,
nitough tfao licad of Peter waa nude t

nu. Qni venenint on^li
In notalo Domini
Media nocto in laudcm
Cum postoribus in fiethlMm.
Niveni angli dc celo
Cum Miclmclo nrchanglo
Qui precedunt precclio
Erga onimas in mundo
Am nivom nivem angell
Preceduat confirmati
Vnistrati baptizati
Usque in diem judicii
Quando fuit Chriatua crncifizua at aibi
Ipsi placuisset venissent ibi in inxiliam
Pluaquam duodecim l^ones angelomm.
Toto orbe tenarum.

Jeaua Chriatua videntem in agonia in monda
Ut aint noatri auxilium
Duodecim milia miliantem
Ante tribunal atanteni.
Qui landantie laudantiom
Tuea mores rex regam.

mL The number that have been, and will be.

Above heaven, beloT heaven, how many than am
And aa many as have believed in lerelation,




560 POEMS REIATING TO THE

Believed through the will of the Loid

Ab many as ore on wrath through the circles^

Have mercy, God^ on thy kindred.

May I be meek, the turbulent liuler.

May I not endure, before I am without motion.

Grievously complaineth every lost one,

Hastily claimeth every needy one.

An exceedingly displeased mind will not run

From (its) present course, when I am angry.

I will declare when I am in the gravel,

From the maintenance of gifts.

From being numbered, from going to be a martyr

In the reckoning of Saint Segema

From a word when sin may be to me,

Let there be no sigh from those that heiar me.

XCVIII.
The Pleasant Things or Tauessin.

BOOK OF TAUESSIN IV.
Text, Tol. ii. p. 110. Notet, voL ii« p. 39S.

J^ PLEASANT virtue, extreme penance to an extreme

course;
Also pleasant^ when God is delivoring ma
Pleasanti tlio carousal that hinders not mental exertion ;
Also pleasant^ to drink together about horns.
Pleasant is Nud, the superior wolf-lord ;
Also pleasant^ a generous one at Candlemas tide.
Fleasanti berries in the time of harvest ;
Also pleasanti wheat upon the stalk.
Pleasanti the sun moving in the firmament ;
10 Also pleasanti the retaliators of outcries.

Pleasant^ a steed with a thick mane in a tangle ;



Un AXD 0F1NI0N3 OP TAUESSIM. 6ti

Abo ^oawnt, etukUng fuel.

■od silver fringee ;
B ODnjtigal ring.
Pleuta^ the M|^ Cn the shore of the sea when it Sowi ;
i, UfrfuUs playing.
HUN vith gold-eDamelled tnppinga ;
;t to ba honest in a breach.
HtMU^ liqnon of the mead-brewet to the muldtode ;
M Aim ^ ■MM t, ft •oogster generous, amiabla

X field to cuckoos and the nightiDgale ;
eo the weather is serene.
i, xigbly Htd a perfect wedding ;
JUn pteftwntt ft ^neent that is loved.
FletMUtt^ ft Bwd from the penance of a priest ;
JUw plftMint to bdog to the altar.

1 in ft court to a minstrel, i

b, tttft Ihnitiog a great crowd.
Pleasant; the oatholio clergy in the ohuioh,
30 AIbo pleasant, a minstrel in the halL

Pleasant to bring back the divisiona of a pariah ;
Also pleasant to as the time of paradise.
Pleasant; the moon, a luminaty in the hoftniu ;
Alto pleasant where there is a good remembanc
Pleasant; summer, and slow long day ;
Also pleasant to pass out of chaatisemeut
Flooaont; the blossoms on tlie tops of the peaMnai ;
Also pleasant) friendship with the Croator.
Pleasant, the solitary doe and the &wn ;
40 Also pleasant, the foamy horseblock.

Pleasant, the eamp when the leek flourishaa ;

Also pleasant, the charlock in the apriiigiiig corn.

Pleasant, a steed is aleather haltez;

Also pleoaa&t, aUianoe with a king.

Fleaaant; the hero that destroyi not the yielding ;



662 POEMS BELATING TO THE

Alio pleasant^ the splendid Cymracc language.
Pleasant^ the heath vhen it is green ;
Alao pleasant^ the salt marsh for cattle.
Pleasant^ the time vhen calves draw milk ;
60 Also pleasanti foamy horsemanship.
And what is pleasant to me is no worsa
And the paternal horn by mead-nourished payment
Pleasant^ the directing of fish in the pond ;
Also pleasant^ calling about to play.
Pleasanti the word that utters the Trinity ;
Also pleasant^ extreme penance for sin.
Pleasant^ the summer of pleasantness ;
Oommiinion with the Lord, in the day of judgment



XCIX.

BOOK OP TAUE88IN V.
Text, voL il p. 1 18. Notes, vul. H p. 398.

<^ OOD, the Ood of formation,
Buler, Btrengthener of blood.
Christ Jesus, that guards,
Princes loud-proclaiming go their course.
For a decaying acquisition.
It will not make me witliout shares.
The praising tliy mercy.
There hath not been hero ;
supreme Buler;
10 There hath not been ; there will not be^
One so good as the Lord.
There hath not been bom in the day of the people
Any one equal to God.
And no one will acknowledge
Any one equal to him.



LIFE AKS OPINIONS 07 TAUUSIX. fiSt

Above lieavcu, below hoaven.

There is no Uuler but he.

Above Geo, below eea,

lie created us.
20 When God cornea

A great noiee will picrco us,

Tlio day of judgment terribly.

Messengers from the door,

Wind, nnd sea, and Uro.

Lightning and thunder.

A number without flattery.

The people of tho world grooniug

Will bo concealed. A reaching arm will be bionj|Iib

Will be concealed tliu sea and stois,
30 AVlion tho Father descends,

To tftko vcngoanco with his liosta
p With trumpets penetrating into the four rogiou.
W And to act tho sea on fire.

Tlio nations of the world will be bantt.

Until thoy aro reduced to asbe&

Was burnt tlie dcsort portion

Beforo his groat presence.

Ho will draw a stream

Before his front rank.
40 Kings will shudder (tliat) day,

Woo awaits them I

When the recompenMr shall appear,

Lot the heaven appear below.

A ruddy wind will be bnmgfat

Out to the einder,

Until tho world is a* desolate

As when created

Saint Peter says i^

The day of the earth;



664 F0EM8 BEIATING TO THE

60 There will come a Saturday,

The earth in one furnace.

Saturday, a clear morning ;

The love-diffusing (Lord) will separate us.

The land of worldly weather,

A wind will melt the trees :

There will pass away evexy tranquillity

When the mountains are burnt

There will be again inhabitants

With horns before kings ;
60 The mighty One will send them,

Sea, and land, and lake.

There will be again a trembling terror.

And a moving of the earth.

And above every field.

And ashes the rocks will be ;

With violent exertion, concealment^

And burning of lake.

A wave do ye displace,

A shield do ye extend
70 To the travelling woe.

And violent exertion through grief.

And inflaming through fury

Between heaven and earth.

When the Trinity shall come

To the field of its majesty.

The host of heaven about it^

An extensive tribe near it,

Songs and minstrels.

And the hymns of angels,
80 Will nuse from the graves.

They will entreat from the beginning.

They will entreat together publicly.

On so great a destiny.



UFB kVD OPINIONS OF Ti

TbMo whom the sea hu deebo]red

Will make a great shout.

At the time when cometh

He, that will separate them.

Aa many aa arc mine,

Let them go to the right
W Those that have done evil,

Let thom go to the left side.

Do not thy passions couBtentot

^Vhat thy lipa utter I

Thy going in thy course into valleyt,

Dark without lights.

And mine were hia wotda.

And mine were his languagm.

And mine was bis bright country,
I And their hundred fuluesses.
JlOO The hnndredtli countiy present
■ I hare not been without battle.

Bitter affliction was frequent

Between me aud my cousins.

Frequent trials fell

Between me and my fellow-countiTiDaL

There wag frequent contention i

Between me and the wretched.

This ever overcame me, 1

Man would never do it
110 ^Iiom) that placed me on the oroM

I knew when young.

Tliat drove me on the tree,

My head hung down.

Stietohed ware my two feet^

So sad their destiny.

Stretched with extreme pun

The \ko» of my feet



556 POEMS BELATINQ TO THB

Stietched were my two anna^

Their burden will not ba
120 Stretched were my two 8hoaIdera»

So diligently it was done.

Stretched were the nails,

Within my heart

Stretched was the spiking,

Between my two eyes.

Thick are the holes

Of the crown of thorns in my head.

The lance was struck

And my side was pierced.
130 It will be struck to you also,

As your right hand (struck me).

To you there will be no foigiveness,

For piercing me with spears.

And the Buler we knew not

When thou weit hung.

Buler of heaven, Buler of eveiy people I

Wo knew not^ Christ ! that it was thou.

If we had known thee^

Christy we should have refrained fiom thea
140 A denial will not be received

From the race of the lower countiy.

Ye have committed wickedness

Against the Creator.

A hundred thousand angels

Are to me witnessesi

Who came to conduct me

After my hanging,

When hanging cruelly.

Myself to deliver me
160 In heaven there was trembling

When I had been hung.



LIFE KFD OriNIONS OP TALlEBeiN.



Wlion I cricil out Eli !

God love-proBpcring abovo hoavon.

And aing ye, the two Johns,

Before mo tlio two primaiy porta.

With two books ia yonr hands, ■

Reading them.

There would not come a great difBcnlfy




^^^^^ 160 And youra will be flatteiy,

r Tlie value of your foolish speech.

I Dissolution will close

I Upon you to moist Uffero.

■ Christ Jesus high hath founded three hundred

V thousand years,

K Since he is in life,

^L And a second thousand before the croas

^^^^_ Shone Enoch.

P^^^p Do not the brave know

The greatness of their progeny f
170 A country present will meet thee,
And while it may possibly be yonrs,
^iree handled thoosand years sare one^
A short hour of the day of ereriutiiig life.



a

BOOK or TAUI88IH XXTIL
TM(t,nLiLp. 17a. IfotM, nL iL ^ 410^

^S^IT the fiice of the earth bis e^oal was not bora,
Three persons of Ood, one Sod gentlo, ttnng IMoi^.
Sod of the Godhead, Son of. the Uanhoo^ odo mb

wonderfoL
8<m of God, a fortrea^ Son of the Mawad Uaiy, a good



J



568 P0KIC8 BELATINQ TO LIFB AND OPINIONS OF TAUESSIN.

Great his destiny, great Qod supreme, a glorious portioa

Of the race of Adam, and Abraham he was bom.

Of the race of the Lord, a portion of the eloquent host^
was he bom.

He brought by a word the blind and deaf from eveiy
ailment.

A people gluttonous, vain, iniquitous, vile, perverse,
10 We have risen against the Trinity, after redemption.

The CSross of Omst dearly, a breas^late gleaming against
every ailment

Against every hardship may it be certainly a city of pro-
tection.



rOSHB BRLATtHd TO JRWISH IIUTOXT. 66fl

I .

V<aMS BBLATINO TO JEWISH HISTORY.

CI.
' The FiAOUxe or Eottt.

HOOK OF TAUESSm XXIL
Tojt, voL ii. \\ 1 TO. Note*, rol. iL p. 400.

J^HE HobrovB took upon tbe wu of Intel,

High in mind,

A joint Qumbor in sucoeasion.

Thoy approached.

God kept voiigcanco

On the people of Fhuaonua.

Tod plagues pnining

Boforo their boint; drowned

In the bottomleaB aoa.
10 Tbe fint plaguo^ (ish destroying

With unuBnal cold.

The aecfflid plague, fWigs abundant,

Tboy fillod tbe rivora,

Tho houses and fumitun^

And couobcs,

And closets of meat.

The third, gnats.

Bold and sharp, wore arranged.

The fourth, a sharp wateiy humour
30 Strikes in the mannor of winged iusMts.

Kext were devoured

The fruits of the ines and the field

^ a crop of flies.




S60 P0BM8 RELATING TO

The fifth, manain.

On all the children

Of the Egyptians,

Animalii were destroyed.

With a heavy disease

They were all smitten.
30 Tlie sixth, without deceit,

Sweating imposthumes,

The scars of ants.

The seventh, thunder.

Hail and fire,

And rain destructive.

Wind blasting the tope»

On leaves and shruba

The eightli, locusts.

Broad their ears^
40 Devouring flowera

The ninth, prodigious

To be spoken of, terrible,

Like waves floating

Black darkness.

With a countenance gloomy.

Tentli, in the night

The greatest aflliction

On the people of the tribes,

Christ Jesus, Christians, are prostrate
60 Until they are in shelter;

The six hundred warriors

Of the Hebrew soldiers.



^^^F Jxwtflit ttiflroKY. 561

^^V Tux ]loi> or MoBKH.

^^1 BOOK OP TAUES8IX XXIV.

Tm(, yoI. ii. p. 173. Nat«i, vol. i>. p. 400.

4^B0M ovnry rotiirn his Iiost of brothen be reocoan-

tcred,
Advantage acknowledged to Christ tho Buler, portion of

praise.
The glorious God sita on tbe lap of Maiy hii count«ipftrt
The coureo of truth, jierfect nobtlity, a pattern of thee.
Rods of Josso, thy p<iople Jiidah rencountered

Duxtorous Jxird, courteous, faultless, of gentle oonootd.
Tn respect of the earth, in the temple of Solomon, found«tioii

of impulse,
D The door of Paradise ; shepherd of God ; profonndljr he

nignod.
Wu it not heard from learned prophets
That the birth of Jeans had taken place ; daring hia life.
That there vould be life to all kings, a life preparad or

ready.
Before thou wouldst have caused, if I had not nooKled tlw

He brought what was bright ; he did not oease fhna tb«

earth.
On the sea dee^ when descended thy emotion. .
A oonntiy notivO brought not the greotly-ldnd ; be to ma

firomthee
The gnatneas of thy tribulation ; be to me thy graoe^ rods

of Jeaa^
And the giaoe of Jeans, glittering it« floweia.

VOL I. . 2



I
I



562 ' POEMS BSLATING TO

20 Great miracle in his mind from the gifts of God^
Ee was a judge ; a judge he was ; a dexterous divine.
A man of counsel to every obedient one against &lsehood«
He is a bright tenure of a number of generations.



Bold will be the opposition to the only Son of Mary, to

worship the Lord.
The youth ready to assist^ from God he sprang, whether he
be knowing; whether he be simple.
Jlhy foreholding, coeval with perfect trees,
. Had been expanded beautifully from the lap of Jesuii

SO

And to give grace, the king of sons,
A new melody men will not greatly listen to.
I^e his grace, a youth of support^ without a lord.
• The e volver of every elevation before Druids.
Kudris they knew not^ a gentle sight to see Maboa
' Ihey brought frankincense and hard gold from Ethiopia.
O fate-impelling God, God the ruler, king of the states of
progression I
. The cruel Herod was not oppressive in the shroud of death.
Thy pained failure, a country owning sons»
40 When the Lord went away, when overwhelmed
' Kilus, and a wintry blast brought Herod to the grave.
Perfect nobleness in the city of Kaatreth,
He went not to a countiy possessing melody.
Iliere will be a resuscitation ; may I be bold in thy grace,

in the countiy of the exalted company.
Hie iMrth of the Lord was brought by the possessor of a
legion of angelsi



JEWISH HisToar.



BOOK OP TALIZBBIN XXIX.
Teit, Tol il p. 17B. NoUfl, toL ii p. 410.

J^LND God the possessoT, God the reguUtor, mereifal

diviner,
Great, wonderful, wheo thou protectedst me thnmgli the

WBV&

The hosts of ^foaes, sovei'cigii Lord, woe their dispenioo I
Phuaoh and his host perceived theiu, curaing the caos^
Afid to sea thou madest new the cause.
Did lie not aUnr« them through an inandatioii that drowns

birds T
Tnm where the sun risca to the west there was land.
Thoa wouldst protect those that thou lovest firom every

prison
Except hosts, vehement their shout, heavy their din.
) And protect us also from the miserieB of TTSetn fieroo.
And Qod the possessor, God the regulator, merciM diviner.
Thine ia the countiy of heaven, it is Id peace that thtm

lovest.
Then is not weariness, nor want in thy ooontiy, Lord.
Ko one will be oideied ; no one will be an enemy to

another.
I would have known, if I had understood, for shanu^
That tbon lovest, the Holy Trinity, any one that ia sldlfbl.
Barda disparage you ; thqr love much for ever.
That was not vile, the Israel which thoa plaoedst in the

hand of David.
Alexander had a large number of men.
) He would not have been strong had ha not thy friendships
With hia armies and great battles and hia tortooui hosta.
When thqr oame to the land they ware sad in their death.



664 POEMS RELATING TO

Solomon the judge contained the land, he was better than

they.
Son of kings. He was accustomed to riches for his auxiliary.
The sons of Jacob were rich on their land ;
What they liked, they shared according to the word of the

Lord.
Abel, innocent, was prosperous, and took the faith.
His brother Cain was headstrong, evil his counsel
Aaer and Soyw in the clear air, their co^peratora
90 A star-angel condncteth a number before their warriors,
With the wand of Moses» him and his hosts on their land.

The talkative and dumb and wise and bold were redressed,
Bnler protect^ one protection to those that deserve death.
I also will praise the abode of hosts, the dwelling of

blessedness,
I also will praise the best repository that overflows the

worid.
The chief kingdom that Jonah brought from the centre of

junction.
The nation of Nineveh, he was a man that joyfully preached.
Queens over sea had the shadow of the Lord, that protected

them,
40 And Maria Mary, daughter of Ann% great her penitenoe.
Through thy generosity and mercy. King of the world!
May there be to us, in the cities of heaven, admissioii to

thee.

CIV.

BOOK or TALIE88IK LL
Tnt, ?oL il p^ 806. Notes, voL iL p^ 480.

Wee eternal Trinity
Made the element^



.IKWISH 11I8TDKY. H

Aud atler the clement,

Adam wonderfully.

And after Adani,

Well lie made Eva.

Tlie blessed Israel

The mighty Spirit moda

Aident the suggestion,
10 Clear the reasoning.

Twelve towns of Israel, rising equally high.

Twelve sons of Israel, the generous God mad&

Twelve sous of Israel were nnreed together.

Twelve good, hlameless, three motlieTS noned
them.

One person created Uiem, the Creator nude them.

As he will do as he pleases, who is supreme.

Twelve sons of Israel made the lovfr^iiffuwr.

As he will do as he please^ who is Lord.

Twelve sons of Israel made the Lord.
20 As lie will do as he pleases, who is slulfiiL

Twelve sons of Israel bore reward

Of the mission of Jesna.

And one father there was to tbWD.

And three motlteis to them.

From them came grace

And good offspring. | .

And Maiy, good, created, I

And Christ, my stoengthener, \

Lord of every &ir conntry.
30 Asd I will call on and sing U thee way itf ; ^

For has been my desire

Friendship with thee.



I



566 fOlMS REULTUiO tO



W.

FOJIMS BELATINa TO LEGENDS OF ALEXANDER

THE GREAT.

CV.
The Contkiyxd World,
book of talisssin xxyi.

Text, voL iL p. 177. Notes, vol. iL pi 410.

^J^E was dextcroua that fairly ruled over a coantry.

He was most generous^ with most beautiful queens,

He was a violent poison of woe to his fcUow-countiymen.

He broke upon Darius three times in battl&

And he will not be a dwarf shrub in the country of the
plumed Darius.

Strenuous, far ho conquered, the wood-pushing overtook

Alexander ; in the golden fetters of woe he is imprisoned.

He was not long imprisoned ; death cam&

And where he had moving of armies,
10 No one before him was exalted,

To go to the grave, rich and prosperous, from the pleasure^

The generous Alexander took him there.

The land of Syr and Siryol, and the land of Syria,

And the land of Dinifdra, and land of Dinitra ;

The land of Persia and Mersia, and the land of Canna ;

And the isles of Fleth and Pletheppa ;

And the state of Babilon and Agasda

Oreat^ and the land of Oalldarus, little its good.

Until the earth produced, sod was thera
SO And they do their wills by hunting them.

Tbqr render hostages to Europa.




LEUBNDS OF ALEXANDER TUE GREAT. $47

And plunder the couutrtes of the peoples of the eatth.
Furiously they pierce vomen, they impel here,
• Bcforo the bumcd odcb there was a devasUttion of modeaty.
Of battles when the sorrow was mentioned.
They satisfy the ravens, they make a bead of confUaed

running.
The eoldieis of the possessor of uttltitudet, when dwf

aie mentiODod.
Nor a countiy to thy young men, when it is destroyed,
Tliere will not be for thy riddance, a riddance of battbeo. V ,
30 From the care of tho fetter and its hardship.

A hundred thousand of the army died &om thitat :
False their plans with their thousands.
Was poisoned his youth before he came home.
Before this, it would have been better to have been

satisfied.
To my lord laiid-pnwpering, a country gloiiooa,
One country may the Lord, tho best region oonneoL
May I reform, may I be tatiafied. Be witb UiM Un

fulness,
And as many as hear me, bo mine their uni^.
May they satisfy the will of God befon tlw olathlag of

ihe sod.

CVI.

UOOK or TAUsasiM XXTUL

Text, vol iL p. 170. Vote*, ToL U. pL 410.

^ WONDEB that there ia not prooUimed
Ad acknowledgment of heaven to the eUth.
Of the coming of a giant Itoler,
Alexander tlie Great
Alexander, posaessor of multitude*.
FUaionate^ iron-gifted,



I



668 rOBMB BELATING TO LEGENDS OF ALEXANDER TBB GBBAT.

Eminent for sword-strokes.
He went under the sea,
Under the sea he went,
10 To seek for science.
. . Whoever seeks science.

Let him be clamorous in mind.
He went above the wind,
Between two griffins on a joume)*.
To see a sight
A sight he saw.
The present was not sufficient
He saw a wonder.

A superiority of lineage with fishes.
20 What he desired in his mind.
He had firom the world.
And also at his end
With God, mercy.



MISCELLANEOUS POEMS FROM THE BED
BOOK OF HERGEST.



FOSliS ATTRIBUTED TO LLYWA&OS BMN.

cvn.

BED BOOK or KBBQSST T.

Text, vul. ii. p. 245. Note*, vol. iL p. 431.

I. l^filET the cock's comb be red ; naturally load
Bo his voices from his triumphant bed :
Man's nyoicin^ God will recommend.

II. Let the swineherda be meny at the Bighing
Of the wind ; let the silent be graceM ;
Let the vicious be accustomed to misfortnna

III. Let the bailiff impeach ; let evil be a tonnenti»;
Let clothes be fitting ;

He that loves a bard, let him be a handsoiM grnr.

IV. Let a monaroh be vehement, and let him be bmve';
And let there be a bardie on the gap ;

He will not show his bee that will not give.



f\



670 POEMS ATTBIBUTED TO

T. fleet let the racers be on the side

Of the mountain ; let care be in the bosom ;
Unfiuthful let the inconstant be.

TL Let the knight be conspicuous ; let the thief be wary ;
The rich woman may be deceived ;
The friend of the wolf is the lazy shepherd.

vn. Let the knight be conspicuous : fleet be the horse ;
Let the scholar be ambitious ;
Let the prevaricating one be unfaithful

Tm. Let cows be round-backed ; let the wolf be gray ;
Let the horse over barley be swift ;

gossamer will he press the grain at the roots.



DL Let the deaf be bent ; let the captive be heavy ;
Nimble the horse in battles;

gossamer will he press the grain the ground.



X. Let the deaf be dubious ; let the rash be inconstant ;
Let the mischievous wrangle ;
Hie prudent need but be seen to be loved.

XL Let the lake be deep ; let the spears be sharp ;

Let the brow of the sick be bold at the shout of war ;
Let the wise be happy^Ood commends him

ziL Let the exile wander ; let the brave be impulsive ;
Let the fool be fond of laughter.

XUL Let the furrows be wet ; let bail be frequent;

Let the sick be complaining, and the one in health meny ;
Let the kpd<^ snail ; let the hag be peevish.



LLYWABCll UEK. 671^1

nr. Let him that is in pain ciy out ; let an anny ba mOTing}.]
Let the veil-fed ba wanton ;
Let the strong be bold ; let the hill be icy.

XTt Let the guU ba white ; let the wave be loud ;
Let the gore bo apt to clot on the aehen epaar ;
Let the ice be gra; ; let the heart be bold.

XTL Let the camp be green ; lot the suitor be repmachleM (J
Let there be pushing of gpeaie in the defile ;
Let the had wonmn be with frequent lepioacbea

nru. Let the hen be clawed ; let the lion roar ;
Let the foolish be pugnacious ;
Let the heart bo broken with grief.

XTIIL Let the tower be white ; let the harness glitter;
Let then be beauty — nuuiy will deain it ;
Let the glutton banker ; let the old man



CVUL

BED BOOK OF HXBOIBT TL
Teit, ToL iL p. S47. NutM, vol ii. pL 439.

I. "^SCSUAL ia wind from the south ; uanal ii D
In the village ; usual for the weakling to be
Usual for a man to inquire after news.
' Usual for a fosteiwihild to have daintJea.



u. Usnal is wind from the east ; usual for a. man
sweUing breast to be
Pnud ; usual for the thmsh to be among tbotqa ;



572 P0KM8 ATTRIBUTED TO

Usual against oppression is an outcry ;
Usual for crows to find flesh in a nook.

UL Usual is wind from the north ; usual for maids to be
Lovely ; usual, a handsome man in Gwynedd ;
Usual for a prince to provide a feast ;
Usual after drinking is derangement of the sensea

- IT. Usual is wind firom the sea ; usual for the high tide to
Overflow ; usual for a sow to breed vermin ;
Usual for swine to turn up the ground for earth-nuts.

V. Usual is wind from the mountain ; usual a plash
In the plain ; usual to find thatch in the meadows ;

Usual are leaves^ tender shpots, and trees.

VL Usual an eagle's nest in the top of the oak ,
And in the congress-house, men of renown ;
The eye of the fond one is on whom he loves.

TO. Usual is the day with a blazing fiie in the hurried
season
Of winter, with the eloquent men of spears ;
Usual for the hearth of the faithless to be a desert



tul Dried is the reed ; there is flood in the brook ;
The commerce of the Saxon is with monqr ;
Unhappy is the soul of the mother of unfaithful children.

UL The leaf is driven by the wind ;
Woe to it as to its fate ;
It is old — ^this year it was bora



LLTVABcn urn.



X. Though it may be sniall, yet ingenioiuly :

Do the birds build in the summit of treea ; .
Of equal age will be the good and the happy.

XL Cold and wet is the mountain ; cold and grey the toe ;
Trust in God — he will not deceive thee ;
Trroerering patience will not leave thee long a.



OIX.

BEn BOOK op HSaOSBT TIL

Text, Tol. ii. p. 840. Note*, toI. ii. p. 433.

L J^RE Calends of winter, hard is the gnun ;
The leaves are on the move, the plash is fnll ;
In the tnomjng before he B«t8 off,
Woe to him that trusts to a stranger.

II. The Calends of winter, the time of pleasant goampin^
The gale and the storm keep equal paoe ;

It is the work of the wise to keep a secret

III. The Calends of winter, the stags are lean.

Yellow, the tops of birch, deserted the summer dwelling ;
Woe to him who for a trifle deserves disgrace.

IT. The Calends of winter, the tops of the branohea are bent ;
Uproar from the mouth of the viciooa is comnoo ;
Wheifi there is so natural gift there will be no



V. The Calends of winter, blustering if the wvatlier,
Unlike the b^inning of sammei ;
Except Ood, there is none that dirinea.



674 POEMS ATTRIBUTED TO

TL Tho Calends of winter, gay the plumage of birds ; .
Short the day ; loud the cuckoos ;
Meroifully has the most beneficent Ood made them.

▼IL Ihe Calends of winter, it is hard and diy ;

Veiy black is the raven, quick the arrow firom the bow ;
At the stumbling of the old, the smile of the youth is
apt to break out

Tm. The Calends of winter, lean is the stag :

Woo to the weak I if he chafes, it will be but for a short

while;
Truly better is amiability than beau^.

DL The Calends of winter, bare is where the heath isbumt^
The plough is in tlie furrow ; the ox at work ;
Amongst a hundred there is hardly a friend.



ex.

RED BOOK or HER0E8T TIU.
Text, vol IL p. 860. Kotei, vol U. p. 434.

L P^NTAKGUNO is the snara, dustexed is the ash ;
The ducks are in the pond ; white breaks the wave ;
More powerful than a hundred is the counsel of the
heart

IL Long the night, boisterous is the searshora ;
' Usual a tumult in a congregation ;
The Ticious will not agree with the good. .

UL Long the nighty boisterous is the mountain.
The wind whistles over the tops of trees ;
lU-nature Fill not deoeiTe the disoieet



UTW4RCB HUT.

IT. Ilio aaplings of the grecn-toppod birch
Will oxtricato my foot from the shwkle ;
DiscloM DOt thy secret to a youth.

T. Tlio saplings of oaks in tlio gmvo
Will cxtricalo my foot from the chain ;
Discloao no socrot to a nicud.

VL Tlio laplinga of Uio loafy oaks

Will oxtrio(it« my foot from tho prison ;
Divulj^o no socrot to a babbler.

TIL Tlie saplings of bramble bnvo berrioi on them ;'
Tlio tlinisli is on hor nost ;
And the liar will never be silcDt

TiiL linin witliout, the fom is dronchod ;

White tho gravel of the scti ; thoro is spray on Iht
IIoasoD is tho fairest lamp for njan.



IX. Rain without^ near is the shelter,

The fane yellow ; the oow-poimip withered Mid irj ;
God the Oroator t why hast thon mode a oowird t

X. Riun withon^ my hair is dronchod ;

Full of complaint is the feeble ; steep tbedUff;..
Fole white is tho sea ; salt is the brine.

XL Bain without, the oooan is dreaohed ;

lliewiDdwhiatleioverthe topeofthanedi; Ji |
Alter erety feat, still withoat the genius. ' ,.



676 POEMS ATTUIRUTKD TO



CXI.

BED BOOK OF HEB0E8T IX.

Text, voL ii p. 251. Notes, vol il p. 434.

L ^® KI6HT are the ash-tops ; tall and white will they be
When they grow in the npper part of the dingle ;
The languid hearty longing is her complaint

n. Bright is the top of the cliff at the long midnight hour;
Every ingenious person will be honoured.
It is the dvtty of the fiair one to afford sleep to him in
pain.

m. Bright are the willow-tops ; playful the fish

In the lake ; the wind whistles over the tops of the

branches ;
Nature is superior to learning.

IT. Bright the tops of the furze ; have confidence
In the wise ; and to the unwise be repulsive ;
Except God, there is none that divines.

T. Bright the tops of the clover ; the timid has no heart ;
Jealous ones weary themselves out ;
Usual is care upon the weak.

TL Bright the tops of reed-grass ; furious is the jealous^
And he can hardly be satisfied ;
It is the act of the wise to love with sincerity.

TO. Bright the mountain-tops ; ftom the bluster of winter,
Withered and drooping is the tall grass ;
Against fiunine there is no bashfulnessw



LBOH IIRX. S77

VIII. Bright the mountain-tops ; intruding is the cold of
AViut€r i brittle are tlie reeds ; rime is over the gimv* ;
Impnidonce oommitt«d violence in banishmenL

IX. Bright the topa of the oak ; bitter the asb-bmnchea ;
Sweet the cow-paisnip, the wave keeps laughing ;
The cheek will not conceal the anguish of the heart.

X. Bright the tops of the dogroaei hardship has no fonnaUty;
Let eveiy one preserve bis purity of life.
The greatest blemish is ill-manners.

XI. Bright the tops of the broom ; let the lover main
assignations ;
Very yellow are the clustered branches ;
Shallow fold ; Uie contented is apt to e^joy aleept



<;.



xn. Bright the tops of the apple-tree ; cinomspect ia ^

Every prudent one, a chider of another ;
And after loving indiscretion leaving it

xni, Bright the tops of tiie apple-tree ; ciroomspeot it

Every prudent one ; in the long day a stagmnt pool

u malarious ',
Thick a the veil on the light of the blind p



xiT. Brigbttbebaiel-topaby thflbillofDigoIl;
Unafflioted will be every squabby °i>« ;
It is an act of th» mighty to keep a treftty.

XT. Bright the tops of reeds ; it is usual tbr th* aloggisli
To be heavy, and the young to be a leatsar ;
Xone but the foolish will break the faith.

VOL L 2 F



678 POEMS ATTRIBUTED TO

XfL Bright the tops of the lily ; let eveiy bold one be a
servitor;
The word of a family will prevail ;
Usual with the faithless, a broken word.

xviL Bright the tops of the heath ; usual is miscarriage

To the timid ; water will be intrusive in front of the

shore;
Usual with the fiuthful, an unbroken word.

xvm. Bright the tops of rushes ; cows are profitable^
Bnnning are my teais this day ;
Comfort for the miserable there is not



Bright the tops of fern, yellow

The charlock ; how reproachless are the blind ;

How apt to run about are youngsters 1

Bright the tops of the service-tree ; accustomed to care^
Is the aged one^ and bees to the wilds ;
Except Qodt there is no ayenger.



XXL Bright the tops of the oak ; incessant is the tempest ;
The bees are high ; brittle the dry brushwood ;
Usual for the wanton to laugh excessiyely.

xxu. Bright the tops of the grove ; constantly the trees
And the oak-leaves are falling ;
Happy is he who sees the one he loves.

xxm. Brij^t the tops of the oaks ; coldly purls the stream;
Let the cattle be fetched to the biroh-endosed area ;
Abruptly goes the arrow of the hauf^ifty to give pain.



LLTWARCH REK. 679

XXI?. Bright the tops of the hard holly, and othere ; let
gold be distributed ;
When all fall osleop on the rampart,
God will Dot sleep when He give« deliretanee.



XXT. Bright the tops of the willows ; inhereiitlf bold

Will Uic war-horse be in the long day, when Imtm

are abounding ;
Those that have mutual friendship will not despiM

one another.

xxn. Bright the tope of rashes ; prickly will tbqr bs

When spread under the pillow ;
The wanton mind will be haughty.

xxra Bright the tops of the hawthorn ; conSdeat is tlie
sight of the steed ;
It is usual for a lovar to be a punner ;
May the diligent messenger do good.

xxniL Bright the tops of creases ; warlike is the tteed ;
Trees an fair ornaments for the groiutd ;
Joyful the soul with what it lores.

XXDL Bright is the top of the bush ; valuable tbe stettd ;
It is good to have discretion with strongtli ;
Let the unakilfol be made powerleas.

XXX. Bright are the tops of the brakes ; gay the plnmags
Of birds ; the long day is the gift of the light ;
Heroif ol^ has the most beneficent Qod made them.



I



680 POBlfS ATTRIBUTBD TO



Bright the tops of the meadow sweet ; and music
In the grove ; bold the wind, the trees shake ;
Interceding with the obdurate will not avail

Bright the tops of the elder-trees ; bold is the solitary

songster;
Accustomed is the violent to oppress ;
Woe to him who takes a reward from the hand



CXII.

RED BOOK OF HEBGE8T X.
Teity vol. iL p. 855. Notes, voL ii p 434.

L JS^ITTINO high upon a hill, battle-inclined is
My mind, and it does not impel me onward :
Short is my journey, my tenement is laid wasta

n. Shaip is the gale, it is bare punishment to live ;
When the trees array themselves in gay colours
Of summer ; violently ill I am this day.

m. I am no hunter, I keep no animal of the chase ;
I cannot move about :
As long as it pleases the cuckoo, let her singi

IV. The loud-voiced cuckoo sings with the dawn.
Her melodious notes in the dales of Cuawg :
Better is the lavisher than the miser.

V. At Aber Cuawg the cuckoos sing.
On the Uoesom-covered branches :

The loud-voioed cuckoo^ let her sing a while I



tXVWARCH HEN. 681

VI. At Aber Cuawg the cuckooa sing,

00 tlio blosBom-covered braDches :
Woe to the sick that hcara their cont«nt«d notes.

viL At Abor Cuawg the cuckoos sing :
Tlie recollection is in my mind 1
Tltere are that hear tliom that will not hear them agunl

vui. Have I not listened to the cuckoo on the ivied tree T
Did not my shield hang dovn !
What I loved is but vexation ; what I loved is no mote;.

IX. High above the meny oak,

1 have listened to the song of birds.

The loud cuckoo — every one remembers what he lore*.

X. Songstress with the solacing song 1 her voice is grirf-
exciting : .

Subject to wandoT, with the flight of the hawk, ^

The loquacious cuckoo at Aber Coawg.

XL The birds are clamorous ; humid are the glens :
Let the moon shine ; cold the midnight hoar :
Distracted is my mind &om the torment of

xiL White-topped is the diCT; long the midnight li
Every ingenious one will be honoured :
I owe &e indulgence of sleep to old age.

xiiL The birds are clamorous ; the'heBch is wet :
Let the leaves fall ; the exile is nnoonoemod :
I will not conceal i^ I am ill this night.

xir. The birds are clamorous ; the stnnd is wet :
Clear is the sky ; Urge the wave :
Hie boait is palsied with htngjog.



582 I'OXMS ATTKIOUTED TO

XT. Tlie birds are clamorous ; the strand is wet :
Conspicuous is the wave with its ample range :
What was formed in my youth,
I could love, if I could have it again.

XTL Clamorous are the birds on the scent ;
Loud the cry of dogs in a desert;
clamorous are the birds.



ZTIL In the beginning of summer, gay are all varied seeds I
When the warriors hasten to the conflict,
I do not go, infirmity will not leave me.

zvm. In the beginning of summer, it is glorious on the course,
When tlie warriors hasten to the field of battle ;
I shall not go, infirmity separotcs me.

XUL Hoary is the mountain summit ; the tops of the ash are
brittle :
From the Abers the fair wave is impelled :
Laughter is far from my heart

XX What is it to me this day at the end of the month f
In tlie social banquet I have left it :
Distracted is my mind ; a fever has made ohoice of me.

XXL Quick is the sight of the sentinel ;
Let the idle use courtesy :
I)istraoted is my mind ; disease preys upon me.

xxa Biches like a bowl endroling mead,
The luqppy man will not wish for :
It is a predooi thing to know p atien c ei



TfaflTo vill l» pain whom tbara will be pniUyii
It U to mU a little for macili.

xxr. Lot tlio wicked be fouoating treaoheiy ;
WiiOD God will judgi^ at the long dajr,
Dark will bo falsohood, trath door.

XXTL There i» danger in lepoUing the gftdnatad via
Men an jotoos over tho beverage ;
Frail it tlio reod, of richoa an emblem.

XXTIL Hear the wave of tullon din, and lond,
Auidat the pobblea and gravel :
Diatraoted ia m; mind from delirium thia nigli



xxvm. Branohing is tho top of the oak ; bitter the ti
theaah:
Sweet the oow-puanip ; the wave ia laughing :
Ibe ohedi will not conoeal the aflliotion of the



584 P0E1C8 ATTRIBUTED TO

ZZXL The 8on of sickness has been a brisk youth, he had
An active share in the court of the king ;
May God be propitious to the diviner I

xxzn. As to what is being done, it will come to pass^
Let him that reads it consider :
What is detested by man here, is detested by Qod
above.



CXIIL

RED BOOK OP HER0E8T XUL
Text, ToL ii pi 873. Notes, voL ii. p. 440.

L i^ AENWTN, when I was of thy age.
My garment should not bo trodden under foot,
My land should not bo ploughed without Uood.

n. Maenwyn, when I was opposed to thee,
With youth attendant on me,
Hie foe would not break my boundary.

nL Maenwyn, while I was in pursuit of thee,
Following my youth,
The foe loved not the fury of my resentment

IV. l^Iaenwyn, while I was young and plump,
Addicted to fierce slaughter,

I would perform the acts of a man, though I was but a
youtL

V. Maenwyn, take thy aim discreetly ;

ITiere is need of advice on him who is in error :
Let Maelgwn provide another mayor.



Of Mewyinuwn, concealed in « bodn^
A shaip iron projecting &om the hand.

VUL Blessed bo the solitaiy hag.

That said from the door of her cell,
" Maenwyn, do not delirer up thjr knife."



586 POEMS BBOIUNING ' BIRT MTNTD.'



Y.

POEMS BBOINNINO ''EIRT MTNTDr

CXIV.

RED BOOK OP HERGE8T IV.
Text ToL ii. pi 841. Notes, toL iL pi 431.

L ^^OUNTAIN snow— every region is white ;
The raven is accustomed to sing.
No good will come from long sleeping.

iL Mountain snow — ^white the ravine ;

From the assault of the wind trees will bend.
Many a two may mutually love,
But never come together.

UL Mountain snow — the wind scatters it ;
Broad the moon's orb^ green the dock-leaves.
Ihe mischievous man is seldom without daim.

IV. Mountain snow— fleet the hart ;
Common in Piydein is a daring race.
Undentanding is necessary for the alien.

V. Mountain snow — the hart in the warmth ;
Ducks in the pond, white the foam.
Slow is the aged, and easily overtaken.



VL Mountain snow — ^the hart is roaming ;
The countenance smiles on whom one loves.
As long as a tale is told me^
I know where there is disgrace.



And for miafbrtane to &11 on the beud.



IX. Moontam snow — the h&rt ia plump tad nnmd
I have said a great deal ; if I am not n
This is unlike a summer isy.



X Mountain snow — the bait is hunted ;
!nie wind wbistUa orer the eaveei
Sin is B vei7 great heap.

XL Mountain snow — the bait is leaping ;

The wind whistles over the high white waU.
It is natural the calm should be graoeftiL

xn. Mountain snow — the hart in the vale ;
The wind whistles above the honsfr^opi
Evil will not eoneeal itself vhoe it is.



xm. Mountain snow— the hart on the strand ;



588 POEMS BEGINKING 'EIBT MTKYD.'

XT. Mountain snow — ^the hart in the rashes ;

Cold the quagmire ; the mead is inthe brewing-tub.
The injured is accustomed to complain.

XTL Mountain snow — ^variegated the front of the tower ;
Let the cattle seek shelter.
Woe to the wife that should get a bad husband.

THL Mountain snow — variegated the side of the cliff ;
Dried the stalk ; the water-lily droops.
Woe to the man that should have a bad wife.

zvm. Mountain snow — the hart in the ditch ;
Congenial to the thief is long night
Let the bees sleep in the shelter.

XIX. Mountain snow — slow is
The growth of the liverwort

The sluggard will not soon avenge an iiguiy.

XX. Mountain snow — the fish in the lake ;

Ptoud the hawk ; people cluster around monarchs.
Eveiy one cannot get what he wishes.

XXL Mountain snow — red the top of the fir;
Wrathful the push of many spears.
Alas» for longing, my brethren I

xxiL Mountain snow — swift the wolf ;

The side of the desert he will penetrate.

Every blemish is common on the destitute of leaL

xxin. Mountain snow — ^not slow the hart ;
Bain (alls from the sky.
Sonow produces complete depression of spirits.



XXIT. Mc
Tl
Let



[



•t




J. MoiiDtalD enow — the hart in the glen ;
SummeT will be placid ; calm the lalca
The gray-bearded in frost heis a strong support



XXVL Mountain snow — variegftted the breast of the goOM;
Strong my ttiia and shoalder.
I pray that I may not be a hundred years old.

xxvn. Mountain snow — bare the stalk-tops ;
H Bent the branches of trees ', the fish are in the deep. 1

H Where there is no learning there will be no natnnl .

gift.



xxvm. Mountain snow — ^the fish in the font ;

Let the lean and stooping stag seek the shaltaad vale,
I/mging for the dead will not avail

XXDL Mountain snow — the hart in the wood ;
The dlBcroet will not walk on foot
The timid causes many a delay.

XXX. Mountain enow — the hart on the elope }
The wind whistles ovei the ash-topai
A third foot for the aged is hia stiok.

XXZL Mountain anow — the hart is upon it ;

The ducks an in the lake ; white the watar4i]/.
The rioious ia not diapoaed to liaten.



590 POEMS DXOINNINO '£IRT MYMYD.'

XXXIL Monntain snow — ruddy the foot of hons ;
Shallow tho water ; it makos much noisa
The disgrace that is boasted of is augmented.

xxxuL Mountain snow— nimble the hart ; .

Hardly anything in the world interests ma
Admonition to the depraTod will not avail.

xxxnr. Mountain snow— white its fleece ;



XXXT. Mountain snow— white the roofs of houses ;

If the tongue were to relate what the bosom knows,
None would be neighbours.

XXXTL Mountain snow — ^let tho wise move about in the day ;
Let cToiy pensive one bo ill, every bush bare.
It is usual that the unwise should have all faults.

CXV.

RED BOOK OF HER0E8T IIL
Text, ToL iL pi 837. NotM, roL iL pi 431.

Llewelyn and Owmerth were two penitent saints at
Trallwpg in Powys *, and it was their custom to meet together
during the last three hours of the night and the first three
hours of the day to say their matins, and the hours of the day
besides. And once upon a time Uewelyn, seeing the ceU of
Owmerth shut^ and not knowing why it was se^ composed an
Englyn.

L ^EllOUNTAIN snow— wind about the bush ;
It is the Creator of heaven that strengthens ma
Is it asleep that Owmerth isf



w



rOKMS ClOINNIKO 'HBT MYXTD."



II. ^fon1lt<\ilt snow — Ood above ill thlogs ;
It is to Him I will [iray.
No ; I cannot slMp,

III. Mountain anow — wiuii about tho liouM ;
It ia so tliou epoakost
Wlmt, Gwmortli, cnnBOa tbati

IT, Mountain snow — wind from Hut MHlth ;
I will utter priino wonta.
Moat probably it ia dontli.

V. ^rountnin anow — wliilo-toppod tho volo ;

Evory ono is mild to Iiirn by whom ho ia oliflriahod.
May tlio Creator of Iioavon deliver thoo 1

Tl, Monutniu anow — whito-toppod tho troo ;

I will apeak dilTorciitly, ^^

There ia no refuge ogainat the decree of Hearao.

TIL Hountain anow — every rite ahould bo obterrcd
For fear of diatresaing anxiety in the day of doom.
Shall I have the comrounion aa • CaTDurl

Tm. Mountain snow— wind about the bonae ;
It is ao thou apeakeat
Alas I my brother, must that be ?

VL Tbon highly-gifted I thee I Ioto ;
It is to Q«d I will pray.
Llewelyn, it ia high time I ahould reeeiTe iL

X. Iifonntain snow — wind abont the hill ;
Th« Creator of hesTen will have m&
Is it asloep Uewelyn isT



592 POEMS BVGINNINO ' EIBT MTNTD.

XL Mountain snow — ^wind from the south ;
I will utter prime words.
No ; I am chanting my hours.

xn. Mountain snow — ^it is easily known
When the wind turns round a waU.
Knowest thou who says it?

•

xm. Mountain snow — thou bold of speech.
It is so thou speakest
I know not, unless thou wilt say.

XIT. Mountain snow— eveiy assistance
Will receiTe becoming praise ;
Thy brother Gwmerth is here.

XT. Foremost in the tumult and in energetic action
Is eveiy brave one, being impelled by his Awen ;
What^ Owmerth, is best for thee f

XTL The first thing to bo aimed at in every usage and action
congenial to the brave^
Is a pure life unto the day of judgment ;
The best that I have found is



xvn. Thou highly gifted with good qualities,
The canon is on thy lips ; .
Tell me what alms the best



xvnL Bold the Awen ; there is wind over the lake
When the wave beats anmnd the eminence;
The best is meat for hunger.




is erety bnre one, impeUM uy bu Amn ;
Give clothing to keep from n



XXL My clothes I Till give,

And myself commoid to Ood ;

What recompense shall I tiieu tecerrat

xxiL What good things thon givest on vfttry op|
Bold in thy privilege keep thy countentDoc
And thon shalt have heaven a hundiedfilld

xxm. Since with the early dawn I love thec^
It is in the fonn of verse I am asking
With Ood what one thing is most odknis T

xxiT. Advantage, and Awen, and equality
When water will run up the ascent ;
The worst of deceit where there is



XXT. If I practise deceit throngh oonfidenoe
And to Ood Supreme confess,
What pnnishmeat will befidl me 1



SM POEMS BEGINNING 'EIRY IIYNYD.'

XXVUL Good and evil are not alike,

As wind and smoke when contending ;

Do good for the sake of God, who is not wrathful

XXIX. Bold is the Awen of eveiy one that is patronised ;
Horses are apt to ran much about in hot weather.
The end of all things is confession.

XXX. What thou doest from all excess^

From deception^ and oppression, and arrogance^
For God's sake make a full confession.



the son of Brochwad Yigythrof^ composed these
yerses concerning Gwmerth's coming to perf<mn his devotions
with Uewelyn the saints his companion ; and they are called
the OoUoqu J of liewellTn and Gwmerth.



P0BM8 ON VARtOCTS BCUBcrS.



POSAfS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS.



HKD DOOK or UE&GEST XVIIL
Text, vol ii. p. M3. NotM, toL a p. J 10.

^Sll^Y. a wheel revolving immense courses,

A wpokeniiig afHiclion is the severe compulaioa of Ux«%

The unjust impositioa of the ardent dragon of the moantaim, I

Terrible is the conflict about the 4)ort3 and ferries,

And the hostilities of ctuGnains to chieftains.

It is natural that Franks should be highly elated : tliejr v

come on a Thursday ;
And for a lady's complaint there will be ware ;
And tlie countiy will be wasted, and without laud j
And the key of Rome will be in the hands of comnumdan ;
10 And the Allmyn will be unable to make aasanlta ;

And there will be happiness to the Venedotianaj who will

resort to the South ;
And wellness to the Saxon from his treatiei^
And long depravity from want of laws ;
And Uoegyr will be enfeebled \iy the tnwdteijr of it*

ohiefb.
And the thmtting of Franks, and tumult iu shipi,
And the battle of Dovyr hastening death,
A wonder for a long life to such as will bear ii
There will be a wounding through the oonuBoni^ owing

to tiie disappearanoe of the partiaans
Of the goilelen dragon, dark and light.



69G POEMS ON TARI0U8 8XJBJKCT8.

20 Powerfiil chiefs of noble descent

And maj He give us of his bounty a pledge

Of a portion of his feast for ever without privationi

Amen.

CXVIL

Ths Viaticuii of Llkvoed Wtnkbouiwr.

RED book of HERGB8T XXIT.
Text, ToL iL |k. 304. Notes, toL il p. 4S8.

L ^I^HE wealth of the world, let it go^ it will oome,
As long as it is esteemed.
Necessity equalises affliction.
There will be fair weather after rain.
It is ofl«n the^case that persons fostered bj the same

are unlike.
Ihe brave will play though blood may be shed.
Every coward will be trampled upon ;
Every strong one will be allowed to pasa
The happy is pleased with harmonious sounds^
"Which God will fieely pour upon him.

|L The wealth of the world, let it go, it will come ;
May God provide what suffices I
Loud is the noise of the wave against the laud ;
"When called, it recedeth from it
listless is the man that sees not^
That is not concerned, that cares not what may be.
Where justice is not practised, it is not entertained in

the countiy.
Mass will not be sung on a flight
Lei him be a wolf that dareth deceivei
Desirous will the scholar be that Uawddino should

prosper.





I

li;



There Till be ft retom which will not \nt iq
Cold does not agree with the hoaiy.
The unbeliever doea not think of God.
No one that does not improve ia called akiU
Let ua observe and acquire religion.
Until we have relationship with Chriat.

'. The ansociable man is nncomely in the place I
Trouble in the upland, enmity in the vale.
A refusal is better than a false protniae;
In one's actions servility is aapereiogatoij.
The sweet is seldom unpleasant
The evil done by a fellow will smrive *

passed away.
An excuse is not nsoally rt^arded.
Good cannot be had without deseita
The four quarters open deeply in four diffai
It is a saying that death is bett«i than tronl
Bad ia sin iram its being far pursued.
It is good in distress to rapport a monastci]
God of Heaven I woe to the daring one thi



698 POEMS OK TARIOUS SUajRCTS.

Watcli-«tone8 forni Uio bett liistory.

Tho wisdom of a host, aiid deception through longhter.

Let fondamciital knowledge be aocurote.

Let the weakling be slow ; let the niggard die.

The evil alliance of Oall Cjmnin.

With a wanton a secret will not long remain.

Blood will cause blood to flow,

The froward will meet with contention.

Let the weak be set at large.

The iniquitous will lose his dan.

Except (3od, there is no one that knows the future.

Its lord is the chief cause of prosperity to a countiy.

TL The wave hastens forward ; the beach repels.
Light pain will soon be relieved ;
The multitude will bustle about the mead-liquor.
Let him who ejects every one from his Crontier cease to

exist
Let the obstinate be cut off.
Whoso purchases heaven will not be confounded.
How curious thou art that any should mention it
The trees have put on a beauteous roba
A mirror is not visible in the dark.
A candle will not preserve from cold.
He is not happy who is not discreet
The finrour of the Supreme Being will not deceiva

TIL He who cultivates not wisdom as the chief foundation,
What will put a bird to flight he will not da
Cold is the sway of winter ; bare the s e as h owi
Better is what is easy than tho encoanteriqg of diflScultiea
Bej^oaoh will not mend what is evil
Many a boastful word will canse embanastment
To the boaooiv while it goes about ;



VOKMB ON VARIOUS BUDJKCm 6W

Fi'Oin liiwU) il cniiiiot bo known wbora It will |C^
The Trinity will iptaliato (irtogance.
tircat Godl how good a llcingthou art I

ViiL Fleet is tlio steed ; clear b eveiy strand ;

The desire of the lii(,'h-mioded one u chivalry.

No one reaps from hia contrivance.

Every one is not bom wise.

The mind is not bold in a sltip on the strand.

There will be no peace between dry sticks and Uie Oune.

Let a man live without evil conduct.

Courteous to song, I confer benefits on those iQ a stat«

of excommunication.
No naked one will be very energetic.
There ia no law unless there be supremacy.
A king will challenge spoil.
The furious, his death is certain.
Is it not customary that cowardice should harbour from

death.
Let the brave escape from his conflict.
Intoxicated the dumb ; every barbarian is a bnvada
A city will extiuguiah a wilderness.
The talkative loves easy work.
Every one is praised according to his work.
God loves not the hopeless.
Fortune is the best assistance.

IX. In spring the land is partly barCi

It people are turbulent Uieir shont ia dec«itfuL

In calm reflection riches are despised.

VHiat ia not often seen is n^lected.

He that is faithleea, hia presumption will be

It is a complete sbaie that is longed for.

Let the woman that is never aaked appear demnre.



600 POEMS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS.

Disgrace is apt to follow long celibacy.

He that will not completely conceal himself, will be

completely taken away.
From a long restraint comes complaint
What seemeth good to God is certain.
He that is brave, his praise will be heard abroad.
From a little comes enrichment
Blessed is he to whom are given
The favour of God and long life.



END OF VOLUME