Part 14 (1/2)

LXXVIII.

The sovereign, who is celebrated in the G.o.dodin, {181f} The sovereign, for whom our eye-lids {182a} weep, From the raging flame of Eiddyn {182b} turned not aside; {182c} He stationed men of firmness in command, {182d} And the thick covering guard {182e} he placed in the van, And vigorously he descended upon the scattered foe; In that he had revelled, he likewise sustained the main weight; Of the retinue of Mynyddawg, none escaped, Save one man by slow steps, thoroughly weakened, and tottering every way.

{182f}

LXXIX.

Having sustained a loss, {182g} Moried bore no s.h.i.+eld, But traversed the strand {183a} to set the ground on fire; Firmly he grasped in his hand a blue blade, And a shaft ponderous as the chief priest's {183b} crozier; He rode a grey stately {183c} headed charger, And beneath his blade there was a dreadful fall of slaughter; When overpowered {183d} he fled not from the battle,- Even he who poured out to us the famous mead, that sweet ensnarer.

Lx.x.x.

I beheld the array from the highland of Adowyn, {183e} And the sacrifice brought down to the omen fire; {183f} I saw what was usual, a continual running towards the town, {184a} And the men of Nwython inflicting sharp wounds; I saw warriors in complete order approaching with a shout, And the head of Dyvnwal Vrych {184b} by ravens {184c} devoured.

Lx.x.xI.

Blessed Conqueror, of temper mild, the strength {184d} of his people, With his blue streamers displayed towards the sea-roving foes. {185a} Brave is he on the waters, most numerous his host; Manly his bosom, loud his shout in the charge of arms.

Usual was it for him {185b} to make a descent before nine armaments, {185c} With propulsive strokes, {185d} in the face of blood and of the country.

I love thy victorious throne, which teemed with harmonious strains.

O Cynddilig of Aeron, {185e} thou lion's whelp.

Lx.x.xII.

I could wish to have been the first to shed my blood in Cattraeth, As the price {186a} of the mead and beverage of wine in the hall; I could wish to have been hurt by the blade of the sword, Ere he was slain on the green plain of Uphin. {186b} I loved the son of renown, who sustained the b.l.o.o.d.y fight, {186c} And made his sword descend upon the violent.

Can a tale of valour be related before G.o.dodin, In which the son of Ceidiaw {186d} has not his fame as a man of war?

Lx.x.xIII.

Sad it is for me, after all our toil, To suffer the pang of death through indiscretion; And doubly grievous and sad for me to see Our men falling headlong to the ground, {187a} Breathing the lengthened sigh, and covered with reproaches.

After the strenuous warriors have extended their country's bounds, Rhuvawn {187b} and Gwgawn, {187c} Gwiawn and Gwlyged, {187d} Men at their post most gallant, valiant in difficulties, May their souls, now that their conflict is ended, {187e} Be received into the heavenly region, the abode of tranquillity.

Lx.x.xIV.

Tres repelled the foe through {188a} a pool of gore, And slaughtered like a hero such as asked no quarter, {188b} With a sling and a spear; {188c}-he flung off his gla.s.s goblet Containing the mead, {188d} and in defence of his sovereignty overthrew an army; His counsel always prevailed, and the mult.i.tude would not speak before him, {188e} Whilst those that were cowards were not left alive, Before the onset of his battle-axes, {188f} and his sharpened sword, {188g} And where his blue banner was seen to wave. {188h}