Part 10 (1/2)

XXV.

It were wrong not to record his magnificent feat; He would not leave an open gap, through cowardice; {120a} The benefit of Britain's minstrels never quitted his court Upon the calends of January; {120b} according to his design, {120c} His land should not be ploughed, though it might become wild; He was a mighty dragon of indignant disposition; A commander in the b.l.o.o.d.y field, {120d} after the feast of wine, Was Gwenabwy {121a} the son of Gwen, {121b} in the strife of Cattraeth.

XXVI.

True it was, as the songs relate, {121c} No one's steeds {121d} overtook Marchleu; The lances {121e} hurled by the commanding earl, In his prancing career, {121f} strewed a thick path; As he had been reared for slaughter by the aid of my mother, {121g} Furious was the stroke of his sword whilst lending support to others; {121h} Ashen shafts were scattered from the grasp of his hand, {122a} Above the narrow summit {122b} of the solemn pile, {122c} The place where one caused the smoke to ascend; {122d} He would slaughter with the blade, whilst his arms were full of furze; {122e} As when a reaping comes in the interval of fine weather, {122f} Would Marchleu {123a} make the blood to flow.

XXVII.

Lower down {123b} was sent from the southern region, {123c} One whose conduct {123d} resembled the flowing sea; {123e} He was full of modesty and gentleness, When allowed to quaff the mead: But along the rampart to Offer, {123f} even to the point of Maddeu, {123g} Enraged, he was glutted with carnage, and scattering, with desolation; {124a} His sword resounded on the heads of mothers; He was an ardent spirit, {124b} praise be to him, the son of Gwyddneu.

{124c}

XXVIII.

Caredig, {124d} lovely is his fame; He would protect and guard his ensign, Gentle, {125a} lowly, calm, before the day arrived When he the pomp of war should learn; When comes the appointed time of the friend of song, {125b} May he recognise his home in the heavenly region.

XXIX.

Ceredig, {125c} amiable leader, A wrestler {126a} in the impetuous {126b} fight; His golden s.h.i.+eld dazzled {126c} the field of battle, His lances, when darted, were s.h.i.+vered into splinters, And the stroke of his sword was fierce and penetrating; Like a hero would he maintain his post.

Before he received the affliction of earth, {126d} before the fatal blow, He had fulfilled his duty in guarding his station.

May he find a complete reception With the Trinity in perfect Unity.

x.x.x.

When Caradawg {126e} rushed into battle, It was like the tearing onset of the woodland boar; {127a} Bull of the army in the mangling fight, He allured the wild dogs by the action of his hand; {127b} My witnesses {127c} are Owain the son of Eulat, And Gwrien, and Gwynn, and Gwriad; {127d} But from Cattraeth, and its work of carnage, {127e} From the hill of Hydwn, ere it was gained, {127f} After the clear mead was put into his hand, He saw no more the hill {128a} of his father.

x.x.xI.

The warriors marched with speed, together they bounded onward; Short lived were they,-they had become drunk over the distilled mead.