Chapter II: Part 2

I make my address to God, the source of praise, in the best manner I am able, that I may extol with suitable words the chief of men, who rageth like fire from the flashes of lightning, who exchangeth thrusts with the burnished steel. I stand in armour by the side of my prince with the red spear in the conflict of war, he is a brave fighter, and the foremost in action. Llewelyn, thy qualities are noble, I will valiantly make my path broad with the edge of my sword. May the prints of the hoofs of my prince's steeds be seen as far as Cornwall. Numerous are the persons that congratulate him upon this success, for he is a sure friend. The lion of Gwynedd, and its extensive territories, the governor of the men of Powys, and the South, who hath a general assembly of his armed troops at Chester, who ravageth Lloegr to amass spoils. In battle his success is certain, in killing, burning, and in overthrowing castles. In Rhos, and Penfro, {40c} and in contests with the Normans, his impetuosity prevaileth. The offspring of Griffydd, of worthy qualities, generous in distributing rewards for songs. His shield shines, and the strong lances quickly meet the streams of gushing gore. He extorteth taxes from his enemies, and claimeth another country as a sovereign prince. His noble birth is an ornament to him. He besiegeth fortified towns, and his furious attacks like those of Fflamddwyn {41} reach far. He is a prosperous chief with princely qualities, his Bards are comely about his tables. I have seen him generously distributing his wealth, and his mead-horns filled with generous liquors. Long may he live to defend his borders with the sharp sword, like Arthur with the lance of steel. May he who is lawful king of Cymru, endued with princely qualities, have his share of happiness at the right hand of God.

A POEM

_Entitled the Ode of the Months_, _composed by Gwilym Ddu of Arfon_, _to Sir John Griffydd Llwyd_, _of Tregarnedd and Dinorwig_.

Why the Bard called this piece the "Ode of the Months" I cannot guess; but by what he intimates in the poem, which is that when all nature revives, and the whole animal and vegetable creation are in their full bloom and vigour, he mourned and pined for the decayed state of his country. The hero he celebrates made a brave but successless attempt to rescue it from slavery. It will not be amiss to give a short account of the inhuman massacre of the Bards made by that cruel tyrant Edward the first, which gave occasion to a very fine Ode by Mr. Gray. Sir John Wynne, of Gwydir, a descendant in a direct line from Owain Gwynedd, mentions this particular, and says he searched all the records in the Exchequer at Carnarvon, and in the Tower of London, for the antiquities of his country in general, and of his own family in particular. I shall set down his own words, as I find them in a very fair copy of that history lent me by Sir Roger Mostyn, of Gloddaeth and Mostyn, Bart., a person no less eminent for his generous communicative temper, than for many other public and private virtues.

"This is the most ancient song (i.e. one of Rhys Goch of Eryri's, a
Bard who flourished A.D. 1400) I can find extant of my ancestors
since the reign of Edward the first, who caused our Bards all to be
hanged by martial law, as stirrers of the people to sedition; whose
example being followed by the governors of Wales until Henry the
Fourth's time, was the utter destruction of that sort of men; and
since then that kind of people were at some further liberty to sing,
and to keep pedigrees, as in ancient time they were wont; since which
time we have some light of antiquity by their songs and writings,"
&c.

The following is taken from an old British grammar, written in English, by William Salesbury, printed at London, 1567. I have transcribed it faithfully according to the old orthography. "Howbeit when the whole Isle was commonlye called Brytayne, the dwellers Brytons, and accordingly their language Brytishe, I will not refell nor greatly deny; neither can I justly gainsaye, but their tongue then was as copious of syt woordes, and all manner of proper vocables, and as well adornated with woorshipful sciences and honourable knowledge as any other of the barbarous tongues were. And so still continued (though their sceptre declined, and their kingdom decayed, and they also by God's hand were driven into the most unfertyl region, barenest country, and most desart province of all the isle) untyll the conquest of Wales. For then, as they say, the nobles and the greatest men beyng captives and brought prysoners to the tower of London, there to remayne during their lyves, desired of a common request, that they might have with them all such bokes of their tongue, as they most delited in, and so their petition was heard, and for the lightness soon granted, and thus brought with them all the principallest and chiefest books, as well of their own as of other their friends, of whom they could obtain anye to serve for their purpose. Whose mind was none other but to pass the time, and their predestinate perpetual captivitie in the amenous varietie of over reading and revoluting many volumes and sundry books of divers sciences and strange matters.

"And that is the common answer of the Welshe Bardes (for so they call their country poets) when a man shall object or cast in their teeth the foolysh uncertainty and the phantasticall vanities of their prophecies (which they call BRUTS) or the doubtful race and kinde of their uncanonized saynctes: whom that notwithstanding they both invocate and worship wyth the most hyghe honoure and lowliest reverence. Adding and allegying in excuse thereof, that the reliques and residue of the books and monuments, as well as the saynctes lyves, as of their Brutysh prophecies and other sciences (which perished not in the tower, for there, they say, certain were burned) at the commotion of OWAIN GLYNDWR, were in like manner destroyed, and utterly devastat, or at the least wyse that there escaped not one, that was not uncurablye maymed, and irrecuperably torn and mangled.

"'Llyfrau Cymru au llofrudd
Ir twr Gwyn aethant ar gudd
Ysceler oedd Yscolan
Fwrw'r twrr lyfrau ir tan.'

Gutto'r Glyn. A.D. 1450.

"The books of Cymru and their remains went to the White Tower, where they were hid. Cursed was Ysgolan's act in throwing them in heaps into the fire."

It is not improbable that our Bard might have been one of those who suffered in the cause of his country, though he had the good luck to escape Edward's fury. I wish I may be so happy as to convey some faint idea of his merit to the English reader. The original has such touches, as none but a person in the Bard's condition could have expressed so naturally. However not to anticipate the judicious reader's opinion, to which I submit mine with all deference, I shall now produce some account of this great man, taken from that skilful and candid antiquary Mr. Robert Vaughan of Hengwrt's notes on Dr. Powel's history of Wales, printed at Oxford, 1663.

"Sir John Griffydd Llwyd, knight, the son of Rhys ap Griffydd ap
Ednyfed Fychan, was a valiant gentleman, but unfortunate, 'magnae
quidem, sed calamitosae virtutis,' as Lucius Florus saith of
Sertorius. He was knighted by king Edward, when he brought him the
first news of his queen's safe delivery of a son at Carnarvon Castle;
the king was then at Rhuddlan, at his parliament held there. This
Sir Griffydd afterwards taking notice of the extreme oppression and
tyranny exercised by the English officers, especially Sir Roger
Mortimer, lord of Chirk, and justice of North Wales, towards his
countrymen the Welsh, became so far discontented, that he broke into
open rebellion, verifying that saying of Solomon, 'Oppression maketh
a wise man mad.' He treated with Sir Edward Bruce, brother to
Robert, then king of Scotland, who had conquered Ireland, to bring or
send over men to assist him in his design against the English; but
Bruce's terms being conceived too unreasonable, the treaty came to
nought; however being desperate, he gathered all the forces he could,
and, in an instant, like a candle that gives a sudden blaze before it
is out, overran all North Wales and the Marches, taking all the
castles and holds; but to little purpose, for soon after he was met
with, his party discomfited, and himself taken prisoner. This was in
the year of our Lord 1322."

I thought so much by way of introduction necessary to commemorate so gallant a person; what became of him afterwards is not mentioned by our historians. However the following poem remains not only as a monument of the hero's bravery, but of the Bard's genius.

* * * * *

Before the beginning of May I lived in pomp and grandeur, but now, alas! I am deprived of daily support, the time is as disastrous as when our Saviour Christ was taken and betrayed. How naked and forlorn is our condition! We are exposed to anxious toils and cares. O how heavy is the Almighty's punishment, that the crimson sword cannot be drawn! I remember how great its size was, and how wide its havoc; numerous are now the oppressed captives who languish in gnashing indignation. Our native Bards are excluded from their accustomed entertainments. How great a stop is put to generosity since a munificent hero, like Nudd, {46a} is confined in prison. The valorous hawk of Griffydd, {46b} so renowned for ravaging and destroying his enemies, is deplored by the expert Bards, who have lost their festivity and mirth in the place where mead was drunk. I cannot bear to think of his injurious treatment. His hospitality has fed thousands. He is, alas! in a forlorn prison, such is the unjust oppression of the land of the Angles. {46c} Years of sorrow have overwhelmed me. I reckon not what becomes of the affairs of this world. The Bards of two hundred regions lament that they have now no protector. This is a certain, but a sad truth. Though the unthinking vulgar do not reflect as I do on the time when my eagle shone in his majesty. I am pierced by the lance of despair. Hard is the fate of my protector, Gwynedd {47a} is in a heavy melancholy mood, its inhabitants are oppressed because of their transgressions. Long has the bright sword, that shone like a torch, been laid aside, and the brave courage of the dauntless Achilles been stopped. The whole pleasant season of May is spent in dismal sorrow; and June is comfortless and cheerless. It increaseth my tribulation, that Griffydd with the red lance is not at liberty. I am covered with chilly damps. My whole fabric shakes for the loss of my chief. I find no intermission to my pain. May I sink, O Christ! my Saviour, into the grave, where I can have repose; for now, alas! the office of the Bard is but a vain and empty name. I am surprised that my despair has not burst my heart, and that it is not rent through the midst in twain. The heavy stroke of care assails my memory, when I think of his confinement, who was endowed with the valour of Urien {47b} in battle. My meditation on past misfortunes is like that of the skilful Cywryd, {47c} the Bard of Dunawd. {47d} My praise to the worthy hero is without vicious flattery, and my song no less affecting than his. My panegyric is like the fruitful genius of Afan Ferddig {48a} in celebrating Cadwallon {48b} of royal enterprise. I can no more sing of the lance, in well-laboured verse. Since thou doest not live, what avails it that the world has any further continuance? Every region proclaims thy generosity. The world droops since thou art lost. There are no entertainments or mirth, Bards are no longer honoured: the palaces are no longer open, strangers are neglected, there are no caparizoned steeds, no trusty endearing friendship. No, our country mourns, and wears the aspect of Lent. There is no virtue, goodness, or any thing commendable left among us, but vice, dissoluteness, and cowardice bear the sway. The great and towering strength of Mon {48c} is become an empty shadow, and the inhabitants of Arfon {48d} are become insignificant below the ford of Rheon. {48e} The lofty land of Gwynedd is become weak. The heavy blow of care strikes her down. We must now renounce all consolation. We are confined in a close prison by a merciless unrelenting enemy; and what avails a bloody and brave contest for liberty.

* * * * *

_Having finished the present small collection of the British Bards_, _I take this opportunity to acquaint the reader_, _that the time in which they flourished is not accurately set down by Dr. Davies_, _at the end of his Dictionary_, _nor by Mr. Llwyd_, _of the Museum_, _in his Catalogue of British Writers_, _in the Archaeologia Britannica. Indeed it is impossible to be so exact_, _as to fix the year when the Bards wrote their several pieces_, _unless the actions they celebrate are mentioned in our Annals_, _because some of them_ _lived under several princes_. _This I thought proper to mention_, _lest any should blame the translator for his inaccuracy_, _in settling the Chronology of the Poems_.

A SHORT ACCOUNT OF TALIESIN,

_The Chief of Bards_, _and Elphin_, _the son of Gwyddno Goranhir_, _his Patron_.

Gwyddno Goranhir, was a petty king of Cantre'r Gwaelod, whose country was drowned by the sea, in a great inundation that happened about the year 560, through the carelessness of the person into whose care the dams were committed, as appears from a poem of Taliesin upon that sad catastrophe. In his time the famous Taliesin lived, whose birth and education is thus related in our ancient manuscripts. He was found exposed in a wear belonging to Gwyddno, the profit of which he had granted to his son, Prince Elphin, who being an extravagant youth, and not finding the usual success, grew melancholy; and his fishermen attributed his misfortune to his riotous irregular life. When the prodigal Elphin was thus bewailing his misfortune, the fishermen espied a coracle with a child in it, enwrapped in a leathern bag, whom they brought to the young prince, who ordered care to be taken of him, and when he grew up gave him the best education, upon which he became the most celebrated Bard of his time. The accomplished Taliesin was introduced by Elphin to his father Gwyddno's court, where he delivered him a poem, giving an account of himself, entitled, Hanes Taliesin, or Taliesin's History; and at the same time another to his patron and benefactor Elphin to console him upon his past misfortune, and to exhort him to put his trust in Divine Providence. This is a fine moral piece, and very artfully addressed by the Bard, who introduces himself in the person and character of an exposed infant. As it is probable that the prince's affairs took another turn since that period, this was done with great propriety. Sir John Pryse mentions the poem that Taliesin delivered to king Gwyddno, in his Historiae Britannicae defensio. "Taliesinus quidem in odula, quam de suis erroribus composuit, sic inscripta Britannice (Hanes Taliesin) videlicet errores Taliesini, ait se tandem divertisse ad reliquias Trojae;

"'Mi a ddaethum yma at Weddillion Troia;'

"neque dubitandum est hoc fuesse opus Taliesini: nam praeter innumeros codices vetustissimos, qui inscriptionem hujusmodi attestentur, nullo reclamante, nullus est recentiorum qui vel phrasin illius tam antiquam, carminisve majestatem assequi potuit. Et ideo summus ille vates inter Britannos censetur et nominatur." I never could procure a perfect nor correct copy of this poem of Taliesin, otherwise I would gratify the curious with a translation of it. It is certain from his history, that he was a very learned man for his time, and seems to have been well versed in the doctrine of the Druids, particularly the [Greek text], which accounts for the extravagant flights frequent in his poems. I have now in my possession above fifty of them; but they are so difficult to be understood, on account of their great antiquity, and numerous obsolete words, and negligence of transcribers, that it is too great a task for any man at this distance of time to go about a translation of them. However I have selected this ode, as a specimen of his manner of writing, not as it is the best in the collection, but as it is the only one I could thoroughly understand. There are many spurious pieces fathered upon this Bard, in a great many hands in North Wales; but these are all forged either by the monks, to answer the purposes of the church of Rome, or by the British Bards, in the time of the latter princes of Wales, to spirit up their countrymen against the English, which anybody versed in the language may easily find by the style and matter. It has been my luck to meet with a manuscript of all his genuine pieces now extant, which was transcribed by the learned Dr. Davies, of Mallwyd, from an old manuscript on vellum of the great antiquary Mr. R. Vaughan, of Hengwrt. This transcript I have shewn to the best antiquaries and critics in the Welsh language now living. They all confess that they do not understand above one half of any of his poems. The famous Dr. Davies could not, as is plain from the many obsolete words he has left without any interpretation in his dictionary. This should be a caveat to the English reader concerning the great antiquity of the poems that go under the name of Ossian, the son of Fingal, lately published by Mr. Macpherson. It is a great pity Taliesin is so obscure, for there are many particulars in his poems that would throw great light on the history, notions, and manners of the Ancient Britons, especially of the Druids, a great part of whose learning it is certain he had imbibed. This celebrated Bard was in great favour with all the great men of his time, particularly with Maelgwn Gwynedd, the warlike and victorious king of all Britain, with Elphin his patron, whom he redeemed with his songs from the castle of Tyganwy, where he was upon some account confined by his uncle Maelgwn. He likewise celebrated the victories of Urien Reged, king of Cumbria, and a great part of Scotland, as far as the river Clyde. In short, he was held in so great esteem by posterity, that the Bards mentioned him with the greatest honour in their works. In his poem entitled Anrheg Urien, or Urien's Present, he says that his habitation was by Llyn Geirionnydd, in the parish of Llan Rhychwyn, in Carnarvonshire, and mentions therein his cotemporary, the famous Aneurin Gwawdrydd, author of the Gododin, an heroic poem on the battle of Cattraeth, of which some account is given in the Dissertatio de Bardis.

A wn ni enw Aneurin Gwawdrydd Awenydd
A minnau Daliesin o lann Llyn Geirionnydd.

i.e. I know the fame of that celebrated genius Aneurin Gwawdrydd, who am Taliesin, whose habitation is by the pool Geirionnydd.--

Having finished this short account of our author, I shall now proceed to his poem, entitled, Dyhuddiant Elphin, or Elphin's Consolation, which I offer now to the public.

Dr. John David Rhys quotes it at length in his Linguae Cymraecae Institutiones Accuratae; which, to save further trouble, I shall beg leave to transcribe here in his own words. "Caeterum nunc et propter eorum authoritatem, et quod huic loco inter alia maxime quadrant, non pigebit quaedem antiquissima Taliesini Cambro-Britannica Carmina subjungere," &c.

I have nothing more to acquaint the reader with, but that I have used two copies in my translation, one in print by the said Dr. John David Rhys, the other in manuscript by Dr. Thomas Williams. I have followed the copy I thought most correct, and have given the different reading of the manuscript in the margin.

TALIESIN'S POEM

_To Elphin_, _the son of Gwyddno Goranhir_, _king of Cantre'r Gwaelod_, _to comfort him upon his ill success at the Wear_; _and to exhort him to trust in Divine providence_.

I.

Fair Elphin, cease to weep, let no man be discontented with his fortune; to despair avails nothing. It is not that which man sees that supports him. Cynllo's prayer will not be ineffectual. God will never break his promise. There never was in Gwyddno's Wear such good luck as to-night.

II.

Fair Elphin, wipe the tears from thy face! Pensive melancholy will never profit thee; though thou thinkest thou hast no gain; certainly too much sorrow will do thee no good; doubt not of the great Creator's wonders; though I am but little, yet am I endowed with great gifts. From the seas and mountains, and from the bottom of rivers, God sends wealth to the good and happy man.

III.

Elphin with the lovely qualities, thy behaviour is unmanly, thou oughtest not to be over pensive. To trust in God is better than to forebode evil. Though I am but small and slender on the beach of the foaming main, I shall do thee more good in the day of distress than three hundred salmons.

IV.

Elphin with the noble qualities, murmur not at thy misfortune: though I am but weak on my leathern couch, there dwelleth a gift on my tongue. While I continue to be thy protection, thou needest not fear any disaster. If thou desirest the assistance of the ever blessed Trinity, nothing can do thee hurt.

DE BARDIS DISSERTATIO; IN QUA NONNULLA QUAE AD EORUM ANTIQUITATEM ET MUNUS RESPICIUNT, ET AD PRAECIPUOS QUI IN CAMBRIA FLORUERUNT.

BREVITER DISCUTIUNTUR.

STUDIO ET OPERA

EVANI EVANS, CERETICENSIS.

* * * * *

Si quid mea carmina possunt,
Aonio statuam sublimeis vertice Bardos;
Bardos Pieridum cultores, atque canentis
Phoebi delicias, quibus est data cura perennis
Dicere nobilium clarissima facta virorum,
Aureaque excelsam famam super astra locare.

JOH. LELANDUS in Assertione ARTURII.

_Insigni Viro_

_GVLIELMO VAVGHAN_

_De Cors y Gedol Armigero_,

_et_

_In Senatu Britannico_

_Pro Comitatu_ Meirionnydd _Delegato_, _Provinciae_

_Praefeeto_, _Rotulorum Custodi_,

_Societatis_ Cymmrodorion _Londini Praesidi Summo_,

_Caeterisque Ejusdem Societatis Membris_,

_Hanc De Bardis Dissertationem_,

_Summa_, _Qua Par Est_, _Observantia D. D. D._

_Evanus Evans_.

DE BARDIS DISSERTATIO;

Quum per multos annos non sine summa voluptate Bardos Britannos horis subsicivis evolverem, et quum hac aetate fere in desuetudinem abiere ejusmodi studia, et quicquid est Britannicae antiquitatis nostrorum pereat incuria, non potui quin hanc qualem qualem rudi Minerva dissertatiunculam in vulgus emitterem, quo exteris melius innotescat, quantum in his olim profecere nostrates.

Bardi apud Celtas originem habuerunt; et Graeci, qui eorurn meminerunt, mira omnino de illis produnt, quae eo magis fidem merentur quod non solebant laudes suas in Barbaros effuse impendere. Cum alibi gentium hodie nulla eorum maneant vestigia nisi apud Cambro-Britannos et Hibernos, Celtarum posteros; e re fore duxi, si aliquid de antiquioribus qui apud nos extant, praelibarem, praemissis de iis in genere ex Scriptoribus Graecis et Latinis elogii, quo augustius in scenam prodeant; et inde venerandae antiquitatis auctoritatem sibi vindicent.

Unde Bardi nomen sunt sortiti, nondum mihi constat; ANNII enim VITERBIENSIS regem Bardum, uti et omnia ejus hujuscemodi commenta, penitus rejicio. Non omnino abludit vox _Bar_ furor, modo sit ille poeticus quo se agitari fingebant Bardi. Si ea fuerit vocis origo, necesse est ut primitus scriberetur _Barydd_. Utcunque sit, nos a multis retro Seculis furorem illum poeticum voce AWEN designamus, quae deduci potest a Gwen, _risus_ vel _laetitia_: Poetae enim munus est ut homines cantu exhilaret. Non multum ergo contendimus an ea sit vocis origo, cum vocabulorum antiquorum, cujusmodi sunt hominum, officiorum, urbium, montium et fluviorum sit admodum obscura significatio.

His de Bardorum origine praemissis, ad eorum pergamus munus, prout Scriptores Graeci et Latini tradiderunt. Primus sit DIODORUS SICULUS, qui haec scribit. [Greek text] {60a} Non multum dissimile est quod de illis prodit AMMIANUS MARCELLINUS. "Bardi (inquit ille) fortia virorum illustrium facta heroicis composita versibus cum dulcibus lyrae modulis cantitarunt." His POSSIDONII apud ATHENAEUM verba addere lubet, qui eorum munus graphice depingit. [Greek text]. {60b} Hinc manifesto liquet eorum praecipuum munus fuisse Heroum laudes in coelum evehere. Sed quum nulla Celticorum vel Gallicorum extent Bardorum opera, ex quibus quam digne munus gesserint evincatur, operae pretium est, alium ex eodem ATHENAEO locum adducere, ex quo patebit haudquaquam iis defuisse sublime dicendi genus, quod Graeci [Greek text] vocant. Posidonius, Luernii, qui Bittitis pater fuit a Romanis profligati, opes cum enarrat, tradit eum popularem gratiam ancupantem, per agros curru vehi solitum, aurumque et argentum in turbas Celtarum innumeras eum prosequentes spargere; quin et septum eundem quadratum stadiorum duodecim aliquando cinxisse, in quo potione sumptuosa et exquisita pleni lacus essant, parataque cibariorum copia, ut complusculis diebus liceret iis quibus placeret, ingredi, fruique illo apparatu, cum assiduis ministrorum officiis. Epularum diem aliquando cum ille constituisset, ac praefiniisset, barbarum quendam Poetam tardius caeteris eo commeantem illi occurrisse, ac canentem laudes ejus, excellentesque virtutes celebrasse, vicem vero suam doluisse, ac deflevise, quod serius adventasset: illum cantu delectatum auri sacculum poposcisse, et accurrenti cantori projecisse: quo sublato, poetam ejus rursum laudes iterantem praedicasse currus, quo vehebatur, impressa in terram vestigia aurum et beneficia procreare mortalibus. Sed praestat ipsa Athenaei verba apponere. [Greek text]. {61}

Haec sunt quae (ut pote cui ad Bibliothecas aditus non patet) de antiquis illis in medium proferre licuit. Ad nostros jam venio in quibus non desunt veri et genuini [Greek text] exempla. Nequaquam suo genere Graecis et Latinis poetis cedunt nostri Bardi, quamvis ad eorum normam carmina non texerunt. Quid enim nobis cum exteris? An eorum modulo et pede nostra poemata metenda sunt? Quid, ut taceam de Arabicis et Brachmanicis, et in Europa boreali Scaldis? quid fiet, inquam, de antiquioribus illis Sacrosanctis poetis? quid fiet de JOBO; DAVIDE, et siqui alii [Greek text] poetae? Sed haec a proposito nostro aliena sunt.

Quum res Britonum, ingruentibus Pictis, Scotis, et Saxonibus, laberentur, dici non potest, quantam libris et veteribus nostrorum monumentis stragem ediderint: adeo ut Bardi et historici vere antiqui, sint admodum rari. E nostris historicis qui Bardorum meminit, primus est GILDAS NENNIUS, qui scripsit, uti ipse narrat, anno 858, et quarto MERVINI regis. Sed is locus in nonnullis exemplaribus deest, et ejus auctor clarissimo VAUGHANO, NENNIO antiquior esse videtur, qui eum "vetustum Saxonicaegenealogiae autorem" nominat. Sive vero is fuerit NENNIUS, quod mihi videtur, sive, uti ille mavult, aliquis eo vetustior, omnia quae ibi narrantur quam verissima sunt, quamvis scribentium oscitantia quam foedissime sint depravata. Nec mendas castigarunt editores GALE et BERTRAM. Quae ad Bardos sic se habent. "Item TALHAIARN TATANGEN in poemate claruit, et NUEVIN, et TALIESIN, et BLUCHBAR, et _Cian_ qui vocatur _Gweinchgwant_, simul uno tempore in poemate Britannico claruerunt." Qui locus sic restitui debet. "Item _Talhaiarn Tatangwn_ claruit, et _Aneurin_, et _Taliesin_, et _Llywarch_, et _Cian_ qui vocatur _Gwyngwn_ simul uno tempore in poemate Britannico claruerunt." Ex iis quos hic nominat _Nennius_ tres tantum extant, nempe _Aneurin_, _Taliesin_, et _Llywarch_ cognomento _Hen_. Meminit tamen _Talhaiarni Taliesinus_ in poemate cui titulus _Angar Cyfyndawd_, i.e. Concordia discors.

_Trwy iaith_ TALHAIARN,
_Bedydd bi ddydd farn_.

"EX TALHAIARNI sententia
Expiato erit per baptisum in die supremo."

Uti et CIANI in eodem poemate.

CIAN _pan ddarfu_
_Lliaws gyfolu_.

"Quando CIANUS multos carmine celebratet."

Meminit et ejudem ANEURINUS in suo poemate Heroico, cui nomen _Gododin_.

_Un maban y Gian o faen Gwyngwn_.

"Unicus CIANI filius ex valido _Gwyngwm_ ortus."

Sed quum eorum opera aboleverit aetas, nihil ultra de iis dicere possumus. Hoc saltem constat, si NENNIO fides adhibenda sit, eos suo seculo Bardos fuisse eximios. ANEURINUS, TALIESINUS et LLYWARCH HEN habent multa notatu digna, et quae rei istius seculi historicae multum lucis adferunt. Sed quum eorum sint rarissima exemplaria, intellectu sunt quam difficillima, quod sit partim ob scribentium oscitantiam, partim ob linguam vetustam et obsoletam, quae in nullo Lexico vel glossario inveniri potest. Unde fit, ut saepe _non plus dimidio_ vel a peritissimo intelligatur. TALIESINUS quem nostrates _Pen Beirdd_; i.e. Bardorum Coryphaeum appellavere, in aulis Britanniae principum vixit, et ibi clara eorum in bello facinora cantavit. Patronos habuit MAELGWYN GWYNEDD, eum scilicet quem GILDAS MAGLOCUNUM vocat, et URIENUM Regedensem Cumbriae principem et ELPHINUM filium GWYDDNO GARANIR Dominum _Cantref Gwaelod_, cujus regio a mari absorpta est circa annum 540. Floruerunt TALIESINUS et ANEURIN GWAWDRYDD _Mychdeyrn Beirdd_, i.e. Bardorum Monarcha, eodem tempore, circa annum 570. ANEURINUS, in suo poemate cui titulus _Gododin_, refert se in bello juxta _Cattraeth_ sub auspiciis MYNYDDAWC EIDDIN, bellum adversus Saxones gessisse, et ibi omnes, tribus exceptis, inter quos erat ANEURINUS, bello occubuisse. Fuerunt sub hoc principe in hac expeditione trecenti et sexaginta tres viri nobiles, qui eum ad bellum juxta _Cattraeth_ sunt secuti. Fit hujus exercitus mentio libro _Triadum_ in hunc modum. Teir gosgordd addwyn Ynys _Prydain_. Gosgordd MYNYDDAWC EIDDIN Yng _Cattraeth_; a gosgordd MELYN a CHYNFELYN; a gosgordd DRYWON mab NUDD yn _Rhodwydd Arderydd_. i.e. Tres fuere nobiles exercitus Insulae Britannicae. Exercitus MYNYDDAWC EIDDIN juxta _Cattraeth_; Exercitus MELYN et CYNFELYN: et Exercitus DRYWON filii NUDD juxta _Rhodwydd Arderydd_.

PLACUIT hic nonnulla ex ANEURINI _Gododinio_ excerpere, quae licet ob vetustatem et dialecti varietatem sint admodum obscura (fuit enim si non Pictorum lingua, saltem Britannorum septentrionalium dialectus, et ideo hodiernis Cambro-Britannis minus facilis intellectu) attamen lectori baud injucunda fore judicavi, eo quod salvis Graecis et Latinis sit forsan antiquissimum in Europa poema. Interpretationem in multis claudicare nullus dubito. Ii quibus plura exemplaria videre contigerit, ea felicius enucleabunt. Ego non nisi unum vidi a THOMA GULIELMO Medico practico scriptum, in quo quae sequuntur sic se habebant.

CAEAWG CYNHORAWG myn ydd elai,
Diphun ym mlaen bun medd a dalai,
Twll tal i rodawr yn i clywai awr,
Ni roddai nawd maint dilynai,
Ni chilia o gamawn, yn i ferai
Waed mal brwyn, gomynei wyr nid elai,
Nis adrawdd Gododin ar llawr MORDAI,
Rhag pebyll MADOG pan atcorei
Namyn un gwr o gant yn y ddelai.

i.e.

"CAEAWG CYNHORAWG ubicunque ivit,
- - - hydro meli dedit,
Scutum ejus fuit perforatum, ubicunque audivit
Clamorem, hostibus non pepercit, et eos insecutus est:
Nec prius a bello destitit, quam sanguis effuse fluxerit,
Et eos qui non discedebant securi percussit;
Adeo ut non possit Gododin celebrare facta in aula _Mordai_
Ex _Madoci_ castris quum domum profectus est
Unus tantum ex centum rediit."

_Caeawg Cynhorawg_ arfawg yngawr,
_Cyno_ diwygwr gwrdd yngwyawr,
Cynran yn rhagwan rhag byddinawr,
Cwyddai bum pumwnt rhag eu llafnawr,
O wyr _Deifr_ a _Bryneich_ dychrawr,
Ugeincant eu difant yn unawr,
Cynt i gig i fleidd nog yt i neithiawr,
Cynt e fydd i fran, nog yt i elawr,
Cyn noe argyfrein e waed i lawr,
Gwerth medd ynghyntedd gan _Liweddawr_,
_Hyfeidd Hir_ ermygir tra fo Cerddawr.

i.e.

"_Caeawg Cynhorawg_ vir in bello armatus,
Et _Cyno_ qui se strenuum gessit in dimicando,
Ceciderunt numerus ingens eorum hastis transfixi.
Prius lupo parabatur caro, quam nuptiali convivio;
Et corvo prius commodum fuit, quam Libitinae.
Prius quam humi fluebat ejus sanguis
In aula _Lliweddawr_ mulsum bibit;
Et _Hyfeidd Hir_ celebrabitur, donec erit Cantor."

Gwyr a aeth _Gattraeth_ feddfaeth feddwn,
Ffurf ffrwythlawn, oedd cam nas cymhwyllwn,
I am lafnawr coch, gorfawr, gwrmwn,
Dwys dyngyn ydd ymleddyn aergwn,
Ar deulu _Bryneich_ be ich barnaswn,
Diluw, dyn yn fyw nis gadawswn,
Cyfeillt a gollais, difflais oeddwn,
Rhugl yn ymwrthryn, rhyn rhiadwn.
Ni mynnws gwrawl gwaddawl chwegrwn,
Maban y _Gian_ o faen _Gwyngwn_.

i.e.

"Viri festinabant _Cattraeth_, quibus mulsum erat potus,
Forma eximii, quibus ingratus essem, si non meminerim.
Hastis armati turmatim rubris, magnis et incurvatis,
Pugnabant impetuosi bellatores.
Si mihi liceret {66} sententiam de _Deirorum_ populo ferre,
AEque ac diluvium omnes una strage prostrarem;
Amicum enim amisi incautus,
Qui in resistendo firmus erat - - -
Non petiit magnanimus dotem a socero,
Filius _Ciani_ ex strenuo _Cwyngwn_ ortus."

Yfeis i o win a medd y _Mordai_,
Mawr maint i wewyr,
Ynghyfarfod gwyr,
Bwyd i eryr erysmygai.
Pan gryssiei _Gydywal_ cyfddwyreai
Awr, gan wyrdd wawr cyn i dodai,
Aessawr ddellt am bellt a adawai,
Parrau ryn rwygiad, dygymmynai
Ynghat blaen bragat briwai.

i.e.

"Ego bibi ex vino et Mulso MORDAI,
Cujus hasta fuit immanis magnitudinis.
In belli congressu,
Victum aquilis paravit.
Quando CYDYWAL festinavit, exortus est clamor
Ante croceam auroram, cum signum dedit,
Scutum in asseres comminutos fregit,
Et hastis lacerantibus percussit,
Et in bello eos qui primam stationem sunt nacti vulneravit."

Gwyr a aeth _Gattraeth_ buant enwawd;
Gwin a medd o aur fu eu gwirawd,
Blwyddyn yn erbyn wrdyn ddefawd,
Trywyr a thriugaint a thrichant eurdorchawd,
O'r sawl yt gryssiassant uch gormant wirawd,
Ni ddiengis namyn tri o wrhydri ffossawd,
Dau gatci _Aeron_, a CHYNON DAEARAWD
A minnau o'm gwaedffreu gwerth fy ngwenwawd.

i.e.

"Viri ibant ad CATTRAETH, et fuere insignes,
Vinum et mulsum ex auries poculis erat eorum potus,
- - - - - - - - -
Trecenti et sexaginta tres auries torquibus insigniti erant,
Ex iis autem qui nimio potu madidi ad bellum properabant,
Non evasere nisi tres, qui sibi gladiis viam muniebant,
Sc. bellator de _Aeron_ et CONANVS DAEARAWD,
Et egomet ipse (sc. Bardus Aneurinus) sanguine rubens,
Aliter ad hoc carmen compingendum non superstes fuissem.'

Pan gryssiei GARADAWG i gad,
Mab baedd coed, trychwn, trychiad,
Tarw byddin yn nhrin gymmyniad,
Ef llithiai wydd gwn oi angad,
Ys fy nhyst EWEIN fab EULAD,
A GWRIEN, a GWYN, a GWRIAD,
O _Gattraeth_ o gymmynad,
O _Fryn Hydwn_ cyn caffad,
Gwedi medd gloyw ar angad,
Ni weles WRIEN ei dad.

i.e.

"Quando ad bellum properabat CARADOCUS,
Filius apri sylvestris qui truncando mutilavit hostes,
Taurus aciei in pugnae conflictu,
Is lignum (i.e. hastam) ex manu contorsit,
Cujus rei sunt testes EWEIN filius EULAD.
Et GWRIEN et GWYN et GWRIAD.
Ex _Cattraeth_ et congressu ibi,
Ex _Bryn Hydwn_ ubi prius habitavit, oriundus,
Postquam mulsum lucidum in manu tenuerat,
Non vidit patrem suum GWRIENUS."

Cyfwyrein cetwyr cyfarfuant,
Ynghyt, yn unfryt yt gyrchassant,
Byrr eu hoedl, hir eu hoed ar eu carant,
Seith gymmaint o Loegrwys a laddassant,
O gyfryssedd gwragedd gwych a wnaethant,
Llawer mam a'i deigr ar ei hamrant.

i.e.

"Laudo bellatores qui congressi sunt omnes,
Et uno animo hostes adorti sunt,
Fuit eorum vita brevis, et longum amicis desiderium reliquerunt,
Occiderunt tamen ex Saxonibus plus scepties
Ex {68} aemulatione mulierum egregie egerunt.
Et plurima mater lacrymas pofudit."

Arddyledawc canu, cymman o fri,
Twrf tan, a tharan, a rhyferthi,
Gwryd ardderchawg marchawg mysgi,
RHUDD FEDEL rhyfel a eidduni,
Gwr gwnedd, difuddiawg, digymmyni ynghat,
O'r meint gwlad yt glywi.

i.e.

"Debitus est tibi cantus, qui honorem assecutus es maximum,
Qui eras instar ignis, tonitrui et tempestatis,
Viribus eximie, eques bellicose
RHUDD FEDEL, bellum meditaris.
Licet vir strenuus adoriatur, eum superabis in bello
Ex quacunque regione eum advenisse audieris."

Arddyledawc canu claer orchorddion,
A gwedi dyrraith dyleinw afon,
Dimcones loflen ben eryron llwyd,
Ef gorau bwyd i ysglyfion.
Or a aeth _Gattraeth_ o aurdorchogion,
Ar neges MYNYDDAWG mynawg Maon,
Ni ddoeth yn ddiwarth o barth Frython,
_Ododin_ wr bell well no CHYNON.

i.e.

"Carmine debent celebrari nobiles proceres,
Qui post conflictum amnes ripas superare fecerunt. {69}
Ejus manus satiavit aquilarum fuscarum gulas,
Is et optime cibum paravit avibus rapacibus,
Ex omnibus enim eis qui ibant ad _Cattraeth_ aureis torquibus
insigniti,
Qui partem MYNYDDAWG in bello defendebant clari satellites,
Nullus ex Britonibus melius suum egit munus
In _Gododin_, (ex iis qui ex longinquo venerunt) quam CONANUS."

Truan yw gennyf i gwedi lludded
Goddef gloes angau trwy anghyffred
Ag eil trwm truan gennyf fi, gweled
Dygwyddaw an gwyr ni pen o draed
Ac uchenaid hir ac eilywed
Yn ol gwyr pybyr tymyr tudwed
RHYFAWN a GWGAWN GWIAWN a GWLYGED
Gwyr gorsaf gwriaf gwrdd ynghaled
Ys deupo eu henaid hwy wedi trined
Cynnwys yngwlad nef addef afreued

i.e.

"Me maxime dolet post laborem amicos nostros
Subire mortis angorem more inassueto;
Et iterum me maxime dolet quod ipse vidi
Viros nostros in bello gradatim cadentes.
Gemitus est longus et opprobrium
Post homines alacres patriae decus,
RHYFAWN et GWGAWN GWIAWN et GWLYGED;
Viri qui erant sustentacula (belli sc.) fortissimi et in angustiis
magnanimi
Ascendant eorum animae post pugnam
In regnum coelorum ubi habitatio est sine ullo desiderio."

Haec de ANEURINO sufficiant.

Floruere eodem seculo et multi alii Bardi inter quos eminet MYRDDIN WYLLT, id est, MERLINUS Sylvestris, qui poema composuit cui titulus _Afallennau_, id est, pomarium, in quo patroni sui GWENDDOLAU filii CEIDIO munificentiam praedicat."

Afellen beren bren y sydd fad
Nid bychan dy lwyth sydd ffrwyth arnad
A minnau wyf ofnawg amgelawg am danad
Rhag dyfod y coedwyr coed gymmynad
I gladdu dy wraidd a llygru dy had
Fal na thyfo byth afal arnad
A minnau wyf gwyllt gerthrychiad
Im cathrid cythrudd nim cudd dillad
Neum rhoddes GWENDDOLAU tlysau yn rhad
Ac yntau heddyw fal na buad.

i.e.

"O arbos pomifera, dulcis et bona,
Non parvum fers onus fructuum;
Ego tui causa anxius et solicitus sum
Ne lignatores arbores ad caedendas veniant,
Et effodiant tuam radicem, et semen corrumpant,
Ita ut nunquam postea pomum feras:
Ego sum ferus, hominibus spectaculum,
Me occupat horor, et vestes me non amiciunt.
GWENDDOLAU dedit mihi gratis jocularia,
Et ipse est hodie non uti olim fuit."

Fuit MERLINUS MORFRYNII filius et _Albania_ oriundus, et alter fuit a MERLINO AMBROSIO qui vixit tempore VORTIGERNI, et eo quod nepotem causu interfecerit in insaniam incidit et in _Caledoniam_ recessit sylvam feri instar, ubi, cum animi compos esset, sortem suam carminibus deploravit.

Floruit hoc seculo et LLYWARCH-HEN, i.e. longaevus, URIENI _Cumbriae_ principis consobrinus. Extant ab eo scripta poemata in quibus narrat se a Saxonibus in _Povisiam_ pulsum fuisse, et sibi fuisse viginti quatuor filios auries torquibus insignitos, et omnes patriam defendendo bello occubuisse. Qui plura de hoc viro nobili et Bardo desiderat Cl. LLWYDII Archaeologiam Britannicam consulat p. 259.

Vixerunt eodem tempore alii Bardi, sed cum eorum non extent opera, nomina tantum interserere sufficat TRISTFARDD, Bardd URIEN REGED. DYGYNNELW, Bardd OWAIN ap URIEN, AFAN FERDDIG, Bardd CADWALLON ap CADFAN. GOLYDDAN, Bardd CADWALADR FENDIGAID. Sunt in iis qui extant multa quae historico Britannico usui esse possunt: fuere enim Bardi rerum gestarum fidi narratores. Fuit eorum praecipuum munus principum et magnatum laudes, et egregia in bello acta carminibus celebrare, quod et olim de iis observavit LUCANUS.

Vos quoque, qui fortes animas belloque peremptas
Laudibus in longum vates dimittis aevum,
Plurima securi fudistis carmina BARDI. Lib.

"Bardi (inquit Lelandus in Assertione ARTURII) soli musicis numeris, et illustri nobilium memoriae conservandae studebant, canebant illi ad lyram heroum inclyta facta, profuit hoc studium mirifice cognitioni, tanquam per manus posteritati traditae. Unde quoque contigit ut ARTURII maximi nomen, fama, gloria utcunque conserventur." Inventus est enim ejus sepulchrum in monasterio _Glastoniensi_ juxta id quod Bardus cecinerat coram HENRICO Secundo, quod satis demonstrat illos historicorum fidorum aeque ac poetarum munus egisse.

Habemus praeter hos quos supra citavimus Bardos, nonnulla carmina anonyma pervetusta, quae Druidum esse existimavit EDVARDUS LLUYD, cujusmodi sunt _Englynion yr Eiry_, _y bidiau_, _y gorwynnion_. Moris fuisse Druidis carmina almunos docere notavit CAESAR: "Magnum ubi versuum numerum edicere dicuntur. Itaque nonnulli annos vicenos in disciplina permanent, neque fas esse existimant ea litteris mandare, quum in reliquis fere rebus publicis privatisque rationibus, Graecis litteris utuntur. Id mihi duabus de causis instituisse videntur; quod neque in vulgus disciplinam efferri velint, neque eos qui discunt litteris confisos minus memoriae studere, quod fere plerisque accidit ut praesidio litterarum diligentiam in discendo ac memoriam remittant." Genus carminis quo in his usi sunt fuit _Englyn Milwr_.

Haec de antiquissimis quae nunc extant Bardis Britannicis dicere sufficiat, ad illos nunc accedo qui durante Principum Cambriae gubernaculo floruerunt. A seculo sexto ad decimum nihil quod novi extat scriptum, saltem non vidi, neque quid causae esse potuit augurari possum, nisi frequens bellorum strages et Britannorum inter dissidia. In HOELI BONI, nostris HYWEL DDA, legibus fit Bardi aulici mentio, et quaenam fuerit ejus ibi conditio, quae, {73} temporis ratione habita, fuit perhonesta. Circa annum 1170 GRUFFYDD AP CONAN Cambriae princeps legem Bardis praescripsit, in qua cautum erat ut nullam praeter suam exercerent artem, in qua et dona et poenas constituit. Eos autem in tres classes divisit, _Prydydd_, _Teuluwr_, et _Clerwr_; et fixum unicuique secundum ordinem statuit stipendium. Eorum electio fieri solebat in solenni principum et procerum concessu, ubi unicuique secundum meritum assignatus est locus. Ille vero qui praecelliat, sella donatus est aurea vel argentea, unde et _Cadeirfardd_ dictus, i.e. Bardus qui sellam assecutus est.

Ab eo tempore multi eximii floruerunt Bardi, et a principibus admodum fovebantur. MEILIR qui fuit GRUFFINI filii CONANI Bardus, fuit et ejusdem miles et legatus uti et ipse in ejus epicedio refert.

Yfeis gan deyrn o gyrn eurawg
Arfod faedd feiddiad angad weiniawg
Yn llys _Aberffraw_ er ffaw ffodiawg
Bum o du Gwledig yn lleithawg
Eilwaith ydd eithum yn negessawg
O leufer lliw camawn iawn dywyssawg
Bu fedd aur gylchwy yn fodrwyawg
Torresid gormes yn llynghessawg
Gwedi tonnau gwyrdd gorewynnawg
Dyphuthynt eu seirch meirch rhygyngawg.

i.e.

"Dedit mihi potum ex cornu deaurato princeps,
Cujus impetus erat instar apri ferocis in bello, cujus
Manus erat liberalis
In aula _Aberffraw_, quod mihi decus et felicitas fuit.
Ex domini mei parte miles fui,
Et iterum legationem obii.
Quum a bello cruento discederet princeps egregius.
Mulsum ex poculo aureo bibebatur in circulo,
Hostium enim invasionem navalem repulimus,
Et post refluxum undarum viridium perspumosarum
Portabant phaleras in littore sicco equi gestientes."

Nec dedignati sunt ipsi principes hanc artem, animi relaxandi causa, colere, ut testantur OWENI CYFEILIOG principis _Provisiae_ et HOELI filii OWENI _Venedotiae_ principis opera, quibus addere licet LLEWELLINUM ultimum Cambriae principem. De eo enim sic MATT. WEST. circa natale domini LLEWELLINUS accessit ad regem misericordiam non justitiam petiturus--et paulo post--Rex EDWARDUS vocalem principem diligenter instructum ad partes Walliae redire permisit. {74} Poematum argumenta erant egregia in bello facinora, libertas, hospitalitas et munificentia, et si quae alia virtus, quae homines domi ornat, et foris hostibus tremendos reddit. Et fuit eorum in accendendis hominum ad clara incepta animis tanta vis, ut nihil aeque sonaret TYRTAEI musa quum suos ad honestam mortem oppetendam hortaretur. Et quaenam, quaeso, reipublicae tam utilis virtus, quum hostibus utrinque premeretur, et cum sola spes, salus et libertas esset in armis, quam magnanimus periculorum contemptus, et ad ea adeunda ardor egregius? Sed praestat GIRALDUM CAMBRENSEM audire qui iis vixit temporibus, et fuit eorum quae hic narrantur oculatus testis. "Nec ullo prorsus nisi martio labore vexantur, patriae tamen tutelae student et libertatis: pro patria pugnant, pro libertate laborant; pro quibus non solum ferro dimicare, verum etiam vitam dare dulce videtur. Unde et in thoro turpe, in bello mori decus putant. Ac illud poetae dixerunt--_procul hinc avertite pacem_, _nobilitas cum pace perit_, nec mirum si non degenerant. Quorum enim hi reliquiae sunt AEneadae in ferrum pro libertate ruebant. De his igitur spectabile, quod nudi multoties cum ferro vestitis, inermes cum armatis, pedites cum equitibus congredi non verentur, in quo plerumque conflictu sola fiunt agilitate, et animositate victrices. Illis quorum poeta sic meminit, sicut situ sic natura non dissimiles."

-- Populus quos despicit arctos
Felices errore suo, quos ille timorum
Maximus haud urget leti metus, inde ruendi
In ferrum mens prona viris, animaeque capaces
Mortis, et ignavum rediturae parcere vitae.

Et nonnullis interjectis--"Illud in hoc loco notandum videtur, quod Anglorum Rex _Henricus_ Secundus nostris diebus imperatori Constantinoplitano _Emmanueli_ super insulae Britannicae situ ac natura, magisque notabilibus litteris et nunciis inquirenti: inter caetera hoc quasi praecipue notabile rescripsit. In quadam insulae parte sunt gentes quae Wallenses dicuntur, tantae audaciae et ferocitatis ut nudi cum armatis congredi non vereantur, adeo ut sanguinem pro patria fundere promptissime, vitamque velint pro laude pacisci." Hactenus GIRALDUS.

Non immerito Bardis tantus fuit habitus honor; ii enim heroum inclyta canentes acta, et majorum illustria proponentas exempla suos ad ardua incitabant, unde et patriae salutem, principibus et proceribus gloriam conciliabant; nec solum illustria aliorum canebant facta, verum ipsi in bello eodem quo in cantibus ardore incitati, multa praeclara fortitudinis exhibebant documenta. GWALCHMAI filius MEILIR se Cambriae fines adversus Anglos defendisse gloriatur in poemate cui titulus _Gorhoffedd_ GWALCHMAI, i.e. _ejus Deliciae_. Stationem ejus juxta fluvium _Efurnwy_ fuisse docet non pocul ab agro _Salopiensi_. Sunt multa in hoc poemate tam heroe quam Bardo digna. Postquam enim excubias per noctem totam egisset GWALCHMAI, ad lucem diei appropinquantis laetus, loci et rerum circumjacentium pulchritudine delectatus, omnem curam et solicitudinem amovit, et philomelae cantui, et aquae juxta labantis murmuri, et arborum herbarumque virori attendit, imminens ab hoste periculum contemnens, Marti aeque ac Mercurio paratus, firmum mehercle et generosum pectus!

Poema in hunc modum incipit.

Mochddwyreawg Huan haf dyffestin
Maws llafar adar, mygr, hyar hin.
Mi ydwyf eurddeddf ddiofn yn nhrin
Mi wyf llew rhag llu; lluch fy ngorddin
Gorwyliais nos yn achadw ffin
Gorloes rydau dwfr _Dygen Freiddin_ {77}
Gorlas gwellt didryf, dwfr neud jessin
Gwyrlain yn gware ar wely lliant
Lleithrion eu pluawr, pleidiau eddrin.

i.e.

"O sol aestive, cito oriens propera,
Suavis est cantus avium, et caelum sudum et serenum est.
Ego sum bona indole praeditus, et in bello intrepidus,
Sum leo strenuus in fronte exercitus, et meus impetus est violentus,
Totam noctem pervigilavi fines tutando
Ubi sunt vada translucida juxta _Dygen Freiddin_
Ubi herba in loco solitario crescens perviridis est, et aqua limpida
Mergi ludunt in fluctuum lecto,
Quorum plumae fulgent, et ipsi inter se certant."

Non pigebit hic de alio Bardo, scilicet CYNDDELW Brydydd MAWR, i.e. CONDELAO vate eximio, nonnulla ex OWENI _Venedotiae_ principis epicedio excerpere; fuit enim ille, uti ex historia constat, patriae propugnator, et in bello fere semper victor. Vixit CYNDDELW in _Povisia_, et fuit MADOCI filii MAREDUDD, illius regionis principis, Bardus aulicus.

Gwersyll torfoedd tew llew lladdai,
Gorsaf tarf, taerfalch fal GWALCHMAI,
Gorfaran GWRFAN gorfyddai,
Gwr yn aer yn aros gwaedd fai,
Bryd EROF gryd, arf greu a ddodai,
Brwydr eurgrwydr, eurgrawn ni guddiai,
Bradog waith gwynniaith gwynnygai,
Brys briwgad, brig bragad briwiai,
Brwysc lafneu ynghreu yngrhai celanedd,
Cymminedd cymmynai,
Gwyrdd heli _Teivi_ tewychai,
Gwaedlan gwyr, a llyr ai llanwai,
Gwyrach rudd gorfudd goralwai,
Ar donniar gwyar gonofiai,
Gwyddfeirch tonn torrynt yn ertrai,
Gwythur naws fal traws au treifiai,
Gwyddfid _Eingl_ ynghladd au trychai,
Gwyddgwn coed colled au porthai,
Gwyddwal dyfneual dyfnasai fy modd,
Fy meddiant a gaffaei.
Colleis Arglwydd call nim collai,
Corf eurdorf, eurdal am rhoddai,
Cof cadflawdd am cawdd, a'm carai,
Car cerddawr, cerddau ai cyrchai,
Gryd wascar, llachar, a'm llochai,
Grym dilludd DILLUS fab ERFAI,
Greddf _Greidwyr_, a _Chywyr a Chai_
Glew ddefawd glyw oesdrawd aesdrai,
Ystre hynt, wastad, westrei gwinfydig
Gwyn ei fyd bieufei.
Gwyth escor tra mor, tra _Menai_,
Gwlydd elfydd elwais o honai,
Tra fu OWAIN mawr ai meddai,
Medd a gwin a gwirawd fyddai,
_Gwynedd_ wen Gwyndyd len ledpai,
Gwedi gwawr, cad fawr ai cadwai,
Pa wladwr, arwr arwyndai,
Pa wledig a wledych arnai?

i.e.

"Densas turmas in conflictu occidit leo
Qui fuit instar GWALCHMAI acris ad fugandum hostes,
Superavit magnas copias GWRVANNI.
Fuit in bello vir qui tubam expectabat,
Similis EROF bellicoso, qui telum cruentum duxit.
Ex bello rediens, in quo aurum nactus est, thesaurum non recondit;
In hostes dolosos certans magna excanduit ira;
Hastae in bello furiosae erant in cadaveribus occisorum
Et acies (gladiorum) se invicem contriverunt.
Viridis aqua _Teivii_ pinguis facta fuit.
Fluxus virorum sanguinis et maris eum ripas superare fecit,
Et rubra {79} avis aquatilis, pro nagno hebebat emolumento,
Et per fluvios cruoris natabat,
Et alti marini equi (i.e. fluctus) plangebant in littore.
Magnanimus ille princeps eos instar tyranni oppressit,
Et Anglorum cumulos in fossa truncavit.
Sylvestres canes amiserunt opsonatorem,
Quibus in densis vepribus assolebat esse victus, neque meo assensu,
Neque auxilio indigebat.
Perdidi dominum prudentem, qui me non neglexit,
Cujus corpus erat auro amictum, quique mihi aurum dedit
Cujus memoria (mortui) me laedit: qui me dilexit:
Amicus enim erat Bardo, et eum apetebant carmina
Ille qui homines in bello dissipare fecit, et cujus impetus erat
violentus me fovit,
Cujus robur erat ineluctabile instar DILLUS filii ERFAI,
Et cujus ingenium erat simile GREIDWYR, CYWYR et CAI
Herois instar hastam gessit comminutam
Domi autem vitae cursus erat tranquillus, hospes enim erat munificus
Et ad summam felicitatem pervenit.
Ille victorias reportavit violentus trans sestuarium _Menai_
Ubi terra est benigna, ex qua beneficium sum nactus:
Donec extitit OWENUS magnus qui _Monam_ possesit,
Mulsum, vinum et _gwirawd_ {80} bibimus.
O _Venedotia_ olim beata, Venedotorum tutatem asperum,
Post Heroem bellicosum qui te defendet!
Quis ex nostratibus heros in aedibus vivens magnificis,
Quis princeps te gubernare aequo ac ille valebit?"

Sed non semper in bellatorum laudes effusi erant Bardi; saepe etiam principum et magnatum fata indigna lugubriter canebant. Sed infinitum esset haec singulatim recensere. Unum sat est adducere exemplum, ex quo de aliis facile judicari potest. LEOLINO GRUFFINI filio, ultimo Cambriae principe, juxta _Buellt_ dolo sublato, dici non potest quanto id Bardos dolore affecit. Inter quos GRUFFYDD AP YR YNAD COCH haec texuit admodum [Greek text].

Llawer llef druan, fal pan fu _Gamlan_,
Llawer deigr dros rann gwedi gronniaw,
O leas gwanas gwanar eurllaw,
O laith LLEWELYN cof dyn nim daw,
Oerfelog calon, dan fron o fraw,
Rhewydd, fal crinwydd y sy'n crinaw,
Poni welwch chwi hynt y gwynt ar glaw?
Poni welwch chwi'r deri yn ymdaraw?
Poni welwch chwi'r mor yn merwino'r tir?
Poni welwch chwi'r gwir yn ymg'weiriaw?
Poni welwch chwi'r haul yn hwylio'r awyr?
Poni welwch chwi syr wedi syrthiaw?
Poni chredwch i Dduw ddyniadon ynfyd
Poni welwch chwi'r byd wedi bydiaw?
Och hyd attat di Dduw na ddaw mor tros dir
Pa beth in gedir i ohiriaw?
Nid oes le i cyrcher rhag carchar braw
Nid oes le i triger och! o'r trigaw,
Nid oes na chyngor, na chlo nag agor,
Na ffordd i esgor brwyn gyngor braw!

i.e.

"Frequens est vox lugubris, veluti olim in _Camlan_,
Multae lacrymae in genis accumulantur,
Eo quod occidit Cambriae sustentaculum, et ejus dominus munificus.
Ex quo occidit LEOLINUS de caeteris non curo;
Cor frigidum est sub pectore ob horrorem,
Et is qui prius hilaris erat, jam marcescit.
Nonne videtis venti et imbris cursum?
Nonne videtis quercus in se invicem ruentes?
Nonne videtis mare terram vastans?
Nonne videtis solem ex cursu aerio deflectentem?
Nonne videtis astra ex orbibus corruisse?
Cur Deo non creditis homines, vesani?
Nonne videtis mundi finem adesse?
Exclamabo usque ad te, o Deus, cur terram non absorbet mare,
Et cur diutius relinquimur in angore languere?
Nullus est locus, quem petamus aegri,
Nullus locus, in quo habitemus miseri,
Nullum restat consilium, nullum effugium,
Nulla via, qua evitemus fatum luctuosum."

Floruere a tempore GRUFFINI CONANI filii ad hunc LEOLINUM et multi alii Bardi insignes, inter quos eminet LLYWARCH cognomine Prydydd y Moch, qui LEOLINI Magni, nostris LLEWELYN AP IORWERTH, victorias multis celebravit odis, uti et fecere DAFYDD BENFRAS, DANIEL AP LLOSGWRN MEW, LLEWELYN FARDD AP CYWRYD.

Floruit eodem tempore in _Ceretia_ PHYLYP BRYDYDD, qui Bardus fuit RHYS GEYG et RHYS IEUANC ex familia RHYS AP TEWDWR oriundus.

Longum esset singulos recensere; de praestantioribus pauca praelibasse sufficit. Cum Cambriam in suam potestatem redegerat EDWARDUS primus, in Bardos saeviit tyranni instar, et multos suspendi fecit. Quid mirum, cum ipsum LEOLINUM principem et DAVIDEM fratrem tam inhumaniter tractaverit? Sed EDWARDUS a LEOLINO olim in fugum pulsus, noluit illi nec asseclis ignoscere. Hinc illae lacrymae. Bardis objiciebatur quod cives in seditionem excitarunt, id est revera, quod eos ad vindicandum libertatem pristinam majorum more hortarentur. Bardi enim fuere _Cambris_ idem quod olim _Atheniensibus_ oratores, quos ut Graeciam in servitutem redigeret, sibi tradi voluit PHILIPPUS Macedo. Regum Angliae justiciarii post _Edwardum_ in Cambria ejus exemplum secuti, Bardos legibus iniquis obnoxios ubique sustulerunt; unde fit ut admodum sint rari ab eo tempore usque ad annum 1400, quo, Anglorum excusso servitutis jugo, sub OWENI GLYNDWR auspiciis, se in libertatem priscam vindicarunt Cambri. Hoc aevo multi claruere Bardi, inter quos IOLO GOCH OWENI magnificentiam et victorias ad sydera tulit. Fuit enim OWENUS Bardorum fautor et Maecenas, et eos undiquaque ad aulam liberalitate provocabat. Eo tempore floruit DAFYDD AP GWILYM Bardorum longe venustissimus e _Ceretia_ oriundus. Avunculum habuit LLEWELYN AP GWILYM de _Cryngae_ et _Dol Goch_, qui eum liberaliter educabat. Patronus ejus fuit IFOR HAEL de _Bassaleg_, cujus munificentiam et magnanimitatem multis prosequitur laudibus. Cum OWENI retro laberentur res, Cambros more inaudito oppressit HENRICUS IV. et patriae fatum subiere Bardi. Lege enim cautum erat ne annuam peragrationem et conventus, nostris _Clera_ et _Cymhortha_ celebrarent. Haec fuit causa cur multi hoc saeculo tam obscure scripserint: multis enim cantibus _Cywydd Brut_, _i.e. Carminis fatidici_ nomen indidere; quod et fecere postea cum inter _Eboracenses_ et _Lancastrenses_ grassaretur factio. HENRICUS V. multum a paterna remisit in Cambros saevitia. Ab eo tempore longa floruit Bardorum series, et in magnatum aedibus alebantur, ubi eorum genealogias et signa gentilitia texebant, eorumque virtutes, scilicet magnanimitatem, hospitalitatem et alias animi atque corporis ingenuas et honestas dotes debita prosequebantur laude. Mos enim fuit Britannis olim, uti et nunc Cambris, ut longam majorum seriem producerent, et Bardi qui hoc munere sunt functi _Arwyddfeirdd_ sunt appellati, et carmen texuere "parasematicum, quod cum prosapia generisve serie, etiam et [Greek text], id est insignia nobilium et generosorum describit ea, quae in vestibus et vexillis et hujusmodi aliis insignita conspiciuutur, quaeque fiunt aut feruntur, ita ab iis discreta ut nosci possint quorum sint, sive ad quos pertineant, more antiquorum bene meritis tributa, et tanquam ornamenta laudis et gloriae, vel ob propriam vel suorum majorum virtutem comparata."--Vide JOHANNIS DAVIDIS RHESI Linguae Cymraecae Institutiones accuratas pag. 146. Ex quo et haec de hujuscemodi Bardo transtulimus p. 303. "_Pwy bynnag a ddywetto ei fod yn Arwyddfardd_, _gwybydded achoedd Brenhinoedd a Thywyssogion_, _a chyfarwyddyd oddiwrth y tri Phrifardd ynys Prydain_, _nid amgen_, MYRDDIN AP MORFRYN, _a_ MYEDDIN EMRYS _a_ THALIESIN BEN BEIRDD." i.e. "Quicunque voluerit esse Bardus parasematicus, necesse est ut sciat regum et principum stemmata, et sit bene versatus in operibus MERLINI MORFRYNII filii, MERLINI AMBROSII et TALIESINI summi Bardi." Et hoc fuisse antiquitus Bardorum munus annotavit GIRALDUS CAMBRENSIS. "Hoc mihi notandum videtur, quod Bardi Cambrenses et cantores seu recitatores genealogias habent praedictorum principum in libris eorum antiquis et autenticis, eandemque memoriter tenent a RODERICO Magno usque ad BELINUM Magnum, et inde usque ad SYLVIUM, ASCANIUM et AENEAM, et ab ea usque ad ADAM generationem linealiter producunt."